TUDOR | MONTE-CARLO 'HOMEPLATE', REF 7031/0 STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH WITH DATE AND BRACELETCIRCA 1971

Dial: blackCalibre: cal. 7734 manual winding, 17 jewelsCase: stainless steel Oyster, screw-down crown, pushers and backCase number: 759'354 Closure: stainless steel Rolex Oyster with integrated folding claspDimensions: 40mm, bracelet circumference approx. 165mm Signed: case, dial and movementAccessories: Tudor booklet, 3 additional bracelet links and presentation case

DIAL: in good condition, 'homeplate' indexes display a deep orange patina, not quite matching with the patina on the hands. With some traces of blistering to the outer track mostly between 2 and 4 o'clock, 8 and 10 o'clock. With some partial discoloration to the constant second subsidiary dial. CASE: in good condition, the case maintains its original finishing and lug bevels. With some discoloration to the bakelite bezel insert, a slight dent to the bezel at 9 o'clock. With some surface scratches to the back. MOVEMENT: working at time of cataloguing, date advancing, chronograph starts, stops and resets Bracelet: in good condition with minor stretch to the folded links. Ref. 7836 endlinks 589 dated 1/70. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

In 1971, Tudor launched references the 7031 and the 7032, ‘the Oysterdate’,  perhaps more affectionately nicknamed and known as the ‘Home plate’ due to the luminous hour markers resembling the home plate of a baseball field.  Rather unusually for the time, these were all released in very large 40mm cases with crown guards and screw down pump pushers.  They all featured the signature sporty orange accents and unusual pentagonal detailing that made them so recognisable, even in the two short years they were in production. However there were several configurations of the dial and cases;  The Ref. 7031 featured the black acrylic bezel, whilst the Ref. 7032 featured the brush Steel bezel. Two variations of the ref. 7031 were made in 1971: the version with a grey dial and black registers, and a much rarer version, seen here, with a black dial and grey registers. There also existed the Ref 7033 which featured the bi-rotating acrylic bezel, but this was never made in series or at least never went beyond the prototype stage. It’s particularly wonderful to find a black dial example with the collectible and original bright orange box.