Fratello’s five-watch selection spans Tudor Rangers, Submariners and chronographs rather than treating the Submariner as the whole vintage story. Published by Jorg Weppelink on October 4, 2024, the list is presented in random order—not as a definitive ranking. Here’s what distinguishes each reference, and what to check when evaluating an individual vintage watch.
At a glance: five different vintage Tudor propositions
| Reference | Type and key function | Movement | Production or introduction | Distinguishing detail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Oysterdate Ranger 7966 | Automatic watch with date | ETA caliber 2462; 40-hour power reserve | 1966–1969, according to Fratello | 34 mm steel case and Cyclops date magnifier |
| Oyster Prince Submariner 7928 | Dive watch | Caliber 390 | Debuted in 1959; produced until 1968, according to Fratello | Four collector-defined case versions and multiple dial variations |
| Oysterdate “Homeplate” 7032 | Chronograph with date | Hand-wound Valjoux 7734 | Homeplate series launched in 1970 | Fixed steel bezel engraved with numerals |
| Oysterdate “Big Block” 94300 | Automatic chronograph with date | Valjoux 7750 | Big Block series dates to 1976 | Steel tachymeter bezel; three registers and date at 3 |
| Oyster Prince Submariner 7016 | Dive watch | Caliber 2483 for the time-only 7016 | Debuted in 1969 | Associated with the move to snowflake hands and square markers |
Specifications and dates in this table reflect Fratello’s article; they describe the references, not the condition or originality of every watch sold under those names. Fratello’s Top 5 Vintage Tudor References
Tudor Prince Oysterdate Ranger ref. 7966
The Ranger 7966 is the list’s date-equipped, automatic option. Fratello describes a 34 mm stainless-steel case, a Cyclops magnifier over the date, and ETA caliber 2462 with a stated 40-hour power reserve. Its reported production period is 1966–1969.
There is an important identification caveat: Fratello notes that the same case reference numbers can also appear on regular Tudor models. A “7966” engraving or listing alone therefore does not establish that a watch is a Ranger. Assess the dial, hands, case and other details together, and seek knowledgeable inspection if the distinction matters to your purchase.
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#1 Best Overall
- Water resistant to 66.6 ft (200 m), Power reserve: Approx. 70 hours, Anti-reverse bezel, Screw-lock crown, Swiss made
- Case (Length x Width x Thickness): Approx. 1.9 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches (48 x 39 x 12 mm)
- Belt arm circumference: Maximum approx. 7.9 inches (20 cm)
- Accessories: Tudor original box
Fratello names vintage rivet bracelets, leather and NATO straps as wear options. Do not assume a universal strap width: confirm the lug width and fit on the specific watch before buying a strap.
Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7928
Fratello dates the 7928’s debut to 1959 and its production through 1968. It identifies four collector-defined case versions by crown-guard shape: Square, Eagle Beak, pointed and rounded. The article also describes gilt and later matte-black dial variations, including Exclamation Dot and Underline dials.
Rank #2
- Featuring a Silver-tone Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
The 7928 is fitted with caliber 390 in Fratello’s account. Because servicing is a practical ownership consideration for this vintage reference, the article advises buyers to have access to a watchmaker able to work on it. A reference’s historical importance does not tell you whether a particular example is running well or what service it needs.
Tudor Oysterdate “Homeplate” ref. 7032
The Homeplate series launched in 1970. The 7032 is the version with a fixed stainless-steel bezel engraved with numerals; its dial places subdials at 3 and 9 and the date at 6. Fratello identifies its movement as the hand-wound Valjoux 7734.
Rank #3
- 41mm steel case with polished and satin finish
- Bidirectional rotatable bezel in steel with 24-hour graduated anodised aluminium disc
- Self-winding mechanical movement with 70 hour power reserve
The bezel is a useful way to distinguish the 7032 from the related designs discussed in the article: the 7031 has a black plastic tachymeter bezel insert, while the 7033 was a prototype that did not reach production. These are distinct configurations, not interchangeable descriptions of the 7032.
Tudor Oysterdate “Big Block” ref. 94300
Fratello dates the Big Block series to 1976 and connects its nickname to the thicker case associated with an automatic movement’s rotor. The 94300 uses the Valjoux 7750 layout, with three registers and a date at 3, and is described with a stainless-steel tachymeter bezel.
Rank #4
- Tudor Pelagos Chronometer Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch M25600TB-0001
The article also names refs. 94200 and 94201 as other bezel configurations in the series. Dial choices range from traditional colors to the colorful “Monte Carlo” or “Exotic” styles. When comparing examples, identify the actual reference and bezel configuration rather than treating “Big Block” as a single uniform specification.
Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7016
The 7016 debuted in 1969 and marks an important step toward the visual language now strongly associated with Tudor Submariners: snowflake hands and square markers. Fratello attributes the legibility-focused change to requests from French Navy divers who had used the 7928. As the article puts it, “The main thing that they requested was better readability underwater.”
Best Value
Fratello distinguishes earlier Mk1 examples, with round indices and Mercedes hands, from Mk2 versions with square markers and snowflake hands. For the time-only 7016, it identifies caliber 2483 and describes this generation as Tudor’s first Submariner to use ETA movements. The Mk1 and Mk2 labels refer to different dial-and-hand configurations, so confirm the details of the watch being offered rather than relying on a title alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What Fratello reported about prices in 2024
In its October 4, 2024 article, Fratello gave approximate asking-price ranges for these references. They are a historical snapshot of asking prices—not verified current values or completed-sale results—and should not be treated as a present-day valuation.
| Reference and configuration | Fratello’s approximate asking prices in its October 4, 2024 article |
|---|---|
| Ranger 7966 | Just under €8,000 to around €12,000 |
| Submariner 7928 | Roughly €7,000 to €25,000 or more |
| Homeplate 7032 | Approximately €25,000 to €33,000 |
| Big Block 94300, regular dial | Approximately €5,500 to €12,000 |
| Big Block Monte Carlo versions | Approximately €14,000 to €18,000 |
| Submariner 7016, Mk1 | About €7,000 upward |
| Submariner 7016, Mk2 | About €9,000 upward; good examples could reach around €20,000 |
Each range above is attributed to Fratello’s October 4, 2024 report. The article does not establish that these figures are current, nor does it make them a guide to completed transactions. See the original article and its price context.
How to compare examples before buying
These five references differ in purpose and configuration, so start by deciding which kind of watch you want: a compact automatic date watch, a vintage diver, or a chronograph. Then assess the exact example rather than assuming every watch bearing a reference number shares the same history or condition.
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- Confirm identity and configuration. This matters especially for the Ranger 7966, because the same case reference numbers can appear on regular Tudor models. For the Submariners, distinguish the 7928’s crown-guard and dial variations and the 7016’s Mk1 and Mk2 traits. For the chronographs, verify the 7032’s fixed steel bezel or the particular Big Block bezel and dial.
- Check the movement and service path. The references use different movements, and Fratello specifically advises 7928 buyers to have access to a watchmaker who can service caliber 390. Ask for a documented service history and an independent assessment rather than inferring mechanical condition from age or appearance.
- Separate model history from originality. A design feature associated with a reference does not prove that an individual watch retains its original parts. Evaluate the dial, hands, bezel, case and movement as a particular set, ideally with expert help.
- Compare like with like. Fratello’s 2024 figures distinguish regular-dial Big Blocks from Monte Carlo versions and Mk1 from Mk2 7016s. A broad label or an old asking-price range is not enough to value a differently configured or differently preserved watch.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
