Advice on this polerouter sub

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How hard (and at what cost..) is it to find an original bracelet if I eventually found a head only example?
Very difficult but not impossible. The UM end links, too. The Soace-Compax uses the same bracelet and end links (UM).

Another option is UG-branded JB Champion bracelets made for US market. These are similar but not quite as nice and sell for less. The proper JB end links are 55 as I recall. I have one of these bracelets for my Evil Nina (but in 19MM instead of 20mm for Polerouter Sub).
 
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I am in line with views of @MarktheTime. I absolutely love this version of the Polerouter Sub and to my eyes it is the most interesting and striking of the three versions. Plus, it is the most rare. It also wears incredibly comfortable at least on my wrist, especially with the original GF bracelet.

Regarding this example, it does look all correct. The GF bracelet is a big plus. While the hands have issues, correct hands do appear on the Bay and a set may be available right now for a reasonable price. Better hands will spruce it up.

I have been following this model closely for years and own two (all-original), green and red (and a Mk !), and just happen to be wearing the green (on original GF bracelet) today. See below.



The two aspects to check out are the Bakelite bezel and the screw-down crown. The Bakelite is prone to cracking. You will want to ensure the bezel is intact and not cracked. I cannot tell as the photos are dark. The numbers appear washed out but this may just be a result of the lighting. The screw-down crown on this model is finicky, so ensure it's functioning properly.

Given the rarity of this model, you may need to make sacrifices to land one unless you're willing to wait. It took me a couple years of searching to find the green one above. Note, however, that I first negotiated on a subpar example that did not work out, and am so glad I did not jump for that one, because I found the mint green example above only a few months later, so patience can be rewarding. The red one landed 18 months later.

I say you cannot go wrong either way: If you like it, then get it. If not, another one will appear eventually and may be nicer. Plus, the hunt is part of the fun, right?

The one on C24 has been there a while. There is also a similar black one on the Bay for less but without bracelet.

I am mainly a chronograph guy but this mere three-hand model captured me and now I own the two plus I am still seeking the other colors to complete the set. May take the rest of my life given how infrequently nice ones appear.


There are actually some NOS hand sets available on eBay right now, for 360-400€…
 
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I agree entirely with @Gopher’s comments above, and he and I have been commiserating about just how hard it is to find these in truly nice condition.

And to @Dsplash ’s question, my strong advice is not to pass over over a nice one just because it’s on a strap. The GF bracelet, while not easy to find in 20mm or with correct signed links (or inexpensively), can certainly be found from time to time, and certainly added after the fact. I’ve done exactly that on several of the UG’s in my own collection over time.
 
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For the record, here it is in normal lighting to get a good assessment of the dial and bezel
 
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For me it would be a pass. The dial, hands and bezel are all at issue, and the price to me does not reflect that. JMHO.

Enjoy the hunt if you go that direction.
 
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For me it would be a pass. The dial, hands and bezel are all at issue, and the price to me does not reflect that. JMHO.

Enjoy the hunt if you go that direction.
I am not saying to buy it, but the asking price ($7k) is roughly in line with what you would pay for a nice head only. A nicer one with. bracelet and end links will be significantly more expensive. Subtracting the value of the bracelet and links, you'd be paying $5k or less for the watch head.
 
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I am not saying to buy it, but the asking price ($7k) is roughly in line with what you would pay for a nice head only. A nicer one with. bracelet and end links will be significantly more expensive. Subtracting the value of the bracelet and links, you'd be paying $5k or less for the watch head.
The whole watch is closer to 6k usd than 7…
The bracelet and links only would be worth 2k?? 😅
In that case, I definitely need to find a complete one as the bracelet is absolutely necessary for me 😬
 
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It all depends on your perspective. I would rather pay more and get a nicer example. This one would never make me happy, and that is not going to change. You can always save a little more money to help pay for a better piece. Not trying to be critical, but just thinking of a few times over the years when I jumped and bought certain watches that I should have passed on and waited for a better one to come along. They generally languish unworn in my watch box.