Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1972 Reference No: 7149/0 Case No: 775'658 Model Name: Oysterdate "Montecarlo" Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Manual, cal. 234, 17 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet stamped "382" and "7836" to the endlinkd Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
Catalogue Essay
Tudor approached the chronograph market quite late, compared to its competitors (and also to its sister company Rolex). In fact, the first chronograph was introduced only in 1971. Soon, however, these first models were upgraded with minor stylistic upgrades and a new caliber, bringing the second generation of Tudor chronographs to life in 1971. Three models - differing for the bezel style - were made: the present ref. 7149/0 (plexiglass bezel), ref. 7159/0 (steel bezel), ref. 7169/0 (revolving bezel).
The present example bears the blue dial - an option introduced with the second generation models - which adds flair and playfulness to the ensemble. It is speculated that this color combination and the overall dial layout vaguely resembling a roulette wheel are at the root of its nickname: Montecarlo.
Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.
Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.