Tudor

1977 Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner (Ref. 94010) Black Dial

Vintage Tudor Snowflake Advertisement

The Tudor “Snowflake” is the nickname given to the Tudor Submariners that have distinct features like square hour markers and a unique handset where the hour hand resembles a snowflake, hence the nickname. This dial and hand configuration was introduced by Rolex/Tudor to increase visibility in low-light conditions. The Tudor Snowflakes were in production from 1968 to the mid-1980s and were produced with either black or blue dial colorations. The Snowflakes were also made with or without a date complication.

The Tudor Snowflake Submariners, much like the other Submariners produced by Rolex and Tudor, have a long-standing history and were supplied to military forces including the U.S. Navy and the Marine Nationale (French Navy) 

Military Tudor

Marine Nationale Diver Wearing Turdor Submariner "Snowflake"7016/0 

Stock # TDRSUB94010-2
Brand Tudor
Style Submariner
Model 94010
Serial 90XXXX
Size Men's
Material Stainless Steel
Dial Matte Black
Millimeters 40
Bracelet Rolex 9315 Folded-Link Oyster Bracelet W/ 380 End Pieces

 

CASE & BRACELET

The robust case appears to have only been "sleeve-polished" in the past as the original factory dimensions remain fully present. The extremely thick lugs retain original chamfers and factory finishing with honest signs of use throughout. The original Mk III "fat font" bezel insert has aged to a deep anthracite grey color while showing almost no signs of use, the insert retains its tritium pearl which matches the dial patina. The case retains its original Rolex signed trip-lock crown. The case back shows no signs of being polished in the past and the factory engravings remain crisp. The original Rolex 9315 folded-link Oyster bracelet with 380 end pieces retains 11 links that show mild stretch and will fit up to a 7 3/4-inch wrist.

DIAL & HANDS

The original matte black dial is in near-perfect condition. The tritium lume plots have aged to a warm yellow patina and display no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original tritium hands match the dial though the minute hand has aged a shade lighter, under U.V. light inspection the hour hand exhibits subtle surface level cracking and remains stable, and the minute and seconds hands display no degradation.

ACCESSORIES

None. The watch was recently serviced and is keeping time perfectly, backed by a 1-year warranty on accurate timekeeping.