Universal Genève Polerouter Broad Arrow "No Rad"

1955 | Stainless steel | Automatic | 35.5mm

The Polerouter was born from a remarkable engineering brief: in 1954, Universal Genève was asked by SAS to create a watch for pilots flying the new polar routes between Europe and North America, flights that subjected mechanical movements to magnetic fields far beyond anything encountered on conventional routes. The result was the calibre 215, the world's first automatic movement specifically designed with anti-magnetic protection, developed by a young Gérald Genta in one of his earliest professional commissions.

This example carries the "Broad Arrow" configuration that has become a favourite among Polerouter collectors: the bold, elongated triangular hour markers at 12 and 6 immediately distinguish it from the more conventional baton-marker variants. Set against a black dial with a contrasting outer chapter ring, the layout has genuine visual presence, the "Universal Genève - Polerouter - Automatic" signature sitting cleanly within the dark central field.

An important note on transparency: this example has been treated for radium decontamination: the original radium lume has been professionally removed and replaced with a non-radioactive substitute, a process increasingly common for vintage pieces of this era and one that prioritises the safety of the wearer without compromising the dial's appearance.

The steel case retains its period proportions and the distinctive faceted lugs that define the early Polerouter generation.

A landmark watch in the history of anti-magnetic engineering, presented responsibly.