Universal Genève Polerouter SAS reference 20214-4

This is a rare example of a Universal Genève Polerouter manufactured for SAS (Scandanavian Airlines Systems) for use on polar flights from Copenhagen to Los Angeles starting from 1954. The watch was designed by horological legend Gérald Genta. The black non-luminous dial features a a gold radial groove-patterned outer disc inset with the hour-markers, as well as non-luminous dauphine hands. The case features a gold cap over stainless steel and lyre (twisted) lugs. The case was made by Huguenin Freres (denoted by an HF on the inside case back) and bears a resemblance to later Speedmaster Professional cases also made by Huguenin Freres.

Only a few SAS-branded examples are known, the majority in steel with silver dials and a few in gold cases with gold dials. I love that the SAS logo incorporates the three flags of Scandinavian countries: Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. To the best of our knowledge, this is the only gold-capped example with black dial known to the market. The case serial number on this start with 1’649’XXX, just after a SAS Polarouter that I purchased from Sotheby’s Geneva with a 1’648’XXX serial number that you can see here:

https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-watches-ge1804/lot.106.html

This watch is from circa 1960, does not include box or papers, has an automatic ‘bumper’ movement (Caliber 138SS), and is 35mm in diameter. The crown is likely a replacement.

SOLD