Five Days, Five Ways - The Tudor Homeplate

The latest watch in our ‘Five Days, Five Ways’ series needs no introduction – the Tudor Homeplate chronograph, reference 7031. This timepiece is arguably the most distinctive and iconic of Tudor’s watches and is one of the most sort after watches from this historic marque. This particular watch is my favourite reference, the 7031 with the plexi bezel. It is much rarer to see one of these in original condition, as the bezel is very fragile and many 7031s have the stainless steel bezel on (from the 7032 ref) as once the plastic bezels are damaged it is near impossible to find a replacement.

Our tag line at B&S is ‘one watch, endless styles’ and this series gives you a insight into our choices of straps for some of our favourite watches. Whilst we love to wear our vintage watches on the original steel bracelets, we are passionate about mixing the styles up for different looks on different occasions. Each vintage watch has its own unique qualities, which can be highlighted and enhanced through the choice of a cool leather strap, vintage leather nato or cool coloured nylon nato strap.

The original bracelets on these watches are so cool. The folded link 7836 is a little ‘rattly’ and lightweight by today’s steel standards, but it gives the watch a very classic look that is reminiscent of the watches history as a racing chronograph. In fact the watch is sometimes referred to as the Tudor Porsche Chrono by collectors, due to an advertising link to the 911 in early Tudor advertisements.

Worn on a buckle strap this watch looks elegant and reminiscent of the stylish way that Italian collectors enjoy their vintage chronographs, especially when teamed with a side stitch finish.

When worn on a leather nato strap, the Homeplate becomes something very different altogether…a tool-watch with an almost military note. The watch also has a greater presence on the wrist, due to the added height given by the two layers of leather underneath the case.

Whichever way this watch is worn, its a true design classic and one of Tudor’s most iconic releases ever!

Ross Povey