Tudor
submarimer snowflake - tritium dial

The model presented is a Tudor watch Submariner 9411/0 vintage Snowflake dated 1981. A rare collector's watch with a 39 mm stainless steel case. The black dial with white markings features a railroad-style minute track and ten painted luminous square indexes, a large triangular index at 12 o’clock, and a baton index at 6 o’clock. The three hands also characterize this diving watch model. They are Snowflake-style hands, including a central seconds hand with a luminous square insert. A date window is positioned at 3 o’clock and magnified by a cyclops lens on the crystal.

This Submariner is powered by a 21-jewel automatic mechanical movement: the ETA 2783 caliber, with quick-date function, circular graining and Geneva stripes finishing. The movement runs at 21,600 vibrations per hour and offers excellent shock resistance thanks to the Incabloc Novodiac system. It also features an Etachron regulator and a hacking seconds function, with a power reserve of 47 hours after full winding.

The round Rolex Submariner case is made of stainless steel with a screw-down caseback, a graduated steel bezel, and a protected screw-down crown. It comes with an Oyster-style bracelet, reference 7836, signed Rolex. This dive watch reflects Tudor’s intention to differentiate from Rolex models by offering a distinct dial and Snowflake hands design. This unique aesthetic gave Tudor Submariners a strong identity, with the brand using the Snowflake style between 1969 and 1975 due to its great success.

This success is largely attributed to the dial’s underwater readability: the oversized indexes and hands offer much better legibility in low-light conditions. Legend has it that the development of this dial style was originally requested by the French Navy, which required a highly legible dive watch for underwater operations.

Notably, the dial has developed a beautiful and unique patina known as “tropicalization,” further enhancing its vintage appeal. Its proportions also make it highly wearable on a woman’s wrist, adding to its desirability among collectors.

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