Rolex "modified" Tudor (ETA) movements

[digilux]

Anyone know exactly what "modifications" Rolex did on the Tudors ETA movements except for the TUDOR logo engraving on the rotors...?

[NYC6]

interesting question.

[Dan Pierce]

I think the shock protection is upgraded and some additional aesthetic detailing.
dP

[padi56]

Originally Posted by digilux

Anyone know exactly what "modifications" Rolex did on the Tudors ETA movements except for the TUDOR logo engraving on the rotors...?

Most ETA movements come in 5/6 grades, movements like the ETA 2824 and Valjoux 7750.Rolex uses one of the top grade chronometer spec movements in the Tudor line up. Apart from branding pendulum and a bit of decoration and regulation they don't need any further modifications.

[digilux]

So instead of using US$ 500,- or more on rebuild/restore a broken Tudor Sub movement by change old broken/worn parts - just buy a new ETA and swap the engraved rotor... ?

[Alcan]

ETA movements:

Standard
- adjusted in 2 positions: CH and 6H (see bottom of post for details on positional timekeeping terminology)
- average daily rate: +/- 12 seconds
- maximum positional variation: 30 seconds
- isochronism between 0 and 24 hours: +/- 20 seconds

Elaboré
- adjusted in 3 positions: CH, 6H, 9H
- average daily rate: +/- 7 seconds
- maximum positional variation: 20 seconds
- isochronism between 0 and 24 hours: +/- 15 seconds

Top
- adjusted in 5 positions: CH, FH, 6H, 9H, 3H
- average daily rate: +/- 4 seconds
- maximum positional variation: 15 seconds
- isochronism between 0 and 24 hours: +/- 10 seconds

Chronometre
- adjusted and timed per COSC specification, which is not much different from Top Grade


Testing positions:

CH = dial up
FH = dial down
and 3 vertical testing positions (hanging perpendicular to the ground):
3H = crown up (3:00 pointing up)
6H = crown left (6:00 pointing up)
9H = crown down (9:00 pointing up)

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by digilux

So instead of using US$ 500,- or more on rebuild/restore a broken Tudor Sub movement by change old broken/worn parts - just buy a new ETA and swap the engraved rotor... ?

Sounds logical. However, it could [but not necessarily] affect the resale price, depending on the buyer.
dP

[John in MA]

Not certain on newer Tudors but on older Tudors, Rolex also engraved the top side of the movement body (side closest to the dial) with Tudor and the swiss wording like MOntres Tudor S.A. or something like that. So you don't want to do a basic movement swap. You'd need to buy a new movement, and dissassemble both and use all parts from the new one in the old movement body (if they still stamp the ETA's with the Tudor mark on the top side).

[JasoninDenver]

I personally would try everything in my power to salvage the old movement if I had any plans to resell in the future. If I wanted only to have a nice timepiece for personal use, I would strongly consider a new ETA.

[digilux]

Originally Posted by JasoninDenver

I personally would try everything in my power to salvage the old movement if I had any plans to resell in the future. If I wanted only to have a nice timepiece for personal use, I would strongly consider a new ETA.

Agree, and keep the old movement in case you opt for selling later. Like I had a 1965 Porsche 912SWB, I bought new parts to the engine for better petrol consumption, better (racing) oil pipes to the heads, external oil cooler etc. I even swapped the old Recaro leather seats for newer hi-back seats - but I kept all the original parts so a future buyer could decide for him self the setup.