This is one of the original Poljot Aviators (the "Aviator I") that I've been searching for on and off for several years. It's been out of production for about ten years, and was banned for sale in Switzerland and Germany due to its likeness to a Fortis model.
This numbered Aviator (548/999) I purchased from its original owner, long-time WUS member and Russian watch aficionado Gianfranco Bottini ("CCCP") of Torino, Italy. It came complete with the Poljot stainless steel bracelet with all links, olive NATO strap, numbered stainless steel case back, display case back (mounted), booklet, leather box, and original retail sales receipt.
The case is 40mm excluding the jumbo "Fortis" crown and bears a very nice satin finish. Mineral crystals front and back are flawless, as are the black dial and green-lumed hands and numerals. The movement is the stalwart 23-jewel Poljot 3133 chronograph, manufactured on the Swiss equipment purchased from Valjoux in the 1970s for making an updated version of the 7733. The chrono functions work perfectly and in the six hours since I first wound it, the timekeeping is dead on to the second.
So, without further fanfare, here is my latest grail purchase.
Great pick up! I had that model and should have kept it (I could say that about a lot of great watches at this point). If memory serves, I let it go because it bugged me that the sub dials were not recessed a little into the dial - which in retrospect seems like a completely stupid reason to sell an otherwise very cool watch. Hopefully you'll respect the watch more than I did!
Congratulations on the watch. Looks good and in a very good condition.
I like that. A lot! Congratulations.
For me, if this were Top Gear, it would be in the Sub-Zero fridge!
Now that's a proper bit of kit.
Gray
That's a beauty, especially on the NATO. Got any pics on the ss bracelet?
Really nice, it looks like something Fortis sells.
I actually prefer this to the Fortis version! Very nice and congrats!!
That's a great looking watch. Good to see some Poljots around on the forum again, we don't see enough.
regards,
Nick
очень красивые
Snap! I recently picked up this one as well. They are getting hard to find now. Yours looks like new.
I used to have the Aviator III model though much prefer this one. I did not realize it was banned in Switzerland as well as Germany as it looked so much like the Fortis.
Last edited by dowsing; 12th February 2013 at 10:59.
Nice pick-up, and always nice to hear an account of a successful search. There is really something much more special about the 'labour of love' involved than when one simply lashes out the cash in a high street boutique.
-flugzeit
Totally understand this! I eventually sold my Sinn 757 for the same reason. As you say, its a "stupid reason" but it really bugged me that the chrono sub-dials where not recessed and/or patterned.Originally Posted by TakesALickin
-flugzeit
Fantastic watch
Congrats..
Agree with that very Nice pickup
All the best John
Quick question....
I noticed on the see through case back that its 3ATM, but on the SS case back it reads 5ATM?
Is that how it's supposed to be?
Splendid! Looks fantastic and a lovely pic. The Aviator I is one of my favourites and a classic Poljot IMHO. I've had mine since the mid-90s and I still love it. It was a daily wearer for years and apart from the odd chip here and there, it's still going strong.
Lovely looking piece, how much????????
Cracking looking watch, especially on the olive NATO, being all dial it's a nice size too at 40mm.
Oh, and beautifully photographed!
Used to have this one, loved it! Congrats!
By the way, does anyone know why this watch banned? There are lots of homages for several watches models in the market.
I think it was just too close a homage. Here's the Fortis.
Thank you for your reply.I think it was just too close a homage. Here's the Fortis.
I suspect it's the difference in the actual casebacks.
Very nice !! I can only say that I envy you a bit - congrats on the new arrival !
Really nice looking, not see one of these, and not too crowded a face ad as already noted the olive Nato does it proud. Typical when you see a nice watch they are either too expensive (for me anyways) or too rare to acquire....we live in hope,BTW great pics
Aviator 1 on WUS here
http://forums.watchuseek.com/f29/fs-...-a-813467.html
the markers look a different colour or is that just the pics (or worse my eyes)
I think it is the pics. Although there were versions with white markers. Also, versions with steel hands, not black and different "A" logo on the crown.
It looks to be a later 'version.' The lugs are brushed (and the description says "brushed"). The hour numerals are thicker and 'greener' than mine, and also 'greener' than the hands. This could be a Juri Levenberg model, or an early Maktime model.
Last edited by pacifichrono; 13th February 2013 at 00:09.
I think Poljot offer the best vfm watches on the market, lovely designs, excellent quality at an affordable price.
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