THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: TUDOR
MODEL: 7159/0
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: YES/YES
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND
When you look at the Daytona's from the 70's, their beauty lies in their simplicity, the sub dials are cleanly laid out and the dials aren't too busy (bar the exotic dial of course), with the Tudor variants, its as if the design team at Rolex let loose their creative side. Oh we are glad they did.
Since the Chronographs inception in 1970, its remained a pillar of the Tudor production line, the first 7000 series of watches being the most iconic and aptly named 'Monte Carlo' because of the sub registers resemblance to the Roulette tables in Monaco.
This iteration, the 7159 comes with a steel tachymeter bezel instead of the bakelite insert, the movement was upgraded over the previous 'Home Plate' series to a Valjoux 234 calibre, which was the first to feature a non-cam driven chronograph and a higher beat rate. The other cool nuance on this watch are the square crown guards, although slightly different to the original versions seen on the earliest 5512 Submariners, its a great feature none the less.
The condition is exceptional, the bevelled lugs have been polished in the past but are still very full, the tritium plots and hands have aged well and with no cracking. The original 7836/358 folded link bracelet has full links and is in great condition, the clasp was changed in 1995.
The box, papers, booklets, swing tag with serial, wallet and translation papers are all still present. The movement is running at a commendable +5 s/d, 295 amps with 0.3 ms beat error.
This in our opinion is one of the most handsome chronographs ever made, they still look relevant even after 50 or so years.