tudor 79190 vs 79090 | tudor submariner history

The Tudor Submariner, a historically significant and increasingly sought-after dive watch, holds a special place in the hearts of horological enthusiasts. Within the Submariner lineage, the references 79090 and 79190 stand out, particularly in their captivating blue iterations. While seemingly similar at first glance, these two models boast subtle yet crucial differences that significantly impact their character, collectibility, and overall appeal. This article delves deep into the nuances of the Tudor 79090 and 79190, exploring their history, design features, mechanical aspects, and ultimately, the key distinctions that set them apart. We'll also address frequently asked questions and provide insights for those considering adding one of these iconic timepieces to their collection.

A Brief History of the Tudor Submariner

Before dissecting the 79090 and 79190, it's essential to understand the context of the Tudor Submariner within the broader watchmaking landscape. Established by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, Tudor was conceived as a brand offering Rolex-quality watches at a more accessible price point. The Tudor Submariner, introduced in the 1950s, embodied this philosophy. Early models shared many components with their Rolex counterparts, including cases and bracelets, but utilized more readily available movements.

Over the decades, the Tudor Submariner evolved, developing its own distinct identity while maintaining a robust and reliable reputation. The blue variations, in particular, became highly desirable, offering a refreshing alternative to the classic black Submariners and adding a touch of personality to the iconic dive watch design. The 79090 and 79190 represent the penultimate generation of Tudor Submariners before the model was discontinued, making them significant pieces in the brand's history.

The Tudor Submariner 79090: A Plexi-Protected Classic

The Tudor Submariner 79090, especially in its blue variant, is celebrated for its vintage charm and classic aesthetics. Produced from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, it retains many design cues from earlier Tudor Submariners while incorporating subtle updates that define its character.

* Case: The 79090 features a 39mm stainless steel case, similar in design to the Rolex Submariner of the era. This size is considered ideal by many collectors, offering a comfortable and versatile fit on the wrist. The case is robust and well-proportioned, with polished sides and a brushed top surface.

* Bezel: The unidirectional rotating bezel is a crucial component of any dive watch, and the 79090's bezel is no exception. It features a blue aluminum insert with silver markings, allowing divers to track elapsed time underwater. The bezel insert is prone to fading and developing a unique patina over time, adding to the watch's vintage appeal.

* Dial: The blue dial of the 79090 is a standout feature, offering a vibrant and eye-catching aesthetic. It features painted tritium hour markers, which provide a warm, creamy lume that has aged beautifully on many examples. The Mercedes-style hands, a signature of the Submariner design, are also filled with tritium lume. The dial is often referred to as a "glossy" dial, known for its reflective surface.

* Crystal: This is where the 79090 differs significantly from the 79190. The 79090 utilizes a plexiglass crystal, also known as acrylic. Plexiglass is a softer material than sapphire and is more prone to scratches. However, it also offers a warmer, more vintage aesthetic and is easily polished to remove minor imperfections. The distortion created by the plexiglass at certain angles adds to the charm.

* Movement: The 79090 is powered by the ETA 2824-2 automatic movement, a reliable and widely used workhorse. This movement is known for its robustness and ease of servicing, making it a practical choice for a tool watch. It operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and provides a power reserve of approximately 38 hours.

* Bracelet: The 79090 typically comes with a folded-link Oyster bracelet with stamped end links. While not as refined as the solid-link bracelets found on Rolex models, the bracelet is functional and comfortable. The clasp is also stamped and features the Tudor logo.

The Tudor Submariner 79190: Modern Refinement with Sapphire Crystal

The Tudor Submariner 79190, introduced shortly after the 79090, represents a subtle but significant evolution of the model. While retaining the overall design language, the 79190 incorporates key updates that cater to a more modern sensibility.

* Case: The case of the 79190 remains largely the same as the 79090, with a 39mm stainless steel construction and similar proportions. However, some subtle differences in the case finishing may be observed.