Polerouter "59"

Tony C. · Apr 6, 2016

Well, either the search function doesn't work so well (possible), I don't know how to use the damn thing (likely), or this topic actually hasn't been covered on this forum (unlikely).

What's the story behind the Polerouter models that feature "59" on the dials? Given the dearth of information available through a web search, I'd say that they are rare, and I'm wondering whether anyone has successfully researched the question.

Hell, I don't even have a decent stock photo to use as an example!

Thanks in advance.

Tony C.

Vitezi · Apr 6, 2016

I don't have the watch, but I do have a photo of a recent example sold on eBay...

Tony C. · Apr 6, 2016

Saw that one. I've seen two or thee others over the years, as well.

Modest_Proposal · Apr 6, 2016

Yes, I assume that Ebay auction promoted this thread.

I also did some brief research after seeing that auction. I couldn't find any information on it at all...

AAAKK · Apr 6, 2016

Just throwing this idea out there as a possibility. On Dec 31,1958, the patent for a mechanism that allowed for independent hand winding and self winding was published. Since it was published on the very last day of 1958, it would seem possible that UG would commemorate the patent and use it as a promotional tool for the 1959 model year, hence the "59". Hey, it's something!

Tony C. · Apr 6, 2016

I have seen a few others, and the 59 fonts were identical. So I am confident that the model exists, though can't recall whether the others were Jets.

I like @AAAKK theory, but keep digging, guys!

Severin · Apr 6, 2016

I love a good mystery! I too have seen such dials, but have not looked into the meaning of the 59. As we all do in the meantime, and Occam's razor notwithstanding, is it not clear that it is a numerological wink to the fact that the words "Polerouter Jet" sum numerologicaly to the number 5 (there are online calculators that do the work) and that 59 in that world is 5 + 9 equals 1+4 equals 5? Coincidence? Well' it's either that or some goal seeking routine which divides beat-rate by caliber number + jewel count + X, which is whatever we want it to be at the time.
Silliness aside, this is a fun riddle - thanks @Tony C!

Vitezi · Apr 6, 2016

Another example of a "59" from a wruw thread on the TimeZone forum.
Also a Polerouter Jet similar to the one above.

Tony C. · Apr 6, 2016

@Vitezi

Excellent - thank you! Perhaps we can develop this into the ultimate "59" thread.

I will contact UG to see if they can provide any historical insight. I had success doing that when researching the Zenith S58 model.

Cheers,

Tony C.

Carlton-Browne · Apr 7, 2016

I also wonder whether the timing of this co-incided with the period when other manufacturers were having a space race on the jewel count they could display on their watch dial. I'm not suggesting that the UGs could have 59 jewels but most consumers wouldn't necessarily examine too deeply.

Tony C. · Apr 7, 2016

Carlton-Browne
I also wonder whether the timing of this co-incided with the period when other manufacturers were having a space race on the jewel count they could display on their watch dial. I'm not suggesting that the UGs could have 59 jewels but most consumers wouldn't necessarily examine too deeply.

I'm naturally cynical, but not buying that hypothesis!

Jonatan · Apr 7, 2016

Could it have anything to do with Martel been sold to Zenith? It's far fetched since Martel didn't make the movements for the Polerouter.

Martel was sold in 1959 although many sites will say 1960.

EDIT: The more I think about this the less it makes sense.

Carlton-Browne · Apr 8, 2016

Something else for consideration - a Vanguard 56.

http://www.ebay.es/itm/UNIVERSAL-GE...137375?hash=item2366896b9f:g:pkUAAOSwxp9W8UB4

Modest_Proposal · Apr 8, 2016

The plot thickens!

Vitezi · Apr 8, 2016

Perhaps there is a clue here...
The "56" seems to refer to the caliber 56 used in the above example, and also in this example of the Vanguard model:

One can also find a "Vanguard 1107" model with...you guessed it...a caliber 1107 inside:

So it seems that UG liked to place the caliber number on the dial. Could the Polerouter Jet 59 in the OP's post refer to the caliber 215-9 ?

Jonatan · Apr 8, 2016

Any chance anyones knows that Vanguard means or stands for?

The name Vanguard had been seen on Waltham pocket watches and Frank Muller watches.

Tony C. · May 3, 2016

OK, straight from the horse's mouth. Seems the most likely explanation, though it's sad that those who would be most likely able to answer such questions are either retired, or no longer living.

Dear Mr. xxx,

Thank you again for your Email and we apologize for our late response.

This Universal Genève Polerouter Jet, automatic 59 is authentically [sic].

However, we didn’t find any information regarding this special dial with the number 59 in our archive. We apologize for this inconvenient [sic].

The first automatic winding system with microtor was invented by Universal Genève in Mai 1955. This first movement was the calibre UG 215.

This watch is doted of a calibre UG Automatic microtor.

Regarding the number 59, we think than this watch has been manufactured in 1959 and Universal Genève made a special dial with this number.

We apologize for the lack of information regarding this Polerouter Jet.

Best regards,

UNIVERSAL GENEVE SA

Jonatan · Sep 27, 2017

Thread resurrection, thanks to good friends on this forum.

I've recently been able to gather a tiny bit more information, unfortunately, nothing that will indicate the reason behind the 59.

Within the same week, I bought a Polerouter Jet 59 and a very similar Polerouter with the identical uncommon dial. They are both project watches that need minor work. They happen to be the first Polerouters that I have seen with the cal. 215-07, 17 jewels and 4.7 mm thick that was developed in 1958 (polerouter.de). I wonder if the cal. 215-07 was only used with this dial variation?

Jonatan · Aug 26, 2018

I wanted to update this thread with some pictures of a recent acquisition. These "Big U" Polerouters' have really caught my eye lately and I have added a gold-plated version to my collection thanks to one of our members who was nice enough to offer it to me. I am still on the hunt for a black dial version as a redial has recently surfaced which leads me to believe that one exists.

sdre · Aug 26, 2018

Jonatan
I wanted to update this thread with some pictures of a recent acquisition. These "Big U" Polerouters' have really caught my eye lately and I have added a gold-plated version to my collection thanks to one of our members who was nice enough to offer it to me. I am still on the hunt for a black dial version as a redial has recently surfaced which leads me to believe that one exists.

saw your Insta story mate. Lovely collection!