Bought a Tudor Submariner Snowflake, need some help authenticating it (with photos)

[sydneysider]

Dropped by a watch dealer today on the hunt for a Speedmaster Pro and casually asked if the dealer had any Tudor Submariners. He said he had taken one as a trade in but it was pretty beaten up and had no box or papers. To my delight it was a Snowflake and he was only asking A$1700 (AUD)!!!

Story goes he bought it as part of a trade in for A$1500 (AUD) and doesn't really deal in beaten up watches (doesn't like them and can't photography them nicely to put on the website) so its been sitting in his safe for 5 months. He was keen to get rid of it. The dealer in question is an established, longstanding dealer.

He'll provide certification its authentic and original so I jumped on it. It does feel a little bit too good to be true but I figure for A$1700 it can easily be flipped. If its all authentic and original then it should be a bargain?

Can anyone help me confirm if it looks original, authentic, the year, specifics, etc.?

The bracelet has 7836 inscribed.

Happy to provide more photos/answer questions.

Padi edit
if you want to post more picture keep them to a more acceptable forum size as per forum rules around 900x900 pixel size.

[HogwldFLTR]

It is unfortunately out of focus and hard to see anything of consequence in the image.

[sutats]

Looks good to me. The hands/dial may have been replaced and that's just fine. Check for corrosion as with any watch.

Make sure to check the model reference and serial number stamped on the case and of course check the movement. This should all be a breeze given that you're dealing with a dealer.

[sydneysider]

Apoligies for the out of focus, and large images. I've only got my iPhone until I get back home (out of town right now).

The model reference states its 1976 - saw it in the shop. I don't have a tool right now to take of the bracelet to the rest. Is there anything I should look for on the movement? What do I need to confirm with the serial and reference number?

Given the condition, any thoughts on whether I got value for A$1700?

[watchwatcher]

There is no such thing as a good deal if authenticity is a concern.

[Jeffwb65]

If the movement is serviceable and works, definitely a bargain. That price converts to a little over $1200 US, so I'm jealous. Lol.

[sydneysider]

@watchwatcher - I do think its authentic, the watch dealer is an established dealership. I'm just looking for pointers on how to go about validating originality and that all pieces are consistent, I'm very new to all this.

[HERITAGE82]

That is a great peice at a bargain price. Dial and hands look original with nice patina, and the insert looks like it has a great fade to it. Also, it looks like the lugs are still thick so it might even have the original bevels (need to see close ups for that). I would take it to an independent watchmaker and get it serviced, lightly polished and get it a new Crystal (for proper water resistance).

We would love to see more pics and I would be very happy if I were you!

Congrats!!

[sydneysider]

Thanks heritage - as I say I have a basic knowledge so it was a bit of a punt! Looking at the watch I can see the bevel definition (the way the light is hitting it). Plan is definitely to have it serviced then probably look for a NATO strap.

Very excited thus far - no plans to sell it any time soon - but potentially looking at a nice margin if I flip it next year for a cleaner example.

Once I get back home tomorrow night I'll try get some high res images posted.

[nick c]

Originally Posted by Jeffwb65

If the movement is serviceable and works, definitely a bargain. That price converts to a little over $1200 US, so I'm jealous. Lol.

Originally Posted by sydneysider

Thanks heritage - as I say I have a basic knowledge so it was a bit of a punt! Looking at the watch I can see the bevel definition (the way the light is hitting it). Plan is definitely to have it serviced then probably look for a NATO strap.

Very excited thus far - no plans to sell it any time soon - but potentially looking at a nice margin if I flip it next year for a cleaner example.

Once I get back home tomorrow night I'll try get some high res images posted.

Look for a nice strap