Anyone else into vintage Tudor Subs?

Just lovely I’d be happy to own one

Fantastic collection there. I have a 79190 and always feels more unique vs. your standard Rolex sub. 

Love the vintage subs, I prefer them over the chunkiness of most current divers. 

I’m into them, my wallet isnt lol 

I love vintage Tudor subs! It’s definitely on my list an will be one of my next purchases for sure!

I definitely would if I could afford one 😂

You obviously had the right idea before the masses got onboard. These are the most beautiful vintage watches, what a lineup you have there 👍

When the new pelagos FXD came out, I hoped that it would be the snowflake recreation I'd been waiting for, unfortunately it's a bit too big imo.

Decide if you want a daily-wearer or a safe-queen.  I wear mine.  Nonetheless, I'm a little uncomfortable sometimes working in a rough environment (heavy timber construction and wooden sailboat restoration on weekends) wearing a watch I bought because it seemed durable, was affordable at the time, but is now worth $10-15K.  I try to remember to stick it in my pocket when there's a likelihood of serious abrasion.  😉

Luckily, these old submariners were built to be used in challenging environments and endure a bit of a beating.  They were marketed as a kid brother to the original "professional tool watch"- a quality timepiece that could "take it."  Not surprisingly, they were utilized by several military and professional organizations, and civilians that wanted an indestructible watch.  As the "poor-man's Rolex" they certainly weren't thought of as a "luxury" brand back in the sixties and seventies.  Of course, the flip side of that is that many of them endured a lot of abuse, and it shows.

As always, get the best example you can afford.  Buy from someone you trust - there are plenty of fakes out there, with donor movements and newly manufactured cases, apparently coming out of Asia - don't ask me how I know.  Have it looked over by someone that has handled more than a few of the real Submariners in the past, ideally both Rolex and Tudor, and really knows them - I've encountered professional watch repair guys that couldn't spot the fakes, even when working on them.

Personally, I wouldn't pay extra for "box and papers."  Some folks like that stuff, and it might be an indication of a watch that was used less, maybe sat on someone's dresser for forty years.  But ya can't wear that box and papers.

You can save a bit if you buy without the rattly old pressed steel hollow-link bracelets.  They are pretty flimsy.  Theoretically, they made them breakaway intentionally, so they'd come apart and you wouldn't rip your arm off if the watch and bracelet were caught in some nasty underwater machinery (I'm rolling my eyes).  Anyways, I prefer wearing my subs on a variety of different straps, both leather and fabric - a cheap woven perlon one-piece makes a nice unpretentious contrast on these high-priced collectibles.  😎  The classic drilled submariner lugs require a particular type of beefy spring bar with a long tip.  It's worthwhile to source good ones, if not the genuine Rolex units.  Don't use a typical non-sub spring bar if you want the watch to stay on your arm.

Faded bezels, yes.  Mangled bezels, no.  Avoid trashed bezels - it's tough to source a genuine replacement.  The bracelets, on the other hand, are fairly easy to come by - for a price.

Make sure you're not inadvertently getting a "mid-sized" 36mm sub.  Get familiar with the model numbers.  A proper vintage Submariner is 39-40mm.

On the snowflakes, especially the blue dials, look at the dial carefully.  Certain years are very prone to decay.  Stay away from the textured so-called "bubble dials" - it's simply dial cancer.  The hands can be prone to oxidation too.

Do your homework.  Buying vintage is always a bit of a mine field.  Good Luck.

Thanks Max.  👍

I'd hate to throw shade on guys buying the newer Tudors, but yeah, I feel fortunate to have appreciated the bargain these nuglets were before the prices went crazy.  The Black Bays and Pelagos et al, while admittedly being better spec-ed on paper, have always seemed slightly less genuine somehow, less attractive; sort of cashing in on the well-earned legacy of the classic Submariners, without contributing much in terms of real stature or cachet.  The old subs really are the genuine article.

i got in too late in trying to own a Tudor Sub. The prices sadly now are a bit beyond my reach.

I've been pleasantly surprised at how much they've kept pace with the Rolex Subs price-wise.

All stunning!