Tudor Prince Oysterdate Submariner “Snowflake” 9411/0 - Blue dial & Faded Bezel

Tudor was founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf as a trademark and became an official brand in 1946, shortly after WWII. Its mission was clear: to offer robust, high-quality watches with Rolex's reliability—at a more accessible price point. Soon after Rolex patented the Oyster case, Tudor began using the first "Waterproof Case," becoming the only other brand permitted to do so. At that time, Tudor watches shared many components with Rolex—including cases, crowns, and bracelets—differing mainly in branding and the use of outsourced movements. This formula remained unchanged until the late 1960s, when Tudor began to break away from Rolex's design codes. This era marked the brand's first steps toward building a distinct identity. As such, the Tudor rose emblem was replaced by a sleek modern shield logo, symbolizing a new era of stylistic independence. The Tudor Submariner, introduced in 1954—a year after Rolex's—offers a perfect lens into this evolution. In 1969, Tudor debuted references 7016 and 7021, which featured bold square hour markers and the now-iconic "snowflake" hands, creating a unique and recognizable design separate from Rolex. The design was carried over to the subsequent references 9401/0 and 9411/0, both released in the mid-1970s. The present example is the latter—reference 9411/0—distinguished by its date window at 3 o'clock. Offered in both black and blue variants, this particular piece features the more distinctive and desirable blue dial and bezel. Over time, the original vibrant blue hue of the bezel has gracefully faded into a striking light blue, perfectly complementing the warm, creamy patina of the indices and hands. Paired with a blue lizard skin strap, the watch strikes a refined balance between elegance and sporty appeal. It has been preserved in very good condition, showcasing its careful stewardship over the years. Powered by the dependable ETA 2784 automatic movement, this timepiece is the perfect companion for the summer season.