Tudor Oysterdate 'Monte Carlo' Chronograph, c. 1982

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Tudor had its genesis as a subsidiary of Rolex. Its watches were Rolexes in all but name: same Rolex Oyster case, same crowns, and Rolex crystals. The only difference was what beat inside the Oyster cases — Swiss ETA movements rather than movements that Rolex built in-house. However, as the decades progressed, Tudor took steps to step out of its big brother’s shadow. As time wears on, more and more watch collectors and enthusiasts begin to appreciate the designs that were exclusive to Tudor's lineup. Though to some the Tudor Submariner was a pale imitation of its Rolex counterpart, by the 1960s and 1970s the model underwent a metamorphosis with a new design language that has become just as iconic. It started with the hands and indices—triangular in shape, giving rise to the nickname “Snowflake.” Such is also the case with their chronographs, which now enjoy their own cult following and present excellent value next to the chronographs of the same era from their sibling brand. This particular piece, a 'Monte Carlo' Reference 9420/0, dates to circa 1982 and features a 40mm stainless steel case with holey lugs , a magnified acrylic crystal, a Rolex signed crown, screw-down pushers, and a stainless steel tachymeter bezel. Inside, this piece is graced with a fantastic, wildly cool ,matte black 'exotic' dial with orange accents, applied indices, a date complication, and a matching handset. Fitted to a stainless steel Oyster bracelet with a Rolex signed blade clasp, this piece is powered by the bombproof Valjoux 7750 automatic winding chronograph movement. It would be enough to enjoy this excellent piece on its own, but this piece comes compete with its boxes, books, papers, and a caseback engraving, suggesting that this piece was gifted to an Argentinian Jockey. This is a chronograph with a an interesting history, from a storied brand, and perhaps even more style than its 'big' brother.