More and more collectors are becoming acquainted with watches from Rolex's Tudor brand, creations which have become increasingly more collectible. Watches in the Tudor line, apart from the fact that they utilize ebauche movements, are similar to those of Rolex in design and construction.

When Rolex launched the Tudor brand in 1945, they strongly intended that the public perception of its quality had to equal that of Rolex. To achieve this lofty aim, until the mid-1990's, Tudor watches featured Rolex cases and crowns, and, until 1971, Rolex bracelets. Our Tudor has an original Rolex buckle.

An advertisement in Britain's Horological Journal in vintage times stated that Tudor's were, "Manufactured under strict Rolex supervision and bear the Rolex label of guarantee."

The elegant and uncommon Tudor by Rolex Aqua showcased in today's offering is a pleasing example of this phenomenon. It was made exclusively for the Australian market.

It features very fine vintage styling, a solid rose gold water-resistant style case, "Explorer" style dial with crosshairs, and a well-executed handwound movement. Its dial proclaims its early shock-resistance system. Truly full featured for a vintage watch from the era, besides being shock-resistant and have a waterproof style case, it even has a soft iron cap over the movement to form a Farraday cage for magnetic resistance.

Named the Aqua, it was an unusual model for Tudor and somewhat uncharacteristic of them at the time, in that it had a water-resistant style case with a dress style. All or nearly all of Tudor and Rolex's Swiss cased watches at the time were either non-waterproof dress watches or featured Oyster cases.

It has all of its original parts and original Rolex buckle. Its case, made for Rolex by Handley, the company's Aussie contractor, is lightly tinted rose in color. It is in excellent condition with only light remnants of wear to the back and light rippling to the back. On the wrist, it presents as mint with light signs of previous polishing.

Its "small rose" dial is original and untouched, in excellent condition with only light aging.

One of our Master Watchmakers has fully serviced it. It is running strong and true, keeping time on par with a new Rolex in our testing recording position.

For the finishing touch, we have equipped it with a brand new vintage styled distressed leather strap with aftermarket Rolex style buckle making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. One used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

Manufacturer: Tudor by Rolex
Country of origin: Switzerland
Year made: c. 1956
Model: Aqua
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Sweep Seconds
Designed for: Men
Case material: Solid 9K gold lightly tinted rose in color
Case markings (inside): Handley, 9CT, 162599
Case condition: Excellent condition with only light remnants of wear to the back and light rippling to the back. On the wrist it presents as mint with light signs of previous polishing.
Dimensions: 33mm diameter (without crown), 41mm long lug tip-to-tip 
Dial: Silver, signed Tudor Aqua with crosshair design, rose gold applied mixed Arabic and baton indexes, outer minute/second track, original and untouched, excellent condition with only light aging
Hands: Original, luminous filled rose gold "dauphines". Partial loss of luminous. Please inquire if you would like them relumed.
Movement type:  Tudor, ETA based, handwound, rhodium-plated, 21 jewels, straight line lever escapement, gilt finished, early shock resistance system, index regulator
Movement markings: Tudor, 21 Rubis
Jewels: 15 rubies
Band: Brand new vintage styled distressed leather strap with aftermarket Rolex style buckle. We also stock lizard and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Width between lugs: 18mm
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Serviced: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine Rolex parts, installing a new mainspring, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (a $695 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. We have also tested the watch on a machine that spins it in all directions simulating it being worn. It is keeping time nearly on par with a new Rolex.
Warranty: 1-year international warranty. Please email concierge@cotwatches.com for details. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

X