Are the 7159 Monte Carlos collectible?

[donsidhu]

I recently had a chance to purchase a cool and unusual piece, one that you'd seldom see in Toronto, and wanted to share the story here on the forum and ask if it is collectible.

I went into a small jewelry shop in the city looking to buy one of those instruments used to change watch bracelets/straps. Starting talking about watches to the owner and he said someone was there offering to trade his watch for some jewelry in his shop – and that the gentleman had purchased the watch from this same shop 30 years ago. He showed me the watch and asked for my opinion. I asked him what the value of the jewelry was and said I’d make him whole for that amount. He promptly agreed, and I purchased the watch.

It’s a Tudor Monte Carlo reference 7159/0, reference year 1974, serial 820,XXX. The watch is in incredible condition, having never been polished and with no bracelet stretch on its 7836 oyster with 380 end links. So far I really like it, but not sure if I’ll keep it or put it up for trade. But for now I’m really enjoying its uniqueness.

Are these collectible? Thanks in advance for any insight!

Here are some pictures…

[05carbondrz]

Yes,They are collectible.If You trade it look me up,I’d be interested.The lume looks a little sloppy in places,I don’t know if they are all like that though.

[donsidhu]

Thanks 05carbondrz! Ok let me think about it and will DM you if I wanna trade it. Re the lume, yes I googled them on the net and they all have that type of lume.

[omitohud]

Yes it is collectible. I would say it’s one of two collectible vintage tudors, the other one being the snowflake. I would be interested as well if you are trading.


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[MorningTundra]

Very desirable reference. Precursor to the famous Big Blocks.

At the time they didn’t sell well. Few were made. Much rarer than the snowflake Subs.

I don’t think your 380 end links are correct for the reference. But nice pickup


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[watchcrank]

Look at those chamfers������Nice score, very collectible.

[RazorD]

Very nice! Congrats!

[soundserious]

Whoa. Love mine.

[exador]

They seem to go for around $13K and up on Chrono24.

Whoohoo! 500th post

[bazamu]

7159 Monte Carlos are quite collectible and rarely seen compared to Tudor Subs. These followed the 7031/7032 "Home Plate" references and featured a better movement / the distinctive minute counter design. This one, in particular, looks very, very nice. Amazing pickup!

[Styles Bitchley]

I love these.


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[roh123]

Especially the early ones with prototype pushers.

[Chewbacca]

nice watch.

[donsidhu]

Gents, a huge thank you for all the insight. That was awesome, and very helpful. I'll enjoy the watch for now.

[Boaters]

That looks like a beauty

[storm66]

Stunning!......Keep it and enjoy it........I doubt you’re get the opportunity again

[donsidhu]

Thanks guys! storm66 I think I'll take that advice for now. Cheers

[actionkwj]

Is this a real question? These are highly collectible and I’d have one if their prices had not risen so high I think they are truly rarer than Daytonas of their day and will become even scarcer in the future Congrats on your beautiful 70s chronograph!


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[adam78]

My 7169 says hi.

[mineral]

Originally Posted by adam78

My 7169 says hi.

Very beautiful watch and great shot. Thanks for sharing :)


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[Boaters]

Very nice..

[donsidhu]

Thanks for the insight actionkwj! I had no idea they were that rare.

Thanks for the pic Adam78! Yours is a real stunner.

Much appreciated guys!

[Shiny1]

Cool

[donsidhu]

One thing I don't understand is how snowflakes have tripled in price over the last 5 years while these Monte Carlo's haven't really moved much in comparison.

[omitohud]

Rarity doesn’t always equal to value, popularity does. Just look at the modern equivalent, the divers outsold the chrono by leap and bound. It’s more about supply and demand. When demand outstrips supply, prices increase.


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[theflywrist]

Originally Posted by omitohud

Rarity doesn’t always equal to value, popularity does. Just look at the modern equivalent, the divers outsold the chrono by leap and bound. It’s more about supply and demand. When demand outstrips supply, prices increase.


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Pretty much this.
Early 7928s, and snowflakes have more than tripled.
I see no date snowflakes (especially in blue) trade for really hefty prices.

I also think the Big Block for example is a gorgeous watch and can be had for relatively very cheap comparatively. To be fair the wearability/size of Tudor chronos don't appeal to everyone, I personally do like them.

[mineral]

True that the blue snowflake price has been appreciated significantly.

And other Tudor especially the non date version is getting popular nowadays too.




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[MorningTundra]

Originally Posted by theflywrist

To be fair the wearability/size of Tudor chronos don't appeal to everyone, I personally do like them.

They’re really not as big as the name suggests. Compared to modern divers like the SD or Omegas offerings, they’re pretty modest.



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[bazamu]

Originally Posted by MorningTundra

They’re really not as big as the name suggests. Compared to modern divers like the SD or Omegas offerings, they’re pretty modest.



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To add on to that, the Monte Carlo is far slimmer than the Big Block. I recently found a Big Block and wanted to try it out, and switching from that to the Monte makes the Monte feel like a feather!

[pierson]

Guess what I bought today!!