Tudor Submariner - Top 5 Reasons to Own One

[dlack]

There has been a fair bit of Tudor Submariner bashing on this and other fora lately, with comments so bold (some might say, ignorant) as to refer to the Tudor Sub as the "bastard child" of the Rolex Sub.

What follows are the top 5 reasons that one might actually consider the Tudor Sub over it's Rolex counterpart:

1. LOOK, FEEL & QUALITY: Full-size Tudor Subs, both vintage (7016, 7928, 9411) and more modern (79090, 79190), have generally resembled in style, look, feel and quality, their Rolex counterparts, at a slightly more affordable price-point. They were made by Rolex, and don't let anyone tell you that manufacturing standards for the Tudor line are any less than Rolex standards.

2. MOVEMENT: [Let's exclude the FEF 390 movements found in the very early 7928 Subs of the 1950's era, as parts are very difficult to source for that movement.] The ETA 2824-2 movements commonly found in the more modern Tudor Subs (and even the earlier ETA 2483 in the 7016 Sub, and the ETA 2784 in the 9411 Sub, and their non-date variants) are veritable tried and true workhorses. Yes, they're not Rolex in-house movements, but they're capable of maintaining COSC-accurate time (mine does), and were certainly good enough for Rolex, with its own exacting standards, to incorporate into its Tudor Subs (with some tweaking and adornments distinctive to the Rolex brand). That's darn good enough for me. Is the vintage Rolex Daytona -- arguably among the most sought-after Rolex models, ever -- any less a Rolex because it did not have an "in-house" Rolex movement, but rather a Zenith movement? Indeed, the Zenith El Primero movements that Rolex used were so well-respected as being among the best-made chronograph movements, that vintage Rolex Daytonas today command among the highest values in the marketplace. (Not comparing the El Primero to the ETA 2824-2; just making the point that when Rolex has chosen ebauche movements to assimilate with its brand, it has chosen carefully and well.)(I'm also quite aware that the newer Daytona movements are being produced by Rolex in-house.)

3. VARIATIONS: Certain aestetic variants of the Tudor Subs, such as the blue dial/blue bezel Subs, and the Snowflake Subs, are in fact distinctive in that historically they have had no Rolex Sub equivalent. Classic Tudor Subs, on the other hand, meaning those whose dials and hands closely resemble their Rolex counterparts, are less distinctive of the Tudor brand, and still every bit a Rolex, expecially those with the Rolex signage on the crowns and case backs.

4. REPAIR AND PARTS REPLACEMENT: The ETA 2824-2 is readily and cost-effectively repairable by any competent watchmak, and parts are easily sourced. On the other hand, Rolex in-house movements and parts have become so proprietary that competent independent watchmakers will only service them to the extent that parts are either not required or are available in the grey or black market. Rolex will not service vintages beyond a certain age so one is left to the independents and to the hope that parts will be available and marginally affordable --- never a worry with an ETA-based Tudor, and will not be a worry for many, many years to come.

5. VALUE: Have you noticed the values that Tudor Subs are commanding on the secondary market? Selling prices almost rival those for Rolex Subs. Overpriced you say? Last time I checked, market demand establishes the value for pre-loved Tudor Subs, not the seller. So...why are these Subs commanding such enviable margins? Simple: They're great-looking classic timepieces with an undeniable quality- and prestige-based Rolex heritage; they're long out of production; and their movements are eminently and cost-effectively servicable. Moreover, they were never replaced by Rolex, as no one would seriously suggest that the Hydronaut -- the progeny to the Sub -- measures up to the Sub's classic lines, historic tradition and some might say, cult-like status). People recognize the history and value of the Tudor Sub, and they want it enough that they'll pay a premium to get it...just like other objects of desire. It's that simple.

[Dr. Robert]

I like Tudor subs

[Brisman]

Well said, I love my Tudor Subs.

[JoeG]

My Blue Tudor Sub says hello!

[azguy]

OK, I'll play..............

Tudor are super cool because they can be had in blue......

Tudorwatch.jpg

Crystal2.jpg

dialcloseup.jpg

[dddrees]

I can't play.

But I do like the way the Todur Subs look.

Great write up.

[JimSnyder]

Excellent post

[MoBe]

You get what you pay for,,,,,,,,,,,,nothing wrong with that no matter what the name on the dial.

I plan to get the Black Bay when my local AD gets them in.

[gslaskin]

How's this for a reason: They are just plain cool.

[dysondiver]

do the late ones have the saphire cystal too..

[Burgo]

Great post, sadly i don't have one, but the black bay is definitely on the wish list.

[Tudor66]

Great post, I certainly wasn't one of the Tudor bashers, I am a proud Tudor owner. I think my 7928 is more rare in the U.S. than the Rolex cousin Submariner...

The 390 movement was also used in other tudor watches, so you can always find a backup watch/movement...

[dlack]

Originally Posted by dysondiver

do the late ones have the saphire cystal too..

As far as I know, the first sapphire crystal (with its low profile) appeared on the 79190 model reference, around the late 1990's.

[Keeperoftime]

Originally Posted by JimSnyder

Excellent post

+1

[Maxtor]

Great post.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by dlack

As far as I know, the first sapphire crystal (with its low profile) appeared on the 79190 model reference, around the late 1990's.

You are correct, my 79090 is acrylic

[linesiders]

Plexy is Sexy

[jdc]

I like the Eleanor Roosevelt philosophy “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” Too much snobbery around Rolex in general. I know the value of a watch and this one hits the mark. 76100.

[HORNBLOWER]

Anyone that actually owns Tudor will tell you just how good they are. My beautiful 76100 on a new heavy 5 loop NATO

[rc604]

I agree that a Tudor is in no way an inferior watch, but I'm not sure the ETA will be a bonus for much longer when it comes to servicing given how Swatch Group is rapidly tightening control on its movements/parts.

[mikkemus23]

Great post. Here are a couple of shots of my 79090

[zama]

I have a tudor Sub and a Datejust, I view them as complete equals. I still cant get over how nice the repair centre gets your watch. My sub is 25 years old and still looks like new, if only my photos were as good as the watch. I must admit I have not seen much bagging of Tudor's on this site, most if not all members recognize them for what they are the second Rolex brand.

[Dan Pierce]

Proud to wear the brand.
dP

[pawnshopkiller]

Ok I just got one last week. The puffy lume satisfies my vintage cravings but the watch didn't break me.











This is the most fun for the money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[lhanddds]

My blue snowflake should arrive today if I can time being home when FedEx arrives Great post

[Hanz079]

I am loving mine.



Pelagos or Black Bay is nearly in the bag... just waiting it to arrive at my local AD.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by lhanddds

My blue snowflake should arrive today if I can time being home when FedEx arrives Great post

Nooooooooooo, not another snowflake out of circulation.......

[lhanddds]

Originally Posted by azguy

Nooooooooooo, not another snowflake out of circulation.......

Sorry John, It appears to be a one owner watch and needs a little TLC, it really appears to be original but it's not in my hands yet.

[Brenngun]

Don't forget the ETA 2484 with roulette date wheel found in the 7021/0 like mine.

[renfield33]

I like the look of the tudor subs, especially the snowflake.

The fact is, it's still not a rolex. If it was, it would say rolex on the dial.