
MattS shares his latest acquisition, a Tudor Submariner ref 7928 with a rare 'chocolate' tropical dial and pointed crown guards. His post details the allure of vintage Rolex and Tudor dials, emphasizing the unique characteristics that make these pieces highly sought after by collectors. This article offers a glimpse into the nuanced world of vintage diver collecting, highlighting the beauty of natural patina.







The Tudor Submariner Reference 7928 represents a significant evolution within Tudor's dive watch lineage, positioned as a robust and accessible alternative to its Rolex counterparts. Introduced in the early 1960s, it continued the Submariner tradition with design elements that would become characteristic of the brand, appealing to both military personnel and civilian divers.
This reference typically features a 39mm stainless steel case with pointed crown guards, a bidirectional rotating bezel, and a screw-down crown and case back, ensuring water resistance. Early examples often utilized a domed acrylic crystal. The watch is powered by an automatic self-winding movement, commonly the ETA-based Caliber 390, operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour. Dials are typically black with luminous hour markers and hands.
The 7928 is highly regarded by collectors for its historical significance as a tool watch and its distinctive aesthetic, which includes variations in bezel inserts, dial configurations (such as 'underline' dials), and case guard shapes. Its relative scarcity compared to later references, combined with its robust construction and connection to military issue, contributes to its enduring appeal in the vintage market.
You have everything going for this one. Best Bill
Congrats on your new beauty :-) S
...and it looks fantastic as part of the line up - a stunning and varied collection - very nice indeed. cheers Tony
and that is a stunning example, congrats. I wonder why on some of these watches there is a gap between the dial and the case, like on some early 5512's and 6541's. Another mystery of the early Rolex/Tudor production ;-)
... I love chocolate, and this beautiful Tudor is a great example! Enjoy in good help!! Best cordial regards, Abel.
A superb dial. Thanks Maats! Fx
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