More and more collectors are becoming acquainted with watches from Rolex's Tudor brand, creations which have become increasingly more collectible. Watches in the Tudor line, apart from the fact that they utilize ebauche movements, are similar to those of Rolex in design and construction.

When Rolex launched the Tudor brand in 1945, they strongly intended that the public perception of its quality had to equal that of Rolex. To achieve this lofty aim, until the mid-1990's, Tudor watches featured Rolex cases and crowns, and, until 1971, Rolex bracelets.

An advertisement in Britain's Horological Journal in vintage times stated that Tudor's were, "Manufactured under strict Rolex supervision and bear the Rolex label of guarantee."

Today's offering showcases this Connoisseur of Time Certified Pre-Owned Tudor Prince Oysterdate ref. 7966 in uncommon 18K gold.

In the vintage era, 18K gold Tudors occupy a uniquely uncommon position, particularly when the model in question is not a formal dress watch but a robust, Oyster-cased sports reference such as the Tudor Prince Oysterdate.

Tudor was conceived as Rolex’s tool-watch counterpart—engineered for durability, value, and everyday wear—so the overwhelming majority of Prince Oysterdate production was executed in steel or steel-and-gold. Solid 18K cases ran counter to the brand’s practical ethos and were produced only in very small numbers, often for specific markets, like certain parts of Europe and Asia or special retailer driven commissions. Tudor did not actively promote solid-gold sports Oysters the way Rolex did with Day-Dates or gold Submariners decades later.

As a result, surviving examples represent an unusual convergence of Tudor’s purposeful DNA with the material language of haute horology: the reassuring weight and warmth of solid gold paired with a case design originally intended for daily, active use. This tension—luxury metal wrapped around a watch meant to be worn, not protected—gives 18K non-dress Tudors a quiet rarity and a character that feels far more intentional and historically revealing than a conventional gold dress watch.

Patterned after the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, one of the company's staple models, it is thinner and of course a bit more affordable than its Rolex sibling. However, it has two more desirable features than its Rolex siblin - it is thinner and a bit more affordable than its Rolex sibling and shares the same diameter. It also has a semi quick-setting date, something that its more expensive sibling didn't even have.

And interestingly, the fact this Tudor is 18K gold makes it far rarer than an 18K Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date or Datejust.

Today's offering showcases this Connoisseur of Time Certified Pre-Owned Tudor Prince Oysterdate.

It has all of its original parts down to its original hands, crown, and Rolex 18K gold-plated Oyster bracelet.

Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in excellent condition and is scratch-free. The case back shows moderate signs of previous polishing - the rest of the case shows only light signs of it. The fluted bezel still strongly retains its wonderful facets.

Its untouched original dial presents as close to mint to the naked eye with beautifully toned luminous. The original luminous in its hands perfectly matches the pips.

Its original Rolex bracelet shows gold wear through at the high points and remnants of wear. The plating could be redone if desired.

One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, installing a correct new mainspring and crystal, replacing the gaskets, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $895 value).

It is running very strong and true, keeping time like a new Tudor or Rolex in our testing recording position.

For the finishing touch, we have meticulously detailed it making it ready for immediate enjoyment.

Included with the purchase is a one-year C.O.T. international warranty on the movement and its function, a full-page custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity, and a new timing certificate.

Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership.

Country of origin: Switzerland
Maker: Tudor
Model: Prince Oysterdate, Ref. 7966
Serial no.: 568,108
Year built: c. 1967 - late 1966 to early 1967
Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quick Setting Date
Designed for: Men
Case material: 18K gold
Case markings (outside): Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva - Rolex coronet logo
Case condition: Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in excellent condition and is scratch-free.
Dimensions: 34mm diameter excluding crown by 41.5mm long lug tip to tip
Dial: Brushed silver, signed Tudor Oysterdate, applied very cool 18K gold vintage styled baton indexes with textured finish on the center of the primary hours, small rose logo, luminous hour dots, outer minute/seconds divisions, original and untouched, presents close to mint condition to the naked eye - just very slight aging visible under magnification
Hands: Original, gold batons, luminous. The original luminous in its hands beautifully matches the pips.
Movement type: Original, Cal. 2462, self-winding, rhodium-plated, decorated rotor, 25 jewels, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
Jewels: 25 rubies
Band: Rolex Oyster bracelet, original, gold-plated, previously sized to fit a wrist up to approx. 6.75 inches, adjustable, gold wearthrough on the high points and remnants of wear We also carry vintage styled Horween type leather straps and a variety of other straps in various prints, skins, styles, and colors. Please ask us if you're interested.
Crystal: Acrylic, excellent condition
Servicing: One of our Master Watchmakers, who used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealer and was given special training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center to be an authorized Rolex watchmaker, has fully serviced the watch which consists of fully disassembling the movement, carefully inspecting each part, replacing any overly worn components with genuine parts, installing a correct new mainspring and crystal, replacing the gaskets, reassembling and lubricating the movement, and extensive timing testing and regulation (an $895 value).
Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running very strong and true, keeping time like a new Tudor or Rolex in our testing recording position.
Warranty: 1-year C.O.T. international warranty. Your watch is important to us, and we will take care of it for its lifetime. We provide the best after sale care in the business with an extremely experienced team of four Master Watchmakers all of whom each have over thirty-five years of experience and a large number of parts. As mentioned, one used to be the watchmaker for an authorized Rolex dealership.
Box/Papers: BOX - Connoisseur of Time watch presentation box; PAPERS - Custom printed Connoisseur of Time Certificate of Authenticity; New timing certificate
Returns: 7 days full refund. 100% satisfaction guarantee

We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee for all of our watches. If you are in any way unsatisfied with the watch we will fully refund the purchase price anytime within 7 days after the watch has been received. Our goal is to exceed our client's expectations throughout the buying experience.

All watches are packaged carefully and mailed double boxed in specially constructed, reinforced shipping boxes designed for high value items. All watches are sent fully insured with signature required. Most of our domestic shipping is done through FedEx. At times we will also use USPS Express Mail, and we can accommodate most requests for your preferred carrier. International shipments are sent USPS International Express Mail or FedEx.

The purchase price will be the declared value of the merchandise on any required customs forms. The payment of all customs duties, tariffs, and taxes are the responsibility of the buyer.

Also note that water resistance of vintage watches can no longer be guaranteed and is not covered under the watch's warranty. We do not recommend getting a vintage watch wet, even one that was originally designed to be waterproof.

To get an idea of how this watch will look on the wrist, please use the Watch Sizing Guide

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