Show off your best Vintage Rolex/Tudor

[Andyg]

I know that we have a few new and old vintage Rolex fans on the forum so thought it might be a nice idea to invite owners to post their "best of the best" grail, keeper, birth watch, etc, etc .

However a few rules

• Vintage = no longer in production
  One picture only
  One watch only.
  If possible include a back story (when you got it, where you got it)
  If possible any technical data any you have on it Serial/Model, dial type, etc - hence might be educational to others
  It must be currently in your possession (not an incoming, one you flipped or a "mates")
  Must be genuine :D .

Quartz more than welcome as are all Tudors :wink:

So as an example

1977/78 Rolex 1665 with the Rail Dial (Serial Number 57#####). This dial configuration was only produced for about 1 year making it perhaps is as rare as some of the DRDS. The Rail dial design was also used for the Comex watches.
All original (as far I I can tell_ complete with its 93150 strap, 585 end links, "A" stamped clasp (1976) as well as its Topic 39 superdome.
This particular watch was first sold by ELKA in the Netherlands on 4-4-80 to a Mr H R Bergen of Amsterdam for the princely sum of 1695 guilder - which would have equated to about £425 :( - about right I suppose as a purchased my 16750 in 1981 for about £325.

I purchased the watch from Henrick (SubGMT.com) late 2010 and has rarely been off my wrist.

As for cost :shock: well put it this way, it cost me a Mint 2002 16600 and a very nice Mk1 Ploprof + a bit of cash :shock:

Was it worth it - you me yes :D however you might have your own thoughts.



Picture taken Dec 2010 on a Canon 20D

Andy

[S.L]

Tudor Submariner Model 9411/0
Case Diameter: 39.5 mm
Case Height: 13.5 mm
Case length: 47.5 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Movement: ETA 2784 17 jewel non-hacking automatic. Quick-set date, 28,800 bph, 42 hour power reserve
Case material: Stainless steel
Crown: Rolex "Triplock" screw down
Bezel: Bi-directional, no index
Water resistance: 200 meters
Vintage: Early '70s
(specification summary above lifted from the excellent scubawatch.org website)

Fell in love with the distinctive snowflake look and especially the blue dial versions.
Missed this one with an hour or so when I first saw it for sale but it was picked up by another swedish WIS and after nagging him about it long enough he caved in and sold it to me about 2 years ago IIRC. :)
It has loads of character and is probably as close to a keeper as can be when it comes to me (I don't really believe in the keeper concept).

[davide]

French Navy-issued Tudor Submariner -



And see - http://www.greyfoxblog.com/2012/01/vint ... iving.html

[RLE]

Nowhere near as nice as yours Andy but I'll play :)

I was initially on the lookout for a 5513 but wasn't sure whether that was a good place to start for my first Rolex. Thoughts turned to a vintage Tudor as a cheaper viable alternative. Traded with watch-nut on this very forum it wasn't perhaps the cheaper alternative I had hoped for but the 7016 Snowie is seldom seen for sale and the patina was to die for so I thought what the hell.

Tudor Snowflake (1974). Rarer 7016 No date variant all original (although does need a trit pip) with 78360 bracelet.
Dimensions same as Stefans but with cal 2843 movement.
Cost wise it remains my most expensive purchase to date...............

[.olli.]

This is my day date, it would deserve a much better photo

[gray]

I never was one for rules :wink:

No longer in my possession but such a rare beasty I hope it gets excused...



... and of course it's considerably older now at 60/61

[Foxy100]

1968 Sub

[tabula rasa]

this is a 1985 Rolex TT DateJust 16013 on Jubilee bracelet (the bracelet code suggested it is 18K and was produced in 1985) & acrylic crystal. No box or papers, just loads of sentimental value and DNA :lol:

dad bought this at Bucherer Lucerne in Switzerland in 1985 and have been wearing it everyday since, until recently. I dont recall it been serviced ever. the Jubilee bracelet has a "massive stretch" (will show it if i was able to link two pix :lol: )

bought dad a JLC this year and i have put this DJ aside for now. the plan is to have it serviced, Jubilee bracelet tightened and keep it for as long as i can.

i am a modern type of guy, so i dont know how this piece will fit in, only time will tell.


anyway, here is a pic of it.

[Chris_in_the_UK]

Tudor Sub - Issued to USN Seal Team 2

[Tenko]

Same as the others spec wise, a 7021. However this one has the famed dial paint issues and has a name and number scratched on the case back. Rumored to have been a crude way of identification during the Vietnam war...only a rumor mind :wink:

[TheDude]

Ye olde Red Sub 1680, 1971. From Mike Wood:

[sweets]

Here is my current best, about to be superceded.



This one is a 7020/0, produced 1969/70, the run for this model was only 1969-72 (from memory).

Full-size Jumbo case, 37.6mm diamter,
Bezel 39.4mm diameter.
Lug to lug 47.2mm

Lovely blue dial with narrow indices (they did a slightly less elegant fat indices version too). Sadly a tiny bit of flake around the applied Tudor shield, but all original (well, the NATO isn't of course).

Non-hacking AS Day-date movement (can't tell you which one).

I bought it from a dealer in Italy (Roberto Rifario at El Segnatempo - he is to be recommended, a lovely bloke). About 2 years ago, I think.

Much as I love it, it is about to go on the block as I complete a Blue Snowflake project and need some funds.

Dave

[learningtofly]

Has to be my gilt PCG GMT 1675 (secret code for Rolex fanboys ;) )

It's a 1.1m serial 1963 vintage; it has the correct small GMT hand; it has the much-revered pointed crown guards; a IV 63 stamped inner case back; and the most perfect gloss gilt dial you're ever likely to see. In fact, it's so beautiful in the metal - and on the wrist - that I don't think i could begin to articulate it properly. I even love the slight tritium loss to the 6 hour marker, as this tiny (and only) flaw makes it seem more real.

It's been serviced twice (in 2003 and again in 2008) and the movement is lovely and clean as a consequence. However, the case and lugs are still fat and even with great bevelled edges. The bracelet is slightly later than the watch, but is the correct 78360 with 580 end pieces.

I'm not sure which photograph is my favourite, but I've always been pleased with this one...

[TKH]

Difficult to pick but if i have to choose its always going to be my 1665 Great White

Bought 3 years ago from memory from a fellow TZer a beautiful example with original dial and hands superdome and un polished with superb shoulders

The 1665 has in my opinion the best size (thickness) of the period however 1680's also feel special


Here she is top of the pile where she deserves to be :wink:

[newsboy]

Has to be the 1665 for me
Falklands owner was bought for £420-00 in Bournemouth in Feb 1982, the watch comes with all the goodies including the original reciept of purchase.
Always make me smile :D

[pabr]

Was my grandfather's, it's thought to be bought new by him. I inherited it in 1984. Don't really know much more about it I'm afraid, any info is welcome. Previously this forum thought it was from the early 1950's.

[verv]

My dads, but he's just traded it with me, so mine now and a stayer as its sentimental.
Definitely going on a brown croc though as the tt jubilee isn't my thing.

[dougair]

Has to be my gilt PCG GMT 1675 (secret code for Rolex fanboys ;) )

It's a 1.1m serial 1963 vintage; it has the correct small GMT hand; it has the much-revered pointed crown guards; a IV 63 stamped inner case back; and the most perfect gloss gilt dial you're ever likely to see. In fact, it's so beautiful in the metal - and on the wrist - that I don't think i could begin to articulate it properly. I even love the slight tritium loss to the 6 hour marker, as this tiny (and only) flaw makes it seem more real.

It's been serviced twice (in 2003 and again in 2008) and the movement is lovely and clean as a consequence. However, the case and lugs are still fat and even with great bevelled edges. The bracelet is slightly later than the watch, but is the correct 78360 with 580 end pieces.

I'm not sure which photograph is my favourite, but I've always been pleased with this one...

Tony, you have some stunning watches :D

[learningtofly]

Tony, you have some stunning watches :D

Shhhh... ;)

[P9MES]

Difficult to pick but if i have to choose its always going to be my 1665 Great White

Bought 3 years ago from memory from a fellow TZer a beautiful example with original dial and hands superdome and un polished with superb shoulders

The 1665 has in my opinion the best size (thickness) of the period however 1680's also feel special


Here she is top of the pile where she deserves to be :wink:

Oh. My. God. Lucky lucky man.


Does wifey mind this collection? Mine would nick them and wear them! She often nicks my sub so I have to wear a vintage seiko 5 as PO too big for work.


She got the idea off Cameron Diaz in Knight and day.

[R11]

A classic Daytona 6239.

In the 2 million serial range. Has been for a service at Rolex in 1999 but has since been turned down as its too old to be serviced by them.

Given to me by my father. He bought it on Bond street down in London in the early 70's and threw the box and papers in the bin :evil:

My older brother was given first choice from his watch collection when he hit 21 and fortunately for me he chose a Cartier. Dad's collection also includes an ancient Zenith a couple of Rados a couple of Omega dress watches and this beauty.

I knew nothing about watches at the time and chose this one because I thought it was an absolute stunner :lol: Unfortunately since then I obviously did some research and found out about the watch and its history. I used to wear it all the time when I first got it, I still love it but never wear it due to its value and the difficulty of replacing parts. My dad has in fact been encouraging me to sell it for a while now and buy something else with the funds that I will wear. I nearly sold it instead of a Porcelain dial 16520 and now regret not doing so as although its a better looking watch I would have worn the 16520 more often.

[Thewatchbloke]

Tudor Sub 76100 lollipop:

[seadog1408]

:wink:



mike

[Omegary]

Here's my Tudor Sub 76100 'Lollipop'



These are called Lollipop because of the distinct hour hand which isn't divided into three sections like the mercedes hands used by Rolex and others. They were only ever produced for one year in 1984 and as such are a pretty rare beast and unlike their Rolex counterparts are still a little bit under the radar. Plus considering their rarity they don't command ridiculous money, I hate to think how much a Rolex Sub that was only made for one year would sell for :shock:

Why do I like it? Well I just love the patina of the tritium lume, I like the fact that it's all original (apart from the bezel dot but tbh I'm not that tweeky) and that the case is nice and thick having TTBOMK only ever been refinished once in its history. Oh and it passed a pressure test so it can be used as intended. More than all that though it's just so damn comfortable on the wrist, it seems perfectly proportioned to my eyes and you'll never get asked "is that a fake?"

As a long time Omega obsessive and collector the irony this would probably be one of the last watches I sell, daft huh!

Cheers,
Gary

[TikTokTrev]

My Oyster Prince.....acquired courtesy of a combination of Absolut Vodka and Ebay!!

[clockwatcher]

My 5513 Metres first bought off the original owner. He bought it new when he was in the USAF in 1967.

The hang tag is not original to it, I am trying to find an old one

I am breaking the rules by posting more than 1 picture sorry

[zelig]

Does a mid 90's Tudor Sub 79190 count as vintage yet...?

I was pipped to it on SC on one occasion, but landed at the 2nd attempt.
Not much of a story
z

[sweets]

As a long time Omega obsessive and collector the irony this would probably be one of the last watches I sell, daft huh!

Cheers,
Gary

I'm glad it's so well appreciated mate :wink:

Dave

[Andbikes]

Some great looking watches here.

[Loquacious]

Saw this in a local jewellers window. He'd recently been robbed (for £30.000!) and was selling some of his collection to get some money back in while the insurance coughed up. It was sold to me as a '58 model (which is my birth year) by the stupid woman assistant who would have said anything to get it sold. It turned out to be a 1956 solid gold "Prince" which (the real jeweller told me) had just been serviced and still had warranty!

Didn't really matter about the year as I love the watch and wear it frequently, not sure about the strap as it's a bit tacky but will do until ... whenever! It's in pretty brilliant condition: the case is smooth and dink free, the dial has obviously been cleaned but still has some wear/patina and the hands have lost their lume but the crystal is original and barely marked.

I love it!

Edit for crap picture - apologies.

[river27]

Great idea for a thread!

Some really lovely pieces on here, thanks for the pics and stories.
All way, way, way out of my league... but someday, who knows?

:)

[andy tims]

Acquired last week

[Carlton-Browne]

[Andyg]

Great contributions - please keep them coming as its the closest I get to porn these days.

I never realized we have some many Tudor fans out there :D .

Andy

[learningtofly]

Great contributions - please keep them coming as its the closest I get to porn these days.

I never realized we have some many Tudor fans out there :D .

Andy

I'll ask my son to send you some decent links :lol:

[BryanEbru1512]

Not much to offer in terms of selection nowadays, but here is one that i did a restoration job on a few years ago, previously in this link ......viewtopic.php?f=1&t=118008

[WatchScout]

I like that.

Looks great. Snowflake hands are just so nice.

[boxbrownie]

My earliest and first Rolex from 1972 with the pie pan dial......and I love it on croc (even if it is Omega Croc!)

My favourite Rolex, the white face from 1978.....I love this look

And for something different and much rarer, more accurate and just pick up and go


Oops......was that more than one picture? :lol:

[Neil.C]

One watch only and one pic eh?

Well I guess when it comes to real vintages my old Oyster Centregraph is the oldest and probably most interesting of what I have in old Rolex/Tudors.

These date from the forties and were made for the Canadian market in WWII. They were used by many in the military, in fact members of the armed forces got a 25% discount.

Oyster case of course, they used a calibre 59 which was a Rolex modified Fontainmelon FF30 and one features in the Downing Rolex book.

[marcus fenix]

Another one of those lollipops. 1984. I bought it about a year ago. Apart from the pearl, which was replaced at overhaul, the lume has practically gone, it can only be seen faintly with completely dark adjusted eyes.

[Albellisimo]

A classic Daytona 6239.

In the 2 million serial range. Has been for a service at Rolex in 1999 but has since been turned down as its too old to be serviced by them.

Given to me by my father. He bought it on Bond street down in London in the early 70's and threw the box and papers in the bin :evil:

My older brother was given first choice from his watch collection when he hit 21 and fortunately for me he chose a Cartier. Dad's collection also includes an ancient Zenith a couple of Rados a couple of Omega dress watches and this beauty.

I knew nothing about watches at the time and chose this one because I thought it was an absolute stunner :lol: Unfortunately since then I obviously did some research and found out about the watch and its history. I used to wear it all the time when I first got it, I still love it but never wear it due to its value and the difficulty of replacing parts. My dad has in fact been encouraging me to sell it for a while now and buy something else with the funds that I will wear. I nearly sold it instead of a Porcelain dial 16520 and now regret not doing so as although its a better looking watch I would have worn the 16520 more often.

by Jim Saville's ghost that's a VERY nice watch 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

[Billyloves2boogie]

1981 16800 transitional matte dialled sub, bought here off a fellow TZer.
I was originally after a Sea Dweller but fell in love with the matte dial.

[choice047]

An old 7016 Snowflake :)

[mffw]

Was my grandfather's, it's thought to be bought new by him. I inherited it in 1984. Don't really know much more about it I'm afraid, any info is welcome. Previously this forum thought it was from the early 1950's.

I love the look of that.

[River Rat]

Here is my tudor Snowflake 2020/0 got it as a retirement watch thinking it was going to be my last big watch buy thinking with less money this hobby has ended for me.How I was wrong just takes longer to save for the next watch.Had this one serviced by Rolex after I got it the date change you could tell a problem was begining when you did it manualy.This model is none quick set date you got to do the move the hands rutine move it to midnight and back to the eight and back agian.One watch I will never sell.

[clockwatcher]

Tudor Submariner Model 9411/0
Case Diameter: 39.5 mm
Case Height: 13.5 mm
Case length: 47.5 mm
Lug Width: 20 mm
Movement: ETA 2784 17 jewel non-hacking automatic. Quick-set date, 28,800 bph, 42 hour power reserve
Case material: Stainless steel
Crown: Rolex "Triplock" screw down
Bezel: Bi-directional, no index
Water resistance: 200 meters
Vintage: Early '70s
(specification summary above lifted from the excellent scubawatch.org website)

Fell in love with the distinctive snowflake look and especially the blue dial versions.
Missed this one with an hour or so when I first saw it for sale but it was picked up by another swedish WIS and after nagging him about it long enough he caved in and sold it to me about 2 years ago IIRC. :)
It has loads of character and is probably as close to a keeper as can be when it comes to me (I don't really believe in the keeper concept).

This is one beautiful watch. Pick of the bunch so far IMO, and better than the one I posted

[964RS]

Hmmmm struggling to decide which Tudor tbh..... :(

[~dadam02~]

Tony, you have some stunning watches :D

Shhhh... ;)

Whereabouts do you live and when are you next out? :D

[Bluetinfloor]

I am lucky enough to have most of the popular vintage Rolex watches in one model or another, but who wants another boring picture of one of them :) No, my offering is from the start of my collecting days many years ago when I only sought out Tudor watches, mainly on eBay, but also from jewellers and pawn shops. Must have bought and sold 30 or so over a five year or so period, keeping the good ones (or so I thought) and also letting a few £300 snowflakes drift out of my hands – overpriced for an odd looking watch were my thoughts at the time !

Anyway………..it’s a very early ref 4463 Tudor Oyster, serial number in the low thirteen thousands and I would think late 1940’s. Bought on ebay for less than £100 and arrived safely from Perth, Australia a couple of weeks after the auction end. I have moved nearly all my Tudors on in the last few years but kept this one to remind me of the early days before all my watches “had” to have black dials and rotating bezels. Paired it up with this nice and unusual Tudor box.

[Martin123]

I have a couple of vintage my first Rolex buy was a 1956 Oysterdate Precision great watch but for wearabilty my Tudor 76100 lollipop tops it. Wear it every other day, bought from Cliff off this forum and it has grown on me more over the time I have owned it.