With regards to first execution models, are we able to conclude that the "SWISS T" dials have "ACIER INOXYDABLE" stamped inside the case back whereas the "SWISS" dials have "STAINLESS STEEL" stamped inside the case back?
Does anyone know of an exception to this?
L LoMatThere definitely are no rules with this model 😵💫
I have always been extremely cynical about 2nd execs and vowed never to buy one. However, given the recent discussion about the watch belonging to @LoMat above, I decided it must be fate when I saw the example pictured below for sale in a classifieds ad and I snapped it up.
It has what we consider to be a first exec dial but seems to support the theory that a good quality stainless steel case with bevelled lugs did exist.
I will send further photographs when I receive the watch, including comparisons with a first exec.
First Generation Polerouter Subs (i.e. those with super compressor cases) did not have screw down crowns.
I believe all later Polerouter Subs used screw down crowns.
Polerouters did not typically use screw down crowns although there are some models (e.g. the Polerouter Super) that did use them.
Nice catch for science. Will be interesting to see the findings.
What would indicate a 2nd execution besides the case/lume? Would the ref # on back be 20369/2?
First Generation Polerouter Subs (i.e. those with super compressor cases) did not have screw down crowns.
I believe all later Polerouter Subs used screw down crowns.
Polerouters did not typically use screw down crowns although there are some models (e.g. the Polerouter Super) that did use them.
What is interesting is the degree of variation even within just the first execution models that we've seen.
- Gold text, silver text or a mix of gold/silver
- Asymmetric crowns or two hatched crowns
- SWISS or SWISS T
- Lume on the inner bezel or not
That is an extremely interesting question. In addition to a case with bevelled lugs, there are other characteristics that we associate with 2nd execs but it is difficult to filter out which of these are simply due to the watches we've seen being fakes.
I think we can be fairly certain that the watches with poor quality grey metal cases and/or "GEN" "EVE" dials are all fakes but what about some of the other features that we associate with 2nd execs e.g. thicker font on the inner bezel or fully lumed hour markers. I am wondering whether these features are also not genuine and relate only to the fakes.
Could it simply be that two different types of case exist and that everything else (dial, bezel etc) is identical? Perhaps UG used a new super compressor case shape briefly before producing the second generation and later models?
I would be pleasantly surprised if I can find a case reference or serial number on the back of this watch when it arrives. The seller wasn't able to find them although they are not always easy to spot without lots of light and a loupe.
