Tudor Submariner Reference 7928
The Tudor Reference 7928 is perhaps one of the most classic
Tudor sports models. It saw a long production run from approximatly 1960
(earliest caseback we have seen is an IV.59 with a 300.xxx serial) till
approximatly 1968. There are several versions of the 7928. In broad overview
there are two reference groups. The 7928 and the 7928/0. The /0 was added to
many tudor references in the mid 60's to denote stainless steel - in a similar
fashion as Rolex did with their models. Within the two main groups, a large
amount of variations exist. Many of those are pictured in this section.
It is quite complex to chart all the dial variations of the
7928. First of all, these watches due to their lower price point (and also
several versions used for military use) have had questionable service
histories. This means that dials may have been changed back and forth, redone,
relumed, repainted or even faked. In this section we will do our best to
describe the known varieties.
The early 7928's feature the "chapter dial" where
a inner ring is printed on the dial a few milimeters from the edge.
The upper half of the dial features the classic small Tudor
Rose. Underneath the text " Oyster-Prince ". The bottom portion
differs a bit from model to model - but typically they feature the " 200m
= 660ft " (denoting depth rating of course), then " SUBMARINER "
and the two last lines " Rotor " and " Self-winding " -
which of course denoted the automatic movement.
The following dial variations have been found so far: (I am
certain there are a few more at least)
MK I. Always cased in a Square Crown case. Gilt writing.
Gilt track.
MK II. Gilt track - silver writing
MK III. Silver writing and no track
MK IV. Oridnary writing and markers similar to Rolex 5513
At least 4 case variations have been seen. The early
"Square" (quite unique) crownguards (chapter dial). One variation of
pointed crownguards (1962-63, chapter dial) and minium two variations of the
round crownguards.
The crystal for these cases are all Tropic 19. This is
shared with (amongst others) the Rolex 5512 and 5513 Submariners. Case and look
wise - these are the ones closest to the Tudor Reference 7928. It is fair to
say that the 7928 is the "poor mans" version of the 5513. (i.e. not
chronometer certified).
TUDOR Submariner 7928. Side view. Photo by PhilippS