A stainless steel backed, chrome plated Tudor time only dress watch. This is an exceptionally handsome, well proportioned and elegant dress watch. It has all the appearance of a Patek Philippe Calatrava from the period. The eggshell colured dial, with applied hour markers, split, large marker at the twelve o'clock position, exudes refined quality. The beautiful recessed subsidiary seconds dial sitting at the bottom of the dial is framed with the serif "Shock Resisting" font, and features the concentric circle pattern seen with most elegant dress watches. A subtle and refined design detail.
The dial features the iconic Tudor, small rose, logo, along with the distinctive Tudor script. But, very small, so as not to clutter the refined nature of the overall dial design. The dial is marked "Swiss" at the base below the original outer minute chapter ring. The dial features its original luminous material at the edge of each hour marker, along the chapter ring, and in the center of the dauphine hands. All of which is original to the watch, and has developed a beautiful patina over the last fifty plus years. The lume in the hands has darkened somewhat, but is common for watches of this period.
The clean and handsome case is a chrome plated base metal, with a stainless steel snapback. There are marks to the case, and wear commensurate with age, but nothing that detracts from the overall beauty of the watch. The case back bears the original reference number, 709, and serial numbers, 647xxx on the back dating circa 1968, and has not been polished. It is stamped with the Tudor logo on the inside.
The watch is powered by a Swiss made, seventeen jewel manually wound movement that is based off an ETA ébauche. It is a reliable and durable movement which was used throughout a number of Tudor watches from the 1960's.
Overall, a great looking and rare reference from the Rolex sub-brand. Condition overall is excellent, but the dial is really the most alluring part of this watch. Although the size is just over 33mm, it wears very well on the wrist. A watch that will look very much at home under a suit and shirt sleeve, as well as with a t-shirt and jeans.
