The ref. 7924 is Tudor's sole 'Big Crown' Submariner, made only in 1958. Most estimate fewer than 400-500 examples were ever made, where a fraction of those survive today. Due to the larger 8mm crown and a thicker crystal compared to its predecessors (only the 7922 and 7923 predate it), it was the very first 200 meter-rated Tudor. The 7924 is inarguably one of the rarer vintage Tudor grails, but particularly so here with a remarkable tropical dial that resembles burled walnut.
These early Tudor Submariners which lacked crown guards were considered experimental in period and weren't even listed in the Tudor catalogue as available to buy. Early Tudor Submariners were widely used by the French MN, whose divers would frequently give feedback to Tudor to iterate upon. The MN chose the Tudor for its lower cost. The case, crystal, and bracelet were manufactured by Rolex and remained entirely the same as the 6538 Submariner. The difference was in the calibre, where the 7924 was powered by a the automatic calibre 390, produced by Fleurier. After spending some time with an order of 7922s in 1956, the MN told Rolex they wanted something both more durable and with a crown that was easier to grab. The 8mm 'Brevet' crown and thicker crystal here resulted. The success of this design with the MN saw the 7924 be then used by both the US Navy and Argentinian Navy subsequently.
This gilt dial has aged off black toward a remarkable warm coffee tone. Perhaps most interestingly, the pattern of this tropical patina reflects a wood burl or the moment you pour cream into your coffee. Signed Swiss alone, the famous rose logo and 'smiley' text is crystal clear. It is, very simply, one of the most attractive and characterful Submariner dials I've handled.
This is the Submariner which has most influenced modern Tudor and from which the Black Bay has drawn the lion's share of its inspiration. The 58 in Black Bay 58 references 1958, or the sole year this 7924 was made. The Tudor Big Crown is something truly special, which is increasingly being appreciated by collectors and the market as such. For example, the most expensive vintage Tudor ever sold at auction to date was a 7924 in 2018 for 162.5K US. In that sense, the 7924 is the strongest antidote to those who still believe the antiquated notion that Tudor is for those who 'can't afford' Rolex. Far from it, this Submariner is for those who appreciate MN history, Submariner development history, and the rarity of the Big Crown. It is core to the identity and history of Tudor, began the widespread Tudor Milsub saga, and still today remains more desirable than it ever has been. Particularly here with a burled tropical dial, this a dream Submariner for studied Tudor collectors.
