Please help me find a bezel insert for '76 Tudor Sub 9411/0

[Dom9]

Vintage experts, a minute or two of your time please I have a long watchlist on ebay at the moment as I look for a period correct-ish and good condition insert for my black '76 Tudor Sub 9411/0.

I currently have a very thin font, late service insert from a 5513, which comes up short on the OD and doesn't snap and whilst it was cheap (great condition otherwise, complete with pip, etc.), I have been keeping an eye out for another.

This looks like a 5513 mk.3 serif but something doesn't quite sit right with me, the 'flatness' of the top of the "4", perhaps: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145257275794

This one looks like it has been shaved on both the inner and outer circumference, looks to be a pretty fat font but also doesn't quite sit right with me: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325782795979

These are the two examples I am not sure about, amongst maybe a dozen, but they're also probably the 'best value' (if they're good) so I want to check I am not passing them by unreasonably.

I'm loathed to pay high hundreds or 4-figs (GBP) at this stage, so I'm in no rush.

I won't even start on where to find a good condition blue insert for my '76 blue, albeit I have a lovely ('more modern') genuine Tudor insert, which I love, snaps perfectly and is in stunning condition, even if it doesn't quite fit the patina.

My thanks in advance!

[antrolexsub]

First one is genuine but a bit rough. Second one is a complete fake. Nice examples command a premium as I’m sure you’re aware. I don’t mean to sound rude but even a low 4 figure Mk3 insert will have issues, decent ones are fetching £1.5k - £2k.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by antrolexsub

First one is genuine but a bit rough. Second one is a complete fake. Nice examples command a premium as I’m sure you’re aware. I don’t mean to sound rude but even a low 4 figure Mk3 insert will have issues, decent ones are fetching £1.5k - £2k.

Agreed on pricing. I don't think the OP's expectation are realistic for an eBay or forum purchase.

[Dom9]

I've kept an eye on prices, in various places (ebay easiest to track) this year and although I'm seeing some change hands in the classifieds here (where I have picked up inserts previously); most I'm seeing sit around for months in the £1-2k bracket. The battle seems to be ensuring they're genuine.

The first one, above, is probably what I would consider reasonable condition for my watches that have 'significant' patina, shall we say. The expectation is not 'mint', but period correct and presentable. Perhaps "good condition" from the original post is over-egging the pudding on a forum of collectors.

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by Dom9

The battle seems to be ensuring they're genuine.

Indeed.

[Dom9]

The first one went for £565 by the looks of it, so I'll keep my eyes peeled.

[77T]

Originally Posted by Dom9

I won't even start on where to find a good condition blue insert for my '76 blue, albeit I have a lovely ('more modern') genuine Tudor insert, which I love, snaps perfectly and is in stunning condition, even if it doesn't quite fit the patina.

Hi Dom
The more modern insert is a ‘more correct’ option vs. seeking a 5513 insert IMHO. The authenticity of a 5513 insert would be a major factor if it was going into a 5513 bezel mounted onto a 5513 rather than your Tudor Sub.

Fitting the patina on the genuine Tudor insert is achievable with some special treatment. That would help match the dial’s patina and keep the Watch genuine (but of course not original).

Just my


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[KY..]

Originally Posted by Dom9

Vintage experts, a minute or two of your time please I have a long watchlist on ebay at the moment as I look for a period correct-ish and good condition insert for my black '76 Tudor Sub 9411/0.

I currently have a very thin font, late service insert from a 5513, which comes up short on the OD and doesn't snap and whilst it was cheap (great condition otherwise, complete with pip, etc.), I have been keeping an eye out for another.

This looks like a 5513 mk.3 serif but something doesn't quite sit right with me, the 'flatness' of the top of the "4", perhaps: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/145257275794

This one looks like it has been shaved on both the inner and outer circumference, looks to be a pretty fat font but also doesn't quite sit right with me: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/325782795979

These are the two examples I am not sure about, amongst maybe a dozen, but they're also probably the 'best value' (if they're good) so I want to check I am not passing them by unreasonably.

I'm loathed to pay high hundreds or 4-figs (GBP) at this stage, so I'm in no rush.

My thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by Dom9

The first one went for £565 by the looks of it, so I'll keep my eyes peeled.

I assume it’s unintentional, but when you post direct links to ongoing auctions you’re interested in you are basically leading sharks to the chum.
How will you get a great deal if you broadcast it to competition?
Perhaps try sharing photos next time instead of easy links to the bait.
No harm no foul, but just sayin…Good luck with that

[Dom9]

Thanks @77T - The 1st world problem I seem to have is that Tudor inserts appear very rare vs. their Rolex siblings. I don't know whether it is because there is (possibly) more value in a 551X/1665/1680 insert so they're listed as such or people just measure them and assume they're Rolex. I am happy with my blue one, albeit it couldn't be more jarring from my mega-volcano dial!

I am wary of trying to artificially age anything (not sure if that's what you were suggesting). I am sure it will get there in another ~50yrs... albeit I am not sure I will be there to see it!

@KY.. Although I see your point of view, nothing annoys me more on this BB than someone sticking a photo or two up of something they're looking at on ebay (or A N Other auction site), when there are 10 other photos that would be really helpful to get good input. I am not sure there are many bargains out there, anymore, in internet land, so these things tend to find their true value. You'll note I only posted two of the links I was following, the ones I wasn't completely 'happy' with.

If someone is looking to scalp cheap inserts, I am sure they have their own searches set up. I'd rather pay a few quid more and request/hope to receive the expert experience of the board to ensure I'm not getting a ringer.

[TuRo]

Originally Posted by antrolexsub

First one is genuine but a bit rough. Second one is a complete fake. Nice examples command a premium as I’m sure you’re aware. I don’t mean to sound rude but even a low 4 figure Mk3 insert will have issues, decent ones are fetching £1.5k - £2k.

Spot on, as ever....

[Dom9]

What do you guys think of these two? Condition looks good, they look genuine, etc. Feels like there was value there (finished now). Did have a bid, didn't win but was probably <£50 off each one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970s-Vin...-/204440135022

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1970s-Vin...-/204440133268

[Juhuatai]

Both MK7, confirmed with Xeramic. I thought about bidding but decided against it. Thought they went for a good price.

Cheers,
Frank

[harry in montreal]

I too got a Rolex insert for my snowflake. I have to say that it looked fine to me. I bought the bezel and insert from my AD for a 7021. It may not be worth upgrading it

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

Both MK7, confirmed with Xeramic. I thought about bidding but decided against it. Thought they went for a good price.

Cheers,
Frank

Could you show me where Xeramic's insert guide is please? Saw you mentioned it on VRF

[Juhuatai]

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...r-t266367.html

[shammad10]

Originally Posted by Juhuatai

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/vint...r-t266367.html

Thanks buddy

[Dom9]

Ok, I was on the right track with these. Same seller had a few 1520 movements go at the same time, all around £1300, which I thought was good value (usually see them around £2k), but what am I going to do with a 1520?! I'll stick to the insert hunt.