buying a Tudor Heritage Chrono - a few questions

[mav16]

Hello there. First post from a long time lurker, so bear with me...

I never really paid attention to Tudor, since it's not available in the US, but was recently introduced to the Heritage Chronograph 70330N. What an awesome watch! I'm looking to buy one sometime next year and had a few questions...

I understand that the Heritage Chrono is powered by an ETA 2892 with a DD 2054 chronograph module. Given that ETA/Swatch plans to significantly reduce ETA movements and parts to third party watch manufacturers, outside of the Swatch umbrella, starting in January 2012, will this impact the availability and production of the Heritage Chrono and other Tudor watches next year and beyond? How will this impact maintenance, servicing and repairs in the long term for owners?

I often read criticisms of the separate DD chronograph module. Some don't like it, some claim that it is difficult to service. While I don't mind that the chrono is a separate module, I'm more keen on performance and reliability. If you happen to own this watch, what are your thoughts on the movement?

Since Tudor is not officially sold in the US, although I wish it was, what's the best way to buy one? Visit Canada or grey market? I would prefer to buy new or in brand new condition, if used, and would need to have a valid Tudor warranty. I also have seen a few sellers on this forum occasionally put one up for sale.

Thanks!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mav16

Hello there. First post from a long time lurker, so bear with me...

I never really paid attention to Tudor, since it's not available in the US, but was recently introduced to the Heritage Chronograph 70330N. What an awesome watch! I'm looking to buy one sometime next year and had a few questions...

I understand that the Heritage Chrono is powered by an ETA 2892 with a DD 2054 chronograph module. Given that ETA/Swatch plans to significantly reduce ETA movements and parts to third party watch manufacturers, outside of the Swatch umbrella, starting in January 2012, will this impact the availability and production of the Heritage Chrono and other Tudor watches next year and beyond? How will this impact maintenance, servicing and repairs in the long term for owners?

I often read criticisms of the separate DD chronograph module. Some don't like it, some claim that it is difficult to service. While I don't mind that the chrono is a separate module, I'm more keen on performance and reliability. If you happen to own this watch, what are your thoughts on the movement?

Since Tudor is not officially sold in the US, although I wish it was, what's the best way to buy one? Visit Canada or grey market? I would prefer to buy new or in brand new condition, if used, and would need to have a valid Tudor warranty. I also have seen a few sellers on this forum occasionally put one up for sale.

Thanks!

While I would agree it takes a real experienced watchmaker with knowledge of the Dubois-dépraz to service it.My watchmaker friend stated he had only seen one with a problem and he has serviced a few of them over the years.Now In the module all the main wheels are well over engineered and at least five times thicker and stronger than in most other normal chrono movements, plus all pushers, heart cams, and pivots are well over engineered. And the module finish work on all internal parts are too quite a high standard.IMHO even the polishing of heart cam sides for hammer function is excellent and to a very high standard of finish IMHO it is better than Rolex own movement finish.


So what this boils down too if they are properly serviced these modules will last a lifetime of usage.Don't assume all chrono modules are equal now these modules are quite expensive in there own right.So should be serviced with watchmakers who has the credentials and tools to service them, but sadly many today will not service them, but IMHO thats simply because they don't know how too.IMHO you are looking at an well over engineered chrono module for a wristwatch. But if a say local watchmaker takes your module apart and damages a part, he will have trouble getting it from the manufacturer.These Dubois-dépraz module need precise oiling,plus wheel height and jewel adjustments.Plus the end shake of wheel adjustments and of course the driving wheel seating position from the base 2892 calibre gear must mesh to the module properly, and this can be a very tedious task to do if you are not skilled with the module.

Now this is one of the main reasons why they have a bad name in the watch service industry not because they are a bad chrono module. Its because they need proper care and service with the correct oils and grease etc.IMHO its a fine chrono module with the excellent ETA 2892 and cannot see any reason with proper service to last a life time and beyond, myself would have no problem buying one.And I would not think that Rolex would have put this combination, into any Rolex Tudor watch if they thought it would ever be a problem movement and did not have the skills to service them or have the parts for many many years to come..

[Mickey®]

WOW. Excellent answer Padi. I couldn't have said it that well even if I had all the knowledge!

[Dan Pierce]

Peter is spot on, as always.

My watchmaker told me the problem w/ the add on module setup when first introduced was the original base movements were not engineered for the added work load. The latest base movements are beefed up to accommodate the add on chrono module.
My Tudor Heritage has run flawlessly at about +4 sec per day.
dP

[mav16]

padi56, thanks for the very informative post!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by mav16

padi56, thanks for the very informative post!

My pleasure perhaps one of our sellers on forum could get one for you, no harm in asking drop a few PMs to them.