Tudor - The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX Geneva Friday, November 10, 2017 | Phillips

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017

  • Manufacturer: Tudor
    Year: Circa 1974
    Reference No: 7016/0 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 827'982
    Movement No: 2'483
    Case No: 827'982
    Model Name: "Snowflake"
    Material: Stainless steel
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2483, 25 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Rubber
    Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel buckle
    Dimensions: 39mm. Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed

  • Catalogue Essay

    Rolex introduced Tudor to the market in 1945 with the objective of selling high quality watches at a reasonable price. Throughout its history, Rolex used the Tudor line to experiment different designs and concepts, later to be used in Rolex’s own watches. Reference 7016 was launched in 1969 as part of the Submariner family. It was the second generation Tudor Submariner, and was offered along with the reference 7021, which featured a date window.

    Like the Rolex line, the Tudor Submariner underwent various changes throughout its history, with the cases increasing in size from 37mm to 39mm, as well as dial and caliber modifications. Most importantly, from a design perspective, the reference 7016 introduced a dial style with unusual square luminous numerals, “snowflake” hands and the memorable shield logo.

    The present Tudor Prince Submariner is a superb example, in overall excellent condition with strong case proportions. The inside caseback is stamped with repeated serial number 827'982 - a feature commonly used on issued watches. While we cannot confirm the reason for this engraving, we can confidently say that it is the first time we have seen it on a non "full spec" wristwatch. It is possible that this watch was originally intended for military use.

    The original dial is stunning with no noticeable flaws or defects, which is unusually rare for a dial of this reference. The luminous numerals have aged to a warm cappuccino colour.

    The Tudor brand while originally intended for a less affluent market has proved over the last 72 years that it made outstanding watches, and this fine reference 7016 is just as important in a collection of dive watches as any other brand.

  • Artist Biography

    Tudor

    Swiss • 1926

    Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.

    Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.

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140

Tudor

Ref. 7016/0 inside caseback stamped with repeated serial number 827'982
A fine and attractive stainless steel wristwatch with centre seconds

Circa 1974
39mm. Diameter
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
CHF4,000 - 6,000 
€3,500-5,200
$4,100-6,200

Sold for CHF12,500

Contact Specialist
Alexandre Ghotbi
+41 22 317 81 89
aghotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: SIX

Geneva Auctions 11 - 12 November 2017