15 NOVEMBER 2025
TRIBUTE POLEROUTER SAS
In honor 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.
70th Anniversary
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 kilometers from the journey. The resulting watch — the iconic Polerouter — met the challenge with both style and safety in mind.
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.
Handcrafted Bracelet
The bracelet, inspired by Universal Genève’s original historical designs, was created by Laurent Jolliet, a craftsman who is one of the very few remaining chaînistes, or chain-makers, in Switzerland. Universal Genève aims to elevate this Genevan métier d’art.
