Tudor Submariner & Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner
In 1954, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner opened a new chapter in the history of the Swiss watch manufacturer. The first diver's watch with the reference 7922 and its further developments were to make a significant contribution to Tudor's ability to differentiate itself from its parent company Rolex and offer high-quality watches at affordable prices. The Oyster Prince Submariner combined the classic features of a diver's watch with robustness, high reliability and water resistance.
The Tudor Submariner becomes a legend
The Tudor Submariner is one of the most popular vintage watches on the market. This is partly due to its eventful history and partly due to its proximity to the Rolex Submariner, which is probably the most sought-after vintage watch.
It is an impressive journey that the Tudor Submariner has travelled over the years. While Rolex watches were deliberately not aimed at the masses with their production and price range, Tudor was intended to appeal more to the price-conscious watch enthusiast. The Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner became a legend over time because its characteristics meant that it was used as a diver's watch by US Navy soldiers in the 1960s, among others. In the 1979s, it was the French Navy that favoured modern versions of the Tudor Submariner. Tudor could hardly have dreamed of such a high status. It is hardly surprising that a Tudor Submariner also makes the hearts of vintage collectors beat faster.
Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner "BIG CROWN" 7924
In 1958, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner came up with another innovation. The reinforced 37 mm case and increased water resistance led to a maximum diving depth of 200 metres. A new Plexiglas crystal ensured greater durability and thanks to its 8 mm winding crown, the watch was nicknamed the "Big Crown".
Just one year later, it was the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner "Square Crown Guards" that conquered the market. For the first time, cams were integrated into the design to protect the winding crown from shocks. Collectors like to refer to these cams as "Square Crown Guards".
Snowflake hand as its own trademark
At the beginning of the 1960s, the Tudor Submariner was given the distinctive Snowflake hand, which was to become a trademark of the watch over time. It was not until the 1980s that the hand was to be replaced by the classic Mercedes hand, but this gave the watches with the snowflake hand a significantly higher status once again.
Tudor Submariner: Prices vary for the vintage watch
As a vintage watch, the Tudor Submariner enjoys great popularity among collectors and watch enthusiasts. Due to the watch's unique design and history, its value is almost impossible to estimate. There are very few watches for sale on the market and prices vary greatly. Selected models are available for as little as 3,000 euros and there seems to be no upper limit due to the high collector's value.
