We certainly know the history of the "Unique dial" as the Japanese collectors call them, and the California dial as the rest of the world refers to them. At one time, we were preparing a catalog by which collectors could specify the dial configuration and color combination they wanted for their bubbleback. The popularization lead to enterprising sellers having dials for Tudors and countless other brands reprinted with the popular 1/2 Roman, 1/2 Arabic graphics.
I have to say, not that anyone asked, that I am not a fan of this new Tudor Monarch dial. Thin printed numerals just seem too sparse agains the pale salmon background.
We still occasionally receive requests to produce California dial bubblebacks. Sadly we find the scarcity of replacement parts for proper operation of the N/A caliber auto rotor to be too much of an obstacle for us to sell and guaranty these models. Time for someone to produce quality after market auto axles for these models.
in that bubbleback article for hodinkee from a couple of years ago, you told me you almost launched the "Build a Bubbleback" service back then—a great name, i have to say.
Thank you. I speak to the history of our journey in the vintage watch business on a couple of podcasts, one with Wesley Smith on StandardH, and another more recent with John Reardon on Collectability. Read Tony's in depth article he referenced for Hodinkee. Lot of background on bubblebacks there/
Tony, great article. At what point does the novelty of those refinished dials become popular to collect? The Error proof dials are definitely cool when implemented well. Even in more modern watches (see Panarai 1349). I think Tudor at least gets props for changing things up. The Monarch may evolve into something “ more” with some tweaks (dial color variants, faux snowflake hand changes, thinner than 11.9mm).
PS: Digital Apes is a great name for a band. Hahahah!
this is an interesting point, when does 'aftermarket' become collectible or desirable? trying to think of examples where it's happened before...
and yes, i think the monarch is interesting but very much feels like a first effort and not fully realized yet. excited for what it could become though
Loved this post Tony. I never knew the origin of the term “California Dial,” and now I do. Sadly, perhaps Tudor should have called it a California Dial and also gotten a Californian to design the dial as I’m not at all a fan of the Monarch dial…
We certainly know the history of the "Unique dial" as the Japanese collectors call them, and the California dial as the rest of the world refers to them. At one time, we were preparing a catalog by which collectors could specify the dial configuration and color combination they wanted for their bubbleback. The popularization lead to enterprising sellers having dials for Tudors and countless other brands reprinted with the popular 1/2 Roman, 1/2 Arabic graphics.
I have to say, not that anyone asked, that I am not a fan of this new Tudor Monarch dial. Thin printed numerals just seem too sparse agains the pale salmon background.
We still occasionally receive requests to produce California dial bubblebacks. Sadly we find the scarcity of replacement parts for proper operation of the N/A caliber auto rotor to be too much of an obstacle for us to sell and guaranty these models. Time for someone to produce quality after market auto axles for these models.
thank you ken!
in that bubbleback article for hodinkee from a couple of years ago, you told me you almost launched the "Build a Bubbleback" service back then—a great name, i have to say.
You should write some articles! I visited your store once in 2020 just before COVID, it was fantastic
Thank you. I speak to the history of our journey in the vintage watch business on a couple of podcasts, one with Wesley Smith on StandardH, and another more recent with John Reardon on Collectability. Read Tony's in depth article he referenced for Hodinkee. Lot of background on bubblebacks there/
+100 points for the Tom Wolfe reference.
Tony, great article. At what point does the novelty of those refinished dials become popular to collect? The Error proof dials are definitely cool when implemented well. Even in more modern watches (see Panarai 1349). I think Tudor at least gets props for changing things up. The Monarch may evolve into something “ more” with some tweaks (dial color variants, faux snowflake hand changes, thinner than 11.9mm).
PS: Digital Apes is a great name for a band. Hahahah!
lol!
this is an interesting point, when does 'aftermarket' become collectible or desirable? trying to think of examples where it's happened before...
and yes, i think the monarch is interesting but very much feels like a first effort and not fully realized yet. excited for what it could become though
Loved this post Tony. I never knew the origin of the term “California Dial,” and now I do. Sadly, perhaps Tudor should have called it a California Dial and also gotten a Californian to design the dial as I’m not at all a fan of the Monarch dial…
haha i do think the thin applied numerals are an odd choice...thinking about doing a more complete review of the monarch
Always wondered and now I know the difference. Cheers Tony! 🙏🏼
thank you G!
That's right Tony! I forgot I named it as such. "Build a Bubbleback" it still resonates!