Help with "Safe Models" of Vintage Tudors

[jonthefisher]

I joined a couple years ago and have pretty much been just lurking around reading and trying to educate myself on vintage Tudors. I own several and would like to add to my collection but am always concerned about getting burned by fakes. The wealth of knowledge on here is staggering and seeing experts point out things like reprinted dials and other problems is amazing.

Is it permitted to ask for some recommendations for vintage Tudor models are old enough, obscure enough or not valuable enough that is it a safe bet they are NOT faked? I am not talking about Submariners but things like a Jumbo Date Day with the rotating bezel or the Chrono-time with the built in bracelet and I am even interested in 34mm models. Watches that if I see one I can safely move past the “is this fake” determination and then assess on condition and value. I have done some research on this, which is why I used the two models above as examples, but I am sure there are many others which is why I am asking.

[sishac]

I am very interested in this topic as well as I recently discovered the jumbo Tudor Prince daydate and would like to pick one up as a birth year watch. I would assume that just about anything can be faked, but the uniqueness of the 38/9mm case in the 4 digit daydates may make it unique, but then the concern would be non-Tudor parts such as hands and especially the movement.

Looking forward to following this topic.


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[Dan Pierce]

Safe models to one might be the grail for others. While it's probably safe to assume less popular references are less likely to be faked proper due diligence is still required. Something you already know, hence your inquiry.

My advice is to choose the reference YOU prefer regardless of it popularity and learn as much as you can so you, with the help of others like here on TRF, can make a realistic determination of authenticity. Half the joy of this hobby is digging deep into the minutia as well as the chase. This will enhance your experience and give you the opportunity to help others w/ what you've learned.
dP

[996marty]

Vintage Tudor’s for me are great watches. As Dan has mentioned find one you like post some pictures and include the asking price and you should get some sound advice on its authenticity.
Find the right one and it’ll be a keeper

[sishac]

One final question….does Tudor service these vintage models? In addition, during a service would they have service dials like vintage Rolex (with modern lume for hands and dials?)


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[jonthefisher]

I have not had mine serviced at Rolex, I use either D's Time Service in San Diego (who has a Rolex parts account) or a local shop if they just need movement work.

Since original/vintage parts are part of their value having service parts swapped in not desirable.

Originally Posted by sishac

One final question….does Tudor service these vintage models? In addition, during a service would they have service dials like vintage Rolex (with modern lume for hands and dials?)


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[zapokee]

Rolex Tokyo said my Tudor Snowflake was too old to service. Seems it depends on the RSC. Some do, some don't.

[TuRo]

The 9111/0, 9101/0, 9121/0, 9130/0 and 9140/0 Chrono Time / Ranger/ Integrale I've not come across a fake yet in 50yrs of collecting the 38mm pieces. Some repainted dials I've spotted though.

Jumbo 38mm Date+Day and Date in various bezel and dial guises, I've also not come across any fakes yet either, but also repaired dials

Now they are both over £2000 I suspect that will change.

Many 40/50/60/70s 34mm vintage Tudor pieces are pretty safe too as they are only £500-800 so just not worth tooling up for...

75090/75190/79090/79190/76100 are faked as are 7924/7928/7016/7021/9411/94110 subs etc, of course :(

Broadly, seems £2-3k is point the fakers tool-up/step in !

[jonthefisher]

Thanks that is great info!

Originally Posted by TuRo

The 9111/0, 9101/0, 9121/0, 9130/0 and 9140/0 Chrono Time / Ranger/ Integrale I've not come across a fake yet in 50yrs of collecting the 38mm pieces. Some repainted dials I've spotted though.

Jumbo 38mm Date+Day and Date in various bezel and dial guises, I've also not come across any fakes yet either, but also repaired dials

Now they are both over £2000 I suspect that will change.

Many 40/50/60/70s 34mm vintage Tudor pieces are pretty safe too as they are only £500-800 so just worth tooling up for

75090/75190/79090/79190/76100 are faked as are 7924/7928/7016/7021/9411/94110 subs etc, of course :(

Broadly, seems £2-3k is point the fakers tool-up/step in !

[jonthefisher]

I agree research and knowledge are a must have, other that forums can anyone recommend any sites or even books with information on vintage Tudors? From my looking there appears to be much less infomation out there than for Rolex models, some of which even have their own sites.

Also I wanted to clarify something, I didnt mean I would not exercise due dillegence in checking a watches authenticity just that when I see a popular Rolex/Tudor model like a Submariner I assume it is fake unless proven authentic, with these I assume its authentic unless proven otherwise. Not that I let my guard down but I don't think the "juice is worth the squeeze" to fake some of these models.

[TuRo]

Pleasure - This is my fave Tudor $450 book.....they come up on eBay for £100-150 if you keep looking though.

https://watchprint.com/en/brands-tha...anthology.html

[tekno]

I wouldn’t send any vintage watch to Rolex or Tudor… a friend is over service in Dallas, he mentioned that they are moving more towards keeping the watches in original condition, but if Dial been relumed or water damaged they require you to change it. If it’s been refinished, they refuse to service the watch.

I just like having more control over what is being done, if I had a new watch I would send it to them & request not to polish. Vintage specialist can save the originality of the watch and give you good options that you wouldn’t get with Rolex or Tudor.

I think a “safe” Tudor is one in very good condition with the most original parts. I feel like the top condition watches move, and the lower condition watches will move at a much lower price. If you use this forum to guide you, you will be fine. As Turo said, there are people faking these watches but I don’t think we have seen any great examples of this.


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[tekno]

Did Rolex service Tudors in the past?


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[TuRo]

Yes, and they still do. Easy to get a 79190 done, much older ones less so...