Tudor Submariner 'Ghost'

Tudor has been hitting it out of the park these past few years with its modern line and return to the U.S. market, and appreciation for its vintage models is at an all-time high. Particularly desirable is its Submariner collection, which was produced for decades alongside its sibling, the iconic Rolex Submariners. Tudor Subs feature the same cases, crowns, and build quality as their "big brother" Rolex models, but were fitted without the in-house movements that gave those their heftier price tags. While Tudor Submariners from the 1970s and early '80s are incredibly cool, here's something earlier and even more impressive: A earlier reference 7928 Tudor "Rose" Submariner with a gilt dial and chapter ring! Dating from the 1960s, it measures 39mm in stainless steel with a signed Rolex crown, pointed crown guards (PCG), an acrylic crystal, and a bidirectional dive bezel featuring a faded insert that has turned a pleasing light grey. Its black gilt dial features a gilt chapter ring and dial typography, including the old Tudor 'rose' logo. Luminous dot, triangle, and dash indices are joined by a mercedes handset and a distinctive 'lollipop' seconds hand.  Paired to a Rolex Oyster bracelet with riveted links and a Rolex-signed fold-over clasp and powered by the Fleurier cal. 390 automatic movement, this rare version of a bulletproof Tudor tool watch is still a bargain next to its gilt-dial Rolex cousins. Beautifully proportioned and comfortable, one can only imagined the life it's lived over the past 60 years.