Wristwatches · Wristwatch
Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph Monte Carlo, ref. 7159/0, circa 1973
- Maker / attribution
- Tudor (maker)
- Date
- c. 1973
- Historical period
- Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
- Country of origin
- Switzerland
- Object type
- Wristwatch
- Stock no.
- vws3826
- Credit line
- Dealer listing, Vintage Watch Specialist (vws3826)
- Catalogue title (original)
- Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph Monte Carlo - Model Reference 7159/0 - c.1973 (English)
View the source record (dealer listing) ↗ (opens another website in a new tab)Suggest a correction
Record summary
Catalogued by Vintage Watch Specialist (dealer), United Kingdom (stock number vws3826), this is a wristwatch by Tudor, made in Switzerland, dated c. 1973. The Atlas places it in the Quartz Revolution period (1969 – 1990) of its Wristwatches collection. The record is illustrated with 6 photographs.
Assembled from the source record's structured fields. Dates and attributions are given as the source states them; where a field is missing the Atlas leaves it blank rather than estimating.
Catalogue description
Dealer description — Vintage Watch Specialist
A Superb and Very Collectable Tudor Monte Carlo Model Ref: 7159/0 in Fantastic Preowned Condition, c.1973 The Tudor Monte Carlo debuted in 1971 as part of the brand’s “Homeplate” chronograph series. Officially known as the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph, its bold dial design—with colourful sub-dials and roulette-style minute tracks—quickly earned the “Monte Carlo” nickname. Powered by manual Valjoux movements and housed in robust Oyster cases, these watches echoed Rolex DNA but with Tudor’s daring flair. Today, Monte Carlo chronographs are highly sought after for their rarity, vibrant aesthetics, and motorsport-inspired legacy. What's on Offer We are delighted to offer this iconic Tudor Oysterdate “Monte Carlo” Chronograph Ref: 7159/0 for sale in such exemplary preowned condition. This is a superb example of one of the most collectible vintage chronographs from the 1970s. This particular model is distinguished by its engraved steel Units/Hour bezel and signature bi-compax dial with bold orange accents, square sub-dials, and roulette-style minute track—earning it the “Monte Carlo” nickname. Powered by the manual-wind Valjoux 7734 movement, this watch is offered in superb pre-owned condition, with crisp dial elements, vibrant colouration, and a sharp case on a matching steel 272 bracelet with folded link. A true statement piece and a cornerstone of Tudor chronograph history. This watch would very much be an asset to any collection.
Historical context
Quartz Revolution (1969 – 1990)
Seiko's Astron begins mass quartz timekeeping; traditional industries contract sharply.
Quartz and digital watches transformed the market after 1969. Swiss employment collapsed, Japanese and Hong Kong production soared, and the Swatch (1983) helped the Swiss industry recover; mechanical watches survived as luxury goods.
Read the period in the timelineMore wristwatches from this periodEarlier: Modern Mechanical Horology
Atlas type guide
Chronographs and split-seconds watches
A chronograph is a watch with an additional seconds hand that can be started, stopped and returned to zero independently of the timekeeping. Louis Moinet built an early example in 1816 and Nicolas Rieussec a recording 'chronographe' in 1821; Adolphe Nicole's heart-shaped reset cam (patented 1862) made the modern return-to-zero possible. Split-seconds (rattrapante) chronographs add a second hand that can be stopped for intermediate times; flyback chronographs restart instantly.
Chronographs were essential tools for doctors (pulsometer scales), artillery (telemeter), engineers and sport. In wristwatches, Valjoux, Venus, Lemania and later the automatic chronographs of 1969 (Zenith El Primero, the Chronomatic Calibre 11 group and Seiko 6139) are milestones.
What to look for
- Push-pieces on the case band or a single button in the crown (monopusher).
- Subsidiary registers for minutes and hours; tachymeter, telemeter or pulsometer scales.
- Column wheel versus cam control visible in the movement.
- Calibre markings of specialist makers (Valjoux, Lemania, Venus, Landeron).
Dating clues
- Pocket chronographs with heart cam reset: after 1862.
- Wrist chronographs: from c. 1910; two-button designs from the 1930s.
- Automatic chronographs: from 1969.
General guidance written by the Atlas editors about this kind of object. It is not a statement about this particular piece; for that, rely on the source record above and on physical examination.
Read next:Flyback chronographChronograph
Related records
Wristwatches · c. 1973
Tudor Prince Oysterdate Ranger II, ref. 9101/1, c. 1973
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1973
Tudor Prince Oysterdate, ref. 9101/1, c. 1973 (Antiquorum Lot 389-114)
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1973
Tudor Prince Oysterdate, ref. 9101/1, c. 1973 (Antiquorum Lot 389-115)
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · c. 1974
Tudor Princess Oysterdate, ref. 9311/0, c. 1974
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva
Wristwatches · 1970
Wristwatch by Heno, Switzerland, 1970
Museum Rotterdam
Wristwatches · 1960–1986
'Tri-Compax' calendar chronograph wristwatch in gold case, by Universal, Geneva, Switzerland, 1960–1986.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · 1969–1970
Beta 21 Quartz wristwatch movement, made in Switzerland, 1970.
Science Museum Group, London
Wristwatches · c. 1969
Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch, ref. 145022-69st, c. 1969
Antiquorum auction archive, Geneva