Important Collectors' Wristwatches, P...

New York, Jun 11, 2009

LOT 375

Big Crown Ref. 7924 Argentinian Navy Tudor ?Submariner,? 200m/660ft, Rotor Self- Winding, Ref. 7924, case made by Rolex, Geneva. Made in 1958. Fine center seconds, self-winding, water resistant to 200 m., stainless steel diver's wristwatch

USD 15,000 - 20,000

EUR 11,000 - 15,000 / CHF 17,000 - 23,000

Sold: USD 25,200

C. Three-body, polished and brushed, screwed-down case back with military engraving and crown, graduated bidirectional revolving black bezel for the decompression times, Brevet winding crown. D. Black with luminous round, triangular and baton indexes. Luminous steel skeleton hands. M. Cal. T 390, 17 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, shock absorber, self-compensating flat balance spring. Dial, case and movement signed. Diam. 38 mm. Thickness 15 mm.


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Grading System
Grade:
Case: 3

Good
Movement: 3*

Good

Overhaul recommended, at buyer's expense
Dial: 3-01

Good

HANDS Original

Notes

Like its sister version Rolex reference 6538, the Tudor big crown represents the ultimate Tudor sport watch. Its big crown, combined with the thickness of the case, allowed it to resist pressure up to 200m. This model was probably made in fewer than 200 examples; those with military provenance most probably represent only a handful. It is interesting to note that only one other Tudor 7924 has appeared at auction, with the preceding case number to the present model. To further reinforce its provenance the military designation numbers (ARA for Armada de la Republica Argentina) were only 4 numbers apart, indicating a very limited run. Like the Rolex military models, these were supplied directly to the Navy without boxes or original warranties.