Overview
Blue dive watches like this have become emblematic of the Tudor brand over the years, starting with the iconic Snowflake in 1969 and continuing with the modern Black Bay and Pelagos lines. As far as the vintage models are concerned, the blue Submariners are more rare than their black dial counterparts and are highly sought because of the color distinction from Rolex Subs. This particular example takes things a step further with a highly desirable matte "ghost" bezel insert that has faded to a lovely pale blue.
Specifications
Brand:
Tudor
Model:
Submariner
Reference:
79090
Year:
1990
Case Number:
B336510
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:
Veblenist blue calfskn strap with tang buckle
Max Wrist Size:
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
UNWORN: Case is pristine with no signs of use. Original stickers may still be present. Dial, hands, and lume have no imperfections and may show natural, even aging.
MINT: Case has only a few superficial hairlines. Lugs are thick, full, and sharp with superb finishing. Dial, hands, and lume may have micro imperfections visible only with a loupe.
EXCELLENT: Case has very light scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick, full, and well-defined. Dial and hands may have imperfections visible upon close inspection. Lume is fully intact and may show slight discoloration.
VERY GOOD: Case may have a few moderate scratches or nicks. Lugs are thick and full but may have softened edges. Dial and hands may have light stains or marks. Lume may have cracks or discoloration.
GOOD: Case has many scratches and nicks. Lugs may show signs of moderate polishing with worn edges. Dial and hands may have noticeable stains or marks. Lume may be damaged or show significant discoloration.
Case: The lugs are thick and the case is generally strong, but there is some softening around the chamfers and the case back appears to have been polished. The case sides show many little dings and scratches that you'd expect from normal wear over 30 years. The bezel is an original blue 79090 bezel but is not original to this watch. The insert has faded to a matte finish, pale light blue and compliments the dial wonderfully. The backside of the bezel retains the original darker blue color.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The dial is a nice glossy blue that is dark in dim lighting but comes alive to a more distinct blue in brighter lighting. There is a small scratch near the center of the dial that I highlighted in one of the photos. Both the dial and hands have matching tritium with a lovely eggshell patina. The tritium on the hour markers does show some spots of deterioration, but nothing major. The crystal was recently replaced with a new genuine Tudor 25-144 cyclops crystal.
Bracelet/Strap: The Veblenist blue calfskin strap is in excellent condition with very light signs of use.
Movement
Functions: All functions including the crown-winding, time-setting, date-setting, and bezel rotation are working as expected.
Service History: Unknown.
