The Rolex snowflake dial, instantly recognizable for its distinctive matte, snowflake-like texture, holds a unique place in the world of horology. While not officially designated as "Snowflake" by Rolex, the nickname has stuck, cementing its status as a highly sought-after feature amongst vintage watch enthusiasts and collectors. This article will delve deep into the history, characteristics, and desirability of the Rolex snowflake dial, focusing primarily on its association with the Tudor Submariner, while also touching upon its broader context within Rolex's legacy.
The Tudor Submariner and the Birth of the Snowflake:
The most prominent association with the snowflake dial is undoubtedly the Tudor Submariner. Unlike its Rolex counterpart, the Tudor Submariner, particularly the reference 7909, introduced in the 1960s, sported this unique matte finish on its dial. This wasn't a simple aesthetic choice; it served a practical purpose. The matte finish reduced glare, making the watch more legible under water – a crucial feature for a dive watch. The slightly grainy texture, resembling a scattering of snowflakes, gave it its popular moniker.
The "Snowflake" dials found on these vintage Tudor Submariners are far from uniform. Variations exist in the shade of the dial, the size and prominence of the snowflake texture, and even the printing style of the indices and text. These subtle differences contribute to the individuality and collectibility of each piece. Finding a pristine example, free from significant wear and tear, significantly increases its value. The reference 7909, with its distinctive snowflake dial, is now considered a highly desirable vintage watch, commanding premium prices in the collector's market. The example mentioned – the Prince Oysterdate Snowflake 9411/0 Blue Dial – while not a Tudor Submariner, illustrates the high demand for watches featuring this specific dial texture. The listing on Chrono24, with a price of $8,200 plus shipping, highlights the significant value attributed to this sought-after aesthetic.
Rolex Tudor Snowflake: A Tale of Two Brands:
The relationship between Rolex and Tudor is crucial to understanding the snowflake dial's significance. Tudor, originally known as Montres Tudor, was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, in 1946. It served as a more accessible alternative to Rolex, offering similar quality and durability at a lower price point. This strategy allowed Rolex to cater to a broader market segment while maintaining its premium image. The Tudor Submariner, with its snowflake dial, exemplified this approach. It provided a robust and reliable dive watch with many of the features of its Rolex counterpart, but at a more affordable price.
While the snowflake dial is strongly associated with Tudor, it's essential to clarify that Rolex itself did not produce watches with snowflake dials. The distinctive texture is uniquely attributed to the Tudor Submariners of that era. Therefore, the term "Rolex snowflake" is a colloquialism used to refer to the watches featuring this dial, largely due to the close relationship between the two brands and the shared heritage of dive watch technology.
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