Following the adoption of Rolex's famed Oyster cases and bracelets by Tudor during the 1940s, Tudor began to venture into tool watch territory like dive watches - where they found great success, and eventually chronographs, just like the Monte Carlo “Home Plate” Chronograph ref. 7031 that we have here. Launched in 1970 as Tudor’s first chronograph, the Monte Carlo ref. 7031 has evolved into one of Tudor's most recognizable models thanks to its unique aesthetic. Powered by the cam-lever manual-wind Valjoux cal. 7734 and boasting a physical construction built from Rolex parts, it is no surprise that the Monte Carlo ref. 7031 is still an incredibly robust timepiece, even considering its age - with some modern creature comforts built into its design. Featuring a Rolex-signed trip-lock crown, bracelet and caseback, substantial squared-off crown guards, screw-down pushers, and a black tachymeter-engraved bezel, the ref. 7031 can withstand daily wear and tear, much unlike the fragile chronographs that hailed from the same period. Featuring a date aperture at 6 o’clock, with a cyclops lens for legibility, and a bi-compax chronograph layout with the running seconds at 9 o’clock and a 45-minute counter at 3 o’clock, the ref. 7031 is a truly useful timepiece. Of course, the ref. 7031’s most defining feature is the source of its ‘Home Plate’ nickname; its softly-rounded pentagonal baseball home plate-shaped indices. Sitting atop its grey dial, this example’s wonderfully aged indices feature a beautiful shade of yellow, with the luminescent on its hands a matching shade, which only elevates the aesthetic of the ref. 7031’s orange second's hand and second-scale found along its chapter ring.

Watch is in overall excellent to near-mint condition. The watch case has been previously polished but is nice and think, showing no major scratches or dings. The black bezel is free from any cracks, and the watch retains its original P300 pushers. The dial is near-mint, having beautiful luminous markers and free from any of the typical staining found on these dials. The bracelet has 10 links currently fitted. It is a USA C&I band dated 1978, which is later to the watch. There is light stretch.

An icon for several reasons, the ref. 7031 was originally known for its robust and imposing dimensions but today is famed for its spectacular dial - a design that has become a true classic amongst Tudor collectors. We love the originality and condition of this example. With a flawless dial, bezel and original Millerighe pushers, this is easily one of the best examples we've seen.