THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: TUDOR
MODEL: 7159/0
YEAR: 1972
BOX/PAPERS: YES/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 40mm
CASE MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
BRACELET MATERIAL: STAINLESS STEEL
MOVEMENT: MANUAL WIND

When you look at the Daytonas from the ’70s, their beauty lies in their simplicity. The sub-dials are cleanly laid out, and the dials aren’t too busy (barring the exotic dial, of course). With their Tudor contemporaries, however, it’s as if the design team at Rolex finally let loose their creative side—and we’re glad they did.

The first models, notably references 7031, 7032, and 7033, were launched in 1970 and featured 40 mm cases, screw-down pushers, and manually wound Valjoux 7734 movements. They stood out with their vibrant, multi-coloured dials, later nicknamed “Monte Carlo” thanks to their uncanny resemblance to the roulette tables of Monaco. The 70xx models—nicknamed “Homeplate” due to the shape of their hour markers—were only produced between 1970 and 1971. They are exceptionally rare today, with price tags that rival those of four-digit Daytonas.

Tudor subsequently released the 71xx series in 1972, featuring the upgraded Valjoux 234 movement and several design refinements. These, too, were produced for only a few short years, until around 1977 or 1978.

The present example is arguably the most desirable within the 71xx series, featuring a vibrant blue “Monte Carlo” dial and an acrylic tachymeter bezel. The watch is in exceptional condition: the bevelled lugs have been polished in the past but remain full—especially the crown guards—and the tritium plots and hands have aged to a rich, creamy patina with no cracking. The dial is mint, with the blue, grey, and orange tones perfectly preserved. The only imperfections are small areas of missing paint near the 10 o’clock and 6 o’clock markers. The movement came to us in perfect health, running at +3 s/d, 295 amps, with a 0.3 ms beat error.

The original 7836/282 folded-link bracelet is complete, one link short, and in excellent condition, retaining its original 1972 clasp. In our opinion, this is one of the most handsome chronographs ever made, with a design unlike anything else. They are, in fact, harder to find than four-digit Daytonas and still represent remarkable value in the vintage market.