Gift from father: Rolex Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner 7928

[tivark]

I know nothing about watches. Please excuse my newbie questions. I visited my dad recently, he gave me my late grandfather's rolex. It has been lying around at home since the 1970s or so.

The reference number (Around 12 o clock) is 7928
The serial number (at the bottom of 6 o clock) is 4496xx

Question:
1. Was this watch really made in 1946? Thats what a few websites seem to state, however, I cant seem to google any 7928's made in 1946.

2. This watch has never been serviced or fixed. The clock stops quite quickly unless I move the watch, after which it ticks for another minute or two. How can i fix this or do i just need to wear it. How much should I expect to pay to fix and where is the best place (in US or europe) I can go to to fix it?

3. My dad, not realizing its value, got tricked into replacing its broken original bracelet with some knockoff. I would like to get an original bracelet - where can I get one from and how much should I expect to pay?

4. How much do you reckon the watch is worth? We are curious and am also thinking of insuring it - we hope for it to stay within our family for generations.

thanks a million!

[Tools]

They are nice watches.. Any watchmaker can repair your watch or you can send it to any Rolex Service Center.. Expect around 400 bucks for a complete overhaul, but it will look very good when done..

The original bracelet was a Rolex bracelet and the 93150 bracelet from a Rolex Sub will fit.. New ones are around 800 and the RSC can include that along with your service..

When your are done you will still have a watch worth more than the cost of repairs..

(no, it was not made in 1946.. Probably about 1965.. You cannot use a Rolex chart for dating.. Look in our Reference Library and we have a Tudor database that may get you in the ballpark)

[Mark020]

I wouldn't let a RSC service it....

[SLS]

Welcome, Larry gave you some great advice. Some more advice would be to keep the watch original as possible, do not let the RSC change the dial, hands or bezel insert. As usual, pictures are always welcome!
Scott

[Robbyvm]

Let's see some pictures !!

[tivark]

here are some pics!

[Vincent65]

awesome - love the insert and the case looks great - congrats

send it to Bob Ridley

[SLS]

Originally Posted by vincent65

awesome - love the insert and the case looks great - congrats

send it to bob ridley

+1

[Paul]

Welcome tivark.

Nice, honest looking 7928 you have there - even more special being an heirloom piece.

Tudor Subs always were a tool watch and yours certainly looks like it's done some work.
A movement service, a crystal polish and a correct bracelet and it'd be good for another 50 years.

Be very careful with your instructions to the watchmaker. Very tempting for some to polish up that case which is a huge no-no for most vintage collectors.
A fella like Bob Ridley could get it running well and carefully clean it up without erasing it's vintage character

[Frogman4me]

Originally Posted by Paul

Welcome tivark.

Nice, honest looking 7928 you have there - even more special being an heirloom piece.

Tudor Subs always were a tool watch and yours certainly looks like it's done some work.
A movement service, a crystal polish and a correct bracelet and it'd be good for another 50 years.

Be very careful with your instructions to the watchmaker. Very tempting for some to polish up that case which is a huge no-no for most vintage collectors.
A fella like Bob Ridley could get it running well and carefully clean it up without erasing it's vintage character

I agree here. Might be some water damage to the dial but a nice closed gilt chapter ring and silver text

[Justso]

Beautiful vintage piece. I'd be very proud of that one.

Can't go wrong with Bob Ridley. Also can't go wrong with Rik Dietel. (Rikki on TRF, check him out in the WatchTech forum)

I'd let one of those two masters bring that special timepiece back to life.

My business goes to Rik.

[HRV]

Nice

[etp095]

That's a very nice watch,my thoughts echo those above,on having Bob Ridley work on your watch.

[SUBversive]

Not that anyone is looking for backslapping but reading this entire thread would be a great commercial as to how great this forum is.

[cop414]

Great story on your new - old watch. I agree with the above posts for either Bob Ridley or Rik to bring it back to life for you to wear for years to come. welcome to TRF.

[greekbum]

Originally Posted by tivark

I know nothing about watches. Please excuse my newbie questions. I visited my dad recently, he gave me my late grandfather's rolex. It has been lying around at home since the 1970s or so.

The reference number (Around 12 o clock) is 7928
The serial number (at the bottom of 6 o clock) is 4496xx

Question:
1. Was this watch really made in 1946? Thats what a few websites seem to state, however, I cant seem to google any 7928's made in 1946.

2. This watch has never been serviced or fixed. The clock stops quite quickly unless I move the watch, after which it ticks for another minute or two. How can i fix this or do i just need to wear it. How much should I expect to pay to fix and where is the best place (in US or europe) I can go to to fix it?

3. My dad, not realizing its value, got tricked into replacing its broken original bracelet with some knockoff. I would like to get an original bracelet - where can I get one from and how much should I expect to pay?

4. How much do you reckon the watch is worth? We are curious and am also thinking of insuring it - we hope for it to stay within our family for generations.

thanks a million!

Nice Tudor Submariner you got

1.Your watch should be a 1964-1965 model. When you take the case back off it will have a marking like II/65 or something similar.
2. Parts for these are no longer available from Rolex and are getting harder to find. If your lucky it wont need much more than a basic overhaul.
3. Bracelets are easy to find. Yours either came with a swiss made or USA made Rivet band and prices are around $800 (USA)-$1300 (Swiss)
4.IMHO the watch is worth the most as you have it. Untouched and in its current condition.

Prices are all over the place with different opinions but I have bought and sold similar from $2500-$4000 in the last 12 months

[tivark]

Originally Posted by greekbum

Nice Tudor Submariner you got

1.Your watch should be a 1964-1965 model. When you take the case back off it will have a marking like II/65 or something similar.
2. Parts for these are no longer available from Rolex and are getting harder to find. If your lucky it wont need much more than a basic overhaul.
3. Bracelets are easy to find. Yours either came with a swiss made or USA made Rivet band and prices are around $800 (USA)-$1300 (Swiss)
4.IMHO the watch is worth the most as you have it. Untouched and in its current condition.

Prices are all over the place with different opinions but I have bought and sold similar from $2500-$4000 in the last 12 months

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and fantastic input.

How do i go around looking for its bracelet? Is there a model number? do you think i should go for a brand new looking bracelet or one that looks worn so as to blend in with the watch?

I agree with you with regards to keeping it at its current condition. If i did send it for service, what are the kind of things I should do / avoid doing to maintain the vintage feel yet clean it up a bit (striking the "right" balance)?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by tivark

Thanks everyone for the warm welcome and fantastic input.

How do i go around looking for its bracelet? Is there a model number? do you think i should go for a brand new looking bracelet or one that looks worn so as to blend in with the watch?

I agree with you with regards to keeping it at its current condition. If i did send it for service, what are the kind of things I should do / avoid doing to maintain the vintage feel yet clean it up a bit (striking the "right" balance)?

Looking at the watch I would say that you should stay away from the Rolex Service Centers.. They would replace all it's value with new parts - not good.

It is possible that the dial can be cleaned so the discoloration is minimal.. You should discuss options with a professional.. Bob Ridley is a professional restorer and can be found at www.watchmakers.com , Rik Dietel can be found at www.timecareinc.com

[topcat30093]

Very nice, awesome piece of family history.
Once it has been serviced it will run for many more years to come.

[tudorluv]

beautiful! congrats!

[Shade]

That's a killer dial. Please get it fixed up with someone very competent in dealing with vintage watches. I heard Bob Riley is the right man you want.

[mysonsrolex]

what a great example of the 7928 you have there - congrats.

mine is of a similar vintage and says hi ...

[Nothingfancy01]

What a great piece, will be even better when your wearing it....

[DrLindaPhD]

Originally Posted by mysonsrolex

what a great example of the 7928 you have there - congrats.

mine is of a similar vintage and says hi ...

Well, this answers my question. I was wondering if there was a tudor sub with no date and now I know what I need to look for. Love this. What is the width on it? Is it less than 40mm?

[mysonsrolex]

Originally Posted by DrLindaPhD

Well, this answers my question. I was wondering if there was a tudor sub with no date and now I know what I need to look for. Love this. What is the width on it? Is it less than 40mm?

Hi Linda,

I am not sure but if it isn't 40mm its 39mm.

I am sure the experts can give you the exact measurement but it wears almost identical to a 1967 meters first 5513 I used to own.

Cheers.

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by mysonsrolex

what a great example of the 7928 you have there - congrats.

mine is of a similar vintage and says hi ...

Very nice :thumbup:

Sent from my KFTT using Tapatalk 2

[Knappo 1307]

Love your watch, I wouldn't even bother with a bracelet. Have it serviced and slap on a nato strap...