Tudor Air Tiger

[franklin]

I saw a Tudor Air Tiger at a vintage watch store and like its appearance a lot. It's from the late fifties or early sixties, the owner tells me.
The watch appears to run - how reliably I still have to ask. The owner is a respected merchant and horologist in my hometown.

What are your experiences with this model? Please, share your advice and opinions and help me make up my mind.

[franklin]

No one here knows this watch?

[joe100]

We know it. Without clear photos of the dial, it's impossible to give you much advice.

[franklin]

Maybe a better way of asking my question is: what would YOU look for in a good Tudor air tiger?
I am still looking and learning.

[Old Expat Beast]

Photos are very important. Without them, there's nothing folks could tell you here that would guarantee you would not end up with a watch that was undesirable. An experienced eye is vital, and there are plenty of people who will share their expertise freely, if you will take the time to get some clear photos.

[franklin]

Thank you.

[franklin]

I understand.

[andromeda160]

Alot of these have damaged dials from the years, the luminescent paint really tore up dials on older watches, other than that you have to make sure the case isn't overpolished/pitted, then last is the price. If it doesn't have a clean dial, it's really not worth much. Maybe $200, it's not a super desirable watch in any condition though

[franklin]

I appreciate your responses VERY MUCH. I really needed some context.

[franklin]

I would like your opinion on this watch.
I am right in saying that this is not the original dial, am I not?
What do you glean from the photos?
Please, share your thoughts.

[andromeda160]

Dials replaced, but original tudor, nice looking watch but probably only worth 3-500

[franklin]

Thank you, Greg.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by franklin

Thank you, Greg.

What's the reference number for the watch? It could just be a tudor oyster. I'd recommend a rolex oyster Ref 6426 if you like the watch, same watch with a Rolex movement, you can find head only examples for $8-1200

[franklin]

Originally Posted by andromeda160

What's the reference number for the watch? It could just be a tudor oyster. I'd recommend a rolex oyster Ref 6426 if you like the watch, same watch with a Rolex movement, you can find head only examples for $8-1200

It's a Tudor oyster.
Refurbished, it comes with a one-year warranty from the watchmaker who is selling it in his store. He allowed me to take pictures of the watch for sharing with you.
The price is $500 U.S.

[franklin]

Visited a rolex authorized dealer today and was told that it might be difficult to get parts for a sixty-year-old tudor or rolex.

Is that your experience?

[andromeda160]

[QU OIE=franklin;5703886]Visited a rolex authorized dealer today and was told that it might be difficult to get parts for a sixty-year-old tudor or rolex.

Is that your experience?[/QUOTE]

Rolex would charge atleast $500 to service this watch, if anything major breaks, repair costs even from an independent watchmaker will probably exceed the value of the watch. If the seller serviced it, I'm sure he would have no problem doing it again down the road though for a reasonable price if anything broke. Worse case is you end up having to buy a donor movement off ebay for the parts. I had a 1953 Tudor Oyster, And it wasn't hard finding someone to service it, but it was pricey

[franklin]

Thank you. That helps a lot.

[franklin]

Under what circumstances did you and your tudor oyster part ways? Did you just get tired of it?

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by franklin

Under what circumstances did you and your tudor oyster part ways? Did you just get tired of it?

Nope I loved it, but I bought it off ebay, and it wasn't working right, I paid $350 for it and it was going to cost me a few hundred more to get fixed, I didn't have the money to get it fixed at the time so I returned it while I could. My Rolex has the same case as that Tudor though, I wear it daily and its a great watch. Very comfy, elegant and understated. Only difference on the outside is mine has a coronet and Rolex on the dial instead of a shield and Tudor.

[franklin]

Thank you, Greg.

[franklin]

The reference number for this tudor oyster is 7934.

[andromeda160]

Originally Posted by franklin

The reference number for this tudor oyster is 7934.

dial and hands probably aren't original to the watch, but they're authentic tudor.

[Lgear080]

And the case has been polished to ocean pebble... Keep looking. Crisp lines and original parts.

[franklin]

Originally Posted by Lgear080

And the case has been polished to ocean pebble... Keep looking. Crisp lines and original parts.

:(

That thought crossed my mind, too.

[franklin]

Does polishing diminish the desirability of this watch for most collectors?

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by franklin

Does polishing diminish the desirability of this watch for most collectors?

Yes, but it's not a very collectible watch anyway. You won't make or lose much on it in any case.

[franklin]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Yes, but it's not a very collectible watch anyway. You won't make or lose much on it in any case.

Thank you, Adam.
A watch like that might still be a good timekeeper, right?
Well maintained and cared for it could still do its job. Wouldn't you agree?

I buy watches to enjoy and use them. Profit motive doesn't enter into the equation for me.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by franklin

Thank you, Adam.
A watch like that might still be a good timekeeper, right?
Well maintained and cared for it could still do its job. Wouldn't you agree?

I buy watches to enjoy and use them. Profit motive doesn't enter into the equation for me.

Should be fine if it is properly serviced and regulated. The 7934 was a workhorse.

[franklin]

Thanks!!!

[Old Expat Beast]

As long as you don't mind manual winding, it's a good little watch.