Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 7159/0, inside caseback I.72 Case No: 779’610 Model Name: Monte-Carlo Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 234, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel folded Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped 7836, endlinks stamped 380, max length 185mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster deployant clasp Dimensions: 40mm diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement, bracelet and clasp signed
Catalogue Essay
The Tudor OysterDate “Monte-Carlo” was one of the most quintessential and iconic wristwatches of the 1970’s. Bursting with flare and vibrant colors immediately noticed when one directs their focus on the dial, the “Monte-Carlo” earned its nickname due to the reminiscent design reflecting the likes of a roulette table. The dial itself is unique on its own, however with other components of the watch similar or even identical to the Rolex Daytona of its period, the “Monte-Carlo” is definitely attractive. Fitted with an original Rolex crown, bracelet and clasp, the watch displays the history, heritage and the close linkage to its forefather Rolex.
The present example fitted with a grey dial with orange, black and white accents is presented in excellent overall condition with its straight lugs well retained and crisp featuring a clean and attractive dial.
Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.
Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.