1992 Tudor Submariner Date Black Dial 79090

The 1992 Tudor Submariner Date Ref. 79090 is a classic vintage dive watch that represents the end of Tudor’s traditional Submariner line before the brand shifted toward newer designs in the late 1990s. Built in stainless steel with a 40 mm case, this reference carries all the familiar, tool-watch proportions that Tudor and Rolex shared through much of the 20th century, including lug holes, a matte black dial with tritium lume, and a bi-directional rotating bezel protected by an acrylic crystal — details that give it a distinctly vintage character compared with later dive watches. Its dial and hands often develop a rich cream patina over time, adding to the collectible charm of these pieces on the secondary market.

Under the hood, the 79090 uses a Tudor-modified ETA 2824-2 automatic movement with quickset date, providing robust everyday performance aligned with the brand’s heritage of reliable tool watches. The watch typically comes on its original Tudor 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with diver’s extension, further underscoring its utilitarian roots. Though water resistance is rated around 200 m, as with many vintage pieces collectors today treat these more as historic icons than daily divers, given the age and evolution of service standards. The Ref. 79090 remains highly regarded among vintage enthusiasts for its blend of classic diver design, historic Rolex-Tudor lineage, and approachable vintage appeal.

Serial: B,439,XXX

Year: 1992

Case Reference: 79090

Dial/Hands: Tritium

Bracelet: Original Tudor folded Oyster bracelet reference 9315 with diver extension w/ 380 B ends - Stainless Steel

Case: 40mm x 12mm Thickness - Stainless Steel

Lug Width: 20mm

Movement: ETA 2824-2 - Automatic - Running (+5 s/d 290 amp)

Glass: Plexiglass

Accessories: No box or papers - watch only

Functions: Hours, Minutes, Second, Date

Bracelet size: 7.25”

The unpolished case has minimal wear that can be found with a loupe. Bracelet has light normal wear with minimal sag. Dial is free of wear. Hands light wear. Running (+5 s/d 290amp).

Tudor was established in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, with a vision to create watches that offered the same reliability and precision as Rolex, but at a more accessible price point. Built with robust Swiss movements and housed in Rolex-quality cases, Tudor quickly earned a reputation for producing tool watches trusted by military units and professional divers around the world. In the 1950s and ‘60s, Tudor introduced iconic models like the Oyster Prince Submariner, worn by the French Navy, and carved out a legacy as a maker of rugged, no-nonsense timepieces built to perform under extreme conditions.

In recent years, Tudor has reemerged as one of the most exciting names in modern watchmaking. Collections like the Black Bay, Pelagos, and Ranger pay homage to the brand’s vintage roots while incorporating in-house calibers and contemporary design updates. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight, in particular, has become a collector favorite for its perfect blend of vintage proportions and modern engineering. With a design language all its own and a renewed focus on manufacturing independence, Tudor has established itself as far more than Rolex’s younger sibling—it’s a brand that balances heritage, innovation, and value with serious horological credibility.