Tudor Serial Numbers Project

[bagel]

I have been working on the serial numbers of tudor in particular for tudor chronos and submariner and have published in forums in HK. Though the info consolidated is still limited so far, some of my findings are as follows :

Year Least S/N
1960 28xxxx
1961 34xxxx
1962 36xxxx
1963 39xxxx
1964 43xxxx
1965 50xxxx
1966 56xxxx
1967 59xxxx
1968 62xxxx
1969 68xxxx
1970 74xxxx
1971 75xxxx
1972 77xxxx
1973 (*) 79xxxx
1974 (*) 81xxxx
1975 (*) 83xxxx
1976 (*) 84xxxx
1977 86xxxx
1978 (*) 88xxxx
1979 (*) 90xxxx
1980 (*) 93xxxx
1981 (*) 95xxxx
1982 97xxxx
1983 (*) 99xxxx
1984 29xxx
1985 14xxxx
1986 17xxxx
1987 (*) 19xxxx
1988 21xxxx
1989 26xxxx
1990 B33xxxx
1991 (*) B36xxxx
1992 B39xxxx
1993 B50xxxx
1994 B58xxxx
1995 B59xxxx
1996 B79xxxx
1997 B85xxxx
1998 B99xxxx
1999 H13xxxx

Remarks : * is the estimated S/N due to limited info



For Tudor Chrono

Model No. Approx S/N Range
703x/0 ~ 75x,xxx to ~ 76x,xxx
71x9/0 ~ 77x,xxx to ~ 84x,xxx
94xx/0, 94xx0 ~ 87x,xxx to ~ 26x,xxx
791x0 ~ 27x,xxx to ~ B 63x,xxx
792x0, 792x0P ~ B 63x,xxx to ~ H 74x,xxx

For Tudor Sub

Model No. Approx S/N Range
7922，7924 ~ 24x,xxx to 29x,xxx (Possible as early as 140K)
7928，7928/0 ~ 30,xxx to 62x,xxx
7016/0 ~ 62x,xxx to 82x,xxx (Possible as early as 570K)
7021/0 ~ 73x,xxx to 78x,xxx
9401/0，94010 ~ 84x,xxx to 1xx,xxx
9411/0, 94110 ~ 79x,xxx to 96x,xxx (Possible as late as 1x,xxx)
76100 ~ 70,xxx to 22x,xxx
7x090 ~ 30x,xxx to B67x,xxx
7x190 ~ B 67x,xxx to H 14x,xxx


Some More Interesting Findings in Tudor Serial Numbers :

1. For 71x9/0 monte carlo, the only serial numbers I am able to collect started with 77x,xxx, 82x,xxx and 84x,xxx and not others. Still not sure if there are other serial numbers for the 71x9/0 monte carlo series.

2. For contemporary Tudor models, H serial is produced in parallel with O and J serial (J serial should O serial). That is, year of 2007 should correspond to H7 serial and also J1 serial. The recent issued Tudor Iconaut I have come across come with serial J18x,xxx.

3. Tudor reference number started to use "/" from serial number of 59x,xxx (e.g. 7016/0) and such "/" no longer existed in serial number of 89x,xxx (e.g. 94300).

[ugg]

Bagel, Thanks for helping me date my sub

[Dan Pierce]

Bagel,
Wow! Thanks for compiling this Tudor info for us.
dP

[swatty]

Thats great info, thanks for sharing

[bagel]

Here is my recent updates (23 Nov 2008) that I have posted in Timezone and HK Rolex Club Forum, and would like to share with you here as well.

Year.................... Serial (Earliest)
1959.................... 27xxxx
1960.................... 28xxxx
1961.................... 34xxxx
1962.................... 34xxxx
1963.................... 39xxxx
1964.................... 43xxxx
1965.................... 43xxxx
1966.................... 56xxxx
1967.................... 59xxxx
1968.................... 62xxxx
1969*................... 68xxxx
1970.................... 74xxxx
1971.................... 75xxxx
1972.................... 77xxxx
1973*................... 79xxxx
1974*................... 81xxxx
1975*................... 83xxxx
1976*................... 84xxxx
1977.................... 86xxxx
1978*................... 88xxxx
1979*................... 90xxxx
1980*................... 93xxxx
1981*................... 95xxxx
1982.................... 97xxxx
1983*................... 98xxxx
1984.................... 99xxxx
1985.................... 14xxxx
1986.................... 17xxxx
1987*................... 19xxxx
1988.................... 21xxxx
1989.................... 26xxxx
1990.................... B33xxxx
1991*................... B36xxxx
1992.................... B39xxxx
1993.................... B50xxxx
1994.................... B56xxxx
1995.................... B59xxxx
1996.................... B79xxxx
1997.................... B85xxxx
1998.................... B99xxxx
1999.................... H13xxxx
2000.................... H17xxxx
2001*................... H24xxxx
2002.................... H30xxxx


Remarks :
- (*) is the estimated figures
- MN info not included
- O serial not included

[pjsteiner]

I am new to this forum, and to this area of study.
My enthusiasm far exceeds my knowledge.
I am at the beginning.

I own a Rolex Tudor Oysterdate chronograph in stainless steel.
I believe this to be a model #79280 with serial #B905XXX.

I purchased this watch, several years ago, from a highly regarded seller on ebay. The watch came with original Tudor papers dated 09.08.01 from the 'Goldsmiths Group', which I believe is in the UK.

I do not believe that the outer box and Tudor brochure are original.

Upon receipt, I asked my local Rolex Authorized Dealer to verify authenticity and nothing more. I was told that this watch was authentic, and a very clean example. The Dealer looked inside, I have not. I did not show the Dealer the accompanying papers or packaging. I believe that the Seller added the brochure and outer box to complete the package, nothing more.
I believe that the papers are original, but I am not qualified to take this fine item apart.

From reading carefully compiled information by enthusiasts such as Bagel, I have concluded that this watch is circa 1997, Pre-Tiger endorsement. What I can not reconcile is why this watch is designated 'Tudor Oysterdate', rather than 'Tudor Prince Date'. This watch's crown and back are hallmarked with the Rolex insignia, and the back is engraved 'ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVA'. The bracelet is stainless steel and marked #78400. The clasp is hallmarked with the Tudor insignia.

I will appreciate any comments, suggestions and helpful input.

Thank you,
Peter Steiner

[ob1]

Hi Peter. Welcome to TRF. Like you my enthusiasm far outweighs my knowledge! You are in the right place to find information about your watch. I have a tudor chrono 79260 from 1996. It is the same model as yours but with a black bezel (yours has a ss one i believe). If you type tudor chrono into the search facility you will find some excellent posts and probably the largest source of info and history anywhere about Tudor.
As rolex's other brand their cases and winders (and some bracelets) were marked as such. After 97 (someone please correct me if i'm wrong) they ran with complete tudor branded parts. From a collecting/ investment point of view, you've got a more desirable watch as it has the rolex branded case and winder.
Please post some pics of your watch in the general discussion forum. There are lots of fans of these great watches here and we'd all like to see.
Cheers
Mark

[bagel]

Originally Posted by pjsteiner

I am new to this forum, and to this area of study.
My enthusiasm far exceeds my knowledge.
I am at the beginning.

I own a Rolex Tudor Oysterdate chronograph in stainless steel.
I believe this to be a model #79280 with serial #B905XXX.

I purchased this watch, several years ago, from a highly regarded seller on ebay. The watch came with original Tudor papers dated 09.08.01 from the 'Goldsmiths Group', which I believe is in the UK.

I do not believe that the outer box and Tudor brochure are original.

Upon receipt, I asked my local Rolex Authorized Dealer to verify authenticity and nothing more. I was told that this watch was authentic, and a very clean example. The Dealer looked inside, I have not. I did not show the Dealer the accompanying papers or packaging. I believe that the Seller added the brochure and outer box to complete the package, nothing more.
I believe that the papers are original, but I am not qualified to take this fine item apart.

From reading carefully compiled information by enthusiasts such as Bagel, I have concluded that this watch is circa 1997, Pre-Tiger endorsement. What I can not reconcile is why this watch is designated 'Tudor Oysterdate', rather than 'Tudor Prince Date'. This watch's crown and back are hallmarked with the Rolex insignia, and the back is engraved 'ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVA'. The bracelet is stainless steel and marked #78400. The clasp is hallmarked with the Tudor insignia.

I will appreciate any comments, suggestions and helpful input.

Thank you,
Peter Steiner

Hi Peter

Welcome to TRF and thanks for your info.

According to your description of your 79280, it appears to be the earliest version with rolex crown, rolex case back, oysterdate (instead of prince date), and 78400 oyster bracelet. The 792x0 pre-tiger later on changed from oysterdate to prince date but I don't have a conclusive estimate yet on when it had changed.

Hope you will enjoy wearing your tudor chrono ......

[pjsteiner]

Hi Bagel and Mark,

Thank you both for you responses.

I felt brave this morning and used two bamboo toothpicks to release the bracelet at the 6 o'clock position. I am pleased to observe that the inscription does say 'stainless steel' and the serial # does match my papers.
Also, the three numerals (perforated) before the serial # on the 'Garantie' are 160, which is ROLEX code for the UK, which I have learned on this wonderful forum.

I have a wonderful digital Nikon camera, great for action sports, but not the correct macro lens to provide very good close-up, still photos. I will post the best photos which I have been able to take thus far.........

Peter

[pjsteiner]

Hi Bagel,
Please clarify.

You use the term 'earliest' with regard to my Tudor chrono, 79280.
Yet, on your list of serial numbers, however, the B905XXX on mine would place it as Circa 1997..........

If my understanding is correct, Tiger Woods endorcement contract with and for Tudor began mid-1997 and ran for about 2.5 years, ending about 2000.

If this is accurate, I would describe my watch as 'Pre-TigerJust'. A little Rolex humor. (Very little.)

Thank you for your fine work in compiling the serial number data, and your kind response to my inquiry.

Peter

[pjsteiner]

Hi Mark,
I did send several photos, as you suggested, but I must have done something wrong.........so I'll try again.

I don't have a macro lense.

Thank you for your kind response and contribution to our shared interest,

Peter

[bagel]

Originally Posted by pjsteiner

Hi Bagel,
Please clarify.

You use the term 'earliest' with regard to my Tudor chrono, 79280.
Yet, on your list of serial numbers, however, the B905XXX on mine would place it as Circa 1997..........

If my understanding is correct, Tiger Woods endorcement contract with and for Tudor began mid-1997 and ran for about 2.5 years, ending about 2000.

If this is accurate, I would describe my watch as 'Pre-TigerJust'. A little Rolex humor. (Very little.)

Thank you for your fine work in compiling the serial number data, and your kind response to my inquiry.

Peter

792x0 series started at around B63 serial. It started with rolex crown, rolex case back and oysterdate dial.


Until B94 to B95 serial, which is around 1997, tiger woods series started to issue until to H38 to H41 (around 2002). The tiger woods series mostly came with tudor crown, tudor case back and prince date dial. However, I have found some tiger woods sample at transition period (i.e. B94 to B95 serial), that came with tudor crown, rolex case back or vice versa.

From B63 to B94 (to B95), it changed from oysteredate dial to prince date dial even before the tiger woods has appeared somehow but I am still not quite certain when it changed at this point (but probably around B8 or later serial). The earliest batch of 792x0 series I referred are those came with rolex crown, rolex case back and oysterdate dial.

[SubZee]

Hi All

got a question to ask, i saw one 76100 tudor (with lollipop hour hand) that has a 5-digit serial - its a 6xxxx.

But seems like the database above does not have the above.

Could anyone help/clarify on this?

Thanks.

[bagel]

Originally Posted by SubZee

Hi All

got a question to ask, i saw one 76100 tudor (with lollipop hour hand) that has a 5-digit serial - its a 6xxxx.

But seems like the database above does not have the above.

Could anyone help/clarify on this?

Thanks.

It is estimated to be around 1984.
When the serial number reach 999,999 in around 1984, it has started again from 1x,xxx and the earliest serial I have found for 1985 is 14x,xxx.

[SubZee]

Hi there

Oh i see! Thanks for the clarification.

The other thing is that the engravement of the 5 digits are not directly on the centre ... its slightly to the right.

Is this correct?

[bagel]

Originally Posted by SubZee

Hi there

Oh i see! Thanks for the clarification.

The other thing is that the engravement of the 5 digits are not directly on the centre ... its slightly to the right.

Is this correct?

According to my archive, the earliest serial I have found for ref : 76100 is 7x,xxx. However, the last serial of ref : 94110 I have got is 96x,xxx.

Being the successor of ref : 94110, ref : 76100 is expected to be introduced in the range of serial from 96x,xxx to 7x,xxx. Therefore, it is possible for 14,xxx serial for ref : 76100.

For the serial number being slightly on the right as you have mentioned, a pic will help.

[SubZee]

Thanks very much. So it is possible to get 6x,xxx for 76100 (lollipop), correct?

Would you be concerned if you see the serials being engraved slightly to the right instead of the centre between the lugs? Or there's no cause of concern at all?

Will post a pic to illustrate ... but for now its something like this:

STAINLESS STEEL

6 X X X X

actually, the 6 and the last digit actually aligns with "E" (stainlEss) and "L" (steeL) respectively so the above illustration is not the perfect example.

i thought the usual is like this:

STAINLESS STEEL
6 X X X X

[gmt 16750]

Don't worry - I think most (if not all) 5 digit series 76100 are like this.
- Neil.

Originally Posted by SubZee

Thanks very much. So it is possible to get 6x,xxx for 76100 (lollipop), correct?

Would you be concerned if you see the serials being engraved slightly to the right instead of the centre between the lugs? Or there's no cause of concern at all?

Will post a pic to illustrate ... but for now its something like this:

STAINLESS STEEL

6 X X X X

actually, the 6 and the last digit actually aligns with "E" (stainlEss) and "L" (steeL) respectively so the above illustration is not the perfect example.

i thought the usual is like this:

STAINLESS STEEL
6 X X X X

[SubZee]

Ohh ... phew .... i feel much better! :P Anyway, here's the pic to illustrate what i was trying to describe above ...

[bagel]

Originally Posted by SubZee

Ohh ... phew .... i feel much better! :P Anyway, here's the pic to illustrate what i was trying to describe above ...

Looks ok to me. If you wanna be sure, you may wish to have it checked it in RSC.

[Tomassey]

Hi all, I recently got totally hooked on Tudors... These are my babies and I really would like the help to date them (hope this is the right thread for it).

Model 9050/0, serial 87xxxx (seems to be a gap between 1977 and 1978?)
Model 94400, serial 10xxxx (should be after 1984?)

My 94400 has blue bezel and dial, anyone who know if this one is rare? I've seen quite many in black and a few in gold/champagne - but hardly seen many in blue. Love the color btw.

Many thanks in advance and hope I can get in touch with some Tudor-people here!

Br
Tomas, Sweden

[bagel]

Originally Posted by Tomassey

Hi all, I recently got totally hooked on Tudors... These are my babies and I really would like the help to date them (hope this is the right thread for it).

Model 9050/0, serial 87xxxx (seems to be a gap between 1977 and 1978?)
Model 94400, serial 10xxxx (should be after 1984?)

My 94400 has blue bezel and dial, anyone who know if this one is rare? I've seen quite many in black and a few in gold/champagne - but hardly seen many in blue. Love the color btw.

Many thanks in advance and hope I can get in touch with some Tudor-people here!

Br
Tomas, Sweden

Hi Tomas

According to my archive, s/n 87x,xxx and 10x,xxx correspond to around 1977 and 1984 respectively.

I have come across with 94400 with black dial / bezel and blue dial / bezel as well.

Rgds
bagel

[yeungjai]

Hi

I recently purchased a Tudor watch but I cannot seem to identify its model. I have included pictures and hope that someone will be able to help me.

On the back, there are 2 lines of numbers. The first line reads 37000, while the second line reads 811690.

Thanks in advance.

Yves

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2685/dscn3310d.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3296/dscn3311j.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/637/dscn3312i.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3267/dscn3313xlu.jpg

[Deputydog]

Need little help with A TUDOR RANGER NONDATE PLEASE ? 66####

[bagel]

Originally Posted by yeungjai

Hi

I recently purchased a Tudor watch but I cannot seem to identify its model. I have included pictures and hope that someone will be able to help me.

On the back, there are 2 lines of numbers. The first line reads 37000, while the second line reads 811690.

Thanks in advance.

Yves

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/2685/dscn3310d.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/3296/dscn3311j.jpg
http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/637/dscn3312i.jpg
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/3267/dscn3313xlu.jpg

Hi Yves, I am afraid I have not come across with this model before. Do you have any pictures of the movement and the marking of the internal of the case back ?

[bagel]

Originally Posted by Deputydog

Need little help with A TUDOR RANGER NONDATE PLEASE ? 66####

If 66x,xxx is the serial number, it is estimated to be around 1968.

[yeungjai]

Originally Posted by bagel

Hi Yves, I am afraid I have not come across with this model before. Do you have any pictures of the movement and the marking of the internal of the case back ?

Unfortunately I do not; its several months old and I've never had it opened before. As I haven't been able to locate the model anywhere on the net, I've begun to question its authenticity, though the vendor I purchased it from seems to be otherwise reputable.

If it makes any difference, I'm from Toronto, CA; I've heard that Tudor's stopped distributing to the States so maybe certain models remain relegated to the relatively small Canadian market?

Yves

[bagel]

Originally Posted by yeungjai

Unfortunately I do not; its several months old and I've never had it opened before. As I haven't been able to locate the model anywhere on the net, I've begun to question its authenticity, though the vendor I purchased it from seems to be otherwise reputable.

If it makes any difference, I'm from Toronto, CA; I've heard that Tudor's stopped distributing to the States so maybe certain models remain relegated to the relatively small Canadian market?

Yves

Hi Yves

IMHO, I am sorry to say that I am also doubtful about its authencity. For the peace of mind, you may wish to bring to the official service centre to check.

[yeungjai]

Originally Posted by bagel

Hi Yves

IMHO, I am sorry to say that I am also doubtful about its authencity. For the peace of mind, you may wish to bring to the official service centre to check.

Ah; not the news I'd like to hear but appreciated nonetheless. Thank you bagel; I think I will be making the trek to a service centre soon.

Yves

[Submarino]

Regarding the Tudor Chrono with Tiger on the dial, there were some transitional models that came with Prince Date dial with Tiger on it, Prince Tudor case back but still with a Rolex crown. The serial # on some of these watches goes between B953xxx to around B954xxx. I actually own one of this beautiful pieces and will post some pics for your enjoyment.