7928, ‘Eagle Beak’ Gilt Dial Submariner, Steel

Exclusives, live. This is a 7928 Submariner, a notable reference for introducing crown guards to the Tudor Submariner. And, if you look closely, you'll note that these crown guards look nothing like what you may be used to seeing. This is an Eagle Beak, either the first or second least seen variant from the early evolution of Submariner crown guards. It also happens to be a remarkably well preserved case. This is, for gilt dial dials, a collectors dream.

The 7928 launched in 1959 alongside the 5512 Rolex equivalent. Both quickly evolved through four distinct shapes. The first are known as Square Crown Guards or SCG, of which it is widely estimated that Rolex made fewer than 100 examples including Tudor. The second is what we see here: The Eagle Beak. It is debated, but most believe there are fewer Eagle Beaks than SCG. The guards evolved from ergonomic considerations and were angled downward with a harsh faceted shape which terminates in a sharp point to make the crown more easily turnable. This sharp point is almost always lost on these cases, though this example has preserved it.

Many believe Rolex took the second half, or what was remaining of SCG production and meticulously cut the guards from SCG cases down to achieve this shape. Most believe there to be somewhere between 75-150 Eagle Beak cases including Rolex and Tudor.SCG cases are founding the 3051XX, where Eagle Beaks began around 3053XX. It is unknown which is less produced, some say far fewer Eagle Beaks, others the same or slightly more. In either case, this is one of the most significant and beautiful evolutions of the Submariner case.

The 'Eagle Beak' 7928 dial mirrors the earliest SCG gilt gloss dial with a chapter ring, gilt print, gilt handset, and Swiss only signature. The curved self-winding, gothic Tudor font, and rose lend this dial a wealth of character. The Swiss only signature marks out the use of old radium, which is very clear on the Geiger counter for this example.

Historic significance is a matter of perspective, but this slight distinction of the manner in which the crown guards present marks this case as amongst the very earliest production cases with a guarded crown. This small addition has since permeated through nearly every Rolex Professional line. The harsh angles of an Eagle Beak are quite attractive and lend a strength to the classic Submariner case not seen elsewhere. Many consider it the most attractive Submariner case made. Regardless of aesthetic preference, this is a Submariner you're not likely to see again for some time. It is a small but significant evolution in Submariner history.

This example is remarkably preserved, particularly in the case. The case has fantastic original bevels, edges, and lug backs. It is in the 3055XX serial range, with case back dating IV 59. The crown guards are some of the best preserved examples I have ever seen. The dial is equally beautiful with original lume application that triggers a Geiger counter. There is partial lume deflation on the 2, 4, and 7 indices. The dial's edges have started to very lightly turn tropical, around the handstack lightly as well. There is a decent amount of lume dust on the inside of the crystal. It is also worth noting the pinprick loss of lume in the upper left corner of the 9 marker. Its calibre 390 is running well on our timing equipment. It comes with the pictured suede strap.

 

This watch is modelled on a relatively large 7.5 inch wrist, with our Suede Strap in Virage Sand (included).