We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.We make luxury accessible for all. We are proud to offer only the finest certified vintage and second-hand fashion accessories from the world's most exclusive fashion houses. All products meet our strict standard of excellence.
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Universal Genève Polerouter Date 36mm ca 1963 Watch
An elegant choice for boardroom meetings and evening dinners, this vintage Universal Genève Polerouter Date slips neatly under a shirt cuff. Its 36mm presence and black leather strap add understated polish to tailored suits and smart-casual looks, from city commutes to weekend gatherings.
Please note that the majority of our items are vintage and therefore have tales to tell unless stated otherwise. Therefore, please look at pictures, descriptions and measurements provided as they give you the best idea of the story this item has to tell.
* Please note that when you buy a vintage product, the dimensions may vary slightly from a new one depending on previous care and storage.
Q: What is the Universal Genève Polerouter Date 36mm ca 1963 being offered here? A: It’s a vintage Polerouter Date in stainless steel from around 1963, Reference 869111/01 (Serial 2369375). It has a 36mm case, a silver dial with a framed date window, automatic winding, and a black leather strap. Overall condition is Very Good with light traces of use and surface scratches on the case and case back. It fits wrists up to 19cm.
Q: Which movement does this model typically use? A: Polerouter Date models from the early–mid 1960s are known for Universal Genève’s micro‑rotor automatic movements. Depending on production batch they are usually from the 215/218/68/69 family, with many mid‑60s 869111/01 examples housing Calibre 69. We can confirm the exact calibre inside this watch on request.
Q: Is the date a quickset? A: Most Polerouter Dates from this era do not have a true quickset date. The date advances when the hands pass midnight, so you typically set it by rotating the hands through 24‑hour cycles until the correct date is shown.
Q: How do I set the time and date safely? A: Wind the crown in the neutral position if the watch has stopped. Pull the crown to the setting position to adjust the hands. To change the date, advance the hands past midnight repeatedly until the correct date is reached. Avoid manual date changes during roughly 9pm–3am to protect the date mechanism.
Q: What type of crystal does it have? A: Period‑correct Polerouter Date models are fitted with an acrylic (hesalite) crystal, often with a trapezoidal magnifier over the date. Acrylic offers a warm look and can be polished to remove light marks; it is not scratch‑resistant like sapphire.
Q: Is the watch water‑resistant? A: As with most vintage watches, original water resistance cannot be guaranteed without a recent pressure test. We recommend treating it as splash‑resistant only and avoiding swimming or showering.
Q: Will it fit my wrist and what strap size does it take? A: This piece is sized for wrists up to 19cm. Many cases of Reference 869111/01 accept 19mm straps; if you’d like a different strap or need confirmation of the exact lug width on this example, please ask and we’ll assist.
Q: What is included with the purchase? A: It comes with a later Universal Genève box, outer box and hangtag, plus the original leather strap and original UG buckle. It will be delivered securely and fully insured.
Q: Who designed the Polerouter and why is it significant? A: The Polerouter was designed by Gérald Genta and introduced in 1954 to accompany and commemorate Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS) polar flights. It’s celebrated for its elegant mid‑century aesthetics and pioneering micro‑rotor movement.
Q: Is there a warranty and can I return it? A: Yes. A Retro Tale guarantees 100% authenticity, provides a 12‑month warranty covering the movement’s mechanical function, and offers a 14‑day return policy for online orders.
SHIPPING
All orders are insured and trackable. Once your shipment has been issued, a link to our Track & Trace service will be provided where you can track your shipment and check delivery status online.
A Retro Tale offers free shipping to Denmark.
We offer secure shipping via Postnord, Budbee, Instabox, Bring and UPS with the following delivery time:
Europe: 1-4 business days.
RETURNS
A Retro Tale offers 14 days return policy upon receipt of your order.
In order to request a return, please email [email protected] with your order number and state ”return request” in your email. From there, our Customer Support will confirm that your return request has been approved and further instructions will be provided by email.
AUTHENTICITY GUARANTEED
A Retro Tale specialises in vintage and pre-owned goods from the world's most loved fashion houses. We guarantee that all of our products are 100 percent authentic. Every item sold on our site undergoes a rigorous authentication process, in which our experts delve deep into the heritage of a brand via its craftsmanship techniques. This requires a rigorous and methodical process.
For us, authentication is about more than expertise; it offers a fascinating insight into the history of fashion and the craftsmanship involved in production.
Please note that the return shipping fee is covered by the returnee and all return shippings to A Retro Tale must be traceable. Thus, please retain your receipt of shipping and tracking number until your return has been completed and you have received your refund.
Please allow up to 10 business days for your return to be completed from the return shipping date as shipping time might vary depending on shipping country and shipping provider.
/ Universal Genève
/ Watches
/ Mens watches
20 630 DKK
• Stainless steel case, 36mm
• Silver dial with a date window
• Automatic movement
• Black leather strap
• Vintage