Something unexpected....

Something unexpected I guess. Was offered this watch and had to get it. What watch and why? Well, it is a Tudor Prince Date, reference 74000. One of the main reason I got it was the price. Lets say that for the price, you would struggle to get one of those Oris BC3 watches (even with discount).

The second reason is that it comes complete with box and papers. The box.

You can see the papers at the top of the box. The watch is 15 years old and I suspect it was a Christmas gift as it was purchased on Christmas eve.

Even the hang tag is there. The serial number is at the back. I did a check on the serial number and it is correct serial number to the date.

The papers. 

Something you don't see very often, Chinese instruction manual.

Sadly I cannot read it. 

The watch, Tudor Prince Date, reference 74000. The customary checks done, serial and model number between the lugs, cross check to the hang tag and guarantee certificate, open the case back and inspect the movement (ETA 2824-2) and correct model number inside the case back. Also check against known Tudor serial number on the Internet to date the watch. All checked out ok. Of course the final one, to send the watch to RSC to confirm it is all OK. The seller, being a friend, had no problem with it. 

Got to love the blue dial which can look black under different lighting.

I guess this is as close as I can get to a Tudor Ranger or Rolex Explorer.

The other reason I got the watch is that it is one of the last pieces that still had the Rolex crown, the 'Oyster Case Back by Rolex' case back and original folded bracelet (and correct number of links with minimal stretch). I believe this practice stopped in 1999/ 2000.

The case back. 

The before photographs.

You can see all the love and DNA on the watch.

A quick visit to my neighbourhood watch guy solved all the problems. He removed the bracelet and had it cleaned with the ultrasonic cleaner. He cleaned the case and checked the timing. All OK. The watch is running +2 seconds a day. He suspect that the watch may have had a recent service. However, I will still send it in to RSC for a full service soon. Me, a happy camper.