Submariner (No date) Vintage

Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner – Ref. 7928 | Underline Dial – 1963

The Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7928 is one of the most important early Tudor dive watches and a direct relative of the contemporary Rolex Submariner.

This example is particularly notable for its desirable Underline dial, strongly aged luminous material and naturally faded bezel insert. It is supplied on an aftermarket leather strap with a Rolex buckle, together with a period-correct stainless-steel bracelet.

Case

The stainless-steel Oyster case measures approximately 39–40 mm in diameter and features protective crown guards, a screw-down crown and screw-down case back.

The ref. 7928 was developed around Rolex’s Oyster case architecture and was originally rated to 200 metres / 660 feet of water resistance.

A domed acrylic crystal completes the characteristic profile of the early Tudor Submariner.

The rotating diving bezel is fitted with a vintage aluminium insert that has developed a pronounced grey faded appearance, with visible signs of age and wear that complement the overall character of the watch.

Dial

The black dial features the classic early Tudor Rose logo above the “OYSTER-PRINCE” signature.

Most importantly, this example features the small underline beneath the “SELF-WINDING” inscription, identifying it as one of the desirable transitional Underline dial variants associated with the early 1960s.

The dial retains the traditional Submariner layout with a triangular marker at 12, rectangular markers at 6 and 9 and circular markers at the remaining hour positions.

The luminous material has developed a strong warm cream-to-ochre patina, giving the watch considerable vintage character. The hands have similarly aged, including the characteristic Mercedes hour hand and slender central seconds hand.

Movement

The watch is powered by the automatic Tudor calibre 390, the self-winding movement associated with the ref. 7928.

The calibre 390 is a 17-jewel automatic movement and represents an important part of Tudor’s early Oyster Prince history.

Unlike contemporary Rolex Submariners, Tudor used its own movement architecture while benefiting from Rolex’s Oyster case, crown and other external components.

Strap & Bracelet

The watch is currently fitted to an aftermarket leather strap with a Rolex buckle, which complements its strongly aged vintage appearance.

A period-correct stainless-steel bracelet is also supplied with the watch.

Condition

Very nice overall vintage condition with visible signs of wear and ageing consistent with the age and character of the watch.

The dial, luminous material, hands and bezel insert display significant patina, while the bezel insert has developed an attractive faded grey appearance. The movement runs accurately.