This year’s edition of the Only Watch charity auction, amongst other pieces, will include a unique Tudor piece. This is creating a lot of buzz and excitement in the world of watchmaking, simply because it will be the very first one-of-a-kind watch from the Rolex family. The timekeeper is modeled after a historic piece by the brand which is considered as the most coveted among the aficionados of the brand. As for the watch itself, it is not that impressive when the technical aspects are concerned and it is driven by ETA-produced automatic movement. However, its rarity is expected to bring much higher amount of money for the cause of the auction than the supported specs would imply. Of course, the cause for which the piece is auctioned is gathering money for the research of finding the cure to Duchene Muscular Dystrophy.
The main strongpoint of the watch which Tudor is offering to the auction is the fact that it is the first time the brand has ever created just one example of a certain model. In fact, this is unprecedented for both Tudor and its “big brother” Rolex which are both part of the Rolex group.
Moreover, the choice of the model to be presented at the Only Watch 2015 is likewise very exciting. Tudor Submariner Reference 7923 is a military-type diver’s model upon which the unique watch is based and the most cherished watch of the brand by the unanimous opinion of the collectors. Additionally, the mentioned historic model from 1954 is likewise exceptionally rare on its own.
New Heritage Black Bay One Reference 7923 replicates its archetype model almost completely. It features the same black glossy dial with gilt printing, hour markers with faux patina, the rotating diving bezel in the same color as the face, baton styled hands with luminous coatings…
More similarities are visible on its 41 mm wide stainless steel housing which has the same lugs with bevels and chamfers, the same kind of serrations on the end of the bezel and the identical looking crown.
The differences between the new watch and its predecessor are quite subtle. One can notice the red accents on the top of the bezel and the inscription on the dial in the same color. This was done deliberately to indicate the purpose of the timepiece.
The watch also has the same kind of steel bracelet with three rows, where the central one is the widest. It will include an alternate leather strap.
As for the movement, it is probably the least impressive feature of the watch, since it is not a proprietary movement. Instead, it is ETA 2824 self-winding mechanical movement with 25 jewels.
If the watch was made with the in-house caliber, its value would without a doubt be even higher. Though, it is still expected that this unique piece will surpass the usual price of Tudor Black Bay models multiple time due to its rarity. The listed price of such models is commonly between $3,500 and $4,000. The Only Watch 2015 auction will take place next November.