Tudor submariner with faded bezel

[Caril]

Hello. I saved this image from a thread here in RWI, but can't find the original poster for a question.
I wanted to ask the original poster if this bezel is new, mod, vintage..

Is it possible to buy a new replica with this bezel colour?
Im looking into similar Tudor/Rolex with faded/pastel bezel/dial.
I like the soft contrast with the leather strap.

Thanks

 

[Caril]

Now with the image..

 

[p0pperini]

Is it possible to buy a new replica with this bezel colour?

Not without spending big bucks on a Vietnam build.

You can buy pre-aged inserts from VN suppliers - for instance, Phong does them (jewelryandwatch.com).

On a budget, it’s a DIY job with bleach, sandpaper and other abrasives, patience and practice. And practice is important - it’s not easy to get genuine, naturally aged looking results. And you’ll want the rest of the watch to match up with the insert, for the whole package.

Brand new shiny vintage reps by BP or JKF can be bought from a TD for as little as $100. Although supply has been a bit sketchy for a while now.

Or you can buy inserts or complete modded vintage watches from M2M sales. Although the results of beginner modders’ efforts can look like someone carried out a frenzied attack on the insert with an old nail. Because that’s what they did. So it’s worth spending time (and probably a little more money) buying from a member who has a track record of creating considered, authentic-looking pieces.

 

[cjt202020]

Now with the image..

That’s my watch built by @Solution6 think it was a milk insert ?

 

[Caril]

Although the results of beginner modders’ efforts can look like someone carried out a frenzied attack on the insert with an old nail. Because that’s what they did.

I've seen some of the "beginner vintage" you talk about, and I didn't "get it" either.

Thanks for the tips and link, I learned a bit more.

I will ask if TD can source dials and inserts, for learning/practice..

 

[Btadl1997]

Can you use a milk 5513 case for these tudor sub builds? I know milk has some excellent 1675 inserts.

 

[p0pperini]

Milk does make some excellent inserts, I have a few. But he supplies them in pristine as-new condition, so it’s down to the owner (or their modder of choice) to do the ageing. Same with the lovely “kissing 40” fat font Mk. 1 inserts by slay.

 

[cjt202020]

 

[Solution6]

I've seen some of the "beginner vintage" you talk about, and I didn't "get it" either.

Thanks for the tips and link, I learned a bit more.

I will ask if TD can source dials and inserts, for learning/practice..

The final result varies depending on the provenience of the insert. Milk, Vietnam, CAC, use superior paints and production methods, which behave in a very different way when subjected to the ‘ageing’ process.

 

[Solution6]

Can you use a milk 5513 case for these tudor sub builds? I know milk has some excellent 1675 inserts.

Yes, the 5513 case is a good option. A thing to keep in mind is that these cases are blank, no engravings.

 

[heska]

It’s also lacking the outer ridge on the caseback.

 

[Caril]

I thought I had replied 1 week ago, but that message got lost..

Thank you all very much, for your input!
For a beginner like me, it's great to get access to all this knowledge.
Just for context:
- Until a few weeks ago, Rolex was something I didn't like at all (slowly changing) and Tudor was something I didn't know almost at all.
- Now, Im strangely attracted to these Tudor snowflake submariners, especially the history and looks of the Marine Nationale ones. the MN strap and faded blue is a killer look..

So, summarising your inputs and my current knowledge:

- Vintage reps: BP or JKF
- Can be bought from a TD for as little as $100.
- Supply has been a bit sketchy for a while now.

- I have found only one (cheapish) ready-made vintage rep at the moment, from JKF:
- Costs about 250 USD
- Thickness: 16.5 mm
- This seems very thick, I understand most is the domed crystal, but is this close to GEN?
- for some reason, its not easy for me to find thickness for GEN 9401 and similar vintage snowflakes..

To get an aged and more perfect replica, would mean either:
1) going mod and possibly sourcing components like cases, crystal, dials, etc, and possibly also ageing them DIY, or
2) ask a modder to build one up. Cost can get close to 1000USD, maybe 1500USD for a "top" replica. And these look great!

Sourcing components :
- 5513 case ( blank, no engravings, also lacking the outer ridge on the caseback)
-Milk excellent 1675 inserts
-Milk, Vietnam, CAC inserts: use superior paints and production methods, age better)
-Slay inserts: lovely “kissing 40” fat font Mk. 1
-Phong pre-aged inserts from (VN suppliers) - jewelryandwatch.com

Modders that can build vintage Tudor snowflakes:
- @Solution6


Can you share with me what you think are the most glaring "flaws"of the 9401 JKF?

I understand some of these flaws might be present in the JKF REP:
- Thickness might be large, domed crystal seems large in pics
- Insert paints not reacting so well to aging
- Perhaps crown guard shape that changed a bit during the years, depending to which year/model we are aiming to REP
- Case shape details? This is something that I think reps can get well more or lesss easily.. machining steel is just that..
- Dial & hans details? The rep has some sort of aged lume, perhaps lume has flaws?

 

[injector]

would be interessted in blue submariner but with mercedes no snowflake

 

[injector]

would be interessted in blue submariner but with mercedes no snowflake

 

[Caril]

would be interessted in blue submariner but with mercedes no snowflake

It seems the mercedes hands were not as used as the snowflake back in the time. Some models had it (60's and 80's - I think in the 70's the mercedes hands were so used).

The legibility of the snowflake is amazing, and it emphasises the tool aspect of the watch.


This is (supposedly) a gen, but to me is seems the mercedes hands are not the ones originally in the watch. I like the patina on this insert.

If you want a ready made REP, JKF makes one: