Universal Geneve Polerouter SAS Tribute

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In honour of the 70th anniversary of the first Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) flight over the North Pole from Copenhagen to Los Angeles in 1954, Universal Genève is releasing three special tribute Polerouter SAS watches ahead of the storied brand’s revival in 2026.

A shared spirit of innovation led SAS to ask Universal Genève to create a watch that could support pilots flying over the North Pole for the first time. The inaugural SAS flight on November 15, 1954, significantly reduced travel time between Copenhagen and Los Angeles, trimming 2,600 kilometres from the journey. The resulting watch—the iconic Polerouter— met the challenge with both style and safety in mind.

Its innovative two-part dial construction was designed to be resistant to shocks, magnetism,  and moisture, as well as to handle any climate from the pole to the equator. A watch that proved not only functional but also beautiful in its simplicity, it was created by a young Gérald Genta at just 23. He would go on to become one of the most important watch designers of all time.

Universal Genève CEO Georges Kern says, “We are very excited to present these three tribute pieces ahead of the 2026 revival of Universal Genève. They are as distinctive as the legendary Polerouter and perfectly embody the spirit of Le Couturier de la Montre.”

Universal Genève Managing Director Gregory Bruttin says, “The use of the iconic ‘Microtor’ Caliber 1-69 in these tribute pieces along with the design touches inspired by Gérald Genta are a fantastic homage to the original Polerouter.”

In the late 1950s, the Polerouter was enhanced by the world’s thinnest movement, a “Microtor” automatic calibre, measuring just 4.1 mm. Featuring a two-day power reserve, this innovation was achieved by positioning the rotor between the plate and bridges instead of above the movement as in most self-winding watches. An original and innovative idea at the time, this refinement drove innovation and creativity.

Three Unique Tribute Watches

To mark this important milestone in the history of Universal Genève and aviation, three exceptional tribute pieces made their debut in Copenhagen on the 70th anniversary of the famed transpolar flight that occurred on November 15, 1954. All three tribute pieces combine a newly designed case with a historic Microtor movement, representing a bridge between the history and future of Universal Genève.

For these special versions, the rehauts are guillochéd with the point of a diamond to achieve an incredible brilliance that contrasts with the satin-finish dial to provide a modern take on the distinctive design codes that make the Polerouter such a recognizable timepiece.

The first of three tribute timepieces features both the new Universal Genève logo and the historic and modern SAS logos on the dial in the vibrant signature blue of SAS, along with a handcrafted white-gold bracelet. It is to be auctioned off at Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo in  May of 2025, to benefit CFP Arts in Geneva, which teaches applied arts, ensuring critical knowledge of watchmaking savoir faire exists for generations to come.

The white gold case on this Polerouter is distinguished by the iconic design of its twisted lugs and case design, providing a unique and timeless look. This newly redesigned model is waterresistant, as the original was.

The bracelet, inspired by Universal Genève’s original historical designs, was created by  Laurent Jolliet, a craftsman who is the last chaîniste, or chain-maker, in Switzerland. 

Universal Genève aims to elevate this Genevan métier d’art.

The two pieces that complete this tribute collection are inspired by the original designs, which echo the codes and movement of the haute couture piece. Unlike the Polerouter SAS tribute piece slated for auction at Phillips, these two tribute Polerouter timepieces will become part of the Universal Genève archive. 

One of these Polerouter SAS tribute watches includes an 18 k red gold case, inner bezel, and hands paired with a black dial. The other is crafted with a stainless-steel case, inner bezel, hands, and dial. The branded dials feature the Universal Genève logo and the historical SAS logo in contrasting red gold.

Designed By A Young Gérald Genta

The Polerouter, originally named the Polarouter, was the breakout design of a very young, 23-year-old Gérald Genta. He would go on to become a legend in watch design.

The standout feature of the Polerouter was its three-dimensional effect, achieved through a  two-part design featuring a tension ring with hour markers fixed to the glass and a curved dial  to secure the movement. The arrangement, patented by Universal Genève in 1953, was considered a technical and visual achievement.

Initially 170 pieces were produced, which are much sought after by contemporary collectors. Many of these initial timepieces were gifted to SAS pilots. By 1956, the Polerouter was its own legend, widely sold with its current name and no longer linked exclusively with SAS.

1954: The First Transpolar Sas Flights

On the original November 15, 1954, SAS Polerouter flight, two Douglas DC-6B aircraft took off almost simultaneously from opposite ends of the globe.

The Helge Viking (SK931), captained by Povl Jensen, departed Copenhagen at 7:18pm, while the Leif Viking (SK932), led by Captain Sven Gibson, took off from Los Angeles. The journey required two essential stopovers—Söndre Strömfjord in Greenland and Winnipeg, Canada.

The Prime Ministers of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, along with notable journalists, were onboard the Los Angeles–bound flight, making this journey both a diplomatic and aviation milestone.

Following the successful voyage, SAS expanded its polar routes with flights to Tokyo in 1957 and Singapore in 1967.

About Universal Genève
Founded in 1894 by Numa-Émile Descombes and Ulysse-Georges Perret, Universal Genève  is a celebrated watch brand with an illustrious history. Known for its iconic models such as  the Polerouter and the Compax—including the legendary Nina Rindt watch—as well as the  Tri-Compax series and the Cabriolet, Universal Genève is synonymous with innovative design, impeccable craftsmanship, and a storied legacy, noted in the 1960s advertisements as  “Le Couturier de la Montre.” After several decades of dormancy, Universal Genève entered a new chapter in 2023 with its acquisition by private-investment firms Partners Group and CVC Capital Partners, marking the brand’s revival. This relaunch promises to uphold Universal Genève’s heritage while introducing new manufacture movements, retail boutiques, and striking watch designs.  The brand’s resurgence is being guided in close collaboration with the collectors’ community, ensuring a revival steeped in tradition yet driven by innovation. Those interested in following Universal Genève’s journey are encouraged to subscribe to UG Magazine on the website.