Universal Geneve Polerouter "Broad Arrow" Reference 20217-8

The Part Worth Knowing:

The Polerouter began as a purpose-built watch for one of aviation’s most ambitious routes — SAS’s first commercial flights over the North Pole in 1954. Designed by a then 23-year-old Gérald Genta, it would go on to become one of the defining designs of mid-century watchmaking and the foundation for the Polerouter family that followed. 

Before the Polerouter became one of the most recognizable designs of the 1950s, there was the Broad Arrow. Rather than the familiar lume plots that came later, the entire outer portion of the dial is filled with original radium, carried through the markers and matched by the hands. More than sixty years later, that material remains intact. It’s a small detail, but an important one — and one that has disappeared from many early examples after decades of servicing.

These broad arrow Polerouters rarely surface in original condition, and finding one with its early dial and original radium still present is becoming increasingly difficult. 

Condition Report:

Case: Thick and Unpolished. Wear and marks throughout. UG signed crowned and UG sub- surface etched crystal. 

Dial: Black cross-hair dial with applied UG logo. Radium luminous outer ring (“Nitelite”)

Movement: UG cal. 138SS bumper automatic movement

Bracelet/Strap: Original Universal signed buckle

Kit: Watch Only