Help with Tudor sub

[goheel]

Hey guys,
I’m looking to buy this Tudor from a USN Seal vet. He stated that it was issued to him in 1967. I’m a newbie in the vintage watch field so can any expert confirm to me that it is a legit watch. I’m having a hard time verifying if it’s a 7928 or 7016. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to open the case back. The watch also comes with the NATO strap that it was issued with. The Tudor bracelet is not original to the watch.

[goheel]

Here are the pictures

[hugop]

What is the model number between the lugs and the first four of the serial? What do the crown guards look like? SPCG or standard? Do you have photos?

Sorry, strike that, I was ahead of your photos. You will need better photos.

[hugop]

@linesiders is the man on these…

[goheel]

We weren’t able to remove the bracelet to confirm the model number or serial number. I have better resolution photos, but had to resize due to the forum photo size limit. I noticed the pearl on the bezel does not have the patina like the dial. Does that mean it’s a replacement bezel?

[ELLimon]

Open the case and get better pictures.

I zoomed your case back.

Judging by the dial. This is a 7016. Probably the most faked Tudor. Get the serial and stamping on the lugs you can hide the last 2 digits.


The bracelet is either newer or aftermarket. Those watches had either folded links or rivets.

Comparing the case back to my early 7016, is very similar, font, spacing and location looks correct (cannot tell more because is blurry).

[ELLimon]

Originally Posted by goheel

We weren’t able to remove the bracelet to confirm the model number or serial number. I have better resolution photos, but had to resize due to the forum photo size limit. I noticed the pearl on the bezel does not have the patina like the dial. Does that mean it’s a replacement bezel?

No, it means the pip has been replaced, it falls off with time, I added a service pop to mi 9411, it is possible to scrap the lume from the back and add patina.


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[goheel]

The bracelet was added on in 2004 when the owner had it serviced at the local Rolex dealership. He has the receipt to prove it. The watch originally came with the NATO band

[ELLimon]

Originally Posted by goheel

The bracelet was added on in 2004 when the owner had it serviced at the local Rolex dealership. He has the receipt to prove it. The watch originally came with the NATO band

That receipt by it self is a good resource (keep it), most ADs will not provide a bracelet for replicas.

Also check the receipt,
Might be, it has the pip listed.

I suck with bezel inserts. If real.., MK2 I think.

[ELLimon]

Hands look correct.

[alwayshere]

Need closer and clear pics to make a better assessment. There are parts of the watch that looks encouraging. Also you should be able to get the bracelet off pretty easily - use a paper clip and push through those lug holes and you'll get the bracelet off. I would never buy a watch without looking at the engravings, etc.

Appears to also be an older style crown which is always nice. The only thing I don't like - and it could be due to the crystal - is the rehaut. Looks particularly "wok-like". Just comparing it against my 7928 and looks a bit different.

Wait for LS to chime in.

[harry in montreal]

Based on these photos I would not buy it. The lug hole looks a little small in that photo. It looks too much like my favorite fake of all time the 737738. If you don’t know about my buddy 737738 then google ‘Tudor’ and this serial number. I like watches with wear. I’m not seeing enough in the pics. Ask for more photos

[southtexas]

Is it terrible that I opened up this thread expecting to see OP say he'd just bought a Tudor sub off ebay and was wondering if anyone had advice on how to get the caseback off?

[ELLimon]

Originally Posted by southtexas

Is it terrible that I opened up this thread expecting to see OP say he'd just bought this Tudor sub off ebay and was wondering if anyone had advice on how to get the caseback off?

[harry in montreal]

Haha. Well, op was smart. This was is notoriously faked. Best to proceed with caution with real good clear photos. The more I look at that caseback the less convincing it looks.

[Dan S]

Any photos of the seller wearing the watch in the 1960s? Documenting the military provenance would be very cool. :-)

[Juhuatai]

If he has service papers just take the band off and check the serial with the number on the papers.

Dial and bezel insert look nice at a first glance but the photos aren't good enough to say for certain.

Given the story, the engraving on the side of the case (common for military watches for some reason), as well as the fact that there are local service papers, I would be shocked if the watch was fake.

[linesiders]

Need better photos. Could be a (real) 737K serial as opposed to a fake one. Several things I like, just cannot confirm based on these photos.

[linesiders]

BTW - caseback indicates 7928

[highcotton]

Is that the owners initials engraved into the side of the case?

[goheel]

Yes it is. He stated that him and 18 other people were assigned the watch in his SEAL class, and they lived together in the same barrack, so he put his initials on there so he knows it’s his watch.

[24stepsahead]

1967, dial, crown guard, caseback, all point to 7928.

I'd be interested in seeing period photos of the vet if there is any available