Information request: odd Tudor Mini-Sub color scheme

[BPT]

Hi all,

Some-time lurker, rare poster here! I hope that you knowledgeable folks will be able to shed some light on the following.

I recently bought a second-hand Tudor Mini-Sub with a cream-colored dial and green bezel. According to the store (a reputable operation) the watch is an original one. Nonetheless, I've been unable to find much info on this particular combination of colors.

Is anyone aware of Tudor actually producing a mini-sub in these colors or might it be a "frankenwatch"?

Please let me know if any further information is required. Many thanks in advance!

[omitohud]

Pictures would help.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[powerfunk]

I've spent a bit of time looking into Mini Subs and I've never seen a green bezel insert. Would love to see some pics, though! I'm sure if you take it to RSC they'll be able to look up the original configuration.

[Old Expat Beast]

With leather strap? It's probably a 73290. As well as green/cream, they came with red/cream and blue/cream, too, at the end of the mini-sub's production run (just before the Hydronaut put an end to the whole Tudor Sub family). Very nice watches.

[Old Expat Beast]

Here's a pic from the Tudor Anthology.

[powerfunk]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Here's a pic from the Tudor Anthology.

Whoa; awesome! Never knew of the 73290. Thanks for sharing.

[BPT]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Here's a pic from the Tudor Anthology.

Wow, thanks for the info! The Anthology looks like a great reference work (though the price is a bit hefty ). The 73290 in green/cream is indeed exactly the one I bought (I attached a picture in the original post, but I seems to have gone missing).

The watch was on a NATO when I bought it. I was under the impression that it was originally sold with a steel band, so it's good to know it came with the green leather. I found an original strap online, but it seems to be missing both the buckle and well as the steel connector thing that goes between the lugs. The connector piece also didn't come with the watch I bought. Does anyone have any idea if that piece is required and, if so, what it's called/where to find one?

A final question. There is some damage to the sapphire crystal. I'm still undecided as to what to do with it (live with it, have it replaced by RSC, or replaced with aftermarket crystal). Any suggestions/experiences on the original vs. aftermarket choice? How much would the RSC charge approximately for replacing it? I'll try to swing by the RSC the coming week, but it would be nice to have some indication beforehand.

[Old Expat Beast]

Rolex may not relace the crystal without wanting to service the whole watch. I would guess about $50 for the crystal. They should also be able to sell you an original green strap. Not sure what you mean about steel connector between lugs, as you seem to have the springbars. Great looking watch!

[BPT]

The watch was fully serviced before I bought it, but I'll see what the Rolex has to say. $50 is not too bad a price.

As for the strap, I wasn't referring to the springbars. Compare the attached picture with the Anthology's picture. You'll see that in the book there's a steel connector piece between the watch and the strap that seems to be missing from the strap I found online..

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by BPT

The watch was fully serviced before I bought it, but I'll see what the Rolex has to say. $50 is not too bad a price.

As for the strap, I wasn't referring to the springbars. Compare the attached picture with the Anthology's picture. You'll see that in the book there's a steel connector piece between the watch and the strap that seems to be missing from the strap I found online..

Oh yes...end links. RSC will sell you those, too.

[BPT]

End links! That's the term I was looking for, thanks!

[watchwatcher]

That's a great looking watch. I would get her fixed up and wear the heck out of it.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

With leather strap? It's probably a 73290. As well as green/cream, they came with red/cream and blue/cream, too, at the end of the mini-sub's production run (just before the Hydronaut put an end to the whole Tudor Sub family). Very nice watches.

Admittedly, this is slightly off-topic, but why did the Sub/Hydronaut switchover happen in the first place?

For the most part, the Hydronauts I've seen have a design language more reminiscent of the wilder sub-$1000 Seiko divers (which I do admire, even if they're a bit avant garde for me) and recent TAG Heuers than Rolex/Tudor of the past, which I don't quite understand.

[BPT]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

That's a great looking watch. I would get her fixed up and wear the heck out of it.

Thanks, I love it. Actually, just need to find it a nice strap and it's ready to go (damn 17mm lug-size!)

Originally Posted by Scholar

Admittedly, this is slightly off-topic, but why did the Sub/Hydronaut switchover happen in the first place?

For the most part, the Hydronauts I've seen have a design language more reminiscent of the wilder sub-$1000 Seiko divers (which I do admire, even if they're a bit avant garde for me) and recent TAG Heuers than Rolex/Tudor of the past, which I don't quite understand.

From my understanding, Tudor intended to position itself more independently from Rolex by the end of 1990s. Thus it replaced its Rolex models (Subs, Prince Oysterdates etc.) with original designs (like the Hydronaut line).

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by BPT

From my understanding, Tudor intended to position itself more independently from Rolex by the end of 1990s. Thus it replaced its Rolex models (Subs, Prince Oysterdates etc.) with original designs (like the Hydronaut line).

I got that impression, but what I don't understand was the extreme direction they took their design language to. Did those models sell well? They look distinctively 90s/early 00s, but in this I'm including models released as recently as 2009 as well by which point that would look quite dated.

For the most part I find their new lineup quite appealing (with the exception of the Style line which is like a poor man's Grand Seiko... only costing near the real thing and with finishing about on par with Seiko's own 'poor man's Grand Seiko' models that go for a fraction of the price), with the combination of direct heritage designs and modern ones that reinterpret the Rolex/Tudor design language in a contemporary way.

[joe100]

The snowflake mini-sub has always been my favorite. Gorgeous piece.

The green bezel mini sub here is fantastic!

[116680]

What a cool watch.

Cyclops not 2.5x either to my eye...

[BPT]

Originally Posted by Scholar

I got that impression, but what I don't understand was the extreme direction they took their design language to. Did those models sell well? They look distinctively 90s/early 00s, but in this I'm including models released as recently as 2009 as well by which point that would look quite dated.

For the most part I find their new lineup quite appealing (with the exception of the Style line which is like a poor man's Grand Seiko... only costing near the real thing and with finishing about on par with Seiko's own 'poor man's Grand Seiko' models that go for a fraction of the price), with the combination of direct heritage designs and modern ones that reinterpret the Rolex/Tudor design language in a contemporary way.

I see your point re. the Hydronaut. I don't like them much either. The newer models like the Black Bay are wonderful though.

The Style line does indeed look like the GS. If you want to go with a dressy Tudor you might as well stick with the vintage Prince Oysterdates. They have the same ETA 2824 movement but look better for less than half the price of a new Style.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by BPT

I see your point re. the Hydronaut. I don't like them much either. The newer models like the Black Bay are wonderful though.

The Style line does indeed look like the GS. If you want to go with a dressy Tudor you might as well stick with the vintage Prince Oysterdates. They have the same ETA 2824 movement but look better for less than half the price of a new Style.

Indeed, or De Villes of similar vintage. Beautiful watches with great movements that can be had for a bargain, even fully restored. The Tuxedo dial Oyster Prince is arguably even more attractive than the Rolex ones. I was excited to see one on TV when I watched Mad Men!

[BPT]

Originally Posted by Scholar

Indeed, or De Villes of similar vintage. Beautiful watches with great movements that can be had for a bargain, even fully restored. The Tuxedo dial Oyster Prince is arguably even more attractive than the Rolex ones. I was excited to see one on TV when I watched Mad Men!

That's a beauty! I must've missed it on Mad Men. Any idea which episode/season?

De Villes are also quite lovely. I've been looking for a steel one with cross-hairs on a white/dial for ages (the chronographs are nice too!). It's been difficult finding one in good condition for a reasonable price.

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by BPT

That's a beauty! I must've missed it on Mad Men. Any idea which episode/season?

De Villes are also quite lovely. I've been looking for a steel one with cross-hairs on a white/dial for ages (the chronographs are nice too!). It's been difficult finding one in good condition for a reasonable price.

Roger Sterling wore it for the last three seasons.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Scholar

Admittedly, this is slightly off-topic, but why did the Sub/Hydronaut switchover happen in the first place?

For the most part, the Hydronauts I've seen have a design language more reminiscent of the wilder sub-$1000 Seiko divers (which I do admire, even if they're a bit avant garde for me) and recent TAG Heuers than Rolex/Tudor of the past, which I don't quite understand.

I don't know why it happened, but can only speculate that it was part of a deliberate shift away from Rolex. By this time, Tudor had also stopped putting Rolex-marked casebacks and winding crowns on its Subs. Whatever, why-ever, it was an unwise decision, and within five years of the Hydronaut launch in 1999, the decision was made to withdraw Tudor from the US market altogether. (I'm not sure when they pulled out of the UK, but possibly around the same time).

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

Whoa; awesome! Never knew of the 73290. Thanks for sharing.

Here's the whole double page spread. Loads to choose from