Some Tudor Submariner Questions

[joeychitwood]

This blue Tudor Submariner was originally purchased in 1998. I bought it this week and took delivery yesterday.





I love the watch. I figured out how to remove a couple of links by unfolding the center pieces. I took the bracelet off and found the model number, 79090, and the serial number, which begins with a "B." First question: is it possible to trace the manufacture date with the serial number, as you can with a Rolex? I'm not able to find any serial number databases.

Second, I've noticed that winding the watch and advancing the date involves turning the crown clockwise (looking at it from the side.) However, setting the time involves turning the crown counter-clockwise. Is this true for all Tudors?

Question three: I will be bringing the watch in for service next week. The winding mechanism is fairly stiff. Am I correct in assuming that the winder has a clutch which prevents over-winding? Do the standard 40 turns wind it fully?

Lastly, the acrylic crystal is somewhat scratched and smudged after 13 years of use. I know the acrylic can be smoothed somewhat, so I will be buffing it with Polywatch. Can it be replaced with a sapphire crystal? I'm not worried about decreasing the value of the Tudor, but if a sapphire crystal is a possiblity, I'd like to do it for durability.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

This blue Tudor Submariner was originally purchased in 1998. I bought it this week and took delivery yesterday.





I love the watch. I figured out how to remove a couple of links by unfolding the center pieces. I took the bracelet off and found the model number, 79090, and the serial number, which begins with a "B." First question: is it possible to trace the manufacture date with the serial number, as you can with a Rolex? I'm not able to find any serial number databases.

Second, I've noticed that winding the watch and advancing the date involves turning the crown clockwise (looking at it from the side.) However, setting the time involves turning the crown counter-clockwise. Is this true for all Tudors?

Question three: I will be bringing the watch in for service next week. The winding mechanism is fairly stiff. Am I correct in assuming that the winder has a clutch which prevents over-winding? Do the standard 40 turns wind it fully?

Lastly, the acrylic crystal is somewhat scratched and smudged after 13 years of use. I know the acrylic can be smoothed somewhat, so I will be buffing it with Polywatch. Can it be replaced with a sapphire crystal? I'm not worried about decreasing the value of the Tudor, but if a sapphire crystal is a possiblity, I'd like to do it for durability.

Mark,
1- You can find an approximate date of manufacture at the vintage Rolex forum Tudor database:
http://www.vintagerolexforum.com/
2-Competely normal.
3-40 to 50 turns is a full wind, there's also a clutch, so no worries. My Tudor Sub is a bit stiff to wind as well.
4- No, a sapphire crystal will not fit a plex crystal model. You can easily, and inexpensively have it replaced.
Hope this helps,
dP

[joeychitwood]

Thanks for the information Dan. According to the link to vintage watches, the serial number places it more in the 1990 range. The receipt which accompanied the watch dated 1998 did not necessarily state that it was new at that time. I will probably have the acrylic crystal replaced with a new one when I have it serviced.

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

Thanks for the information Dan. According to the link to vintage watches, the serial number places it more in the 1990 range. The receipt which accompanied the watch dated 1998 did not necessarily state that it was new at that time. I will probably have the acrylic crystal replaced with a new one when I have it serviced.

Those dates are just an approximation and there's always a lag between the case receiving it's serial #, final assembley, and the eventual date it's sold.
dP

[lhanddds]

beautiful watch

[jwalther]

Nice one! Get a tube of Polywatch and buff the crystal using an old cotton t-shirt. It will look as good as new.

[dddrees]

I think The Blue Tudor Sub is a Great looking watch.

Congrats.

[HL65]

Very sharp Joey!! Now you can hang with DP!! I have a Tudor on my radar---we will see if I can pull it off--then I can hang with you both!!--Happy Sunday!!

[dricig]

Great pick-up, I always liked the Tudor Subs and the blue one is stunning!
Good luck with it.

dave

[CKLinLA]

Originally Posted by joeychitwood

This blue Tudor Submariner was originally purchased in 1998. I bought it this week and took delivery yesterday.

Nice! The blue Tudor Submariner is one of the Subs
I really like. Congrats

[garGARgar]

Congrats!! That's a damn good looking Sub you got. Looks brand new from the photo.

[Johny]

that is a great looking watch.

[Saxon007]

RSC Dallas will service it for $375 (I just had my 79090 serviced there). The price includes a new plexi crystal (they replace acrylic crystals at every service), crown and tube. Mine is currently running at -2 seconds per day.

Yours is a beauty, that dial looks flawless.

[Deldog]

Amazing watch. Congrats. ... Deldog

[Cannop]

Lovely watch Mark I was confused about the winding when I got mine - and the uni-directional non click bezel, but it's all normal!

My lollipop says hello:

[Lex_Ordo]

A really outstanding watch! Congrats.

I have the Black Dial, and mine was made in 1989. I just recently had the Bracelet, dial, hands, and bezel insert replaced along with a full service. Looks brand new now. It was worn everyday and everywhere, before I bought my GMT Master II.

I felt the Tudor deserved a second life since it was pretty beat up after 20 years.

Good Luck with it. You'll never see those made again.

[acce1999]

What Dan said. My 79090 is the same (although with a black dial and bezel).

Yours is very good looking! Congrats!

Best,

A

[jdc]

nice watch, if you want a sapphire dial the 79190 is the model for you

[buz-lh]

That's a beauty and will quickly become one of your favorites. Welcome to blue club.

[Rebel]

My 75090 is at the Spa in Dallas. Should get it back in a week or so.

Yours looks great. Congrats.

[joeychitwood]

Originally Posted by buz-lh

That's a beauty and will quickly become one of your favorites. Welcome to blue club.

I've worn it every day since I received it. It is probably in a tie with my Sea Dweller right now for favorite watch. It's going in to the jeweler on Wednesday for service and a new acrylic crystal. There are smudges on both the outside and inside of the crystal, but the dial and hands are basically perfect. I expected the lume to be completely gone, given the age, but it glows faintly in the dark.

[Warnsboy]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Those dates are just an approximation and there's always a lag between the case receiving it's serial #, final assembley, and the eventual date it's sold.
dP

The 79090 with an acrylic might be appropriate towards the earler 1990's as the 79090 transitioned to saphire crystal somewhere near the middle of the production range.