What about a 1990s Tudor Blue Sub?

[Wisher]

I've a chance to purchase a 79190 model 1996 Tudor SS Blue Sub, with papers/box/Rolex overhaul Cert. It's in excellent condition. Has the LV maxi-dial.

It's being sold as an "antique" because they are no longer being made. I think it is the last model of the Blue Subs that Tudor made. I've always liked the Rolex TT Blue Sub but it's not me. But this SS version looks great since it has a much more toned-down look.

Questions:
1) What do Rolex Forum members think of Tudor?
2) Will this watch become somewhat of a collectors item?
3) Will Rolex eventually fade out the Tudor Brand entirely, since Tudors are no longer being sold in the US, and I think Canada?

I know no one is a soothsayer, but ..... any opinions?

[gmt 16750]

Hi Ron, I would go for the Tudor if I were in your shoes.

1) I, for one, really like Tudor watches - I actually have more Tudor's than any other make in my collection.
2) Dunno about a 'collectors item' but the Tudor Sub (and others) have shot up in value over the past couple years.
3) Not a chance IMO as Tudor have recently launched a new range/models - not an act of a brand being phased out.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[yemenmocha]

I have that model, or one from a few years prior to that year. I wore it for a few years and then it found its way into storage for about 10 years but now I've started wearing it again!

I love the piece, but it is different than the Rolex counterpart in some respects.

[Rawhyde]

I like Tudors just fine. I have a pre-Tiger Chronograph and it looks great. Most of the members here like them just fine too. I'd like to have the Blue SS Tudor Sub in my collection! My buddy has a Tudor Mini-Sub, and it's great. It's about the same size as the mid-size Yachtmaster. The "relaunched" Tudor line is completely different from the Tudors of old. While they're easy on the eyes for the most part, they're not obviously a Rolex product like the earlier models.

Rawhyde

[yemenmocha]

Exactly, Rawhyde. The new ones don't resemble the Rolex counterparts so much, but these old ones do. From a short distance the black face/dial looks indistinguishable from the Rolex model of the same time period. The back face is nearly identical as well, and in fact my Tudor reads "Original Oyster Case By Rolex, Geneva" and has the Rolex crown as well.

[T5AUS]

Hi Ron, I find the earlier Tudors from the 50's, 60's & 70's ring my bell, but I am sure this one is a good one and worth buying at the right price, especially if it has it's boxes and papers. There are some good fakes around now especially these earlier ones, and they are very hard to pick from a photo alone, so just be sure it's right before parting with hard earned cash

Below are a few examples of mine

[problmchylde]

It must be snowing in australia Phil.......Sooo many snowflakes...

[SPACE-DWELLER]

VERY nice Tudor!

Reminds me a bit of the rare blue Sub Date (1680) that was made for a short period for the Asian market:



(photo by Mike).

[T5AUS]

Hi Peter, snowing tudors perhaps but there's a drought on good vintage Rolli's here (Brisbane) I could do with a good vintage Rolli sub to add to the mix, but am having great problems finding a nice one that I can actually hold and inspect before throwing the dosh at it.

[T5AUS]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

VERY nice Tudor!

Reminds me a bit of the rare blue Sub Date (1680) that was made for a short period for the Asian market:



(photo by Mike).

That does look nice Bo, what are the indices and name in and what vintage

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by T5AUS

That does look nice Bo, what are the indices and name in and what vintage

The indices are Tritium and the dial is called a "Nipple Dial" due to the special kind of outer rims of the dial markers. You would see the Nipple Dial on some of the TT GMT 1675s, too.

The Sub Date "Blue" pictured above is a 1680.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

The indices are Tritium and the dial is called a "Nipple Dial" due to the special kind of outer rims of the dial markers. You would see the Nipple Dial on some of the TT GMT 1675s, too.

The Sub Date "Blue" pictured above is a 1680.

Hey Bo,

You make that watch sound like "soft porn"!!

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Hey Bo,

You make that watch sound like "soft porn"!!

Here is some MORE "soft porn", especially for YOU:

[T5AUS]

Originally Posted by Spacedweller

The indices are Tritium and the dial is called a "Nipple Dial" due to the special kind of outer rims of the dial markers. You would see the Nipple Dial on some of the TT GMT 1675s, too.

The Sub Date "Blue" pictured above is a 1680.

cant take you lot anywhere

Now , any idea what year it was made Bo and thanks for the other info, perhaps nipples are the way to go, would they be double TT or double dd agree:

[SPACE-DWELLER]

I don't have the EXACT year, and in fact it is still discussed IF this "Blue Sub" was made like that from the Rolex "factory" in the first place.

Nearest date would be the mid 1970ies.

[Wisher]

Originally Posted by T5AUS

There are some good fakes around now especially these earlier ones, and they are very hard to pick from a photo alone, so just be sure it's right before parting with hard earned cash

Hi all. Thanks for your opinions.

Phil, thanks for the good tip. but I actually had the watch on my wrist and saw all the paper work at one of the most reliable bricks and mortar stores in Tokyo, so I am not buying site unseen by looking at just a photo on the Internet, something I personally would not consider doing myself. The store is holding it for me a few days while I get sometime to think about it.

I am happily surprised, really, to hear that so many of you at the "Rolex" Forum are also avid Tudor fans. I had the notion some people would think they are not worth buying or somehow highly inferior, etc. etc. It makes me feel better to think I am not going in the wrong direction with this Rolex-family watch. I really am crazy about the looks, regardless, and it is in remarkable condition.

I also have a feeling that the new line of Tudors taking on their own style independent of Rolex will only make these Rollie look-a-likes grow more in popularity, creating greater demand and appeal. In checking prices online to get an idea, I have seen a rising trend in the prices for these Tudor Subs. I better pick it up now while I have the chance to get something in this good a shape backed by the paperwork, all original parts, and overhaul done by RSC done this July. Attributes I have not seen in any other Blue Tudor Subs for sale.

I got one more day to think, but I don't think there is much to think about anymore...... 99% sure it will be mine in a couple of days.

[SSD]

It is really nice! If you buy it and then change your mind for whatever reason, please PM me. I've never seen one in person, but I like Tudor and that blue is great!

[yemenmocha]

I wear my Tudor on occasions where I want a little less statement on my wrist than the Rolex, and even if someone asks about it I'll explain it is a Tudor and they're usually more interested than I had expected.

[daunwaun]

tudors are in a class of there own

[SSD]

Definitely. Also not as prominent, and therefore (possibly) more of a cusrosity than some brands. I've always found them quite interesting.