7021 also includes a magnifying lens above the date display. Unlike the previous editions, these movements boast a stop-seconds mechanism, enabling the wearer to set the time to the exact second. Some Tudor scholars and collectors speculate that this (then-new) design detail was influenced by the Marine Nationale, otherwise known as the French Navy. Be one of 4,000 successful private sellers each month. After WWII the French military Ministry of Defence issued a specification, Breguet Type 20, for aviator watches, and asked manufacturers, INTRODUCTION Hypothetically speaking, such a reissue would be part of the Black Bay line, as that is Tudors line of watches that takes inspiration from the past. Rest easy and travel safely. The ref. (These date back to the Second World War and include Normandy and Arnhem. The Mk1 also came with a dial with the Tudor rose logo and four lines of text on the bottom half of the dial, just like its predecessor. // Additionally, the bezel edge of the Pelagos 39 has the same fine notches as the bezels of the Black Bay models. 79030B was made to coincide with Queen Elizabeths 2022 Platinum Jubilee the 70th anniversary of her ascent to the throne in 1952. 100% agree. Aesthetically they are similar and Tudor was positioned as a less expensive alternative than its Rolex counterpart. The Tudor Snowflake Submariner with reference number 7021/0 had a blue dial. Both used the same water-resistant Oyster cases, and Tudor also used Rolex-stamped crowns, case backs, and bracelets. The military-issued Rolex Submariner, or mil-Sub, has become one of the most legendary, sought-after, downright expensive timepieces in contemporary watch collecting. Most Snowflakes you see feature a blue dial and bezel, which certainly differentiates it from its Rolex kin, but we happen to like the black dial Snowflakes like the one pictured above. Free delivery for many products! What Is The Swatch Groups Endgame With The MoonSwatch? But anytime one comes up for auction and is authenticated especially if it comes complete with a military-issued log or other accoutrement one can expect five-figure auction results at the very least. The second generation of the Tudor Submariner appeared in 1968, with the introduction of Submariner ref. The diamond-shape of the hands enabled the application of a large surface of luminous material which is crucial for a professional dive watch. Additionally, due to their distinct shapes, the hands could immediately be identified from one another, minimizing the possibility of divers mixing up the hour and minute hands while diving in murky waters. Tudor collectors make a distinction between the later Snowflake versions and the ref. In a previous Tudor Submariner article, Mike asked our readers if the Submariner should return to the brands collection. Our team is ready to assist with all of your watch needs. Why Is Rolex's GMT-Master The Best Travel Watch? The first Tudor Snowflake Submariner watches were introduced to the market in 1969 [1]. of its 7928. Military-issued Rolex and Tudor watches beguile collectors, but the story of mil-Subs and other such badassery continues into the 21st century. Our goal is to make you feel safe throughout the purchase process. Great article,but too late. In contrast to its predecessor, which featured a domed Plexiglass crystal, the newer reference utilized a flat, thicker crystal. It started with the Submariner ref. The combination of snowflake hands and square hour markers, as seen on the modern Pelagos divers, is often considered the true Tudor design. Tudor collectors make a distinction between the later "Snowflake" versions and the ref. Going back to the complications, (for each pair) that was released simultaneously, Tudor offered watch consumers two models: one that had a date complication and one that did not [4,7,10-11,22,27]. Due to the long period during which they were issued, various references issued and secrecy surrounding some of the receiving units, pinning down a total production number of Tudor mil-Subs is difficult. The angulars are reminiscent of snowflakes, which inspired the nickname given by collectors. Because while the worlds militaries might not issue mechanical watches anymore, certain units do place special orders from Rolex, Tudor and other companies. The Tudor Snowflake Submariner with reference number 7016/0 did not have any complications, whereas, model 7021/0 was released with a date complication. Vintage Tudor watches are rare and carry a high price tag. Cadillac Captures the Victory at the Rolex 24 at Daytona. The release of this heritage collection marked Tudors re-entry into the United States watch market [13], after being absent from it for nearly a decade (since 2004) [14]. It features a blue dial and bezel, the famous Snowflake hour hand, and is apparently the last year for square hour markers. They have the Pelagos which is exactly what you are asking for, with a titanium case ! At this point, the government switched over to Omegas Seamaster 300, which was in service until 1971. In most cases, you'll get a personalized quote in seconds and your policy kicks in immediately. The Tudor mil-Sub, made by Rolexs sister company, isnt far behind. Skip. When Rolex added a date window to the Submariner Reference 1680 in 1966, the Tudor Submariner also featured a date wheel in alternating red and white, dubbed "roulette" by collectors. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tudor Snowflake Submariner 9441/0 RAAF Military Use at the best online prices at eBay! The watchs unique features were encased and protected by a plexiglass crystal [4,7,10-11,22,27]. But even without water ingress, the dials would often worsen over time. And they will say No. Founded during the Second World War, they are models for many of the worlds elite fighting forces. An image of Tudor Snowflake Submariner model 9411/0 that came in black and blue dial variations and featured a date complication. We are an Official Retailer of a few selected brands. only sells pre-owned watches and provides its own warranties on the watches it Id love to see a modern, vintage-inspired version of the Tudor Submariner Snowflake. A Vintage Tudor Snowflake Submariner - Hodinkee The brand With its great design, reliable movement, and usage by some of the most powerful militaries in the world, the Tudor Submariner is a watch that deserves its growing respect. their respective owners. And as is the case with dive bezels, this one rotates counterclockwise, too [29]. The main aspect that emphasizes this is the edge of the bezel, which almost looks rougher and cooler. 9411/0 / Faded Bezel / Year 1980, Date "Snowflake" Blue Bezel Patina Dial 9411/0, Snowflake Ref. These recognizable features contribute to making the brands more special and unique. Tudor Submariner Snowflake Patina Dial for $8,799 for sale from a His experience spans over 35 years and he has been published in numerous publications including Forbes, The NY Times, WatchPro, and Fortune Magazine. Prior to this, Tudor released its first diving watch in 1954, but these used the Rolex Mercedes hour hands, which made them almost identical to the Rolex Submariner. shipping AU Private Seller Tudor Submariner Snowflake AU$ 18,808 + AU$784 for shipping QA Tudor Submariner Vintage "7928 PCG Underline" Submariner AU$ 43,884 + AU$155 for shipping US Tudor Submariner 7021/0 "Snowflake" | Ref : 7021/0 AU$ 33,587 Over time, the tritium lume used for the hands and markers aged nicely to a darker color that gives the watches a very nice vintage look. Dating to circa 2008 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Italian State Polices diving corps, it was produced in a run of just 78 pieces; engraved POLIZIA DI STATO SOMMOZZATORI 1958-2008, certain examples also include the certification number of their respective divers. Before we examine the contemporary mil-Subs and others, lets take a short detour down memory lane for those who might be unfamiliar with the original variety. But, what about the other Submariner, the one that looks just like the Rolex, but you know, isn't a Rolex. Comon guys, that watch looks nothing like the sub It has just some vague inspiration about it. US . 111 Number of sales (12M) $6,213 - $11,873 Market Range 31.3% Volatility Tudor Submariner Listing: $8,799 Tudor Submariner Snowflake Patina Dial, Reference number 9411/0; Steel; Automatic; Condition Very good; Year 1976; Watch with original . Bottom Time (Vintage Edition): 1976 Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner ), fixed spring bars and sword hands all figure in the design. 9401/0 Snowflake highlights why more people are diving into vintage Tudor sports watches. Copyright 20092023, Hodinkee Inc. All Rights Reserved. Besides France and Canada, other countries that issued Tudor mil-Subs include Jamaica, South Africa, the United States, Argentina and Israel. So few of these watches exist that discovering one in good, correct condition especially the Rolex variety is like finding buried treasure. Tudor supplied the French Navy (as well as the U.S. Navy) with Submariner watches for decades, and while Tudor officially states that, Tudor divers watches delivered to these military organizations were neither custom designed nor specially developed. Its great to have that one watch for everything. Shortly thereafter, the change in design was adopted by Tudor and implemented on the regular production run models. subsidiaries. Tudor Submariner. Looking at the current Black Bay line, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight and 41mm Black Bay models connect mostly to the aesthetic of the early Rolex Submariners. In the mid-1970s, Tudor replaced the ref. Tudor originally mounted these timepieces on the iconic Oyster bracelet. While this particular mil-Sub wasnt actually produced by Rolex but rather is a third-party modification of an off-the-shelf Rolex product it merits inclusion for its interesting backstory: Evidently, a delegation of ex-British special operations types worked with London-based Project X designs to produce a contemporary, customized take on the vintage 5513/5517-era mil-Subs of old. Most, if not all, calibers came with automatic winding, sweep second, and hacking [16,21]. military-issued Rolex Submariner, or mil-Sub,, militaries might not issue mechanical watches anymore, Explorer II is fitting, considering its purpose. The switch to an ETA movement for the Submariner started Tudors long relationship with ETA as its main movement supplier. Whereas Tudors use of off-the-shelf ETA movements was an issue for watch fans in the past, it doesnt seem to be an issue in current times. In 2014, to commemorate the helo, a Royal Navy serviceman who had spent many years in and around the Sea King approached Rolex to make a commemorative piece. Love them or hate them, the so-called snowflake hands are a signature design trait of Tudor sports watches. As a result, Tudor Submariners often looked very similar to Rolex Submariners [4]. Because of its age, the lume on the hands and indexes has turned into an attractive creamy yellow patina a detail that is also prized by collectors. They serve as a prominent nod to Tudors long and illustrious history, and are now proudly featured throughout many of the brands contemporary offerings. Tudor and the French Navy A Quarter of a Century of Collaboration, Rolex Submariner Historical Overview Of A Diving Legend. Tudor took design cues from its classic Submariner, such as the case and bezel [6], and incorporated them into the Snowflake Submariners. The reasoning behind these bold accents was to offer more surface area on the dial for luminescence, thus providing better legibility whilst scuba diving in low light conditions. Speaking of firsts, the Tudor Snowflake Submariner with reference number 7016/0 was the first model to use Tudors new logo, a shield, whereas the first generation models used a rose logo [9]. Tudor Submariners once thought to be a second-rate copy of Rolex are now considered to be a legitimate and interesting alternative [9]. The complete lifestyle collection for the ultimate watch enthusiast. Both were available with a blue or black dial. Vintage-inspired design meets Swiss-quality watchmaking. In addition to supplying the French Navy, a very small number of Tudor Snowflake Submariners were also used by the South African Navy.[2]. When buying a timepiece from us, you can be confident that it is authentic. 7021 with a date function and the ref. The name "Snowflake" was originally introduced by collectors but is today a name that is now officially used by Tudor. The History Behind the Tudor Submariner and its Snowflake Hands In 1954, Tudor unveiled the Oyster Prince Submariner dive watch - just one year after its parent company (Rolex) released its Submariner. Inside the case, Tudor used the caliber 2483. The first generation of the Tudor Submariner began with the ref. The square and rectangular markers match the thick notches on the edge of the bezel very well, creating an overall style that looks tough and emphasizes the tool-watch character of the Submariner. This is because Tudor generally produced fewer Submariners than Rolex produced. ), While the Ministry of Defense had stringent requirements for its Rolex Submariners, numerous militaries around the world ordered Tudor Submariners for use by their fighting forces, and many of these were basically unmodified. While most watches were paired with the classic Rolex Oyster bracelet, some also came with the Fliplock extension system. But of course, the brand still had a long way to go. FS -Tudor 76100 lollipop submariner . Those who are looking for a Tudor Snowflake Submariner should start with model thats in good, original condition. 7016 and Submariner Date ref. Military-issued Tudor Snowflake Submariners can sell for double the price upwards of $20,000 [4] of the regular models [9]. Time will tell, poetically speaking, and in reality. Meanwhile, the second duo, models 9401/0 and 9411/0, used ETA 2776 and ETA 2784 movements, respectively. The Tudor Submariners used by the military were not customized to their specs, they were purchased as is. The Submariner range continued to be produced up until 1999 when it was discontinued completely. Privacy Policy, The perfect opportunity to revive a combination of elements currently missing in the collection, Hands-On With The Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba Auto, Fratello Talks: On Location At Manbodh Watches, #TBT A Surprising Encounter With The Puzzling Fortis Easy-Math, Introducing: The New Norqain Freedom 60 Chrono 40mm Ice Blue Limited Edition, Introducing: The Oris Hlstein Edition 2023 Aquis, Meet The Best Summer Watch For 2023: The New Tissot Sideral, Introducing: The New Certina DS Action Diver 43mm. There is even speculation online that the ETA-powered Black Bay models might be future classics. A total of 167 pieces were issued, but information about the watch is nearly as murky as details about the unit itself. In addition to the base concept, Tudor and Rolex Submariners also shared the same components and manufacturing process. An earlier article looked at the development of the Type 20 watch specification and the development of the Breguet Type 20 model which you can read here. 7021 with no date. and/or The Kenissi movement is a new architecture designed with long power reserve since the get go, whereas the Rolex is an update of an elderly architecture which, judging by the forums, has not been without its problems. HK . 7021 was the same-generation Sub that did feature a date. The specific dial design resulted from research and development done with the French Marine Nationale. On the face of the dial, the Tudor Snowflake Submariner was line with creamed-colored square markers to indicate the hours (except at the 3 oclock position in models that had a date complication). For me please dont bring back the 7016, if you want steel get a Rolex Sub, Tudor/ Rolex has chosen for titanium for the Pelagos- divers series and the Pelagos 39 comes very close to the perfect daily diver for me! Similar shots over and again. Tudor Submariner - 9 For Sale on 1stDibs Jeanneret, who was also a diver, came up with the idea to create a watch that would not only be great for diving but also be elegant enough for casual use. Dive In With The Tudor Submariner Snowflake - Bob's Watches Tudor Submariner 'Snowflake' - Analog:Shift C$ 18,173 HODINKEE May 10, 2011 The latest edition of our premium print journal, Vulcains Charming (And Chirping) Heritage Reissue Designs Arrive In The Hodinkee Shop Just In Time For Summer. The case measured 40 mm in diameter and were 12.8 mm thick [4,7,10-11,22-27]. For Tudor, which catered to a different segment of the watch market than its parent company- this was good news. But whereas that used to have a negative connotation, Tudors connection to its bigger brother is an asset that many people have come to appreciate. However, interest in vintage Tudor watches has increased over the past few years, with watch collectors appreciating the brand and models for what they are, rather than the cheap Rolex. Stop reading right now and go watch A Bridge Too Far for more info.). To increase the legibility of the Submariner underwater, Tudor introduced the Snowflake dial. The latter bear a particularly strong resemblance to the Rolex Submariner and, strictly speaking, aren't true Snowflakes despite their name. One with a pen, one without.. Dear Jorg, can you write a buying guide of Tudor for each 10year? As a result of their atypical appearance,this particular set of hands picked up the nickname snowflake hands by collectors a name that is now officially used by Tudor. The following crop of modern military watches features more than just Submariners were also including other types of Rolex and Tudor dive watches, as well as some altogether different varieties of tool watch. So, technically, the ref. And I know you agree with me on the subject of bringing back the Tudor Submariner. Collectors use the name Snowflake to refer the Tudor Submariners with reference numbers 7016/0, 7021/0, 9104/0, and 9411/0 produced from 1969 to 1975 [1] and some newer reissue models. The year 1953 saw innovations in the dive watch industry that would resound and set the standards for future generations. The Pelagos is the brands modern-day divers watch, with a 42mm titanium case, a 500-meter water resistance rating, an in-house automatic movement, and a ceramic unidirectional bezel. The reasoning behind these bold accents was to offer more surface area on the dial for luminescence, thus providing better legibility whilst scuba diving in low light conditions. From Singapore to Montreal to Geneva to Dubai to Amman, Celine has lived all over the world but now calls the beaches of Southern California home. 7016. The Tudor mil-Sub, made by Rolex's sister company, isn't far behind. Characterized by the square hour markers and angular shaped hour hand, the Snowflake design was produced by Tudor from 1969 until 1981. While laid up in hospital in Egypt in 1941 after a parachute jump gone awry, a young British officer named David Stirling conceived of a small raiding force that would be able to quickly and stealthily attack behind enemy lines thus, the Special Air Service was born. Its partly driven by the great success of the Tudor brand over the past decade. And while Rolex positioned its Submariners as luxury timepieces for the rich and affluent watch consumers, Tudor marketed its Submariners as less expensive alternatives in an effort to capture growing sports watch market during the late 1960s to early 1970s [7]. And this further makes the snowflake hands even more special. The ref. The watch itself is another Pelagos ref. [CDATA[ hbspt.cta.load(2023157, '825b5bbc-027e-4811-bed3-380f681b593c', {}); // ]]> Bob's Watches / Rolex Blog / Watch Review. The Sea King helicopter served the British military from 1969 through 2018 quite a run for an aircraft in several roles, including anti-submarine, utility/troop insertion, airborne early warning and SAR (search and rescue). DeskDivers.com - The Tudor Submariner 'Snowflake' However, instead of squares, these timepieces feature dot indices, as seen on every Rolex Submariner since 1954. 7016 without the date, powered by the self-winding ETA caliber 2484 and ETA 2483 movements, respectively. I said that this dial/handset combination started with the ref. affiliated with Rolex S.A., Rolex USA, or any other brand listed on its website. Tudor Supports The Exploration Of A Shipwreck That Changed The Course Of English History. The movement replaces the caliber 390 that powered the previous Tudor Submariner ref. Do you have questions? This model featured a date function, too, and the dial marking PRINCE OYSTERDATE. Their power comes from the ETA calibers 2776 (no date) and 2784 (date). (The S.A.S. 7016 with a date at 3 o'clock and the ref. We spend a lot of time (arguably too much time) talking about the minutia that has come to define the Rolex Submariner. The watchs hands also had a matching cream color: the minute hand was a long slim rectangle, while the hour hand was wider with two protruding angulars near the top. How Did the Bulova Lunar Pilot End Up on the Moon? Watches Tudor Submariner | Chrono24.co.uk In 2005, the British Ministry of Defense spun up a new special operations unit dubbed the Special Reconnaissance Regiment. I love to wear my7016 all days and contemplate it from morning to evening. Today, the coveted diving watches sell for top prices. M25600TN was commissioned in a limited run of 80 pieces for unit personnel. Other than a few small changes to the ETA caliber, very little separates the two more recent references. Capping off the tool watchs sturdiness is the matching stainless steel Oyster bracelet. Its why many of the vintage Tudor Subs have prices that greatly exceed the prices of the current Black Bay models. Tudor supplied Submariner watches to the French Navy for decades. The first Tudor Submariner was launched in 1968 and was closely followed by the ref. Vintage Rolex Rose dial 1970s 7928. In 2022, Britains Parachute regiment celebrated its 80th year in active duty. The snowflake hands were introduced for the Heritage Black Bay as well as the new Pelagos. Regardless of the model, size, material, or color, the presence of the iconic snowflake hands is a design feature common to all Black Bay watches. Tudor Submariner "Snowflake" 7016/0 (Swiss Only) - Bazamu All the watches you need to know about, delivered to your inbox daily. Great Price $6,000 . trademarks of Honestly sometimes I dont understand peoples requests. Model 7928 is considered to be the classic Tudor Submariner, which the company based its second generation Submariners on. Ever. The Rolex Submariner and French Navy played major roles in shaping Tudors Snowflake Submariner line: Rolex Submariners provided the design templated, and the Marine Nationale influenced specific design details that made the Snowflake line recognizable both then and now to watch consumers. Its safe to say that today, the snowflake hands have become the single most proprietary and recognized Tudor design element. One of these models, the Tudor Submariner ref. For the ultimate Tudor Snowflake Submariner, look no further than the military-issued model 7016, produced in 1974. Why Are Rolex Watches So Hard to Buy Right Now? And legibility isflawless. The Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner Collector's Guide Free Express Delivery Worldwide 7 Days Customer Support Competitive Prices Guaranteed. The history of the snowflake hand dates all the way back to 1969. Thanks to their drilled lugs, changing the band is a breeze. Another anniversary piece, this Tudor Pelagos ref. He is widely considered a pioneer in the industry for bringing transparency and innovation to a once-considered stagnant industry. All movements in the Tudor Snowflake Submariners series were made by Swiss watch manufacturer ETA [15]. If you suffer a covered loss, there's no deductible and no gimmicks. Tudor launched two models simultaneously and offered consumers the option to buy a model with or without a date display. Therefore, Rolex and Tudor Submariner watches were created to serve two purposes: First be durable enough to handle the rigors of diving underwater use and second be suitable timepieces for everyday wear [3,6]. A 25-jewel, hacking, quickset date ETA 2784 automatic movement sits inside. Technically, this isnt a mil-Sub, but a mil-Dweller a Rolex Sea-Dweller ref. Tudor took design cues from its classic Submariner, such as the case and bezel [6], and incorporated them into the Snowflake Submariners. Like many of the high-end timepieces she writes about, she comes from Switzerlandthe heart of fine watchmaking. Produced in both steel and black DLC versions, these watches were evidently available only to ex-UK Special Forces at first, and then subsequently made available to the general public. Revision neu (Serviced), : Prince Submariner Snow Flake Marine Nationale M.N76, Tudor Submariner Snowflake: A Vintage Tool Watch, Watch with original box and original papers, 9 additional hits under "Accessories" for "Tudor Snowflake", Water resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), Models with a stop-seconds mechanism beginning in the mid-1970s.