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Old 9 February 2016, 03:54 PM   #1
RGB
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First post. Received a Tudor 7928.

All,

This is my first post. Over the weekend my grandfather passed my first vintage watch to me. It was given to him by my uncle(by marriage) before he was killed in a training exercise in 2001. He was a second-generation Navy SEAL who received the watch from his father. I'm not sure if the watch was issued to the father or purchased; just that it was owned by him during the time of his service. The bracelet is unfortunately not present. It only has an apparently very old velcro strap.

The watch has been idle in a jewelry box since my grandfather took possession at least 15 years ago. It is a beautiful piece in what I would call good condition with a wonderful patina on the dial. It seems to run well.

I visited two reputable dealers in my area today to have it assessed.

The first told me that his watchmaker could handle it, but I'm concerned about them accepting the job only to be unable to source any necessary parts. He complimented the watch and expressed interest in purchasing it. It is not and never will be for sale.

The other that I visited removed the caseback. The year of the last service was written inside- 1978. The rotor is a little loose but not yet to the point where it rubs the inside of the case. He said parts are difficult to find and recommended leaving it alone and simply enjoying it as long as it runs, waiting to address anything until an issue arises. His words were the cliche "if is isn't broken, don't fix it". I want this watch to run for the rest of my life, so naturally I abhor that idea.

I've been doing some research on people who specialize in old watches and I'm leaning toward someone I've seen referenced on here who appears to have a great reputation. I have not yet contacted him, but will in the next couple of days. I won't name him at this time. If anyone has any suggestions I'd love to hear them.

Here are a few pictures. They aren't the best. They were shot with my iPhone, as I do not have a macro lens for my DSLR. Any feedback is very much appreciated.



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Old 9 February 2016, 04:47 PM   #2
Tools
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Great looking watch. I would be proud to wear it
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Old 9 February 2016, 05:17 PM   #3
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It looks amazing!


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Old 9 February 2016, 05:52 PM   #4
Nobody.Move
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Great vintage Tudor Sub! On the east coast you could contact Jack at International Watch Works, or Rikki at Time Care, Inc. Either way, emphasize that you want to keep the watch in authentic, vintage condition (keep the crystal if it's not cracked, i. e. is stable, NO case polishing, etc.) but you want to have it overhauled/serviced. Once it's had its spa treatment you should wear the hell out of that beauty!
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Old 9 February 2016, 07:11 PM   #5
Perpetual74
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Very nice watch, great original dial with lollipop second hand, chase in good conditions and all correct (bezel, crown, plexi)... the caliber is tudor 390, not so easy to find spare parts if necessary, if you need assistance go by experts..

Congrats in any case for the beautiful watch
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Old 9 February 2016, 10:11 PM   #6
nsumner
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Fantastic sub!
Welcome to the forum and congrats
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Old 9 February 2016, 11:05 PM   #7
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Great story, and beautiful watch. A recommended independent watchmaker is the way to go, as mentioned above, and only a movement service. No polishing! ABC Watchwerks in LA and Bob Ridley in Dallas are also good choices. Congrats.
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Old 9 February 2016, 11:40 PM   #8
RJC1
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Congrats! Great watch with a great story. It doesn't get much better than that!!
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Old 10 February 2016, 12:28 AM   #9
lhanddds
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Just dropped my Tudor Monte Carlo with Bob Ridley last week. Nice Sub, congrats
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Old 10 February 2016, 02:37 AM   #10
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First off: BZ!

Couple things, don't do anything rash ;)

Get ready for offers to flow (I won't). And like you said, don't sell it.

Looks to me like a 66, though more likely 67 Tudor 7928. These were much more frequently purchased at the BX or Ships Store than issued.

Original Dial, Hands (Big Sweep), Lume (no significant fungus), thick case, nice bezel & insert.

That is a very nice example of that watch even without the family history - change nothing (but do not take it diving).

If the rotor is a little loose there are a couple parts to resolve that, though while hard to find, this piece is worth it. I would recommend ABC in LA as they do a lot of Tudor 390 work and are very familiar with this movement. Some people don't want to work on them without a donor movement to scavenge from.
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Old 10 February 2016, 04:29 AM   #11
RGB
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Thank you all for the kind words. I knew it was a nice watch, but I'm elated to hear that it's a nice example of it's particular model.

I appreciate the input on who to have it serviced by. I've spoken to a few people already and intend to have it out for service in the next couple of weeks.
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