Please help with Vintage Tudor/Rolex

[Dubss25]

I recently got into watches. I asked my dad if he had any nice watches and he said “no”. We went do into his basement and he opened a box with a Tudor box in it. He knew nothing about this watch, except he was given it for free in 1975 or 76. I recognized that a Tudor was a nice watch, but then I realized it had a Rolex crown on the clasp. We were able to find a little information such as the reference number 7159/0 and that it is referred to as the Monte Carlo. It has the original box and paper, but it is different from the examples I found online. There are no numbers stamped on the lugs or bracelet and the caseback does not say Rolex. The original sticker is still intact. Does anyone know where I can find more information about this watch?

[offrdmania]

Your best bet is to post clear pics here of the front of the watch, the back, the bracelet markings, the engravings between the lugs (remove the bracelet to see these).
There are a few things in your description that dont make sense and point to it being fake, yet other things point to it being real.
We cant help you much solely off of your description alone.
If it is a true 7159/0 then it is a somewhat valuable watch right now but authenticity, condition, original parts, box, papers etc all play a role in its value.

[curtisl1982]

Very intrigued to see if this is an original Monte Carlo.....the suspense....

[Dubss25]

Here are some pics

[Dubss25]

2

[Dubss25]

Papers

[newkidonblock4]

Looks like a 7159 to me (but i'm also no pro)! Definitely get the serial number but that's a crazy find man... Thank god you went digging!

[dhknola]

HOLY SHIT! That looks like a new old stock Tudor Monte Carlo! WOW! I would keep in the box as is, the premium that watch will command is because of that condition.

[datejust24]

It does look to be all original indeed… If so you have literally stumbled across something that most likely will never get the pleasure to handle let alone own or even see for that matter. Buy it.

[linesiders]

Need clear photos but you probably just hit a Twenty Thousand Dollar home run.

PM me if you want advice - no I am not going to purchase it ; ) - Or post here.

Keep it if you want the best example of a very collectible watch. Otherwise watch your PM inbox fill but Barn Find NOS Monte is quite the find (assuming everything is on the level)

[Dubss25]

Why does the caseback look different from the pics I have come across on the internet?

[JimBianchi]

That there is a the very definition of a "nice" watch.

Congrats!

Sell it now and by a car.

Keep it 30 years and retire on the money.

[newkidonblock4]

Originally Posted by Dubss25

Why does the caseback look different from the pics I have come across on the internet?

Can you feel for an engraving under the sticker on the caseback?

[spacedinvader]

Originally Posted by Dubss25

Why does the caseback look different from the pics I have come across on the internet?

If you’re referring to the sticker, because most (but not all)people remove that first time they wear the watch.

What an amazing find. Lucky you.

[Slimpee]

Beautiful!

I echo what others have said: don’t remove any stickers and keep it safe in the box and retain all paperwork until you decide what to do with it. I’m sure lots of people here will offer great suggestions.

Congrats!

[Dubss25]

Hopefully, I will be able to convince my dad not to sell it.

[MILGAUSS88]

Do not take the sticker off.
Repeat, do not take the sticker off.

[JustinK]

Looks like a very nice find!

I would not service it or alter it in any way until you figure out what you're going to do with it.

[indianmachine]

wow that's amazing, congrats! The lume is so perfect on that thing.

[Dr.Smellody]

What a find. Lucky family!

[996marty]

Now that is stunning and an unbelievable find

[Styles Bitchley]

This is unreal. Get back down in that basement and keep looking! Close up of the dial would be nice.

[rootbeer7]

Great find. Bracelet clasp doesn’t look nos. and is unusual to find that type on the 7xxx models.

[baumare]

Originally Posted by Styles Bitchley

This is unreal. Get back down in that basement and keep looking!

Hahaha best comment I've read so far!
Great finding my friend, call if you need help down in the basement!

[interestedwatcher]

Ask him if he has any nasty watches, since the Tudor didn't qualify as a nice one.

Good find.

[zapokee]

Originally Posted by Dubss25

I asked my dad if he had any nice watches and he said...

“No. Except an unpolished Tudor Monte Carlo 7159/0 with full box and papers.”

Looks like a USA rivet bracelet, which would have a "C+I" marking inside the clasp blade, along with a two-digit year notation (like "76"). The end links didn't come with number markings.

I'm guessing the watch is mid-1970s, serial number around 7xxxxx/8xxxxx. Approx. 20 grand USD valuation is realistic assuming it's genuine, which it appears to be from the photos.

There certainly shouldn't be any numbers stamped on the lugs. The text "ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVA," followed by a Rolex coronet, will be engraved on the caseback under the sticker. The sticker is nice to have, but adds very little value. Maybe 50 bucks extra, ceteris paribus.

[zapokee]

Pop off the bracelet and post photos of the serial/model numbers on the top and bottom edges of the case between the lugs.

To remove the bracelet, turn the watch face down and push the pins in with a toothpick while pushing the end links up. YouTube it if you can't figure it out.

[ketonjo]

Nice find!!

Sent from my HD1900 using Tapatalk

[Dubss25]

Of course I can’t get the bracelet back on. Too worried about scratching something which I am sure I already have in my attempts.

[BDII]

Yeah man... I’d quit messing with it too much and go to a Rolex AD for help. They can get you all the info you need