Universal Genève will mark the 70th anniversary of the first Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) flight over the North Pole from Copenhagen to Los Angeles in 1954 with three special tribute Polerouter SAS watches.
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 the 15th November, 1954, significantly reduced travel time between Copenhagen and Los Angeles, taking 2,600 kilometers off 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.
“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.”
Georges Kern, CEO, Universal Genève
In the late 1950s, the original Polerouter (below) was enhanced by the world’s thinnest movement, a “Microtor” automatic caliber, 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.
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. 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.
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 water-resistant, as the original was.
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.
For more information please visit Universal Genève