Polerouter Sub “Türler”

UNIVERSAL, POLEROUTER SUB, retailed by TÜRLER

ICONEEK price: SOLD

Iconeek is proud to introduce here a superb and very rare diving automatic wristwatch.  This Polerouter Sub was produced by Universal Genève and retailed by the renowned Swiss retailer «Türler», as you can see on the dial. To the best of our knowledge, it is the only Polerouter Sub to appear on the market with such a dial. A collector !

Moreover the present watch still retains its period original Gay Freres bracelet dated 1.67 with engraved « UM » endlinks. The size between the lugs is 20 mm. The present watch is also accompanied by an Extract from the Archives stating the production date in 1966.

Before working for famous brands such as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, IWC and Cartier, just to name a few, world-renowned wristwatch designer Gérald Genta got his first big break while working with Universal Genève who at the time was most recognized for their chronograph models. The Universal Genève Polerouter was first released in 1955, replacing the “Polarouter” only one year later. The classic design by Genta housed a caliber 215 automatic movement and is considered to still have a traditional look today. It is not surprising that the lugs have a similar curvature and design that was later used for the Omega Seamaster. Universal Genève created many variations of the celebrated Polerouter model. The present example is known as the Polerouter Sub, a diving watch that is distinguished by its bi-directionnal rotating black bezel. This watch remains in great overall condition more than 50 years later, with beautiful proportions, and is sure to please collectors with all different levels of experience.

The model comes with a three-body construction: a tonneau-shaped, water-resistant, asymmetric, polished and brushed, stainless steel case with crown guard, screwed crown, screwed case back, bi-directionnal rotating black bezel calibrated for 60 minutes. The inside back is engraved with the patent number « 238872 », dating from 1945, which stands for the special fixation of the movement inside a circular movement holder. This system allows the movement holder to act like a « spring », meaning absorb shocks. Under the original domed plexiglass, engraved underneath with the U logo,  the matte black dial, signed « Swiss T » at the bottom, with painted with luminous Baton indexes, surrounded by radial U shape index, an outer minute and second division, an aperture for the date at 3, luminous hands, luminous sweep center second hand, red horizontal line to divide the dial into the upper and lower half.

The model is powered by a caliber 1-69, with 28 jewels, micro-rotor, self-compensating flat balance spring, monometallic balance, shock-absorbers. The main plate is engraved with the patent no. 329805 under the micro-rotor. The reference and serial numbers are still visible (with a loup) on the screwed caseback, which is very rare as the most Vintage Universal Genève watches have been polished several times over the years. The crown is original and signed with the UG logo. Dial is signed by Maker & Retailer, case and movement are signed by maker.

The Universal Genève Polerouter Sub is one of the most legendary diver’s watches of the renowned Swiss watch manufacturer. This model was available in different variations with different dials, hands and bezels. This classic specimen is the reference 869116/02 from the year 1966. The present vintage Universal Genève Polerouter Sub, Reference 869116/02, not only provides a cool design and beautifully preserved condition, but offers an unique opportunity to discerning collectors to get a never seen before configuration of this model with the retailer name Turler on the dial.

An absolute collector for UG fans !

Condition: 8.5/10, in very good overall condition, some light signs of wear in places