history

Universal Genève’s Carouge manufacture reimagined watchmaking with ultra-modern design, seamless efficiency, and a focus on worker wellbeing. 

For Universal Genève, the redesign of its logo wasn’t about recreating the past – it was about distilling over a century of heritage into an emblem that feels fresh but familiar.

The Polerouter began as a precision instrument, but it soon became a canvas for color, showing that Universal Genève was a pioneer when it came to vibrant dials.

The spirit of the Polerouter, a signature timepiece by Universal Genève, is captured in vibrant detail in a retrospective book by authors Andrew Willis and Mattia Mazzucchi.

In 1954 at just 23, Gérald Genta designed the Polerouter, which would lay the foundation of a remarkable artistic career of watch designs, paintings, sculpture, and other unique creations. 

In 1954, Scandinavian Airlines radically reduced travel time to North America when it flew over the North Pole. The maiden flight is also the story of how the Polerouter forever secured a sky-high place in the minds of collectors.