Tudor Prince Oysterdate: Of Pearls And Clams

Just got these two beauties in:






OK, I need to swap those horrible straps ASAP, but that's not the point right now.

I've always liked (older) Rolex designs. From the Submariner to the Explorer, the GMT Master to the Datejust, there was something about the oyster case design that just resonated with me. I've had quite some homages and some did a good job on the oyster shape, but while many clams produce some form of pearls, not all are quite "there".

These Tudors are my first encounter with anything Rolex-related, and while the cases have probably been repolished once or twice, there's something about looking at and holding an actual, original oyster case that is a little magical. While being rather photogenic watches, pictures do not do them justice (or at least, mine don't). And I won't even mention the subtle sunray effect on the dials. I'm sure you all know!

I probably won't end up keeping both of them, but I am seriously in love.

Thanks for reading!

I agree. I always had a bit of an anti Rolex attitude, but their classics are, well, classic!

^that's lovely!

It's a shame that almost everything Rolex became supersized and blingified -- I suppose they had to cater to new markets, like the nouveaux riches from certain parts of the globe.

Though I must admit I am partial to their 2016 OP / Explorer updates.

Unless you mean "those parts that's aren't blue when viewed from space, I believe you are mistaken. I don't think Rolex are losing much market share anywhere.

Dibs on the pure steel one if you consider to sell😀

Haha, noted! It's actually not all steel: the bezel is 14K white gold. Very nice

Went out and got some better fitting straps (though I ordered nicer ones, but couldn't wait)

Very nice pieces. Used to have a vintage, jumbo 38mm SS prince oysterdate...
Nowadays, of course, Tudor has nothing to do with Rolex anymore...

Doesn't Rolex still own 100% of Tudor?

I believe they do; perhaps OmegaBear meant that nowadays Tudor isn't just identical Rolex watches with Tudor on the dial anymore, but doing more of their own thing.

This is all kinds of amazing. Excellent choice!

I know I'm reviving a bit of an old thread but I just have to say, very nice!! These are, in my considerably un-learned opinion, very nice examples. I've been looking around for a steel/white version with the fluted bezel. They are not plentiful. Yellow gold or two-tone is more plentiful but I'm thinking the steel look is better. I already have a gold-cap Constellation so another gold watch is not needed just yet. I love this case shape. It is similar to the King Seiko that I like as well.

What is the reference # on the steel? Do you know the production year? What is the case size?

Sorry for the barrage of questions but I am trying to build up my knowledge. I can't seem to find the equivalent to Desmond's blog for the Tudor Princes. 😀

I'll take second dibs on the steel one 😉 😉 It's really nice.