Overview
The Submariner might just be the most popular and recognizable sport watch of all time. Rolex first introduced the infamous diver in 1953 under the reference 6204. The release was a major accomplishment as the new Submariner was the first consumer watch to be water resistant up to 100m. One year later Rolex’s sister company Tudor introduced a more affordable version of the Submariner under the reference 7922. While the movement and dial branding were different, the two watches mirrored each other in nearly every other way and would continue to do so for the next 15 years.
In 1969, Tudor finally broke away from this tradition and took its Submariner line in a new direction by introducing the iconic 7016 “Snowflake”. Along with a unique dial and hand design, and the introduction of the shield logo, Tudor also added a distinctive blue color to the lineup that has since become emblematic of the brand itself. The tradition of the blue Submariner—unmatched by Rolex until 1984—continued on through the final generation 79090 and 79190 references of the 1990s and into the modern day Black Bay and Pelagos lines.
As far as the vintage models are concerned, the original blue “Snowflakes” are some of the most sought after Tudors on the market and as a result have become quite expensive in recent years. Yet the final generation 79090 and 79190s like this one here remain a relative bargain by comparison. For discerning collectors looking to get into vintage Tudor Subs, you can’t do much better than a watch like this.
Specifications
Brand:
Tudor
Model:
Submariner
Reference:
79090
Year:
1991
Case Number:
B377117
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
40 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
12.2 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
47.5 mm
Dial:
Blue
Lume:
Tritium
Crystal:
Acrylic
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
ETA 2824-2
Bracelet/Strap:
Tudor 9315 stainless steel bracelet with 380B end links and O12 clasp code
Max Wrist Size:
7.25 in (11 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The stainless steel case shows normal signs of wear for a watch this age including a few hairlines, faint scratches, and micro nicks, the most notable of which are on the case sides. However, the overall impression is clean. The lugs are thick and well-defined with chamfers still present. There is a small ding to the bottom edge of the lug at 1 o'clock. The bezel insert has slightly faded to a lovely pale blue color and is in superb condition with no notable marks. The caseback condition is consistent with the rest of the watch, exhibiting tiny scratches and nicks throughout. The backs of the lugs show faint signs of prior bracelet removal. The Rolex engravings remain sharp and legible.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The glossy blue dial and polished Mercedes hands are in excellent condition, with the latter exhibiting a couple micro imperfections only visible upon close inspection. The tritium lume plots are matching with a light creamy color. The lume plot of the seconds hand shows a small crack, but remains intact. When exposed to UV light, neither the dial, hands, or bezel lume plot exhibit any glow. The acrylic crystal is strong and clean with only a few faint signs of wear and an unremovable piece of debris at edge at 6 o'clock.
Bracelet/Strap: The Tudor stainless steel bracelet exhibits minor stretching, but is still in very good condition. The clasp has some light scratches and desk-diving marks and the links show light signs of wear throughout. The link closest to the case at 12 o'clock exhibits a faint bend. The clasp code of O12 is a close match with the case number, the end links are correctly stamped 380B, and the 9315 reference marking is present underneath the first link at 12 o’clock. The Tudor stamp at the clasp remains sharp and detailed.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown winding, time setting, and date changing are working as expected.
Service History: The watch recently underwent a full service by D's Time Service that was completed on 05/02/2024.
