Tudor
1973 Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner (Ref. 9411/0) Blue Dial
The Tudor “Snowflake” is the nickname given to the Tudor Submariners that have distinct features like square hour markers and a unique handset where the hour hand resembles a snowflake, hence the nickname. This dial and hand configuration was introduced by Rolex/Tudor to increase visibility in low-light conditions. The Tudor Snowflakes were in production from 1968 to the mid-1980s and were produced with either black or blue dial colorations. The Snowflakes were also made with or without a date complication.
The Tudor Snowflake Submariners, much like the other Submariners produced by Rolex and Tudor, have a long-standing history and were supplied to military forces including the U.S. Navy and the Marine Nationale (French Navy)
Marine Nationale Diver Wearing Turdor Submariner "Snowflake"7016/0
| Stock # | TDRSUB94110 | |
| Brand | Tudor | |
| Style | "Snowflake" Submariner | |
| Model | 9411/0 | |
| Serial | 79XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | Stainless Steel | |
| Dial | Matte Blue "Patina" | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | Rolex 9315 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 380 End Pieces |
CASE & BRACELET
The exceptional case retains thick and symmetrical lugs that feature all of the original finishing, chamfers, and dimensions with only a subtle "sleeve polish" present and no evidence of being professionally polished in the past. The case does show honest signs of light use throughout. The original Mk III "fat font" blue bezel insert has achieved a stunning ghost fade and is in superb overall condition, showing no notable wear signs and with a matching pearl at 12 o'clock. The case retains its original Rolex-signed trip-lock crown. The case back retains all of its original factory markings in crisp condition. The era-correct Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces retains 11 links that show almost no stretch and will fit up to a 7 1/2-inch wrist.
DIAL & HANDS
The original dark blue "snowflake" dial features a gorgeous "bubble" patina that is somewhat common with snowflake dials of this era and creates a stunning vintage aesthetic. Apart from the natural patina of the dial, there is no actual damage present. The tritium lume plots have achieved a beautiful golden color and display no degradation when inspected under U.V. light. The original tritium hour and minute hands match the dial nicely, the seconds-hand achieved a darker caramel color which is common in this era. Under U.V. light inspection the hour hand exhibits some superficial surface cracking but no actual degradation and remains stable, the minute hand is fully intact, and the darker seconds hand also exhibits some light cracking which is common and also remains stable.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.