The Tudor Oyster Submariner Ref. 7923 stands as one of Tudor's rarest and most enigmatic references. In this deep dive, forum member The Monkey presents a compelling case for what he believes might be a unique version of this highly sought-after manual-wind Submariner, inviting the community to scrutinize its distinctive dial and hands. His detailed analysis challenges established knowledge about the 7923, offering new insights into its potential variations and historical context.
Given some of the very interesting and informative previous threads
that I have found on this Board regarding the Tudor Submariner 7923, I
thought people might be interested to see what I think might be a unique
version of the Tudor Oyster SubMariner 7923.
A picture of the watch is below and you can also see another image of the watch on the following instagram page:
I believe this watch to be unique beacuse of 1) the dial and 2) the hands.
The Dial
According to the Tudor website, the 7923 did not
feature the water-resistance depth on the dial, and yet the dial of this
watch does. This does not appear to be unique in itself, because the
7923 that sold for $100,000 on ebay in 2017 also featured the depth on the dial,
but this was in red lettering, whereas on this watch, the depth is
given in the same colour of lettering as the rest of the dial.
Details of the $100,000 ebay watch can be found here:
A previous thread on this website said that there were only 2 versions of the 7923 dial - one without the depth and one with the depth in red. But this appears to be a third variety.
That thread can be found here:
The Hands
According to the Tudor website, the 7923 was meant to
be equipped with "baton-style" hands but the hands on this watch are of
the style found in the 7922 or 7924.
Here is a picture of the Tudor 7923 from the Tudor website for comparison:

So this then leads to the question: is this watch really a 7923 or could it be another model of sub-mariner (e.g. 7922 or 7924)?
I would say that it definitely is a 7923 because:
1. It says 7923 on the back of the case.
2. The serial number is the one immediately previous to the 7923 that sold on Ebay for $100,000.
3. It says "shock-resisting" on the dial. This was not present on the 7922, 7924 or later tudor sub-mariners.
4. It says "oyster" and not "oyster-prince" on the dial - which was only a feature of the 7923.
5. It doesn't say "rotor, self-winding" on the dial which was a feature
of all sub-mariners apart from the 7923. The 7923 was the only
manually-wound Tudor sub-mariner.
6. It doesn't have any minute intervals marked on the bezel - these were only absent on the 7923.
So all this leads me to believe that this might, in my more-than-amateur opinion, be a unique Tudor Oyster
Submariner 7923, of which I am unable to find any previous documented
descriptions or photos.
I am very much looking forward to see what happens with it at auction!
About the Rolex Tudor Submariner Ref. 7922
The Tudor Submariner reference 7922 represents an early iteration of the brand's dive watch, distinguished by its lack of crown guards and a prominent "Big Crown" design. This reference was part of the initial offerings that established Tudor's presence in the professional dive watch segment, sharing design cues with its Rolex counterparts while being positioned as a more accessible alternative. It predates the later, more widely recognized "Snowflake" dial variants, offering a distinct aesthetic that appeals to collectors interested in the foundational models of the Tudor Submariner line.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, housing an automatic movement. The case design emphasizes functionality, with a rotating bezel for dive timing. The crystal is characteristic of dive watches from its era, designed for durability and legibility underwater. The movement provides reliable timekeeping, contributing to the watch's utility as a tool watch.
For collectors, the 7922 is significant as one of the earliest Tudor Submariners, particularly noted for its non-crown guard case and large winding crown. Its historical context within the development of Tudor's dive watches makes it a key reference for understanding the evolution of the model line. Variants within this reference may include minor dial or hand differences, which are often points of interest for dedicated enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 390
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 37 mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Plexiglass
About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 7923
The Submariner reference 7923 is a notable early example within the Submariner line, distinguished by its specific design elements and production period. This reference represents an important stage in the development of the Submariner, showcasing characteristics that predate later, more standardized iterations. Its presence in the market is considerably less frequent compared to many other Submariner references, making it a point of interest for collectors focusing on historical variations.
This reference features a case typically crafted from stainless steel, housing an automatic movement. The case diameter is characteristic of watches from its era, providing a balanced wrist presence. The crystal type and water resistance capabilities were designed to meet the functional requirements of the period, reflecting the technical standards of its production. The movement provides a power reserve consistent with other self-winding calibers of the time.
For collectors, the 7923 holds significance due to its relative rarity and its position in the Submariner's lineage. It appeals to those who seek out less commonly encountered references and appreciate the subtle differences in early production models. Its limited availability contributes to its distinct appeal within the broader collecting community, often seen as a specific target for dedicated enthusiasts.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 395
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 37mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 100m
- Crystal
- Acrylic
About the Rolex Submariner Ref. 7924
The Submariner reference 7924 is a notable early iteration of the model, recognized for its specific design elements that differentiate it from other references within the Submariner lineage. It represents a particular period in the model's development, characterized by a focus on robust construction and legibility. This reference is often sought by collectors interested in the evolution of the Submariner series and its foundational designs. Its production run was relatively brief, contributing to its distinct position.
This reference typically features a stainless steel case, often distinguished by its larger crown compared to some contemporary models. The movement housed within is an automatic caliber, designed for reliability and consistent timekeeping. The crystal protecting the dial is generally acrylic, consistent with watches of its era, offering a warm aesthetic and shatter resistance. The case dimensions are characteristic of early sport watches, providing a substantial presence on the wrist.
For collectors, the 7924 holds significance as a transitional reference, bridging earlier designs with later, more standardized Submariner aesthetics. Its specific crown size and dial configurations are points of interest, allowing for detailed study of production variations. The appeal lies in its historical context and the opportunity to acquire a piece from a formative period of the Submariner's development, appealing to those who value originality and historical accuracy in their collections.
Specifications
- Caliber
- Cal. 390
- Case
- Stainless steel
- Diameter
- 38mm
- Dial
- Black
- Water Resist.
- 200m
- Crystal
- Acrylic