I know the brand, but never noticed this model before. Sure looks like they decided to "borrow" a few design cues from the original Polerouters. Here's one example: and another:
Let's not forget that Gerald Genta designed hundreds and hundreds of watches for many different brands, by his own telling, and that most of the details of the lesser known ones are lost to history.
Interesting thread as I just picked up this 1958 Gruen model 323, which is remarkably similar to my UG CHRONOMETRE 28.
I noticed this one on Chrono24 - it's been there for a while and shows up in a search for "Polerouter". They're asking 853Canadian for it.
These are pretty sweet, actually. I wouldn't pay more than a pittance for any of them, but it'd be a cool collection.
And not to be outdone by the gold Polerouters, OWIX decided to feature 82 jewels in their "Eastmaster".
That's wonderful - 82 jewels! Have you opened it? I bet the jewels are loose in there and just come cascading out when you do.
I like the fact that OWIX (which I'd never heard of previously) simultaneously flirted with a second trademark infringement – Olympic rings.
Yes, we must have a movement shot... but I predict there will be 64 tiny ruby bearings hidden behind the rotor.
No movement picture please!!! Better to leave that Pandora's box unopened. The reality cannot possibly match the jewel-encrusted marvel of engineering design and meticulous workmanship that exists right now in my fevered mind.
Perhaps they felt a little too much like Icarus with the 82: here's a far more modest 21. Looks like they've also got a taste for the pie pan (see second pic). (edit: correction: upon closer inspection of fuzzy second photo, looks more like a chapter ring).
Here's my contribution to this thread. Knock-off though it may be, I don't hate it. I don't know where they've hidden the jewels. I can only find 4 from this side. Not even the rotor. Run of the mill AS 1700 - 30 jewel movement tops according to Ranfft.
Can't find any images of the OWIX, but for those with a fascination for absurd jewel counts, it's hard to beat the (collectible!) Orient Grand Prix 100 (yes, jewels) from the '60s:
No, it was a jab at the Polerouter's northern route, but unfortunately OWIX couldn't find an airline that would fly only eastward.