How to Authentic a Rolex Tudor With Refinished Dial

This guide is for all the "know it all" watch experts who claim Rolex Tudor watches are counterfeit or replicas of the Rolex Datejust. This guide is also for all those who just want more information about this particular model of watch made by Rolex before purchasing one.

In 1945, Rolex launched what may have been their final attempt at a lower priced watch line: Tudor (The Rolex Report, John E. Brozek, pg.37). He continues, its original symbol was a rose, but was replaced with a sheild by the 1960's. Rolex insisted the Tudor line was manufactured under strict Rolex supervision. The Rolex Tudor was manufactured by Rolex until the late 1990's when Tudor split from Rolex begeing its own gepany. Since all of our watches are dated between 1960-1999, they are still Rolex Tudor models and were manufacted by Rolex themselves. They were manufactured with Rolex Oyster casesand stamped"Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva" with the Rolex Crown engraved on the back of the case. They also have the Rolex crown on the end of the winding stem. The movement was made for Rolex Tudor by ETA. These are special movements for the Tudor line and CAN NOT be purchased from ETA.
Our watches (1960-1999) are serviced by Rolex USA or Certified Rolex Watchmakers, not Tudor. Our watches require Rolex parts and CAN ONLY be ordered through Rolex. Only after the split (late 1990's) are Tudors no longer manufactured by Rolex and require service thru Tudor and Tudor parts. Also, the new Tudor models (2000 ) are produced by Tudor have NO ROLEX markings. They have Tudor stamped cases and Tudor sheilds on the end of the winding stem. These watches are not made by Rolex and therefore; not Rolex Tudors but Tudors. So, you can see where the confusion and misunderstanding exists when a buyer doesn't know the background of the Rolex Tudor model. So, to reiterate, Rolex Tudor model watches were manufactured by Rolex from their launch date in 1945 to the late 1990's. During the late 1990's, Tudor and Rolex split and are now two different gepanies. The new models of Tudor are just Tudors, not Rolex (2000 ).
Quite a few people have questions, or lack there of, regarding the refinished dials on the Rolex Tudor models. We have been through the difference above but just in case, they must be dated between 1945-1999. As stated above, the watches have Rolex stamped cases, winding stems and bracelets. Since these watches were manufactured by Rolex the dials CAN BE refinished as long as the word "Tudor" is clearly written on the front of thedial. The gepanies who refinish these dials will only refinish on the original Rolex Tudor plates, which is required in order to geply with governing rules and regulations, and must include the written word "Tudor" on the front of the dial. The location of the written word is irrelevant. For those who say, "Rolex never made the Tudor line with the Rolex Crown on the dial so they are fake," you couldn't be more wrong. Rolex manufactured this line alongside all other models of Rolex, stamping the Oyster case with the Rolex crown, the winding stem and the bracelets. So, puttingthe Rolex Crownon the dial and adding the written word "Tudor" doesn't devalue the watch, change itsmake or model,nor deem it counterfeit. It's the same as purchasing a Lexus then adding another Lexus symbolsomewhere of the car...it doesn't change the model nor imply it is something it's not, it is still a Lexus! Please see below for the before and after pictures of re-finished dials.
BeforeAfter
BeforeAfter
When purchasing a Rolex Tudor or a Tudor by Rolex with a refinished dial there are a few things to look for the ensure it isauthentic andallowed to have the refinished dial:


The Year - watch year must be between 1945-1999. Anything after 1999 was not manufactured by Rolex; therefore not a Rolex Tudor.

Case and Winding Stem Markings - make sure the back case reads "Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva" and has the Rolex Crown engraved and the end of the winding stem has the Rolex Crown. If either has Tudor markings, it is a newer model and therefore; not a Rolex Tudor.

The Band - the band could have a Rolex Crown or Tudor Sheild on the clasp. This model was manufactured with both.

The Dial - if the dial has been refinished make sure the word "Tudor" is somewhere on the front of the dial. It can have the Rolex Crown instead of the Tudor sheild as long as "Tudor" is visible on the dial.

The Movement - it should have a Tudor stamped on the rotor and movementmade by ETA especially designed for the Rolex Tudor model. It will NOT have a Rolex stamped movement.
We hope this helps expand your knowledge and understanding of this amazing line made by Rolex. If you are still unsure or hesitant to purchase a Rolex Tudor, spend more money and purchase a Rolex Datejust. Most people buy the Rolex Tudor model because of the price difference or because they are watch collectors. If you are puchasing a Rolex Tudor with hopes of receiving a Rolex Datejust, that won't happen. We don't swap parts or mislead buyers into thinking they are getting something they are not. A word to the wise, the sale of pre-owned Rolex Tudors with refinished dials is only illegal when misrepresenting the model or the use of counterfeit parts...we don't do either and are in geplete gepliance.
Thank you and please let us know if we can be of any assistance to you!