Tudor Antique Question

[WWC]

I currently have with me a Tudor Prince Oysterdate Serial 96x,xxx supposedly manufactured around 1981.

This watch is from my grandfather and I noticed that even though it's a Tudor watch, it does have a Rolex Crown, Bracelet, and clasp...

I don't see that in the newer models of nowadays... was it different back then in the days?

Thanks

[MoBe]

Back then Tudor was a Chevy type Rolex so it had the word Rolex on it,today Tudor is a separate brand.

[GradyPhilpott]

It definitely shouldn't say Rolex on the dial, though.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by WWC

I currently have with me a Tudor Prince Oysterdate Serial 96x,xxx supposedly manufactured around 1981.

This watch is from my grandfather and I noticed that even though it's a Tudor watch, it does have a Rolex Crown, Bracelet, and clasp...

I don't see that in the newer models of nowadays... was it different back then in the days?

Thanks

Completely normal for that era. Tudor Shields started to replace the Rolex Coronet on the crown and case back, as well as Prince Date from Oysterdate dials, during the 792XX series dating to the mid to late 90's.
dP

[WWC]

Thanks so much for the answers everybody :)

Great help from you guys. and yes, the dial does say Tudor and on the 12 o'clock position it has the Tudor shield logo there... aside from that, everything else seems to have the Rolex Logo... So just wondering if the parts nowadays are different since they have all been replaced with the Tudor Shield for the nowadays watches

[Dan Pierce]

WWC,

Hope you don't mind me answering your PM here so others might learn as well.


Hi Dan,

Sorry to bother. I'd like to thank you for taking the time to answer to my question earlier today regarding the Tudor watch with Rolex parts.

I was reading through the forum and saw that you contribute quite a lot of Tudor knowledge to others and would like to know if you are able to answer some of my questions revolving this brand.

I know now that Tudor used rolex parts all the way up to the 90's and since then, they went on their own in terms of accessories using their own Shield logo.

Can I deduce that Tudor watches before the 1990's had higher quality as they were produced under a "closer" watch of Rolex?

Also, the movement on my Prince Oysterdate serial 96x,xxx (Circa 1981) was it ETA?

How is the quality of that watch under the Tudor Family?

Thanks Dan!


There is absolutely NO DIFFERENCE in the quality between the earlier Tudor references sporting the Rolex coronet vs the later references w/ the Tudor shield. Tudor has, and remains to this day, produced in the exact same manufacturing facility, using the same equipment, by the very same employees as Rolex.

I'm amazed some feel the Tudor brand was exiled to the darkest corner of the basement, replaced the state of the art machinery w/ shoddy equipment, and employed the most inferior workers they could find to produce the lowly brand once the Tudor shield was introduced.

Tudor watches sporting the Rolex coronet certainly command somewhat higher value from collectors as they are seen as the last of the "vintage" collectables. That should change as new "collectables" are realized over time. Also, Tudor will always be viewed as "second fiddle" to the mother brand, as it should. That was Hans Wilsdorf's plan all along, to produce an Oyster quality timepiece at a lower price point.

Yes, the movement used is the highest chronometer grade Valjoux 7750. The same quality used in all Tudor watches.

In later years Rolex had Tudor go in a separate design direction to help establish it's own identity. However, these new designs were received with little fanfare. Since the introduction of the Tudor Heritage Chronograph in 2010 Tudor designers have reached back to the rich history of the brand to produce retro modern designs that both vintage and new watch buyers applaud. This year seems to be no different as a contemporary Snowflake Sub is predicted for the 2012 Basel Show.
dP

[nowzen]

Wow!... a new snowflake sub? - that'd be nice!... hope it's that navy blue.

[joe100]

Used to be Tudors were made on the last generation of tooling from the Rolex line. It's a great business plan because it makes use of outdated tooling and still generates gobs of money. Today they have their own identity. Personally I like the old way but thats my opinion. The new ones are sturdy to say the least.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by joe100

Used to be Tudors were made on the last generation of tooling from the Rolex line. It's a great business plan because it makes use of outdated tooling and still generates gobs of money. Today they have their own identity. Personally I like the old way but thats my opinion. The new ones are sturdy to say the least.

Outdated tooling?
dP

[joe100]

Well, an example would be folded link bracelets. Once Rolex stopped using them the tooling was idle. You'll notice Tudor used them up until the early 1990s. Every time Rolex updated their tooling and equipment it went to Tudor. They used to get every dollar or Franc rather, out of the tooling

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by joe100

Well, an example would be folded link bracelets. Once Rolex stopped using them the tooling was idle. You'll notice Tudor used them up until the early 1990s. Every time Rolex updated their tooling and equipment it went to Tudor. They used to get every dollar or Franc rather, out of the tooling

The tooling wasn't idle if in continual use either by Rolex or Tudor. Again, it allowed Tudor to achieve the lower price point objective at the time.
Also, for a few short years, Tudor was producing some all solid link bracelets when Rolex was still producing the hollow center links w/ stamped clasps on a few remaining references.
No question it makes fiscal sense to get the most out of one's capital investment but Tudor was also allowed to be more adventurous over the years w/ various exotic dials, multiple sized Subs, Date + Day's, and DJ's.
dP

[azguy]

Are Tudors going to be added to the AD line-up here in the states soon would love a "new" blue snowflake

[joe100]

I think you're agreeing with me. Lol

The point is this: Rolex stopped using outdated tooling so it was then put to use by Tudor. This is the reason their price point is lower. Not questioning Tudor quality.

If they have an old machine, tool, or die and their was life left in it, Tudor used it.

What I am not saying is that it was lock-step. I think I'm being taken too specifically. I know Tudor used solid links but they also used folded links far longer than Rolex. They likely kept the old Rolex equipment and recycled it. Probably true for lots of other machines. I'm sure there was lots of overlap, probably from day one of Tudor to the restructuring of the line in the late 90s.

[Dan Pierce]

On the folded bracelets I do agree. Just can't think of another example of Tudor using tooling for cases, bezels, crowns, or any other component, from discontinued Rolex references.
In fact there are many more examples of Tudor going beyond traditional Rolex tooling such as the rotating bezel on Tudor chronos and multiple sized Oyster cases on Subs and other references.
dP

[joe100]

You're taking me too specifically. By tools I mean everything. Machines are replaced on the Rolex side and given too Tudor. Stamping machines, presses... Whatever it takes. Rolex modernizes, Tudor gets the stuff that's still in good shape.

I'm not going to list ever single part and state whether the die was used interchangeably. All I am saying, and very broadly at that, is that Rolex handed down its unused equipment to Tudor.

I was always under the impression that was the point of Tudor. Recycle and make money from it.

Don't think I'm slighting Tudor. I love them.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by joe100

You're taking me too specifically. By tools I mean everything. Machines are replaced on the Rolex side and given too Tudor. Stamping machines, presses... Whatever it takes. Rolex modernizes, Tudor gets the stuff that's still in good shape.

I'm not going to list ever single part and state whether the die was used interchangeably. All I am saying, and very broadly at that, is that Rolex handed down its unused equipment to Tudor.

I was always under the impression that was the point of Tudor. Recycle and make money from it.

Don't think I'm slighting Tudor. I love them.

I never said you were slighting Tudor, nor would I care. It's your recycling concept I question.
dP

[joe100]

Ok question it

[xhype]

wow dan you know a lot.

[WWC]

Thanks a lot Dan!!! :)

[padi56]

Originally Posted by joe100

You're taking me too specifically. By tools I mean everything. Machines are replaced on the Rolex side and given too Tudor. Stamping machines, presses... Whatever it takes. Rolex modernizes, Tudor gets the stuff that's still in good shape.

I'm not going to list ever single part and state whether the die was used interchangeably. All I am saying, and very broadly at that, is that Rolex handed down its unused equipment to Tudor.

I was always under the impression that was the point of Tudor. Recycle and make money from it.

Don't think I'm slighting Tudor. I love them.

Wonder where you got that information from perhaps fantasy island.

[joe100]

i'll never have another theory or idea on here again. fantasy island huh? this place is getting mighty unfriendly.