huge congratulations Nicolas,

Jul 15, 2012,07:23 AM
 

a lost needle in the veritable haystack.  there are no storm clouds brewing for you.


cheers,
elliot

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Polaris 65: FINALLY!

 
 By: amanico : July 15th, 2012-00:08
After so many years of hunt, I found it. To be honest, I didn't find it, a good friend of mine did it for me, which is one of the many evidences that this Community is great... And as a good thing never comes alone, another friend of mine found the Tribut...  

Congratulations Nico,

 
 By: dr.kol : July 15th, 2012-00:37
I'm very happy that you found some missing pieces of your (huge) puzzle. Best, Kari

You lucky B!

 
 By: fernando : July 15th, 2012-00:38
What a great post to read on a Sunday. I am so happy for you. :) This is arguably the most sought after vintage JLC on the planet! You are a hunter extraordinaire and without much warning, makes a killing! Superb catch my friend and may you wear it in goo... 

I have to thank my friend, here, who did all the job.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-07:52
The most sought after Vintage JLC? Certainly one of the most sought after, along with the very elusive DSA Europe ( how many did you see in the different collectors market? Me always never! ) the Geophysic, the Memovox WT ( Ref 3160 ) and the MARK 11 RAAF... 

Amazing and congratulations!

 
 By: foowy : July 15th, 2012-02:12
You know you got good friends, when they search and find such rare models in pristine condition and offer it for you to grab instead of keeping it for themselves. That's all you really need end of the day....good friends and better yet if they love watche... 

That damn balcony

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : July 15th, 2012-02:21
:) What to say but some guys have all the luck :) my dear friend you made my Sunday more sunny Just one more request...picture of 65 +68+65 Tribute+68 Tribute ;) Best Damjan

That picture will come... I am even a bit more ambitious...

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-07:56
The 2 TT Polaris + the 2 Original Polaris, then, the two Polaris II... I still miss one, the Red Pola II, but I promised to myself to find it within 12 months... ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas.

Amanico TV on air

 
 By: Mark in Paris : July 15th, 2012-02:44
Hi Nicolas, First, huge congratulations for this purchase as I understand it has been a long endeavour and that you particularly appreciate this piece of history. Your review has been very educational to me and this is an exercise that should be made more... 

When you consider a piece like this, you have to do a minimum of homework

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-07:59
And to not hesitate to ask, in case of doubt. But we are not at the level of some Vintage Rolex or Omegas, here. We'll come back to some evolutions on the Polaris soon, my friend. Stay tuned, just stay tuned... Best, Nicolas

thanks for the details!

 
 By: Mystiqz : July 15th, 2012-03:05
congrats on the watch!!

Great catch. Congrats!

 
 By: VMM : July 15th, 2012-04:34
That's a very nice watch. Happy to see you get it back. Es precioso. Enjoy it, I know you will. Un abrazo. Vte :)

Fantastic, sooo happy for you my friend! a perfect watch for a perfect gentleman ;)

 
 By: Miranda : July 15th, 2012-07:10
cant wait to see it for real...soon I hope Best Imran :)

Well, you already saw it in the real, Imran.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:01
As I own it for some 16 months, now... I grabbed it in London, and you were there! :) All the best, Alzeimran. :) :) :) Nicolas

huge congratulations Nicolas,

 
 By: et : July 15th, 2012-07:23
a lost needle in the veritable haystack. there are no storm clouds brewing for you. cheers, elliot

Félicitations!

 
 By: cfn : July 15th, 2012-07:46
Congratulations, Nicolas. What an impressive 'come-back' - and thank you for the additional background on the '65 Polaris. And your pictures are not too bad either...;-) Claus

Well, I have to confess that I've hidden this watch for some 16 months...

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:04
I was enjoying it selfishly... ;) Thanks a lot, my friend. It was a long time since we didn't speak! Best, Nicolas

Congratulations Nicolas!

 
 By: jporos : July 15th, 2012-07:54
And some incredible sleuthing on your part. Do you think that the solid back on the '65 is due to the desire to make a more elegant diver or simply that it was a first attempt? Do the 16 holes allow for a louder alarm? Congrats again!

Interesting question, jporos.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:08
The first attempt was in 1963 with some 50 protos... So my guess here is that the first batch of definitive Polaris, in 65, came with this case back. Then came the holes... Yes, theorically, the holes allowed a beter propagation of the vibrations on the d... 

The definitive Polaris collection!

 
 By: Marv : July 15th, 2012-08:31
I am very pleased that you finally managed to complete the "Four of a kind" hand: Polaris '65, '68 and TTP '65 and '68. Following all the work you did (and shared) on this model, you deserve it! Your quest was also a hunt for information. Thank you for th... 

Thank you, Marv.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:13
I don't know if I deserved it, but God, it is good to have it! ;) I compared my homework with the pictures I found here and there, and with the informations I could gather at the Heritage Department, and with Collectors. I also noticed that this Polaris 6... 

Fantastic news and a great find indeed!

 
 By: ocwatching : July 15th, 2012-09:17
Like you, I prefer the 65 over the 68 (but not by much!) I can read the joy in your post and the special friends that came to help! Huge Congrats!

Well, the 65 and the 68 play on different fields.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:16
The 65 is more elegant undisputably, while the 68 looks more like a toolwatch. Both are brilliant and very desirable. Thanks for the kind words, my friend. Nicolas.

I am very happy for you Nicolas!

 
 By: =RWK= : July 15th, 2012-11:28
Love that last shot from your roof top. What a domb!...Almost as nice as my Speedmaster mondphase ;-) Best, -- Richard.

Qué Belleza Nicolas!!...

 
 By: Subexplorer : July 15th, 2012-12:55
... I´m so happy for you my friend! Congrats for this addition to your stable, and for the "came back" of this watch. As usual, pictures and descriptions are impecable, and show in detail the secrets of this sought after model. I wish you will keep enjoyi... 

Muchas gracias, Abel.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:20
Yes, it is a big pleasure to see it added in the collection, after this very long hunt, and this great gesture from my friend. It was worth a post like this, for sure! Best, y un fuerte abrazo, Amligo. Nicolas

Such a rare, beautiful and powerful piece.

 
 By: nikolaj : July 15th, 2012-13:28
So happy that you found this one! You certainly deserve it in so many ways! May you enjoy it profoundly and show it off here frequently :) All the best Nikolaj

I don't know if I deserved it but thanks for your kind comments, Nikolaj.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:22
Be sure that these are not the last pictures you'll see of this watch. A watch that I own for 16 months ,actually, but that I have hidden to enjoy it selfishly. I have other pics I will post soon. All the best, Nicolas

Nicolas,

 
 By: blomman Mr Blue : July 15th, 2012-13:40
As I know the story behind - it's with great joy I see this pair with you now! So happy for you, my friend! :) As for the hands - yes, both styles are shown in documents. Here is an example of the dauphin version. Another interesting point is the luminous...  

Yes, the detail about the different luminous plots is indeed interesting.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:24
Something you can see on the official documents of this era. And you're right,, the story behind this watch makes it even nicer. All the best, and thank you, Blomman. Nicolas

It is good to see this one on your wrist!

 
 By: respo : July 15th, 2012-13:50
Congratulations! This is a great reference post for those seeking a vintage Pola. Thank you! Well, I love the Polaris '65 and '68 as well as their Tributes. I could be happy, very happy, with any of them, but the '65 and TTP'65 remain dear to my heart. It... 

Very well described, Respo.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:27
Yes, we can say that the Polaris 65 and its re edition are weird watches. I totally agree with that. Not the ultimate diving watch, but a lovly and very elegant one. No doubt we'll often discuss it and share somenew pics of it. Thank you for your input, m... 

Thanks for such a captivating and charged article

 
 By: timerider : July 15th, 2012-15:32
my friend. Congratulations sir, this is a great watch and with so much meaning too. Wear it in the heart and on the wrist in good health, Best, Tim

The story behind the conditions I got this watch makes it even nicer, truly.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:30
Thanks for your kind comments. Stay tuned, I have a lot of new pics to post about it. Best, Nicolas

Huge cheers...

 
 By: nilomis : July 15th, 2012-16:07
The Polaris is, IMHO, the grail of grails. Congratulations, Nilo

One of the Grails, I agree.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:32
Along with the Geophysic, the Mark 11 RAAF, the Mark 7 Weems, the DSAs, and a few others... But what a pleasure to own, wear and fully enjoy this one! Best, my friend. Nicolas

congrats Vlad, it is BACK!

 
 By: patrickmaniac : July 15th, 2012-18:09
Keep it well my friend. cheers PAt

Back, not really, as I owned the 2 TT Polaris and the original 68, but never the 65. ;)

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:51
So it rather is a superb addition in the collection than a come back. ;) A keeper. Best, Nicolas

Happy for you, my friend...

 
 By: Echi : July 15th, 2012-20:18
You must have been like a good boy on christmas eve hahaha!!! Also, i can imagine you poring over all the details to ensure that you weren't dreaming and that your 65 is truly there right in front of you. Cool!

This is a topic I wanted to revisit, as, between my first post and this one

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:57
I had the time to check, re check and re re check the infiormations I gathered here and there, which is mandatory when it comes to Vintage watches, nothing being definitely engraved. ;) As for being a good boy, well, it depends. :) All the best and, thank... 

Excellent addition and thanks for the history lession :-)

 
 By: Asimut : July 15th, 2012-21:52
can't wait to see it in person. Cheers, Asi

Didn't I show it to you? If not, well, I hope we'll do that soon.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:58
If yes, well, we'll have another good opportunity to admire it together. ;) Best, Bijo. Nicolas

Congratulations..

 
 By: W72 : July 15th, 2012-22:09
to your latest find. The fun is not always and only along the way, sometime the end itself is just as stunning. It is one of the more difficult vintage JLC to find but now you have it on your wrist - your heart can be serene again (at least till you next ... 

Till the next quest. ;) I love that, but it is so true! <<<

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-08:59
Now the question is to know which of my next quesst i will find, first. ... Best, and thanks! Nicolas

All´s well that ends well!

 
 By: anaesdoc : July 16th, 2012-01:24
This saying came to my mind when reading your post, Nicolas. My sincere congratulations to your new old Polaris 65 which is a spectacularly clear and lovely tool watch and congratulations to your friend(s) who helped you finding it! Enjoy wearing (and kee... 

Well deserved

 
 By: Le Monde Edmond : July 16th, 2012-06:15
Congratulations on your new fine timepiece! Your knowledge of details is just incredible. I repeat- you are among the MAIN reasons that I use this website and fine it so useful! I did not know a 65 Polaris even existed! Your the best Nicolas! Enjoy your n... 

You're too kind with me, Edmond. Thank you so much.

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-09:10
You made me think that I have a small something to post on the Rolex Forum... ;) Best, my friend. Nicolas.

Another amazing post...

 
 By: elliot55 : July 16th, 2012-07:50
... by an amazing collector. Thanks for sharing your journey with us, Nicolas. You are the quintessential Purist! - Scott

The grand finale..

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : July 16th, 2012-14:03
Amazing catch and brilliant review and comparison. ... I almost feel like starting a hunt myself ... But seems like a minefield too Best and have joy my friend Hans

Brilliant!

 
 By: Gary G : July 16th, 2012-18:01
A complete (and fascinating) history lesson in a brief message! Many congratuations on this conquest, Nicolas! Best, Gary

65...

 
 By: Baron - Mr Red : July 17th, 2012-09:31
..... vintage year indeed. I think when you had many of your watches stolen, many people on this forum felt the pain that you felt. Not to the same degree, but there was empathy. This world is so often full of bad things....theft, deception, ill-feeling e... 

Well, 64 is not a bad year, either. :)))

 
 By: amanico : July 17th, 2012-10:01
I don't know what to say, my friend. 2011 was a sh...y year on many grounds, but it was also an amazing year, due to the reaction of my friends. And you know you're part of that. So, a pudique Thank yo is the least I can do... Really. All the best, Mr Bar... 

Hermano, all I can say is HUGE CONGRATS!!!

 
 By: renerod : July 17th, 2012-22:34
I'm so happy for you! René, the envious ;)

Enjoy it Nicolas.

 
 By: cisco : July 18th, 2012-04:29
Special watch Nicolas, for its hunt, for what it means to you, and for time and passion you gave her. I am very happy that YOU get such a catch Francois

You kept this one...

 
 By: tempusfugit : July 18th, 2012-18:27
under wraps for a long time...It is a very nice watch. You seem to have a knack for tracking down such pieces (with the help of your friends). It is a nice looking timepiece which you should enjoy for a much longer time! tempusfugit

Yes, I kept it secret for some 16 months, yes...

 
 By: amanico : July 18th, 2012-23:31
But I enjoyed it selfishly, and a lot. ;) A keeper, for sure. This watch is much more than a watch , it is friendship. Best, and thanks for your comment, TF. Nicolas

Perfect catch

 
 By: Maverik : July 19th, 2012-11:21
What a great piece it is. With the help of your great friends from the community. To me, the 65 or TTP 65 are the biggest wannahaves... Enjoy it in good health! Cheers! Rik

Thank you, Rik. I am sure you will be very happy with any of the two TTP.

 
 By: amanico : July 19th, 2012-11:27
The spirit has faithfully been preserved. Best, and thank you, Rik. Nicolas

very nice polaris amanico

 
 By: georgeszaslavsky : July 19th, 2012-12:42
a truely amazing nice ollections of polaris. Thanks for sharing

What can I humbly say ?

 
 By: hs111 : July 21st, 2012-10:01
Most has been said above already, - so I just want to sincerely and full-heartedly congratulate you, dear master & friend !! :)) This Duo for you . I am sure is and will be again special and of a specific, yes iconic "symbolism" to you, (I would guess, au... 

Thank you so much, my friend.

 
 By: amanico : July 22nd, 2012-02:57
You were one of the first to see it in the flesh, as I brought it with me in Vegas, during our IGOTT II. Hope to see you soon, and in the best of health, my friend. I miss you. Best, Nicolas

What a happy story

 
 By: emcquillan : July 22nd, 2012-15:51
Congratulations. Your passion and love for the Polaris really comes through with your words and pictures. I love that a good friend helped. Thanks for telling us this story. It's a pleasurable one. Best wishes,

Yes, this greatissime gesture is a superb cherry on a great cake.

 
 By: amanico : July 22nd, 2012-22:52
Unless the gesture is the cake, in this case... Thank you for reading and answering, emcquillan. Best! Nicolas.

truly happy to hear this one of coming, my friend...

 
 By: FanFrancisco : July 23rd, 2012-08:53
... i still can recall your pain when hearing the stolen story happened in Geneva some time back. truly happy to hear this lovely Polaris back home with you :-) stefan

Thank you so much, Stefan.

 
 By: amanico : July 23rd, 2012-08:55
And thank you for having kept the secret as you saw it in Vegas, past year! ;) Best, Nicolas.

Congratulations to this wonderful addition to your collection

 
 By: nitediver : August 29th, 2012-02:47
...and thank you for the wonderful post. The watch is a marvel....and your post so rich in detail, but simply a pleasure to read. I am sharing your pleasure of this important additon...and i can see that the rest of the PuristS do as well. Wear it in good... 

Thank you so much, Stefan.

 
 By: amanico : August 29th, 2012-02:48
I suspect it is much more than a simple summer love. ;) Best, Nicolas