Introduction
Debuting in 1954, the Tudor Submariner set out on its journey as a more affordable version of the Rolex Submariner, which had been released the year prior, in keeping with Tudor's original ethos. A legendary watch thanks to its ties to the French Navy amongst other military forces, the Tudor Submariner's history as one of the most widely issued military dive watches speaks for itself. Keen to produce just as high-quality a product as their sibling, Tudor fitted the Submariner with OEM Rolex parts throughout its construction, except for its third-party movement. Launched in the mid-90s and existing as the very last reference to be produced before its eventual discontinuation in 1999, the Submariner ref. 79190 features the most modern movement of any Tudor Submariner within its 40mm stainless steel case, the high-grade ETA cal. 2824-2. Renowned as perhaps one of the most robust and widely used automatic movements ever, the ETA cal. 2824-2 featured in various Tudor models for over 30 years – a true testament to its quality. Fitted with a Rolex Triplock crown and flip-lock clasp, the ref. 79190 is a stunning timepiece that harbors some of the modern creature comforts we ask of our watches while still retaining a vintage feel. This is thanks to its anodized aluminum bezel insert, hollow end links, and hollow center links; all design details that are quickly fading from modern horology.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box, Papers, Booklets, Hang Tag, Anchor
Est. value range
$3,000 – $5,000
The Details
Brand
Tudor
Dimensions
39mm
Model
Submariner Date
Movement
Automatic ETA cal. 2824-2
Reference
79190
Bracelet
Stainless steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1997
Condition
Very good
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, Box, Papers, Booklets, Hang Tag, and Anchor
Dial Color
Blue
THE DIAL
Offered in spectacular condition this example's matte tritium blue dial is in excellent condition with slightly aged pearly hour markers and matching luminescent hands.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
THE CONSTRUCTION
Inarguably iconic, the Tudor Submariner's construction is complemented by its sharp-toothed blue aluminum bezel providing rich utility to divers timing their descent and ascent into, and out of, the depths.
Condition
Watch is in overall very good condition. The steel case has good definition, with some scratches and a couple of nicks. The case back has some scratches and marks. The bezel is well defined and the blue insert has gently faded in tone. The dial is in very good condition, with some marks visible in the lume of the hour markers. The hands show lume loss in the seconds hand and a crack in the lume of the hour hand. The watch is fitted with a folded link Oyster bracelet with some scratches and light play between the links. The bracelet currently fits a 7" wrist and has 9 links, with 3 additional links included. Comes with boxes, punched papers, booklet, anchor and hang tag.
Our Perspective
By the early 1990's, Rolex had already moved on from the matte dials they had earlier used since the mid 1960's in favor of a more contemporary looking glossy dial with white gold indexes. Thankfully, Tudor was a bit behind the curve, and this ref. 79190 still has that wonderfully charming matte dial that vintage collectors still adore.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
