Universal Genève Polerouter Bumper Automatic Stainless Steel Cal. 138 Ref. 20217 from 1950s

A wonderfully preserved and all-original early Universal Genève Polerouter Ref. 20217, powered by the fascinating Calibre 138 bumper automatic. Before the Polerouter became famous for its micro-rotor movement, the earliest examples were fitted with bumper automatics like this one—giving it a completely different character on the wrist.

The 35 mm stainless steel case is genuinely unpolished, retaining its original edges, bevels and beautiful factory shape. The caseback is equally impressive, with the serial and reference numbers clearly visible alongside the sharply preserved embossed Universal Genève logo.

Its original crosshair dial has aged beautifully, with subtle patina and radium applied at the hour markers, perfectly matching the original steel handset. The original Universal Genève signed crown remains in place, while the plexiglass is period-correct but unsigned.

Inside beats the Universal Genève Calibre 138 bumper automatic, freshly serviced and running well. Unlike the later micro-rotor Polerouters, you can actually feel the rotor moving and gently “bumping” from side to side on the wrist—a mechanical detail full of vintage charm. The thicker early case also gives the watch noticeably more presence than later Polerouter executions.

Fitted with a handmade Belgian black leather strap and a standard steel pin buckle.

Highlights:

• Reference 20217

• 35 mm stainless steel case

• Truly unpolished condition

• Sharp original edges and bevels

• Original crosshair dial with attractive light patina

• Radium hour markers

• Original steel handset

• Universal Genève Cal. 138 bumper automatic

• Freshly serviced and running well

• Original Universal Genève signed crown

• Plexiglass crystal, unsigned

• Beautifully preserved caseback with visible serial and reference numbers

• Embossed Universal Genève caseback logo

• Handmade Belgian black leather strap

• Standard steel pin buckle

The bumper Polerouter offers a side of this legendary model that many collectors rarely encounter. With its tactile automatic movement, thicker case and beautifully preserved unpolished, all-original condition, this is a Polerouter with tremendous character and an exceptional piece of early Universal Genève history.