tudor 79090 review | tudor 79090 for sale

The Tudor Submariner 79090. Just the name conjures images of vintage dive watches, robust construction, and a connection to the Rolex legacy. A popular alternative to its crown-bearing cousin, the 79090 offered a more accessible entry point into the world of classic dive watches, boasting similar aesthetics and a reliable movement. However, not all 79090s are created equal, and the vintage watch market is rife with complexities, requiring careful inspection and a discerning eye.

This review stems from a firsthand experience – the acquisition of a Tudor 79090 through a recent trade. While the initial excitement was palpable, a closer examination revealed inconsistencies that raised concerns about the watch's authenticity and originality. This journey of discovery underscores the importance of due diligence when navigating the vintage watch market, especially with models as sought after as the Tudor 79090.

First Impressions and Initial Concerns:

The initial impression of the traded 79090 was promising. The overall design was undeniably appealing, capturing the classic Submariner aesthetic that has captivated watch enthusiasts for decades. However, the honeymoon phase was short-lived. Almost immediately, certain aspects felt "off." The most noticeable issues were:

* Bracelet Quality: The bracelet felt lighter and less substantial than expected. The links seemed to lack the solid feel associated with vintage Tudor bracelets. The clasp also felt flimsy and lacked the satisfying "click" of a well-made closure. This raised immediate red flags, suggesting a possible replacement or a lower-quality aftermarket bracelet.

* Color of Markers and Hands: The lume color on the dial markers and hands appeared unusually bright and uniform. Vintage tritium lume, typically used in watches of this era, tends to age unevenly, developing a creamy or slightly brownish patina. The pristine, almost modern-looking lume suggested a possible reluming job, which, while not necessarily a deal-breaker, can affect the watch's value and originality. Furthermore, the shade of the lume was suspect, appearing too green and lacking the warmth expected of aged tritium.

* The Devil in the Details (The "."): This is where things got even more intriguing. The specific mention of a "." likely refers to a detail on the dial, possibly a misprint, a mark of damage, or even a telltale sign of a fake. Without further elaboration in the initial assessment, we can only speculate, but this "dot" highlights the critical importance of meticulously examining every detail of a vintage watch.

A Deeper Dive into the Tudor 79090:

Before we delve further into potential issues, let's establish a solid understanding of the Tudor 79090. Introduced in the late 1980s, the 79090 served as a bridge between the older, more Rolex-like Tudor Submariners and the later, more independent designs. It was available in both black and blue dial configurations, making it a versatile and attractive option for divers and watch enthusiasts alike.

Key Features of the Tudor 79090:

* Case: The 40mm stainless steel case is virtually identical in shape and size to the Rolex Submariner 16800/16610. This shared case design is a significant part of the 79090's appeal, offering the classic Submariner wrist presence at a more accessible price point.

* Dial and Hands: The dial typically features applied indices filled with tritium lume (later models may have used Luminova). The hands are Mercedes-style, a hallmark of the Submariner design. The dial text includes the Tudor shield logo, the words "Tudor" and "Prince Oysterdate," and the depth rating and model name.

* Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel has a 60-minute graduated insert, crucial for timing dives. Bezels were available in both black and blue, matching the dial color.

* Movement: The Tudor 79090 is powered by an ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. This robust and reliable movement is a workhorse, known for its accuracy and ease of servicing.

* Bracelet: The watch typically comes on a folded-link Oyster bracelet with a Tudor-signed clasp. This is where many inconsistencies arise, as bracelets are often replaced or swapped over the years.

The Importance of Authentication and Due Diligence:

The experience of receiving a potentially problematic 79090 underscores the vital importance of authentication and thorough due diligence when purchasing any vintage watch, but especially a model as popular and frequently faked as the Tudor Submariner. Here are some key areas to focus on:

* Research: Before making any purchase, dedicate time to researching the specific model you're interested in. Understand its history, variations, common flaws, and telltale signs of authenticity. Online forums, dedicated watch blogs, and reputable dealers can provide invaluable information.

* Photographic Evidence: Request high-resolution photographs of the watch from multiple angles. Pay close attention to the dial, hands, case, bracelet, and movement (if possible). Compare these images to known authentic examples.