So I just picked up this beauty. Swapped out the strap to something more interesting and going to send it off to be serviced over the next couple of weeks. Just wondered if anyone knows much about these two tone variations. The model reference is almost worn away but I can just make out the reference H20217-10, what is the difference between S/H designation? Also are these any more rare than the one coloured metal variations? So far I’m loving it, it really works with this new strap and the case is the most sharp in my collection of polerouters. The dial has some discolouration which I would prefer to not be present but it still has a lot of charm - I might be in the hunt for a perfect example of this reference!
Super cool reference The S cases in general ran from around 171-178xxxx serials, and the H case ran slightly later from about 178-183xxxx serials. The main difference between the S and H cases is the plexi mounting. https://universalgenevepolerouter.com/early-polarouter-and-polerouter-plexis/
Would I also be correct in saying that the H cases had 19mm lugs as opposed to 18mm on the S variant? Also the “chapter ring” if that is the correct name is it possible to clean this up? I know we don’t clean dials but I was wondering if it is any different for this part as it doesn’t include any printing etc. or is this not advisable?
The 20217-10 is described as having a 'White centre, deep blue marker ring' in the advert shown in this thread. https://omegaforums.net/threads/polarouter-advert.77442/page-2 We've seen a few examples now but they seem to be relatively uncommon (there are some posted in the thread linked above). There was clearly a finish of some sorts on the marker ring but it's not clear what they originally looked like. I'm sure that it would be possible to remove the original finish on the chapter ring but you would be removing part of what makes this reference unique. All of the bumper 20217 & 20214 references (no prefix, S or H) had 19mm lug width. The differences in the cases are pretty subtle and you would be hard pressed to tell the difference without opening them up.