Tudor Snowflake Submariner Date

Why We Love It 

Three words: Tudor Snowflake Submariner 

In the late 1960s, the Tudor Submariner stepped out of the shadow of its cousins from Rolex by taking a design language and identity of its own. Large stylized luminous hour plots and the characteristic "Snowflake' hands were introduced, setting the Tudor-branded Submariners firmly apart in appearance from their more restrained Rolex siblings. 

Of course, no one could have predicted that this stylistic departure would come to characterize the entire brand, or that it would be the singular point from which the defining characteristic of an entire design aesthetic for Tudor's Heritage collection was launched thirty some-odd years later.

This particular Snowflake is NOT one of the most pristine examples we've ever offered, but is an honest and beautiful timepiece that wears its years like a nicely broken-in leather jacket.

The matte blue dial on this Reference 9411/0 Snowflake is still vibrant, and shows beautiful patination across the indices with some minor chipping around the 6:00 marker. The tritium elements on the dial and handset have aged brilliantly, and its sun-kissed bezel insert has ghosted to a lovely shade of bluish-grey.

Though the nickname might lead you to believe that this is a watch as delicate as its namesake, the Tudor Snowflake Submariner is anything but, and is ideally suited to be your daily companion, ready to take in stride whatever life throws at it.

The Story 

First produced by Rolex as a response to a growing base of sports watch consumers, Tudor was conceived as a more economic way to buy a quality diver watch.  This was achieved by using generic ETA Swiss movements and housing them Rolex Oyster cases and utilizing Rolex-signed crowns and Rolex crystals. Long story short, the Tudor Submariners of the 1960s and 70s had all the look of their Rolex brethren with guts that were simpler, more common and easier to service and locate parts for.  

As time wore on, collectors and enthusiasts began to appreciate the designs that were exclusive to Tudor's Submariner line.  The most famous of these was the Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner, a name taken from the unique shape of the hour hand and matching seconds hand.  Though relatively modest in price when it was released, the Snowflake Submariner has become a grail for many, causing values to climb within spitting distance of Rolex subs of similar vintages.  

What many forget is that Tudor produced fewer Submariners than Rolex, making sharp Tudor subs rarer than the equivalent 5513 or 1680.  Rarer still are honest examples that have bested the use that they encountered - so many were destroyed on the wrists of sport divers over the ages - and retail original parts that have patinated with age and use.  

Knowing their rarity, we would not wait too long to grab them. 

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.