THE ESSENTIALS
MAKE: TUDOR
MODEL: 7928
YEAR: 1960
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC
We love a vintage diver here at Fathom, our very name is inspired by one, but a few that come through the door are just that little bit special.
If you’re remotely into Rolex and their four digit subs, you’ll likely know that their younger and pluckier sibling Tudor have also made some special watches. Although the 7928 wasn’t the first, it’s certainly the most revered and well known of the Tudor Submariner line up, even though it’s eleven year production run in the grand scheme of things isn’t that long.
Initially the 7928 came with a square crown guard case like the 5512. However, instead of the thousands made, around 100 Tudors in this configuration were produced - to see one today is as likely as bumping into a Dodo. The MK2 came swiftly afterwards with the eagle beak case, a slightly larger production run but still a mere few hundred exist. We then have the MK3 which is the example we have for sale here, with a pointed crown guard (PCG) case and Swiss only radium or early tritium dial.
Most MK3 examples we have seen and held do not have radium dials after 1961/62. Nevertheless, the early tritium dials do have a higher sievert reading than usual. A theory is that Rolex group was already aware of the crack down on radium use by 1960 and was altering the mixture to conform with the pending regulations. This was in full swing by the time we see the Mk4 with the underline dial. This signifies that no radium was present on the dial.
What we see here, however, is a fully original example in great condition and a radium dial. The dial under the stunning domed glass has turned into a wonderful tropical brown colour. The longer gilt hands are still in place as is the large bubble second hand. The heavily ghosted Mk3 insert has seen a ton of action, and was likely fitted to the watch in the early 70s.
The case is very strong and clearly has had little polishing over the years. It’s easy to spot on a PCG case - these wear down quickly when polished but as you can see, both are still sharp and even both sides of the no dot crown.
It comes on a rare full-link Tudor 9315/380 bracelet in wonderful condition. The clasp was replaced during a later service in 1994
The recently serviced Fleurier 390 movement is running well at 260 amps and +7 per day with a 0.4 beat error, one of the best 390s we have seen so far.
As 7928s go, this is probably the nicest true tropical dial we have had the pleasure of selling. In terms of rarity, These are far harder to find than their older brothers the 5512 but sell for a lot less. Expect to see examples like this continue to rise as more find their way into collections worldwide.