Tudor Submariner Date 'Snowflake', c. 1973

Dealer description — Analog/Shift

Why We Love It 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 move 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 Submariner line. 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.” This Reference 9411/0 dates to circa 1973 and is from the first few years of the "Snowflake" lineage. This particular example has developed a significant but even "stippling" patination throughout the matte black dial, as well as a beautifully "ghosted" bezel. Topping off this package, this watch includes its inner box, papers, hangtag, anchor, and polishing cloth from 1973. How about that! This is an excellent alternative to the much more well know and mainstream Rolex Submariner, but carries perhaps even more style and just as much history. The Tudor Story Although it started as Rolex’s gateway brand, the quality of Tudor’s products are by no means inferior to Rolex’s. Tudors were in many ways Rolexes in all but name, with the same waterproof Oyster cases and similar styling. However, in order to keep costs down, Tudor used off the shelf Swiss movements rather than their own in-house calibres. What resulted were watches that were more affordable than Rolexes to the consumer, but still uniformly tough and reliable. Hans Wilsdorf created Tudor for the everyman, for miners, construction workers and every sort of tradesman. Rolex was meant for the explorer and the businessman, where Tudor was to be a different creature entirely. For your everyday person Rolex was, and often still is out of reach. Today Tudor has certainly defeated any impression of being the redheaded stepchild of the Rolex family, and their current timepiece collection – as well as their vintage counterparts – are getting the recognition and respect they most rightfully deserve.