Whats that on my face?

[Nate G]

Hi,
Im brand new to the forum and am excited to be here. Ill post a few pics just to see if it works. This is my second attempt. Im currently in contact with Mr and Mrs Ridley about restoring my fathers old watch. She asked me to post some pics of it to see if the experts could identify the circle above the 6 position. Ill be more than happy to discuss this timepiece with you guys as im very excited about getting it restored. Cant wait for your input.

[Keeperoftime]

Hmm. Looks similar to the Blancpain/Tornek-Rayville watches. I've never seen a tudor watch like that. I'm sure the Tudor experts will arrive soon.

P.S More pics (WIth better lighting-would help)

Welcome to TRF!

[kyle L]

Not sure, but I'm guessing it has something to do with radium/tritium?

[Nate G]

I realize its not that much better but...

[renfield33]

giant upside down exclamation point dial

[rockyn]

I think it's like a litmus paper . the purpose is to show if there has been any water incursion

[Warnsboy]

I think the inner markings of the caseback are quite interesting and could lend some insight.........nice post for the experts

[harry in montreal]

I am speechless. I suspect you have an exceptional watch in your possession. Any idea where your father got it? The case back stamping in black ink is most interesting. Orchi?

[larryccf]

dot

would really like to see some higher res shots of that dial, in good lighting

[JohnBoy]

Amazing looking watch! Keep us updated on progress and...more importantly, welcome to TRF!

[Tudor66]

Very nice, I believe the caseback indicates 3rd quarter 1952 (III.52), which makes this is a very old unique watch. Wow...

[greekbum]

You may want to take some poly watch if you have some or something to clean up the crystal enough for you to take a better macro shot of the dial.

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by Newbieone

Very nice, I believe the caseback indicates 3rd quarter 1952 (III.52), which makes this is a very old unique watch. Wow...

I think the caseback says "62". Otherwise it would pre-date the introduction of the sub :)


Just did some googling. I found another Tudor with similar added litmos dot.

[pdoukas]

Hmmmmmmm..........I'm intrigued. I like reading about new finds.

[Nate G]

It is 62 guys. Thank you very much for your interest. Keep the info coming. My father got the watch from a little naval base in virginia in 1969/1970 if that helps anyone. Its a great story ill share later.

[93 Turbo]

Nate G, very interesting piece you have there. I/we will all be interested to hear the history of this watch since you are leaving us all hanging in suspense.

I'm guessing it is possibly a Tudor Sub used as a trails model before the US Navy purchased these in any quantity. Again this is a guess.

Keep us posted please. thanks

[azguy]

OP, spill the beans, what's the story

[harry in montreal]

it gives an impression that if it was bought in 70 at a base and it was a Used item... maybe they were disposing of an old military watch? you will never know for sure, but there are enough weird markigns that it seems this way

[Nate G]

Seems like dads watch is causing quite a stir. Sorry for the infrequent texts im vacationing with dad and my family in the white mountains of az. Service is sketchy at best. Thank you guys very much for the info. He and i are having a great time discussing the history of his watch. What an unexpected treasure!

[larryccf]

"....My father got the watch from a little naval base in virginia in 1969/1970"

would that have been Little Creek Naval Warfare Center by any chance?

[flathead59]

Originally Posted by larryccf

"....My father got the watch from a little naval base in virginia in 1969/1970"

would that have been Little Creek Naval Warfare Center by any chance?

That was exactly what I was wondering .

Mark

[incon]

Way back when we had to have little sticker dots on the face of our watches to remind us of safety. Every time you looked at your watch the little sticker dot caught your attention.

I doubt that is the origin of the dot on this Tudor. Interesting watch and story.

[Nate G]

Little creek is exactly the base he is talking about. When he had 11 months left in service they sent him to Little Creek. While he was there they assigned him to guarding a little room filled with"classified" documents. He explaines that there was an office that had not been cleaned in years. They told him "Clean the office and if it aint current throw it away!". This watch was found in the bottom of a desk and appeared to have been there for years.

[rockyn]

http://wannabuyawatch.com/indpages/25306.html check out this link for another tudor sub with lithmus dot. I knew I saw another one like it somewhere and I finally found it.

[RC2]

Wish I found a watch after cleaning up old army rooms!

[Nate G]

Rockyn, very nice sir. I searched and googled for a few days and was unable to find anything close. The watch in the link you provided is certainly as close as ive seen. My fathers has the small dot under the six position. I cant see if the one in the post has it or not. But it doesnt seem to be there.

[rockyn]

Glad I was able to help Your watch is beautiful by the way Keep that baby in the family.

[Nate G]

That is exactly what i have in mind. Thank God my son is only 9 ill be able to enjoy it myself for quite some time! Well, you guys have certainly answered the question i was originally asking myself. "Is this thing even worth restoring?". So now. My thinking is, replace nothing and trust in Bob Ridley to get her workin. Any opinions here? I am truely ignorant about this thing and would really appreciate some expert advice.

[flathead59]

My advice would be to follow Bob's advice if funds allow. I don't believe he'll steer you wrong.

Mark

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by flathead59

My advice would be to follow Bob's advice if funds allow. I don't believe he'll steer you wrong.

Mark

X2! Wow, what a neat watch.