Tudor Montecarlo Chronograph Ref. 7032/0 - 'Home Plate'

Rolex is a serious brand. Its younger sibling, Tudor, is a fun brand.

Tudor long has been riffing on iconic designs from Brand with the Crown, and the Monte-Carlo is the Tudor version of the Rolex Daytona. In theory, the Tudor formula remains the same. Rolex case, Rolex build-quality, but with a standard ebauche movement to keep the price attractive. But where the Monte Carlo Chrono really comes into its own is with its unique design language. The 'Home Plate' variants,  in particular, are amongst the greatest and most desirable variants.

The Monte Carlo that we have here, a Ref. 7032/0 dating to circa 1971, is one of those coveted 'Home Plate' examples. It features a 40mm Oyster case — a dimension that it's cousin, the Rolex Daytona, wouldn't see until the late 1980s — along with screw-down pushers and a screw-down crown. This particular example also utilizes an externally affixed bezel with a black acrylic insert — another borrowed option from the Daytona, were a solid steel bezel was also an option during this era. It is inside the case, however, where the 'Home Plate' really stands out as nothing short of a vintage gem. The matte grey dial with its contrasting black subsidiary registers, black minute track, and splashes or orange give this piece a sporty, fun feel that is unmatched in any other watch from the Rolex family. Additionally, the 'home plate' shape of the Tritium plots that give this piece its nickname only ad to the whimsy. It just so happens that the dial within this piece offered here has to be amongst the finest in existence, with a clean surface, uniformly patinated plots, and a beautifully matching handset. Additionally, not only do Monte Carlo's have a date window, but one at the 6 o'clock position. Even by the standards of today, this is a rare positioning. Adding to its unique look and feel, the date is magnified by a horizontal cyclops on the crystal above.

The vibrant colors and eye catching design make this one of the watches any serious collector should consider. Factor in the relative rarity next to its contemporaries, the size, and the value it offers, and this piece simply must be on the radar of someone looking for exceptional vintage sport watches.