Ref. 7021/0A rare and well-preserved stainless steel divers’ wristwatch with bracelet and original presentation box
Manufacturer: Tudor
Year: 1970
Reference No: 7021/0
Case No: 738'286
Model Name: Snowflake
Material: Stainless steel
Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2484, 25 jewels
Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, stamped 7836, endlinks stamped 380, max length 200mm
Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp
Dimensions: 39mm Diameter
Signed: Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Accessories: Accompanied by burgundy leather Tudor presentation box, Tudor Service Guarantee dated June 18, 2019, and aftersale service brochure.The Tudor brand was the brainchild of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf who wished for a separate watch company that retained the durability and dependability of Rolex, but
at a “more modest price”. Established in 1926, the Tudor trademark was obtained by watch retailer “Veuve de Philippe Hüther” for Wilsdorf, and by 1932, the first watches with the Tudor signature were delivered to the Australian market. Though designated as autonomous companies, Rolex guaranteed the technical quality of the watches and as time went on, it became clear that the aesthetic design of Tudor watches would closely mirror that of Rolex.
Tudor’s Submariner resembled its Rolex Submariner counterpart but had its own distinct design and layout, namely the unusual hands, making it uniquely separate from the famed Rolex watch. Collectors use the name “Snowflake” to refer to vintage Tudor Submariners with references 7016/0, 7021/0, 9104/0 and 9411/0 and some newer reissue models. These watches featured square hour markers and a unique hand style that distinguished them in the past, and still distinguish them today.
Produced between 1969 and 1975, Tudor released the Prince Submariner reference 7016/0, and Prince Oysterdate Submariner reference 7021/0, the reference of the present watch. In 1975 Tudor replaced both models with the references 9104/0 and 9411/0 with date function featuring the high performance ETA caliber 2776. Tudor’s Snowflake Submariners were supplied to the French Navy (Marine Nationale), and it is believed they requested the unique hour hand as it was more readable.
This reference 7021/0 was the first Tudor Submariner model to feature a date indication as well as the brand’s updated logo, the Tudor Shield. The present watch is in remarkably well-preserved in excellent overall condition, having remained unpolished over the last four decades. With strong proportions, lug bevels, and its attractive, faded “ghost” bezel, as well as a very clean and original dial, this example is a wonderful addition to a collector of fine timepieces both for its pleasing aesthetic as well as its vintage charisma.
