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Gedanken · 12 February 2007, 11:25 PM

Now the guys who've been here long enough would know that I picked up my Tudor 79170 chrono last May and it was a steal at A$2550. However, there were a few glitches along the way. Here's the Tudor as it came out of the store:

I'm not a huge fan of straps because I tend to get my watches wet in the course of day-to-day activities and a wet bracelet beats a soggy strap any day. Besides, the strap left large swags of unfinished metal exposed between the lugs and I do like things in their original state.

After a bit of hunting on eBay, I managed to get my hands on a 78360 bracelet from a seller in Italy. The bracelet had been polished to within an inch of its life, and the hinge on the clasp was also loose to the point that it could turn about 30 degrees in the wrong plane. No problems there, though - I just sent the bracelet to my favourite watchmaker and he restored it to near-new condition and brought the brushed finish back perfectly.

That wasn't the end of my problems, though. The bracelet came with a set of end links for a DateJust-type case, which was far slimmer than the Tudor's case (it's thicker than a Sea Dweller). That's when things got tough because the proper 589 end links for the Tudor were about as common as rocking horse sh*t. Peter said that he knew someone with a set of 605 end links that would fit my Tudor, but despite his kind offer to get them to me I dillied and I dallied and I dillied and I dallied and I missed the boat on that one.

I rang Rolex Melbourne and they said yes, they had 589 end links but they wanted to fit it themselves. Things got more complicated here because the watch had a somewhat murky provenance by the time I bought it from the secondhand dealer, and the spaces between the lugs were scratched to the point where neither the serial number nor the model number were legible. I didn't want to take it to Rolex and have a stink raised about the numbers, so once again I was stuck high and dry.

Along came Steve (Lol-x) with a set of new 589 end links, and voila! So here it is, the finished product:

Thanks to Steve, I got all the help I needed to restore my Tudor back to its original configuration, and special mention goes to Peter for his help as well.

I so dig this forum!

leopardprey · 12 February 2007, 11:27 PM

Really like that White face, looks really sharp!

Gedanken · 12 February 2007, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leopardprey

Really like that White face, looks really sharp!

If you like that, you're gonna love this - check out the concentric rings on that subdial!

President · 12 February 2007, 11:34 PM

Nice watch.

ginzo · 12 February 2007, 11:36 PM

Alot of work but the end result was certainly worth it.

Great looking watch.

Gedanken · 12 February 2007, 11:42 PM

Thanks, guys!

I forgot to mention that in between, I got an after-market Oyster bracelet to fit the Tudor, but it always felt wrong. Ah well, it's all over and done with now. I might just send the watch to my watchmaker for a full service and polishing of the case and crystal just to finish the job.

padi56 · 12 February 2007, 11:52 PM

She sure looks good now James complete at last,great watch and now getting harder to find.

mrbieler · 12 February 2007, 11:59 PM

Very nice. That came out great. Congratulations.

Ragu · 13 February 2007, 12:23 AM

Looks very nice and it's great knowing TRF members will help other members out.

nko51 · 13 February 2007, 02:02 AM

Nice watch, and great pic's.

Otis · 13 February 2007, 09:34 AM

Ahh, it's finally complete, and looking damn good!

It really is a sharp looking chrono, I like the concentric ring and the stick markers most of all. Perfect balance between sport & class, I think.

Is the weight now more comfortable to wear, since you've fitted the bracelet?

JJ Irani · 13 February 2007, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

If you like that, you're gonna love this - check out the concentric rings on that subdial!

Now that's an amazing close-up!!

mike · 13 February 2007, 10:19 AM

Great story with a happy ending!

Made even better by the fact it once again shows how enthusiasts go out of there way to help each other.
Well done to all!

Fiwi · 13 February 2007, 10:38 AM

A fine watch! Certainly worth all your effort and time. Enjoy!

Prince Tudor · 13 February 2007, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gedanken

If you like that, you're gonna love this - check out the concentric rings on that subdial!

I love the detail on Tudor dials.
My Prince Chrono has the cotes de Geneve inprinted on the entire dial.
It took me forever find.
I bought mine new from an AD and decided to keep the leather band on. Although it has a clasp not a buckle.
You have one beautiful watch there

Otis · 13 February 2007, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prince Tudor

I love the detail on Tudor dials.
My Prince Chrono has the cotes de Geneve inprinted on the entire dial.

Pictures please..

mikey · 13 February 2007, 10:59 AM

Your Tudor ROCKS!!!!!!!

Lol-x · 13 February 2007, 11:45 AM

Great looking watch James, and your photography does do the watch justice too.
I think the watch looks much better on the Oyster bracelet, it does in my opinion complete the watch in bringing it back to factory specifications

Prince Tudor · 13 February 2007, 12:25 PM

Here's a pic.
Sorry for the bad shot.
It's tough to get the right angle to really see the dial. Not to mention the 'not so good' quality of my camera.

Prince Tudor · 13 February 2007, 12:26 PM

Again James, your watch is beautiful!

Rockrolex · 13 February 2007, 12:35 PM

Great story, James, great pics, and a great watch. Congrats. Looks good. Wear it well.

Gedanken · 13 February 2007, 12:39 PM

Thanks, guys! Lucas, your Tudor's dial is gorgeous! It reminds me of the machining on parts of the movement.

I'm really happy with the way it is now, and the only way I could have been more satisfied was if I'd done all the restoration work myself.

Otis, the Oyster bracelet does let the Tudor sit very comfortably on my wrist. I had a thin set of springbars that caused quite a bit of rattling, but once I switched to a thicker pair, it just all came together. For its bulk the Tudor's surprisingly light.

Mike and Ragu are spot-on - enthusiasts getting together and helping each other out is what makes this place special!

jac67 · 13 February 2007, 04:23 PM

James that looks spectacular!

I rather the steel bracelets than the leather ones. Glad to hear that Steve and Peter could help you out.

That close-up is great!

Wear it in good health.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

Great story with a happy ending!

I didn't know you got a "Happy Ending" with that!

PLEASE EXPLAIN????????

John.

amanda · 13 February 2007, 07:28 PM

Beautiful James, love the Tudor Chrono!!!! Actually I love Tudors fullstop!

Cheers
Amanda

12 February 2007, 11:25 PM	#1
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Finally! Now the guys who've been here long enough would know that I picked up my Tudor 79170 chrono last May and it was a steal at A$2550. However, there were a few glitches along the way. Here's the Tudor as it came out of the store: I'm not a huge fan of straps because I tend to get my watches wet in the course of day-to-day activities and a wet bracelet beats a soggy strap any day. Besides, the strap left large swags of unfinished metal exposed between the lugs and I do like things in their original state. After a bit of hunting on eBay, I managed to get my hands on a 78360 bracelet from a seller in Italy. The bracelet had been polished to within an inch of its life, and the hinge on the clasp was also loose to the point that it could turn about 30 degrees in the wrong plane. No problems there, though - I just sent the bracelet to my favourite watchmaker and he restored it to near-new condition and brought the brushed finish back perfectly. That wasn't the end of my problems, though. The bracelet came with a set of end links for a DateJust-type case, which was far slimmer than the Tudor's case (it's thicker than a Sea Dweller). That's when things got tough because the proper 589 end links for the Tudor were about as common as rocking horse sh*t. Peter said that he knew someone with a set of 605 end links that would fit my Tudor, but despite his kind offer to get them to me I dillied and I dallied and I dillied and I dallied and I missed the boat on that one. I rang Rolex Melbourne and they said yes, they had 589 end links but they wanted to fit it themselves. Things got more complicated here because the watch had a somewhat murky provenance by the time I bought it from the secondhand dealer, and the spaces between the lugs were scratched to the point where neither the serial number nor the model number were legible. I didn't want to take it to Rolex and have a stink raised about the numbers, so once again I was stuck high and dry. Along came Steve (Lol-x) with a set of new 589 end links, and voila! So here it is, the finished product: Thanks to Steve, I got all the help I needed to restore my Tudor back to its original configuration, and special mention goes to Peter for his help as well. I so dig this forum! __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

12 February 2007, 11:42 PM	#6
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Thanks, guys! I forgot to mention that in between, I got an after-market Oyster bracelet to fit the Tudor, but it always felt wrong. Ah well, it's all over and done with now. I might just send the watch to my watchmaker for a full service and polishing of the case and crystal just to finish the job. __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

12 February 2007, 11:52 PM	#7
padi56 "TRF" Life Patron Join Date: Jun 2005 Real Name: Peter Location: Llanfairpwllgwyng Watch: ing you. Posts: 53,024	She sure looks good now James complete at last,great watch and now getting harder to find. __________________ ICom Pro3 All posts are my own opinion and my opinion only. "The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop. Now is the only time you actually own the time, Place no faith in time, for the clock may soon be still for ever." Good Judgement comes from experience,experience comes from Bad Judgement,.Buy quality, cry once; buy cheap, cry again and again. www.mc0yad.club Second in command CEO and left handed watch winder

12 February 2007, 11:59 PM	#8
mrbieler "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Jeff Location: Lost Angeles Watch: all about acrylic Posts: 683	Very nice. That came out great. Congratulations. __________________ - Jeff Cursimus Cum Forfex

13 February 2007, 09:34 AM	#11
Otis "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2006 Real Name: Urs Location: QLD AU Watch: Omega x 2 Posts: 2,046	Ahh, it's finally complete, and looking damn good! It really is a sharp looking chrono, I like the concentric ring and the stick markers most of all. Perfect balance between sport & class, I think. Is the weight now more comfortable to wear, since you've fitted the bracelet? __________________ Rock the Casbah!

12 February 2007, 11:27 PM	#2
leopardprey Banned Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Chad Location: Around the world Watch: Panerai 233 Posts: 4,204	Really like that White face, looks really sharp!

12 February 2007, 11:34 PM	#4
President Banned Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: M.Thatcher MP Location: Le Locle Watch: Bear Grylls Posts: 2,913	Nice watch.

12 February 2007, 11:36 PM	#5
ginzo Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Real Name: Robert Location: Boston, MA Watch: GMT/1675 Exp/1016 Posts: 196	Alot of work but the end result was certainly worth it. Great looking watch.

13 February 2007, 12:23 AM	#9
Ragu "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Real Name: Ragu Sauce Location: Southern, FL Watch: the Sauce ;) Posts: 782	Looks very nice and it's great knowing TRF members will help other members out.

13 February 2007, 02:02 AM	#10
nko51 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Real Name: Alex Location: USA Watch: TT Blue Sub Posts: 2,542	Nice watch, and great pic's.

13 February 2007, 10:19 AM	#13
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Great story with a happy ending! Made even better by the fact it once again shows how enthusiasts go out of there way to help each other. Well done to all!

13 February 2007, 10:38 AM	#14
Fiwi "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Melissa Location: Bahamas Watch: Ladies SS/Plat YM Posts: 277	A fine watch! Certainly worth all your effort and time. Enjoy!

13 February 2007, 10:59 AM	#17
mikey "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: USA Watch: Oysterdate 6694 Posts: 2,713	Your Tudor ROCKS!!!!!!!

13 February 2007, 11:45 AM	#18
Lol-x Facilitator Join Date: Nov 2005 Real Name: Steve Location: Omnipresent Posts: 33,553	Great looking watch James, and your photography does do the watch justice too. I think the watch looks much better on the Oyster bracelet, it does in my opinion complete the watch in bringing it back to factory specifications

13 February 2007, 12:26 PM	#20
Prince Tudor "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Lucas Location: Canada Watch: Rolex and Tudor Posts: 726	Again James, your watch is beautiful!

13 February 2007, 12:35 PM	#21
Rockrolex TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: God Location: Washington, D.C. Watch: What do you think? Posts: 37,941	Great story, James, great pics, and a great watch. Congrats. Looks good. Wear it well. __________________ Despite the high cost of living, it's still very popular. *Tosser Cabinet Member* Official Member: 'Perpetual 30' Vegas International GTG 2016 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2018 Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019

13 February 2007, 12:39 PM	#22
Gedanken "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: Sir Location: Melbourne Watch: F-series SD Posts: 8,589	Thanks, guys! Lucas, your Tudor's dial is gorgeous! It reminds me of the machining on parts of the movement. I'm really happy with the way it is now, and the only way I could have been more satisfied was if I'd done all the restoration work myself. Otis, the Oyster bracelet does let the Tudor sit very comfortably on my wrist. I had a thin set of springbars that caused quite a bit of rattling, but once I switched to a thicker pair, it just all came together. For its bulk the Tudor's surprisingly light. Mike and Ragu are spot-on - enthusiasts getting together and helping each other out is what makes this place special! __________________ You buy a Casio to make sure you're on time; you wear a Rolex because you don't have to be on time.

13 February 2007, 07:28 PM	#24
amanda Banned Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,380	Beautiful James, love the Tudor Chrono!!!! Actually I love Tudors fullstop! Cheers Amanda

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