tudor 7919 | used rolex tudor 79190

The Tudor 79190, often affectionately referred to as the "Prince Date Submariner," represents a compelling chapter in the rich history of Tudor's dive watch lineage. Bridging the gap between tool watches and everyday elegance, the 79190 offers a unique blend of robustness, heritage, and understated style that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike. This article will delve deep into the world of the Tudor 79190, exploring its specifications, historical context, market trends, and answering frequently asked questions about this coveted timepiece.

Tudor Submariner History: A Legacy of Reliability and Style

Before diving into the specifics of the 79190, understanding the broader context of Tudor's Submariner history is crucial. Tudor, established by Hans Wilsdorf (the founder of Rolex) in 1926, was initially conceived as a more accessible alternative to Rolex, offering similar quality and reliability at a more affordable price point. This philosophy was particularly evident in the Tudor Submariner line.

The first Tudor Submariner, the reference 7922, debuted in 1954, closely mirroring the Rolex Submariner in design but utilizing an ETA movement rather than an in-house Rolex caliber. This marked the beginning of a long and successful partnership with ETA, allowing Tudor to maintain its competitive pricing while ensuring robust and reliable performance.

Over the decades, the Tudor Submariner evolved, incorporating various design changes and technical improvements. Key milestones included the introduction of the "snowflake" hands (distinctive angular hands) in the late 1960s with references like the 7016 and 7021, and the gradual transition towards more refined designs with sapphire crystals and improved movements.

The 79190, introduced in the late 1990s, represents the final iteration of the Tudor Submariner before its discontinuation in the early 2000s. It is a significant reference because it embodies the culmination of Tudor's Submariner evolution, offering a blend of classic aesthetics and modern features. Its successor, the Heritage Black Bay, while paying homage to the past, forges its own distinct identity within the Tudor lineup.

Tudor Prince Date Submariner 79190: Model Specifications

The Tudor 79190 is a robust and well-proportioned dive watch that strikes a balance between sporty functionality and everyday wearability. Its specifications reflect its design philosophy:

* Case: Stainless steel, 40mm diameter (excluding crown), approximately 47mm lug-to-lug. The case features a polished and brushed finish, providing a visually appealing contrast. The lugs are drilled, facilitating easy strap changes.

* Bezel: Unidirectional rotating bezel with 60-minute graduations. Bezels are typically made of aluminum inserts, available in black, blue, and less commonly, grey. The bezel insert features luminous pip at the 12 o'clock position.

* Crystal: Sapphire crystal, providing excellent scratch resistance and clarity. This was a significant upgrade from the acrylic crystals used on earlier Tudor Submariners.

* Dial: Available in black, blue, and occasionally silver. Features luminous hour markers (typically tritium or Super-LumiNova, depending on the year of production) and Mercedes-style hands. The "Prince Date" designation is prominently displayed on the dial above the 6 o'clock position.

* Movement: ETA 2824-2 automatic movement. This is a highly reliable and widely used Swiss movement, known for its accuracy and durability. It features a date function and a hacking seconds hand (allowing the seconds hand to be stopped for precise time setting).

* Water Resistance: Officially rated to 200 meters (660 feet).tudor 7919

* Bracelet/Strap: Typically offered with a stainless steel Oyster-style bracelet (reference 9315 or 78360, depending on the production year) with folding clasp and diver's extension. Also frequently found on aftermarket leather, NATO, or rubber straps.

* Crown: Screw-down crown with the Tudor shield logo, ensuring water resistance.

Variations within the 79190 Reference:

While the core specifications remain consistent, subtle variations exist within the 79190 reference, primarily related to dial color, bezel color, and the luminous material used:

* Dial Color: Black and blue dials are the most common, with black being slightly more prevalent. Silver dials are rarer and command a premium.

* Bezel Color: Black and blue bezels are standard, matching the dial color. Grey bezels are less common and often found on models with silver dials.

* Luminous Material: Early 79190s utilized tritium lume, which will have aged to a creamy or yellowish patina over time. Later models used Super-LumiNova, which retains its glow for a longer duration and does not age in the same way.

* Bracelet Clasp: The bracelets can vary slightly depending on the year of production, featuring different clasp designs and markings.

Rolex Tudor 79190 Price: Retail and Market Trends