*Unpolished* 1961 Tudor Submariner (Ref. 7928) Gilt Chapter Ring "Exclamation" Dial W/ PCG

€32,269.02

Description

Born in 1959 and discontinued in 1968, the Submariner ref. 7928, much like the ref. 5513 for Rolex, is one of the most beloved and iconic dive watches from the Tudor brand. The early dive watch model also shares numerous components and similarities to its ‘big brother’ reference as well, however, in many cases the ref. 7928 is far more rare than the Rolex counterpart. However, the Submariner ref. 7928 possesses unique design details and charm that are distinct from Tudor which allows for the reference to stand on its own as a marvel of collectibility.  Just like Rolex, early Tudor sports models saw rapid evolution in design. This swift progression resulted in various iterations of the dial and case styles, all of which had minuscule production windows. This has become one of the most celebrated and documented eras for the Rolex and Tudor and is generally referred to as the Gilt-era. This exceptional example is a juggernaut of rare details. The gilt, chapter ring, small rose, and 'smiling text' dial additionally features an exclamation point lume plot below the 6 o'clock marker, synonymous with 1961 sport model dials. Exclamation point dials were a precursor to the notable underline dial, signifying the transition from radium to tritium lume. Aside from the dial, the pointed crown guard case is in truly marvelous condition, retaining the dimensions as originally intended by the factory. This Tudor Submariner ref. 7928 is not only stunning, but a truly collectible and rare timepiece that would become a cornerstone in any great collection, vintage examples of this caliber of condition rarely surface and are always a treat to behold SPECS Stock # TDRSUB792861 Brand Tudor Style Submariner Model 7928 Serial 36XXXX Size Men's Material Stainless Steel Dial Black Gilt Chapter Ring "Exclamation"  Millimeters 40 Bracelet Rolex 7206 Oyster Riveted Bracelet W/ 80 End Pieces   CASE & BRACELET The pointed crown guard case is in truly impressive and exceptionally well-preserved condition, displaying no evidence of being previously polished with very minimal sleeve polish present from general wear, resulting in remarkably broad chamfers down the lugs with crisp factory finishing throughout. The case does exhibit some minor wear and light scratches which is to be expected from an unpolished case of this age. The original Mk. II "Long 5" bezel insert is in excellent condition, featuring a very subtle fade and gentle wear with the original luminous pearl intact. The watch retains its original 7mm twin-lock Rolex signed crown. The case back retains all of the factory engravings in extremely crisp and deep condition with light wear present. The Rolex 7206 riveted Oyster bracelet with 80 end pieces dates to the second quarter of 1962 and is believed to be original to the watch. The bracelet retains 11 links that exhibit minor stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/4-inch wrist. DIAL & HANDS The original and phenomenally preserved black gilt chapter ring dial features a semi-gloss finish with an exclamation point 6 o’clock marker and remains in virtually flawless vintage condition, exhibiting no damage and no apparent elements of age. The original and transitional tritium lume has achieved a creamy-golden patina and retains the charming domed dimension with no degradation present under UV light inspection. The gold-gilt hands, including the original "lollipop" second's hand, are original to the watch and match the dial lume perfectly. Under UV light inspection the hour and minute hands retain the original lume with no degradation present, and the lollipop second's hand has been previously professionally restored with era-correct lume to match the dial, which is very common since it was normal for the original lume to fall out of this style of hand. ACCESSORIES  None. The watch requires a service to keep time properly, the service can be completed upon purchase if desired by the new owner.