Tudor

In 1954, Tudor launched its Oyster-Prince Submariner, reference 7922. It looked almost identical to the Rolex models 6200, 6204, and 6205, which launched just months prior.

The firm introduced their most recognizable Submariner variation, the reference 7928, as seen here, in 1960. This 4th generation Tudor Submariner looked very similar to the Rolex references 5512 and 5513, featuring a 40 mm case with protective crown guards.

Just like Rolex models, the reference 7928 went through many crown guard variations from square, to the pointed crown guards, to the rounded crown guards we see popular today.

Only produced for about eight years, the reference 7928 was enthusiastically received as an alternative to the famous Submariners sported in the early James Bond franchise.

The present example features an extremely attractive and well-preserved gilt chapter ring dial with gilt hands. It is also interesting to note the underline under the self-winding writing at 6 o'clock, signifying a reduced radioactivity of the luminescent material. The dial overall is extremely well preserved, with a wonderful grainé textured background and nicely patinated indexes.

Not only the dial of this watch gathers all the distinctive features of the sought-after vintage Submariner models, but its case features the highly collectible pointed crown guards, or PCG. This configuration only existed during a very short period and was quickly replaced by the usual rounded crown guards. The very attractive faded bezel contributes to the wonderful charm of this highly collectible piece.