UNIVERSAL GENÈVE | 'SAS' POLAROUTER, REF 20217-6STAINLESS STEEL ANTI-MAGNETIC WRISTWATCHCIRCA 1954

Dial: silveredCalibre: cal. 138SS bumper automatic, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel, screw-down backCase number: 1'648'639Closure: stainless steel buckleDimensions: 36mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: Universal Genève Extract from the Archives

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing CASE: In very nice and attractive condition. With scuffs and scratches throughout consistent with age and wear. The case back with very crisp engravings and numbers. DIAL in good condition overall with some discolouration to the centre field. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

To commemorate SAS’s (Scandinavian Airlines Systems) polar flights from Copenhagen directly to Los Angeles in 1954, Universal Genève launched a watch, the present lot, designed by Gérald Genta, then only 23 years of age. This was one of Genta’s earliest contributions to watch design, and, of course, much more was yet to come. Universal Genève, a company with significant experience in the production of precision and anti-magnetic timepieces, became sole supplier of chronometer and anti-magnetic watches to SAS. The first pieces were given to the pilots and crew of the inaugural flight upon their landing at LAX on November 15^th 1954. The earliest examples, as with the present lot, house the calibre 138 bumper automatic movement and bear the SAS logo on the dial.