tudor 7928 dial variations | tudor 7928

The Tudor Submariner reference 7928, produced from the late 1950s through the late 1960s, holds a special place in the hearts of vintage watch collectors. Its robust construction, Rolex-manufactured case, and unique Tudor design language make it a highly desirable piece. However, beyond its general appeal lies a fascinating world of dial variations, a rabbit hole that can consume even the most seasoned enthusiast. The seemingly subtle differences in font styles, crown logos, and depth ratings contribute to the allure and rarity of specific configurations.

While broad "Mark" designations are often used to categorize these dials, a truly comprehensive understanding requires acknowledging the myriad sub-variations that exist within each Mark. This article aims to delve into these sub-variations, providing a framework for collectors to better identify and appreciate the nuances of the Tudor 7928 dial.

Understanding the Context: The Tudor 7928 Submariner

Before diving into the dial variations, it's crucial to understand the context of the Tudor 7928 Submariner. Positioned as a more affordable alternative to its Rolex counterpart, the Tudor Submariner offered similar aesthetics and functionality but utilized ETA movements instead of Rolex's in-house calibers. This strategic positioning allowed Tudor to capture a wider market segment.

The 7928, in particular, is known for its pointed crown guards (PCG) in its earlier iterations, transitioning to more rounded crown guards (RCG) later in its production run. This change in crown guard design is a key indicator of the watch's production period and often correlates with specific dial characteristics. The 7928 typically features a 39mm stainless steel case, a bi-directional rotating bezel with a graduated 60-minute scale, and a black dial with luminous markers.

The Challenge of Classification: Beyond the Marks

While the "Mark" system provides a general framework for classifying Tudor 7928 dials, it often falls short in capturing the subtle variations that exist within each Mark. These sub-variations can include:

* Font Variations: Minute differences in the font used for the Tudor logo, the "Submariner" inscription, and the depth rating.

* Crown Logo Variations: Subtle alterations in the shape and style of the Tudor Rose or Shield logo.

* Depth Rating Variations: Changes in the font, placement, and unit of measurement (e.g., meters vs. feet) used for the depth rating.

* Minute Track Variations: Differences in the length, thickness, and style of the minute markers.

* Lume Material Variations: Changes in the type and application of luminous material used on the markers and hands.

* Dial Surface Texture: Subtle differences in the texture of the dial surface, ranging from matte to slightly glossy.

These sub-variations, while seemingly minor, can significantly impact the value and collectibility of a particular 7928. Identifying and documenting these variations requires a keen eye, access to a wide range of examples, and a deep understanding of Tudor's production history.

Documented Sub-Variations (Examples):

While a definitive and exhaustive list of every 7928 dial sub-variation is near impossible to create (due to the nature of vintage watch production and the inherent inconsistencies that can occur), here are some examples of the types of variations that collectors have observed and documented:

* Early Pointed Crown Guard (PCG) Dials:

* Rose Logo Placement: Some early PCG dials feature the Tudor Rose logo positioned slightly higher or lower relative to the "Tudor" inscription.

* "Rotor Self-Winding" Font: Variations in the thickness and spacing of the letters in the "Rotor Self-Winding" text are observed. Some examples exhibit a bolder font, while others feature a more delicate typeface.tudor 7928 dial variations

* Chapter Ring Graduation: The chapter ring markers exhibit varying degrees of boldness and thickness.

* Later Pointed Crown Guard (PCG) Dials:

* Shield Logo Introduction: As Tudor transitioned from the Rose logo to the Shield logo, variations in the shield's shape and proportions are discernible.

* Depth Rating Font: The font used for the depth rating (typically "200m = 660ft") can vary in thickness and style. Some examples use a more condensed font, while others employ a wider, more legible typeface.

* Minute Marker Length: Subtle differences in the length of the minute markers, particularly around the perimeter of the dial, are sometimes observed.

* Rounded Crown Guard (RCG) Dials:

* Shield Logo Size: RCG dials often feature a larger Shield logo compared to earlier PCG dials. However, even within RCG dials, variations in the shield's size and proportions exist.

* "Submariner" Font: The font used for the "Submariner" inscription can vary in thickness and style. Some examples exhibit a bolder, more pronounced font, while others feature a thinner, more elegant typeface.

* Lume Plot Shape: The shape of the luminous plots on the dial can vary slightly. Some plots are perfectly round, while others are slightly oval or irregular in shape.

* "Swiss Made" Placement: The "Swiss Made" inscription at the bottom of the dial can be positioned slightly higher or lower relative to the 6 o'clock marker.