Showing Off An Early 76100 Lollipop

[jim.cannataro]

Just got this gorgeous Tudor Sub. It’s in incredible condition with a full length 9315 bracelet. I want to note that it has a relatively early serial of 70400. I believe this is about 6,000 away from the earliest example known. It also has the 9411 style caseback which makes sense for early 76100’s. I’ve also seen early examples with the other style caseback so who knows. They were obviously in transition in the early 80’s. The clasp code is k12 so I guess December 1986. I love the silver datewheel. Super cool touch thats reminiscent of the 1665.

Anyway, thought you’d like to check out this beauty!

[Dom9]

Lovely! I sold my 76100 black lollipop but am now chasing a blue!

[jim.cannataro]

Originally Posted by Dom9

Lovely! I sold my 76100 black lollipop but am now chasing a blue!

A blue would be fantastic to have! This is my first Tudor Sub so I was going to take what I could get.

I've been looking at them since 2014 and finally made it happen.

[Dr.Smellody]

So nice. I love the 76100 reference.

[jim.cannataro]

Originally Posted by Dr.Smellody

So nice. I love the 76100 reference.

Yeah especially the lollipop version. I was happy that the hour hand was still fully intact. I don't think this got much wear. All bevels still intact. Probably never saw a polishing wheel. In fact it might not have ever been serviced. It has that feel about it. I might have to crack it open and service it soon.

[Rebel]

Sweet.

[1William]

Very nice.

[brandrea]

[TuRo]

Very nice, and yes caseback chronology as you said.

Not all 76100 (even v early ones) had the lollipop....

The history (from my academic studies) is interesting.

The Rolex Tudor divorce in the early 80s was long and a bit haphazard.

It involved the dropping of OYSTER and the gradual dropping of Rolex Coronet on crown and case back (the last Rolex case back was small block 79260/70/80 - fun fact).

The most odd request in the relationship was the insistence of dropping the so-called mercedes handset too.

This was, I suspect, somewhat naively adhered to by Tudor Mgt, and the now so-called lollipop was introduced albeit gingerly (as 300% increase in unsupported lumen/reduced surface tension meant a lot of cracking and shrinkage).

Tudor received a lot of warranty work and complaints and it appears faced with these issues, their legal/product team got their history glasses out, dusted them off, and got to work....

They found out that that the mercedes symbol is not Rolex owned/patented/copyright to dictate over!

And neither for that matter is it Mercedes' (they had to patent the laurel leaves under the symbol+symbol, not the actual symbol) as it's an ancient religious symbol found in Asia, as is the Swastika of course !

Hit with this info Rolex capitulated, leading to the Merc Hands resurfacing shortly after on Tudor Professional pieces.

[Dan Pierce]

Well done, Jim! The lollipop is such a great & unique example. Love it for the all reasons you listed.

Enjoy that classic!
dP

[jim.cannataro]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Very nice, and yes caseback chronology as you said.

Not all 76100 (even v early ones) had the lollipop....

The history (from my academic studies) is interesting.

The Rolex Tudor divorce in the early 80s was long and a bit haphazard.

It involved the dropping of OYSTER and the gradual dropping of Rolex Coronet on crown and case back (the last Rolex case back was small block 79260/70/80 - fun fact).

The most odd request in the relationship was the insistence of dropping the so-called mercedes handset too.

This was, I suspect, somewhat naively adhered to by Tudor Mgt, and the now so-called lollipop was introduced albeit gingerly (as 300% increase in unsupported lumen/reduced surface tension meant a lot of cracking and shrinkage).

Tudor received a lot of warranty work and complaints and it appears faced with these issues, their legal/product team got their history glasses out, dusted them off, and got to work....

They found out that that the mercedes symbol is not Rolex owned/patented/copyright to dictate over!

And neither for that matter is it Mercedes' (they had to patent the laurel leaves under the symbol+symbol, not the actual symbol) as it's an ancient religious symbol found in Asia, as is the Swastika of course !

Hit with this info Rolex capitulated, leading to the Merc Hands resurfacing shortly after on Tudor Professional pieces.

Interesting to know the history of why these strange hands appeared and disappeared. It’s remarkable that mine is still 100% intact. I know that if I wear it then there is certainly a chance of it taking a shock and then weakening. When I service it I’ll probably reinforce the lume from the back using a clear binder which will guarantee that it won’t break apart.

[Dom9]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Interesting stuff!

Thanks Paul - very interesting!

[jim.cannataro]

Originally Posted by TuRo

Very nice, and yes caseback chronology as you said..

Do you happen to know more about the serials at this transition time? I’ve heard that the earliest 76100’s has 64,000 serials but I’ve also heard that they started at 70,000.

[emersm]

Love it!!

[studioal]

Thick!

[Boopie]

Very cool watch!

I also enjoyed reading Paul’s history. Thanks!

[linesiders]

Nice watch

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by jim.cannataro

Do you happen to know more about the serials at this transition time? I’ve heard that the earliest 76100’s has 64,000 serials but I’ve also heard that they started at 70,000.

I don't Jim, but a bit of inside baseball here from members

Tudor Serial Numbers Project - Page 3 - Rolex Forums - Rolex Forum https://search.app/RPhXTpqjmPec2jqu9

[Daves01]

I have a blue 76100 with 65xxx serial also with lollipop hands and the same caseback