Tudor Submariner "Snowflake" Blue - SOLD

In 1954, Tudor embarked on a new path that would help forge its legend. It was in fact that year that the brand's first diving watch, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922, was born. Designed from the outset to meet exceptional criteria of durability, reliability, precision and water resistance while claiming a moderate price, it quickly positioned itself as an instrument of choice for professionals.

The following 45 years were those of the constant evolution of this original tool watch, to meet ever better the specific requirements of the many types of divers who were the brand's customers. The first generation of Tudor Submariner underwent many iterations and through them, a notable evolution in terms of performance since the maximum functional immersion depth, initially set at 100 meters, reached 200 meters with the introduction of the reference 7924 in 1958. During this period, many experiments were conducted to determine the essential characteristics of the ideal diving watch. Each reference in the 7900 series thus has subtle specificities which, whether retained or not by the evolution of the product, contribute to its legend. It was finally in the first half of the 1960s that with the latest variation of the reference 7928, recognizable by its round crown protections, the general lines and technical specificities constituting the Tudor Submariner were established.

In 1975, the reference 7016 was replaced by the reference 9401/0 (or 9411/0 with date function) which, with the ETA Caliber 2776, received a more efficient movement allowing in particular a finer time setting thanks to a stop function for the seconds hand. The dial and bezel combinations available on this reference are four in number: blue or black with “Snowflakes” hands and indexes as well as blue or black with characteristic Submariner hands and triangular and round indexes. The 1976 model presented here is mounted with a blue dial and square-tipped hands. The bracelets offered with this reference are two in number: a Rolex Oyster, reference 7836/0, with folded links and a classic folding clasp and a Rolex Oyster, reference 9315/0, which happens to be the same bracelet but with a “Fliplock” type folding clasp, a system of extension blades allowing the bracelet to be enlarged to fit a diving suit. The diameter of the watch remains 39 mm and the lines of the case do not change.

The model we are presenting here is a reference 9411/0 on a 7836 bracelet with folded links. The blue dial has a very pronounced patina and is all in relief which gives it a vintage look with the most beautiful textured effect. The tritium indexes and hands have a superb "Pumpkin" color. To perfect the whole, the blue aluminum insert has a matte patina.

This is a collector's watch whose color and hands have become inseparable from the spirit of Tudor diving watches.