Universal Genève Polerouter Date Owner Review : Charming, historical and elegant

This watch has always been a watchmaking dream for me, constantly repeating to my friends during our discussions around watches that one day, I would own a Polerouter. I had to wait maybe 3 years before it came true, this watch that I scrutinized from time to time on resale sites, always impressed me with its history and style. With its contained diameter, its magnificent twisted horns, its dial equipped with a peripheral flange, this gives all the elegance, the brilliance and the depth that sets it apart from other watches for me. But each time in front of the ads, it was the search for the perfect watch. Beware of repainted dials, service crowns and consequently prices that fluctuate from single to triple depending on the copies, all this makes me doubt. After endless research, I finally found the copy that suited me, gold-plated case in good condition, dial that had apparently not been repainted and was starting to patina with small bubbles on it. Delighted with my purchase, I continued my research by also looking at the spare parts categories of this iconic model. And it was then with surprise that I came across a copy that was the complete opposite of what I was initially looking for. A watch with a patinated "Polerouter Deluxe" dial that had become tobacco-colored, gold-plated case in good condition but which did not correspond to the original since a "Deluxe" normally has an 18k gold case. This watch is sold at an unbeatable price (€400) since its owner is aware of these weaknesses. It is ultimately for this tobacco copy that I have a crush, these defects make it for me a unique watch with a crazy charm. After receiving the two watches, I am now preparing to resell the first copy and keep the bad little duck, it is for me a story that sums up my watchmaking passion, love at first sight before rationality. I will nevertheless scrutinize possible solid gold dials in order to restore all the nobility that this copy deserves.