1960s Universal Genève Polerouter Electric | Ref. 219301-1 | Electro-Mechanical

Some watches are rare. Others are the kind you can spend years looking for and still never come across. This Universal Genève Polerouter Electric, Ref. 219301-1, belongs firmly in the latter category. A wonderfully preserved 34mm stainless steel example from the 1960s, and one of the finest survivors of this elusive reference.

Introduced in 1963, the Polerouter Electric was a rather interesting addition to a family that had begun nine years earlier, celebrating SAS Airlines' pioneering flights over the North Pole. Beneath the dial sits Universal Genève's calibre 60, a refined take on the LIP R148, featuring 14 jewels, a stop function, and a 1.5-volt battery offering roughly a year's worth of running time. Back in 1963, one of these would have set you back CHF 150.

And no, this isn't a quartz watch. What you're looking at is a rather fascinating piece of watchmaking history: an electro-mechanical movement that was genuinely revolutionary for its time. It still has a traditional balance wheel, but here's the clever part: instead of being powered by a mainspring, the balance is driven electrically by a 1.5-volt battery. A curious little bridge between traditional mechanical watchmaking and the electronic revolution that was just around the corner.

As for how many were actually made, that's where things get interesting. Universal Genève has never disclosed exact production numbers, although the brand has confirmed that quantities were low. And judging by how seldom these turn up, we'd say that's putting it rather mildly.

For the Polerouter collector who thought they'd seen just about everything, here's a little reminder that there are still a few surprises out there.

Maker: Universal Genève
Reference: 219301-1
Material: Stainless steel 
Crystal: Plexiglass 
Lume: Yes Tritium
Bracelet/Strap: Lizard strap
Box/Papers: Non

 -This watch was photographed on a 6.9 inch / 175mm wrist.