Tudor Submariner Guide 2026: Vintage Prices & Authentication
The Tudor Submariner is one of the most collectible vintage dive watches — a Rolex-cased diver with iconic "snowflake" hands that was discontinued in the late 1990s. No new Tudor Submariners will ever be made, making pre-owned examples on eBay the only way to own one. This guide covers what every major reference actually sells for.
Vintage Tudor Submariner Market Overview
The vintage Tudor Submariner market has matured significantly. Key trends:
- Early snowflake references (7016, 7928, 94010) have tripled in value since 2015
- Later references (79090, 75190) remain relatively affordable at $3,000-$6,000
- Original dials and hands are crucial — restored examples sell for 30-50% less
- The Tudor Black Bay has increased awareness of the brand, lifting all vintage Tudor prices
- Complete sets with original box and papers command significant premiums (30-50% more)
Tudor Submariner Prices by Reference
| Reference | Era / Name | eBay Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7928 | 1960s (early) | $12,000 - $25,000+ | First Tudor Sub; pointed crown guards; highly collectible |
| 7016/0 | 1970s (snowflake) | $8,000 - $15,000 | Iconic snowflake hands; blue or black dial |
| 94010 | 1970s-80s (snowflake) | $6,000 - $12,000 | Last snowflake hands; date window; strong demand |
| 76100 | 1980s | $4,000 - $8,000 | Transitional model; Mercedes hands; shield logo |
| 79090 | 1980s-90s | $3,500 - $6,000 | Last generation; triplock crown; most available |
| 75090 | 1980s-90s (midsize) | $3,000 - $5,000 | 36mm; rare midsize; growing collector interest |
| 79190 | 1990s (final) | $4,000 - $7,000 | Last Tudor Submariner; sapphire crystal; SEL bracelet |
| 75190 | 1990s (midsize final) | $3,000 - $5,000 | Final midsize; sapphire crystal |
Prices reflect completed eBay sales (2025-2026) for watches with original dials and hands in good condition. Restored dials/hands reduce value by 30-50%. All prices USD.
How to Authenticate a Vintage Tudor Submariner
Vintage Tudor Submariners require careful authentication. "Frankenwatches" (assembled from mismatched parts) are the biggest risk:
Red Flags
- Mismatched parts: Rolex dial on a Tudor case, wrong hand style for the reference
- Repainted or refinished dials — original patina and aging should look natural
- Aftermarket bezels (check font style and pip material against reference guides)
- Price significantly below market — vintage Tudor Subs rarely sell below $2,500
- No serial number visible between the lugs or serial doesn't match the era
- Polished case that has lost its original shape and edge definition
What to Verify
- Case serial and model number between the lugs should match Tudor records for that era
- Rolex crown on the caseback and crown (Tudor used Rolex cases)
- Correct hand style for the reference (snowflake vs Mercedes vs pointed)
- Original dial with consistent aging (lume should match between hands and indices)
- Original bezel insert with correct font and pearl color for the era
- Buy from established vintage watch dealers with verifiable expertise
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a vintage Tudor Submariner worth?
Vintage Tudor Submariner prices on eBay range from $3,000-$5,000 for later references (79090, 75190) to $8,000-$20,000+ for early snowflake-hand models (7016, 7928, 94010). The most sought-after references with original 'snowflake' hands and pristine dials can exceed $25,000 at auction.
Why did Tudor stop making the Submariner?
Tudor discontinued the Submariner name in the late 1990s, replacing it with the Hydronaut and eventually the modern Black Bay and Pelagos lines. The name 'Submariner' is now exclusively used by Rolex. This discontinuation has made vintage Tudor Submariners increasingly collectible, as no new ones will ever be produced.
Is a Tudor Submariner a good investment?
Vintage Tudor Submariners have appreciated significantly over the past decade. Early snowflake references (7016, 94010) have tripled in value since 2015. Even later references like the 79090 have doubled. The combination of Rolex-made cases, historical significance, and the fact that no new Tudor Submariners will ever be made creates strong long-term demand.
What is the difference between a Tudor Submariner and a Rolex Submariner?
Tudor Submariners used Rolex-made cases and crowns but different movements (typically ETA-based rather than Rolex in-house calibers). The dials, hands, and bezels were Tudor-specific, with the iconic 'snowflake' hands being unique to Tudor. Tudor Submariners were positioned as more affordable alternatives to the Rolex Submariner, and today vintage Tudor Subs sell for roughly 30-50% of comparable Rolex Submariner prices.
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