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Tudor Submariner restoration  Rating:  Rating
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 Posted: Mon Mar 1st, 2010 08:44 am
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Graham
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Some of you might remember this watch, which I've owned for many years.  It has experienced some tough times with me, and was my daily watch for 8 years when I was a professional hunting guide. 

The watch needs a complete revamp, but I have decided to do a sympathetic restoration of the dial and hands, retaining some of the attractive patina which comes with age.
The case is in great condition, but needs a refinish to Rolex standards.  The caseback looks terrible.  At some stage in its murky past someone tried to open the caseback with a dodgy tool(s).:X

I have decided to send the case and caseback to a well known restoration specialist in the US for the work needed.
The movement runs well, but the auto wind function has long stopped functioning.  It turns out that this movement - the cal. 390 Tudor, is absolute hen's teeth.  Spares are very scarce, and EXPENSIVE if you do find them.
 I managed to find a complete replacement movement from a watchmaker in Denmark.  It is on the way!  Once it arrives and after I have assessed both movements, I might do a swop out or just use the necessary parts from the replacement movement.   The cost? Too much $$$!subtlelaugh.gif
The dial and hands will also be on the way to the US tomorrow for a clean and relume.  The work done locally doesn't impress me.
This is what I did yesterday, pulling apart a running watch:subtlelaugh.gif

I have already secured a new bezel and insert, as well as a replacement plastic crystal.  The original Oyster bracelet (riveted links) will also be polished.  I'm still looking for the correct end links.  Mine are mangled and not worth using again.

Anyway, hope you found this interesting.  This "rose" model 7928 Tudor is very sought after by collectors, and they fetch silly money at the moment.  Mine has sentimental value, so I won't be selling.........

I will update this thread when I have something to add.


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 Posted: Mon Mar 1st, 2010 10:30 pm
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aujang
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That is simply an awesome Sub! yourock.gif
Best of luck with the restoration. Can't wait to see how it turns out.

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 Posted: Mon Mar 1st, 2010 10:45 pm
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murphy j
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I Love those old Tudors. I too look forward to seeing how the restoration turns out.

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 Posted: Mon Mar 1st, 2010 11:14 pm
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Nabco
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Looking forward to your updates Graham hand6.gif Good Luck

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 12:00 am
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Simon_Leung
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Those 17 Jewel Tudor Rose Submariners
are rare. However, I admire your
dedication to restore yours to new.

All the best.

Cheers,
Simon

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 04:41 am
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Hammerfjord
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Nice project! Looks good and will certainly go well. Nice vintage movement by the way!
But the case-back had his teeth well damaged...Maybe you go for a new case-back if you find one in the future...?
Good luck Graham!;)

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 06:31 am
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Graham
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Hammerfjord wrote: Nice project! Looks good and will certainly go well. Nice vintage movement by the way!
But the case-back had his teeth well damaged...Maybe you go for a new case-back if you find one in the future...?
Good luck Graham!;)
William
Believe it or not, there was a caseback on Ebay a while ago, but it went for more than $400........  This one is restorable - the grooves are mostly intact.  I have a Rolex case back opening tool, and it still works fine on that one.
The total project is going to be in the region of $675 as it stands now....:?

Thanks for the other positive remarks, guys!  I'm really looking forward to getting this all together again.

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 06:42 am
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Hammerfjord
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I see... The craze on Ebay is that when they outbid each-others, they get mad, push the limits and after it's often more about the victory than the cost. That's why I allways come at the last second to finish them off if I really want something coz bidding just send oil on them fire. Too many "pride&honnor" idiots who live on the credit-cards(ghost-money) there.

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 07:19 am
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Graham
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William, you have such a way with words!subtlelaugh.gif
I agree.  The Bay is a mad place....

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 07:23 am
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Hammerfjord
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Graham wrote:
William, you have such a way with words!subtlelaugh.gif
I agree.  The Bay is a mad place....



I know Graham... I have to hold on my reputation of poetsubtlelaugh.gif

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 07:35 am
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Paxman
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Great project on a lovely time piece.:D I'm glad you are going to retain some of the original look with the dial.

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 Posted: Tue Mar 2nd, 2010 08:12 am
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Graham
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Paxman wrote: Great project on a lovely time piece.:D I'm glad you are going to retain some of the original look with the dial.Thanks Mark.
Yes, I'm partial towards retaining some of the patina and character of the watch.  I guess that attitude spilled over from restoring so many vintage cars over the years....

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