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."

The Prince Oysterdate comes across with a feeling of familiarity to many watch collectors because of its connection to Rolex. While those connections have faded a bit in recent years, this 74000 was birthed at a time when the two brands were bonded together a lot more closely than they are today.

Patterned after the Rolex Oysterdate, 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 a Rolex Oysterdate - this Prince Oysterdate has a movement that is automatic, unlike the Rolex, and it has semi quick-setting, also something that Rolex Oysterdate's didn't have.

This 74000, which plays sort of a transitional role in what was Tudor's growing independence from Rolex, is indicative of the period when the two giant watch brands functioned as best friends.

Today's auction showcases this Connoisseur of Time Certified Pre-Owned Tudor Prince Oysterdate in gorgeous original condition.

The watch itself has all of its original parts.

Its original Rolex Oyster case presents in gorgeous mint condition with only very slight signs of previous polishing. Its case presents nearly like new.

Its untouched original dial is mint with beautifully toned luminous. The original luminous in its hands perfectly matches the pips.

As I mentioned, until 1971 Rolex fitted Tudor watches with true Rolex bracelets - the exact same ones that came with their Rolex branded watches. Though this watch would have come with a Tudor bracelet, it has previously been upgraded to a full Rolex bracelet made in 1971, the last year that a Rolex bracelet would have been correct to fit on a Tudor watch.

A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled the watch, and it has also been examined by our Master Watchmaker who worked for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.

It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than many new Tudors and Rolexes 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. 74000
• Serial no.: B353,643
• Year built: 1991
• Functions: Hours, Minutes, Automatic, Sweep Seconds, Semi-Quick Setting Date
• Designed for: Men
• Case material: Stainless steel
• Case markings (outside): Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva - Rolex coronet logo
• Case condition: Presents as gorgeous mint with only very slight signs of previous polishing
• Dimensions: 34mm diameter excluding crown by 41.5mm long lug tip to tip
• Dial: Silver, signed Tudor Oysterdate, applied steel baton indexes and shield logo, luminous hour dots, outer minute/seconds divisions, original and untouched, mint condition
• Hands: Original, steel batons, luminous. The original luminous in its hands perfectly matches the pips.
• Movement type: Original, Cal. 2824-2, self-winding, rhodium-plated, decorated rotor, 25 jewels, 38 hour power reserve, straight-line lever escapement, monometallic balance, self-compensating flat balance spring
• Jewels: 25 rubies
• Band: Rolex Oyster so-called "crimped link" bracelet, stainless steel, designed to fit a wrist up to approx. 7.7 inches, adjustable, only fairly light stretch, very slight wear on the underside, presents on the wrist as mint 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: A Master Watchmaker has freshly overhauled the watch, and it has also been examined by our Master Watchmaker who worked for an authorized Rolex dealership and was given training by Rolex at their Beverly Hills Service Center.
• Timing: Timed to precision on a state-of-the-art computerized system. It is running exceptionally strong and true, keeping time better than many new Tudors and Rolexes 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

X