Tudor Advisor

Rolex has never experimented much in the realm of complicated watches. True, the manufacture has had its fair share of chronographs and calendar watches over the years, such as the Daytona and the Datejust (not to mention the Day-Date). But the Crown has, more or less, left the tourbillons, minute repeaters, and perpetual calendars to the likes of Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Jaeger-LeCoultre.

The answer as to why lies in the utilitarian nature of most of Rolex’s products. These watches were meant to be tools. Much like a pick-up truck, they were meant to be used hard and given a tune-up when they needed it.

But there are certain complications that (unlike a tourbillon) are actually functional, and it’s in those that Rolex particularly excelled.

Take for example this watch, a wrist alarm.

The Advisor (Reference 7926) was introduced in 1957 and was produced until 1969, when it was replaced by the Reference 10050. As the first—and only—alarm watch Rolex ever made, it occupies a special place in the Rolex canon. But it’s unusual construction made it stand out from its competitors.

While the Vulcain Cricket relied on a dual case back design, the Advisor (which used a Rolex Oyster case) employed a pin on the casebook, against which a hammer struck to sound the alarm. Eventually Rolex would turn to a dual casebook design similar to the Cricket. But at the time of the Reference 7926’s release, it was something entirely different from the competition.

This particular Reference 7926 has a silver dial that shows the wisdom of its years, with traces of patina. The Calibre 1475 movement is housed in a 36mm Oyster case—the same size as Datejusts of the period, making it eminently wearable. The inner case back shows signs of a recent service in 2009.

Very few of the Reference 7926 were made before Rolex would phase it out for the new dual-case back design in 1968. Estimates put their number in the low thousands, making surviving examples rare to find. Though Tudor reintroduced the Advisor in its Heritage collection in the early part of this decade, it’s the vintage version that truly captures our hearts—and ears.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.