Tudor Submariner 7924 ARA Vintage Guide
Vintage

Tudor Submariner 7924 ARA Vintage Guide

By MattS · May 9, 2025 · 34 replies
MattS
WPS member · Rolex forum
34 replies4266 views5 photos
f 𝕏 in 💬 🔗

MattS, a respected collector, shares his acquisition of a Tudor Submariner 7924 'Big Crown' issued to the Armada della Republica Argentina (ARA). This particular reference, especially with military provenance and a tropical dial, represents a significant milestone in vintage diver collecting. His detailed post not only showcases a rare timepiece but also contributes new serial number data to the limited existing documentation, enriching the collective knowledge of this elusive reference.

34 collectors discussing this on the WatchProSite forumJoin the Conversation →
Hi all,

I am happy to share the latest arrival in my diver collection, this is a bit of end game as I landed a true grail.  I wanted to add a Big Crown to my collection and wanted a Tudor 7924.  To make it even more difficult I dreamed of an issued watch and the ultimate grail would be with a tropical dial. So this spring was very fruitful as I managed to land the ultimate grail, a Tudor 7924 aka Big Crown, issued to the Armada della Republica Argentina (ARA) from 1958 fully original with Red triangle insert, lollipop second hand, Rivet stretch bracelet and a stunning tropical dial.
This is a very rare bird.  Little documentation exists and I wanted to post here to give tribute to Nicolas who has documented this piece over the years.  In a post I read that Nico saw a range 61188-61196.  I can enlarge this range slightly as mine has the issued number 61183.
Enjoy the pictures:

Full face static:




Case Back:




Dial close ups:






And to finish a wristshot:



Matt

About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 6538

The Submariner reference 6538 is recognized for its prominent crown and lack of crown guards, a characteristic shared with early Submariner iterations. This reference represents a significant period in the development of the Submariner line, preceding later designs that incorporated more protective features for the winding crown. It is often distinguished by its larger crown compared to other early Submariner models, contributing to its distinct visual profile within the collection.

This particular reference features a stainless steel case measuring 37 mm in diameter, housing an automatic movement, the caliber 1030. The watch is fitted with an acrylic crystal and offers a water resistance rating of 200 meters. The power reserve for the caliber 1030 is approximately 42 hours. The dial is black, and the watch is equipped with a rotating unidirectional aluminum bezel.

For collectors, the reference 6538 is notable for its early production characteristics and its place in the evolution of the Submariner. Its specific design elements, such as the 'big crown' and absence of crown guards, make it a point of interest for those studying the progression of the model. Variants within this reference may include different dial texts or bezel insert types, which are often points of detailed examination for enthusiasts.

Specifications

Caliber
1030
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
37 mm
Dial
Black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

Advertisement
The Discussion
CH
Champthekid
May 9, 2025

Congratulations on obtaining it.

BI
Bill
May 9, 2025

I am sure Nicolas will chime in with all the details that make this an amazing catch to add to your amazing collection. Congratulations. My old 7924

MA
Marc Obermann
May 9, 2025

To put into perspective it is 2 years older than I am and in much better condition than me. Wear and enjoy it in good health. Marc

MA
MattS
May 9, 2025

Hey Bill, good to hear from you! I still come by from time to time but rarely post as it seems interest for vintage tool watches has faded away…

QU
quattro
May 9, 2025

Such a wonderful tropical dial! Best, Emmanuel

IM
imrootbeer7
May 9, 2025

Wow. There’s rare and there’s rare. Really really beautiful.

Advertisement

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Rolex forum with 34 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →