Early made “Polerouter Jet” did exist with bombe lugs as well for a non-date version and without the chapter ring. For more info, this is a great link: universalgenevepolerouter.com/galleries/20355-40355-polerouter-jet/
Breitling just bought the rights to Universal Geneve, lets hope that they will start making them and in modest sizes and not in enormous Breitling sizes...
It was my "grail" for my 40th birthday back in auguste. I manage to find one after many research and study, wich as been serviced a year ago. And i must say, i'm still in a honeymoon with it. The indexes take the sun in so many different ways. It is a gorgeous piece.
I am restoring a Polerouter from 1957, it came to me in a box with 1/3 of the movement being disassembled, when I started going thru it I noticed that the pallet fork had a broken pivot the hairspring was damaged, the incablocs for the balance was broken and the dial and plexi glass was gone... I ordered a new pallet fork and it to was broken but the pivots were in good condition, I removed it and put it on the other pallet fork that was a interesting job. The hairspring took some work to get it right and to give a good amplitude. Other vice the movement was in decent condition and needed only some minor polishing of the pivots and adjustments. This was not a easy project and the hard thing is that parts are hard to come by at least for the cal.215. And these are usually pretty worn... However these are beautiful watches and historically important from the aspect of both Gerald Genta and the micro rotor.
Some very good advice here and it's worth paying the premium for a good one. I paid $1K 15 years ago for a mint condition late model Polerouter. Everyone thought I was mad because the average price was $250 . I also picked up a Polarouter which needed quite a bit of work some years later but they are so rare that if you do see one just grab it:P
Yes, these guys were once very cheap and you can find them almost all the time. Nowadays, they are expensive and a fine example (unpolished, original crown, and clean factory original finish dial) is very hard to find. There are many with polished case, not so great condition movement, replacement crown, and so-so condition dial or redial still in the market today. Those are still affordable to many people. These are things that people should consider when they are buying a watch.
I own my grandparents polerouter date from 1966 with the 69 caliber . My parent was cleaning the garage and he found It.... It was a one day afther my 38 birthday, i saved ay last moment ... My parent was throwing It to the trash when arrived from work.... More than 30 years lost inside a box...
You've done a very good job and a very good video. I was going to buy polerouter jet, but now I'll have to think twice. I can't identify the lugs on the watch I'm planning to buy, so i have to wait a bit and do some more research.
I brought one of the cheaper ones on Ebay, an early bumper model, unpolished and serviced! It looks good and runs perfect! By no means is it perfect condition but is gently aged with lots of shine left. Non original crown but meh. Its honest, elegant, sporty, different and damn close to unique. I love it. Also it winds easily despite being a bumper and will hold enough power to skip a day wearing it. And yes, prices have gone up, alot.
Yes that’s right. On certain models you’ll need to do that. I have a date one where this information are located in between the lugs and not on the case back. Thanks for pointing that out.
My Universal Polerouter Geneve arrived today! It looks brand new! Well, there´s some noise from the case, perhaps the micro rotor spindle is worn... As I don’t have the special tool to open it. I’ll have to take it to my watch maker perhaps. It looks like dad’s Cortébert Automatic in size. Albeit it has a date complication and there is a loupe on top of the date! There is no serial number in the back cover albeit there is one on the bottom lugs. So I’ll enjoy it as it goes! Cheers from Costa Rica. Perhaps I will put it on a TimeGrapher as soon as I get one!
Have you revised and repair those models? Will they be for sale on your site ? Again thank you for teaching us so many things and sharing your expertise and passion
YOu're very welcome. The steel piece I still need to work on the rotor issue. The two tone bombe lugs I'll eventually have it for sale. Direct message me on my Instagram account and I'll provide you a new link to my other account where I see other brand name watches.
Buren cal1000 is similar to this UG micro-rotor movement in size and layout. Both great pieces of engineering. Hamilton has used that movement in the late 50's and early 60's. But if course UG is in a different category❤.
Wonderful knowledge, appreciate your expertise... Nice looking watch's, might just stay away from them... Do Omega bumpers have the same concern with yolk and driving gear?
great vid that people should be taking advice from instead. whilst watching hodinkee's video, all i could think of is "oh god they're not even gonna mention all the problems and anxiety of owning a 60+ year old watch, let alone one whose company (and spare parts) that don't even exist anymore lol.
Haha, thank you for the comment. That is correct! As a watch maker myself, I know how difficult it is to source some of these movement parts and I have connection to many sources too! Buying a $500 can end up costing you another $1000 just on repair and parts! These are things that majority do not discuss or mention about. Over the years I have come across a few clients who did not initially buy a watch on my site because my watch cost $200 more than one from a different dealer. Only to return back a few weeks later to buy my fully serviced piece instead. That is because the watch that they bought for $200 less had a repair estimate cost of $500+. haha
Hello, Great Content. Good Job. I am very fascinated by your knowledge. Impressed. Can you recommend some books or online content that can read and to improve my knowledge on vintage Omega. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Honestly, I don’t think there is really a book to educate you about vintage Omega. The “Journey through time” Omega book is probably the best one out there. It will provide many models but with minimal information. Which is why I am trying to make these videos to provide as much information on each model as I can.
Recently bought one of these, and thought the inner caseback looked free of the circular wear ring, but on closer examination there it is! Can the loose rotor be resolved with a service or do parts always need replacing?
Thanks! Have you any recommendations for where to service? It seems there are few options in my part of the world (New Zealand)@@TimelessHistoryChannel
It maybe nonsense to you. But if you are in the hobby long enough, you'll see enough bad purchases that people make. Maybe you have the knowledge, unfortunately, not everyone does especially those who are new to the hobby. If you find it a waste of time, I am sorry, and maybe you should move on to learn something "not waste of time". Or feel free to send an email showing your collection. I would enjoy seeing it.
Early made “Polerouter Jet” did exist with bombe lugs as well for a non-date version and without the chapter ring. For more info, this is a great link: universalgenevepolerouter.com/galleries/20355-40355-polerouter-jet/
Someone needs to revive this brand. They have a huge catalogue that is suitable for reissues. Would love a brand new polerouter.
It's my goal if i accidentily become a millionair
Yes. And keep it at vintage size because most modern pieces are over proportioned.
Breitling just bought the rights to Universal Geneve, lets hope that they will start making them and in modest sizes and not in enormous Breitling sizes...
You’re not going to believe this… they’re back
This is one of the best watch videos I've ever watched on UA-cam! Extremely impressed with all the observations and tips 👌🏼
Many thanks! Means a lot.
It was my "grail" for my 40th birthday back in auguste. I manage to find one after many research and study, wich as been serviced a year ago. And i must say, i'm still in a honeymoon with it. The indexes take the sun in so many different ways. It is a gorgeous piece.
Nice! Thank you for sharing. I can imagine how nice your watch is. Take good care of it and enjoy your forever honeymoon with it. :-P
I am restoring a Polerouter from 1957, it came to me in a box with 1/3 of the movement being disassembled, when I started going thru it I noticed that the pallet fork had a broken pivot the hairspring was damaged, the incablocs for the balance was broken and the dial and plexi glass was gone... I ordered a new pallet fork and it to was broken but the pivots were in good condition, I removed it and put it on the other pallet fork that was a interesting job. The hairspring took some work to get it right and to give a good amplitude. Other vice the movement was in decent condition and needed only some minor polishing of the pivots and adjustments. This was not a easy project and the hard thing is that parts are hard to come by at least for the cal.215. And these are usually pretty worn... However these are beautiful watches and historically important from the aspect of both Gerald Genta and the micro rotor.
Some very good advice here and it's worth paying the premium for a good one. I paid $1K 15 years ago for a mint condition late model Polerouter. Everyone thought I was mad because the average price was $250 . I also picked up a Polarouter which needed quite a bit of work some years later but they are so rare that if you do see one just grab it:P
Yes, these guys were once very cheap and you can find them almost all the time. Nowadays, they are expensive and a fine example (unpolished, original crown, and clean factory original finish dial) is very hard to find. There are many with polished case, not so great condition movement, replacement crown, and so-so condition dial or redial still in the market today. Those are still affordable to many people. These are things that people should consider when they are buying a watch.
I have massive amounts of respect for your content and the modest way you present the information.
Many many thanks!
Thanks for the video and for your work, which is really helpful for those like me who aren't expert on the subject
You definitely deserve the support
YOu're very welcome and thank you for your support!
I own my grandparents polerouter date from 1966 with the 69 caliber . My parent was cleaning the garage and he found It.... It was a one day afther my 38 birthday, i saved ay last moment ... My parent was throwing It to the trash when arrived from work.... More than 30 years lost inside a box...
Wow, what a story. Great to hear happy ending. Congrats and take good care of it!
I fell for the hype... bought one last year... seems perfect to me. Had it serviced when it arrived and watchmaker said it was in tip top condition.
Really nice vid with lots of helpful details for anyone looking to buy a Polerouter. 10/10 👍
I'm so glad I owned this watch. But I'm also so glad I sold it before it needed servicing...
Was there something you didn't like the watch completely? How much is a service?
Thank You for the information!
You've done a very good job and a very good video. I was going to buy polerouter jet, but now I'll have to think twice. I can't identify the lugs on the watch I'm planning to buy, so i have to wait a bit and do some more research.
YOu're welcome. Take your time. Never rush to buy a vintage watch or any watch in general.
I brought one of the cheaper ones on Ebay, an early bumper model, unpolished and serviced! It looks good and runs perfect! By no means is it perfect condition but is gently aged with lots of shine left. Non original crown but meh. Its honest, elegant, sporty, different and damn close to unique. I love it.
Also it winds easily despite being a bumper and will hold enough power to skip a day wearing it. And yes, prices have gone up, alot.
movement looks same as new 50000$ patek philippe
I really enjoyed the video, your experience and insights are always very valuable !!! Thank you very much.
Thank you! I do my best to provide as much crucial information as I can. :-)
HI New to the channel and new subscriber. love the educational content. Keep up the great work !!! and the videos coming !!
Many many thanks and a big Hello and welcome to you!
You can find the ref information between lugs also! ;)
Yes that’s right. On certain models you’ll need to do that. I have a date one where this information are located in between the lugs and not on the case back. Thanks for pointing that out.
I was just looking at these watches, great video , very helpful 👍
Glad I could help!
Hugely valuable video 👏
Excellent video with great information as to the potential issues to watch out for.
Thank you! Some of these issues can be costly!
My Universal Polerouter Geneve arrived today! It looks brand new! Well, there´s some noise from the case, perhaps the micro rotor spindle is worn... As I don’t have the special tool to open it. I’ll have to take it to my watch maker perhaps. It looks like dad’s Cortébert Automatic in size. Albeit it has a date complication and there is a loupe on top of the date! There is no serial number in the back cover albeit there is one on the bottom lugs. So I’ll enjoy it as it goes! Cheers from Costa Rica. Perhaps I will put it on a TimeGrapher as soon as I get one!
You don't have a rubber hand ball? I just watched a restoration video. That's how he opens them.😂
@@drbobsnightmare2521 Indeed. It has had the rotor spindle replaced, albeit, to no avail as the rotor could have some wear and it shakes inside...
That silver Polerouter is a beauty...
The acrylic should also be signed with the UG shield logo.
Crystal I would say lease concerned. But if it matters a lot then it will definitely be something to note as well. Thank you for sharing.
Fantastic advice as always. Thank you.
You’re more than welcome
Excellent job and explanation 👍🏼
Glad it helped!
Have you revised and repair those models? Will they be for sale on your site ?
Again thank you for teaching us so many things and sharing your expertise and passion
YOu're very welcome.
The steel piece I still need to work on the rotor issue. The two tone bombe lugs I'll eventually have it for sale. Direct message me on my Instagram account and I'll provide you a new link to my other account where I see other brand name watches.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel just did it many thanks and looking forward for the next video !
What do you think a fair price today would be for a standard steel microtor piece in good original condition?
Buren cal1000 is similar to this UG micro-rotor movement in size and layout. Both great pieces of engineering. Hamilton has used that movement in the late 50's and early 60's. But if course UG is in a different category❤.
Thanks for the info!
Excellent video, thank you
Genta designed Omega Constellation C case, not circular pie pan...! That was design by René Bonwart
Yes, and I have included the Constellation C in the video. Probably missed it?
@@TimelessHistoryChannel yes you have included Const C, but also a circular Constellation pie pan...
Awesome video
Wonderful knowledge, appreciate your expertise... Nice looking watch's, might just stay away from them... Do Omega bumpers have the same concern with yolk and driving gear?
Yes, that’s right. Omega and other bumper automatic will be the same. :)
@@TimelessHistoryChannel Still think some day i would like to have a Omega bumper (seems pretty cool).
They are great! Will only offer you a proper working one when the time comes. :-)
great vid that people should be taking advice from instead. whilst watching hodinkee's video, all i could think of is "oh god they're not even gonna mention all the problems and anxiety of owning a 60+ year old watch, let alone one whose company (and spare parts) that don't even exist anymore lol.
Haha, thank you for the comment. That is correct! As a watch maker myself, I know how difficult it is to source some of these movement parts and I have connection to many sources too! Buying a $500 can end up costing you another $1000 just on repair and parts! These are things that majority do not discuss or mention about. Over the years I have come across a few clients who did not initially buy a watch on my site because my watch cost $200 more than one from a different dealer. Only to return back a few weeks later to buy my fully serviced piece instead. That is because the watch that they bought for $200 less had a repair estimate cost of $500+. haha
My dad had a Polerouter no date with a black dial pretty nice watch but I never knew if if was original. It's lost in time today, idk where it is.
Sorry to hear that. Hope you find it one day.
Hello, Great Content. Good Job. I am very fascinated by your knowledge. Impressed.
Can you recommend some books or online content that can read and to improve my knowledge on vintage Omega. Look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
Honestly, I don’t think there is really a book to educate you about vintage Omega. The “Journey through time” Omega book is probably the best one out there. It will provide many models but with minimal information. Which is why I am trying to make these videos to provide as much information on each model as I can.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel Keep making great videos. Thanks for the reply.
does an unoriginal crown decrease the value of the watch?
For a UG, it does as the original crown is different to obtain. Unlike Omega is a lot easier to find.
Recently bought one of these, and thought the inner caseback looked free of the circular wear ring, but on closer examination there it is! Can the loose rotor be resolved with a service or do parts always need replacing?
Depending on how severe the wear is. Usually by the time you can see the circular wear inside the back, it means the rotor is quite worn already.
Thanks!
Have you any recommendations for where to service? It seems there are few options in my part of the world (New Zealand)@@TimelessHistoryChannel
it looks good but there are too many models of the Polerouter. they should bring back the UNISONIC. did U.G. tuning fork movement predate bulova's ?
If I am correct, Bulova is the first company to introduce the Tuning fork movement.
Waiting for the Tissot video 😏😅
Maybe when Hodinkee write an article about Tissot I'll create a video about it. haha.
@@TimelessHistoryChannel hopefully not, the prices right now are at a bargain !
@@watchpaints Well, certain Tissot models are quite up there already. Finger crossed and stay quiet. :-P
@@TimelessHistoryChannel always had a soft spot for the Tissot Janeiro Chrono. But think I'm going for the Speedmaster Pro.
@@cdb5001 i love that watch, but it's already expensive.
Thanks!
how can i search date of watch with code?
You can always use google to search.
Here is one: www.wristchronology.com/watch-guide/serial-numbers-by-year-2/universal-geneve-serial-numbers/
Do you know what the rotor is made from?
I believe if you watch the Hodinkee short video it is mentioned there. :)
Polar sub v nice some genta dna in this brand
The steel version with no date is my grail, black or grey dail, doesn't matter
Exelentes relojes .
Salut merci m3ak lm3achi moroco
You are full of it you can get the serial or model no on the inside there is a printed under the Microroter.
Thank you for sharing. Greatly appreciated 😊
What a lot of nonsense, if you look after any watch as you should ie service then you wont have any issues, your video is a waste of time.
It maybe nonsense to you. But if you are in the hobby long enough, you'll see enough bad purchases that people make. Maybe you have the knowledge, unfortunately, not everyone does especially those who are new to the hobby. If you find it a waste of time, I am sorry, and maybe you should move on to learn something "not waste of time". Or feel free to send an email showing your collection. I would enjoy seeing it.