Hi all.
After quite a long time hunting, finally one month ago I pulled the trigger for a Polerouter.
Price was quite good and the seller said it was all original.
It is a 204503-3 reference with serial number 1.961.901; since the "bible" for Polerouter had a higher serial number as the lowest for this reference, I emailed them and they amended the table accordingly, so that this one is now the lowest serial for that reference. It is from 1959 with a 215-1 movement.
As correctly stated by the seller, it is 100% original, including the crown and the plexi.
i am aware that the case is quite used, by I prefer by far my watches to be fully original even if some aspects show it's age.
I like to show it to you because, even if I am aware that it's not a "once in a lifetime" item, I am very proud of it.
Hope you like it too and thanks for the attention.

 

It certainly does appear to be original, and your willingness to be open-minded about condition is admirable.

Congratulations!

 

Thanks. The only thing missing is the buckle. If someone could please show me what buckle should be correct, I'll be grateful.

 

Certainly worn on both poles, around the equator and on Mt Everest, but I like this patina

congrats!

 

Interestingly, it is not entirely original.

The balance cock has been replaced at some point. The micrometer regulator with screw adjustment was only introduced with the later Cal 218 movements.

I also think it's quite possible that this watch started life with a crystal with a circular loupe.

 

Thank you.
As for the movement I agree, while as for the plexi I am not so sure.
In fact, I've read that in this ref. the loupe was circular, but I would not subscribe 100%.

 

Looks like a nice honest watch.

 

I know for sure that almost all parts were intercheangable between 215-2 and 218.
I don't know if the same applies for some parts of 215-1.
For exemple, the data disc of 215-1 and 215-2 turn in opposite directions, but maybe micrometer regulator was compatible.

 

I like it! Cool vintage look.

 

I totally see why you fell for this example - could look at that dial for ages and not get bored. Love the patina!

 

The steel Polerouter model is one of the few examples, which combines dress-watch with elements of a tool-watch