Tudor

The Fifty Fathoms watch was born in the 1950s from the encounter between the Swiss firm Blancpain (by then using the legal trading name Rayville) and two French naval officers, Capt Robert Maloubier and Lt Claude Riffaud.

Auction consultant tells us about his own collection.

The Oysterdate Monte Carlo series were the first chronographs produced by Tudor. A cyclops date magnifier, screw-down pushers and the distinctive dial with angled subsidiaries make them instantly recognisable.

Collectors use the name ‘Snowflake’ to refer the range of Tudor Submariners produced from 1969-75.

The Oysterdate Monte Carlo series were the first chronographs produced by Tudor.

From 1969-99 there were more than 20 different references to the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner with numerous variations.

Testament to a vibrant market for vintage Tudor wristwatches, a very scarce Oysterdate – the reference 7031 or ‘Homeplate’ – proved the star of Hansons’ Christmas auction at Bishton Hall, Staffordshire.