Tudor Submariner Ref. 9401/0 - Blue 'Snowflake' Exceptional Condition

The Submariner, namely those produced by Rolex, has long been considered the cream of the crop when it comes to watch collecting as a whole. Possibly the most iconic watch ever produced, the Submariner has long standing utilitarian roots that span decades, and everyone who’s anyone has been spotted wearing one. However, if you look deeper into the Submariner line, you may find a less known but just as incredible model manufactured by Tudor.

These pieces are not only more unique and uncommon than the traditional Submariner, but offer a more fun, playful design — particularly with the blue-dialed variants like the example that we have here.

This piece, a Ref. 9401/0, dates to circa 1975 and is known as a 'Snowflake' for it's distinctive hands and indices. In recent years, these have developed a cult following with collectors and have become one of the more sought after and collectible vintage Tudor Submariner References. This particular example comes to us in nothing short of exemplary overall condition. The case appears to have been very gently touched up professionally and presents as virtually unworn, with thick and symmetrical lugs and defined chamfers. The bezel is also incredibly defined and houses a gorgeous blue insert with a patinated pip. Inside, the blue dial is as nice as they come, seemingly-flawless in fact. The surface is clean and the Tritium plots exhibit a light and uniform patina. It comes fitted to a correct Oyster bracelet with a Rolex-signed blade clasp.

Blue dial 'no-date-flakes' are likely the most uncommon variant of Tudor Submariners, many of which were allocated for military use and later destroyed or lost. As a result, surviving examples are far more scarce than previously believed, making this a great opportunity to pick up what has got to be one of the finest examples to surface.