UNIVERSAL GENÈVE | MADE FOR SCANDINAVIAN AIRLINES SYSTEM: POLAROUTER DELUXE, REF 10234/1 YELLOW GOLD WRISTWATCHCIRCA 1955

Dial: giltCalibre: cal. 138 SS bumper automatic, 17 jewelsCase: 18k yellow gold, screw-down backCase number: 1'678'562Dimensions: 36 mmSigned: case, dial and movementAccessories: 4 SAS Polarouter letters flown on the inaugural flight to Los Angeles, one card SAS Polar Route coaster

MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. CASE: with wear. Some scratches and scuffs throughout consistent with age and wear. DIAL: with some wear and some discolouration to the centrefield, the hands with some oxidation. Please note that the movement has not been tested for the accuracy of time and may need a service at the buyer's expense. Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. You are advised that watch straps or bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator or crocodile) are not sold with the watch and we reserve the right to remove these straps or bands prior to shipping. Furthermore, the watch may not come with its original manufacturers strap or band. Prospective bidders should review the Conditions of Business, Authenticity Guarantee, the Guide for Prospective Buyers, and any Important Notice in the sale catalogue.
"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 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. According to our knowledge the Polarouter De Luxe SAS was only given to the heads of the Scandinavian states responsible for the formation of SAS. The present lot bear the SAS logo on its golden dial and is one of only two known samples to come back to the market.