Universal Genève Jumbo Polerouter Sub SuperCompressor

Though often classed among Universal Genève’s dressier offerings, the Polerouter had exploration at the heart of its development, making it an ideal choice to travel in a new environment: beneath the waves.

In the early 1950s, Universal Genève was the official watch supplier to Scandinavian Airlines. After the inauguration of their first polar flights—in fact, the first ever offered—they requested a watch that could withstand the unique challenges that this route posed. They enlisted the help of a young designer named Gerald Genta, who—though only 23 and a relative unknown—nevertheless numbered a few commissions under his belt.

The polar route used by Scandinavian Airlines proved problematic when watches were concerned. As anyone who has owned a vintage watch knows, magnetism is the enemy of accurate timekeeping, and the pilots and personnel of the airline soon found that out. So Scandinavian Airlines tapped Universal Genève, who had already designed watches with antimagnetic properties, and the Polerouter was what resulted.

The Polerouter was released commercially in 1954 and became a flyaway hit. Its long, twisted lugs and elegant dial ranked it in a class with Omega’s dressier Seamaster models. But as stylish as it was, it featured a workhorse automatic movement that was housed in an anti-magnetic steel case.

Before long, Universal Genève released an aquatic variant: the Polerouter Sub, also designed by Genta.

Though Universal Genève also produced one with a single crown, it’s this twin-crowned variant that was the first—and also the most desirable.

It uses a SuperCompressor case designed by Ervin Piquerez SA or EPSA. From the 1950s to the 1970s, the case served as the bedrock of dive watches used by brands as varied as Benrus and Longines (whose version is perhaps the rarest). However, it’s this version by Universal Genève that is one of the most desired among collectors, not least of all due to its connection to Genta.

Unlike its more formal, aviation-inspired progenitor, the Polerouter Sub SuperCompressor is a tool watch through and through.

The Polerouter Super Compressor Sub had two executions, distinguishable by several factors. First is the lume plots on the dial—in the first execution, there would just be tiny dots of lume on the hour markers; but in the second, the hour markers would be completely painted over. The second distinguishing factor is the case: the first execution would be characterized by a case with gently sloping lugs while the second, in true Genta fashion, would have prominent bevels.

What we offer here is an example of the first execution. The gorgeous sloping lugs are crisp, and the luminescent dots on the hour markers have aged to a lovely patina. Though the lume has dropped from the hands—a common malady in watches from this era—we have elected to keep them as is in order to maintain integrity.

Examples of the first execution are rare, as uncommonly-seen as SuperCompressors made by Longines, and are thus highly desirable—what a treat it is to be able to offer one here.

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Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.