Tudor Purchase on eBay - Am I an Idiot?

[linesiders]

Need better photos, overall looks OK but need clear, straight on shots of the engravings

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Tudor magnification is lower than Rolex. The date window looks like it has been polished, giving it that wavy effect.

Well they use the same factory crystal in most cases, so no. The exception is when the datewheel is at a different focal point.

[jsg199]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

I think an out-and-out fake of that watch is unlikely. If you were doing fake Tudors looking that close to genuine and selling them for $643 you'd be wasting your time as a counterfeiter, why not go work for Thomas Caddell instead?

Get a new crystal and new hands and get a service and case polish and you've done very well with your eBaying, I'd say.

I tend to agree - can it really be worth it to create a Tudor knock-off like this? However I am now wondering about the serial number and what that tells me about the watch.

Thanks!

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Need better photos, overall looks OK but need clear, straight on shots of the engravings



Well they use the same factory crystal in most cases, so no. The exception is when the datewheel is at a different focal point.

I was always under the impression that vintage Tudor magnifiers were 1.5 whereas Rolex was 2.5 from the factory

[jsg199]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Need better photos, overall looks OK but need clear, straight on shots of the engravings

Are these photos better? Does 42275 seem like a valid serial number?

[TudorTom]

Originally Posted by jsg199

I checked again with flashlight, and I'm almost sure that only 5 numbers are listed - 42275. Hope this isn't a bad sign!

Remember that the lists of Tudor serial numbers found online are not absolute --- my understanding is that they were complied by groups of individual watch owners, were intended to be used as a guide, and were not published or endorsed by the Rolex Group.

How sure are you that there are only 5 numbers? The serial number looks off-center in your photo, as if it is missing a digit on the front end. Maybe it simply isn't visible in your photo, got polished off by accident by a previous owner, didn't get stamped correctly at the factory -- or maybe there's some other explanation.

Even after examining it with a loupe, for a while I thought the model number of my 1969 Prince Oysterdate was "720671". After multiple calls to RSC and finally getting to speak with someone knowledgeable, I finally figured out that it was actually "7206/1". It might be worth a call to them, but be aware that it might take more than one -- as a lot of the people who answer the phone don't know any more than the average AD salesperson.

Personally, I think your watch looks more like a 1970s-1980s model. The technology available at that time was simply not good enough to make a fake that would so closely resemble the original. I'm nearly certain your watch is authentic.

[uncleluck]

Originally Posted by jsg199

I tend to agree - can it really be worth it to create a Tudor knock-off like this? However I am now wondering about the serial number and what that tells me about the watch.

Thanks!

My comment is not a suggestion toward the OP’s watch/dilemma but...

People fake Seiko turtles and sell them for £40, a $650 watch that could potentially be $150-$200 of parts isn’t a bad couple hours work putting it together I guess.

[linesiders]

This watch is from the late 80s or or more likely early 90s when the serial range restarted, so it it is likely a 45K serial, before Tudor went to the B serials.

Without better photos I cannot be certain but what I see is fine.

Originally Posted by offrdmania

I was always under the impression that vintage Tudor magnifiers were 1.5 whereas Rolex was 2.5 from the factory

This would be incorrect. Many Tudors share a crystal with Rolex, the times they don't are when the datewheel hole in the dial does not align (say 157x -v- ETA). When comparing a 157x -v- an Eta in a Sub for example, the datewheel is wider as are the fonts on the Rolex than compared to the Tudor - picture a 14x9 widescreen monitor -v- a 4x3 monitor aspect ratio, and the Tudor opening is closer to the outer edge of the dial. Mag is the same.

[harry in montreal]

It is a nice Rolex. Enjoy. It’s cheap too. It’s the cost of the sales tax of a new tudor sub

[hugop]

Originally Posted by jsg199

Are these photos better? Does 42275 seem like a valid serial number?

Tudor reset their serial number system to begin at 10,000 in 1984. numbers in 1985 started with 140,000. (Sweeping hand UK). So your serial number should be for 1984. The Oyster cased 74000 was available in that time period. One was listed on C&C not long ago that was in the 124,xxx serial range which would keep it in the same 1984 serial range. Would be great to see a photo of the movement (should be a Tudor signed 2824-1) but the watch looks legit after a quick look.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by linesiders

This watch is from the late 80s or or more likely early 90s when the serial range restarted, so it it is likely a 45K serial, before Tudor went to the B serials.



Without better photos I cannot be certain but what I see is fine.







This would be incorrect. Many Tudors share a crystal with Rolex, the times they don't are when the datewheel hole in the dial does not align (say 157x -v- ETA). When comparing a 157x -v- an Eta in a Sub for example, the datewheel is wider as are the fonts on the Rolex than compared to the Tudor - picture a 14x9 widescreen monitor -v- a 4x3 monitor aspect ratio, and the Tudor opening is closer to the outer edge of the dial. Mag is the same.

Thanks for the clarification

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by offrdmania

Thanks for the clarification

[jsg199]

**UPDATE**

Took the watch to Grand Central Watch Repair in New York and had it authenticated. Indeed a 2824-1 ETA movement, as per a prior poster.

For the service below, they are quoting me $775. Does this seem within reason? I've heard they're on the pricey side but reliable. Am I better taking the watch to the Rolex Service Center?

* Complete disassembly of all parts of the movement
* Ultrasonic cleaning of movement
* New mainspring
* New crystal
* New crown
* New case tube
* New gaskets
* Ultrasonic clean the case (No extra charge)

[TudorTom]

Sounds outrageous in my opinion...I'd expect a routine service to be more in the range of $200-400. How much of the $775 is parts -- and are they original Rolex parts or aftermarket ones from Star Time Supply, Esslinger, etc?

[oysterquartz17000]

Originally Posted by jsg199

**UPDATE**

Took the watch to Grand Central Watch Repair in New York and had it authenticated. Indeed a 2824-1 ETA movement, as per a prior poster.

For the service below, they are quoting me $775. Does this seem within reason? I've heard they're on the pricey side but reliable. Am I better taking the watch to the Rolex Service Center?

* Complete disassembly of all parts of the movement
* Ultrasonic cleaning of movement
* New mainspring
* New crystal
* New crown
* New case tube
* New gaskets
* Ultrasonic clean the case (No extra charge)

Thats crazy high! Does it really need all those parts replaced? If so, I'd return it. I bet the previous owner did the same thing as you, got a quote and rather than proceed dropped it on ebay.

[jsg199]

I got the quote through email. I'm going to talk to them tomorrow and see how much is parts, where the parts are from, etc.

I'm also wondering if I should go to Rolex Service Center and get an estimate. I might be willing to spend $700 if I know Rolex is doing it and using their parts. Does that make sense?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

[RW88]

Originally Posted by jsg199

I got the quote through email. I'm going to talk to them tomorrow and see how much is parts, where the parts are from, etc.

I'm also wondering if I should go to Rolex Service Center and get an estimate. I might be willing to spend $700 if I know Rolex is doing it and using their parts. Does that make sense?

Sent from my Pixel 2 using Tapatalk

I would bring it to rsc. They're very helpful and doesnt hurt to have another data point. Dont go during lunch if youre in a rush

[Dan S]

You need to find a more reasonable repair place. This is not the kind of watch to take to Grand Central or RSC. Personally, I would look for someone to do the work in the neighborhood of $300 or less. It's just a basic ETA, and there is apparently nothing wrong with it.

[BryC]

I sent my Tudor 74000N with a 2824 into RSC and was quoted around $450, and pretty much the same parts needed to be replaced, sans the crystal.

[jsg199]

**UPDATE/THE SAGA CONTINUES**

Spoke to Grand Central and they said they do indeed use Rolex parts but in this situation only do full restorations, not just a simple movement service. Took the watch to Rolex Service Center but they were busy, so I'll get an estimate by Monday.

[mongobongo]

Oh man, another story without an ending

:(

Please post back and let us know what the outcome was

[lew07]

The cyclops doesn’t look right to Me.May just be the photo or has someone stuck one on ? It doesn’t look right.

[TUDORTIME]

Fascinating discussion of a lovely vintage piece.

He did have it authenticated but we’re awaiting the photos of the servicing.

[AJMarcus]

Originally Posted by Toronto Soup King

I think an out-and-out fake of that watch is unlikely. If you were doing fake Tudors looking that close to genuine and selling them for $643 you'd be wasting your time as a counterfeiter, why not go work for Thomas Caddell instead?

Get a new crystal and new hands and get a service and case polish and you've done very well with your eBaying, I'd say.

I agree with you. After service, put a nice Hodinkee leather strap on it and you’ll be fine. Nice everyday watch. A step into the vintage world is always like this you’re first time around.

[RLXFRM]

The price isn't too bad for that price lol.

[offrdmania]

Holy 1 year bump batman!