Tudor Prince Date

Since its foundation in the 1920s, Tudor has striven to provide affordable watches that look like Rolexes, but use movements from third parties. At first their watches were very similar to Rolexes, however, over time the manufacturer has dared to make small, but meaningful changes that continue to set them and their watches apart from their parent company. One example of this is the introduction of five-piece link bracelets to the Prince Oysterdate chronographs, replacing the typical three-piece Rolex bracelets. Starting in 1997, Tudor also began to offer the watches with leather bands and fold-over clasps. Since then, the inscription on the dial has read "Prince Date" instead of "Prince Oysterdate".

When looking for a Tudor Prince Date, you will find mostly chronographs, though there are also three-hand models available. If you examine the range of chronographs more closely, you will notice the transition from the Prince Oysterdate to the Prince Date in their dial designs. For example, you have the choice between Arabic numerals or indices for the hour markers. The dials also come in different colors, such as black, white, yellow, or red. Depending on the model, the subdials may contrast with or match the dial color.

The familiar automatic Valjoux/ETA caliber 7750 powers the Prince Date chronographs. It is one of the most accurate and robust chronograph calibers out there and is often used as a base for further modifications. This is why many renowned manufacturers such as Breitling or IWC also use this movement.

While production of this line has ceased, there is still a good chance of finding never worn models at fair prices. The entry point for the Prince Date starts around 1,000 euros for a three-hand model. One example is a simple timepiece with a black dial, white hands and Arabic numerals, and a date display with a Cyclops lens at 3 o'clock. Its case and bracelet are both made of stainless steel. At 34 mm, this watch is also suited for women who prefer a sportier look.

Starting at about 1,500 euros, you will find never worn models with extra large white Arabic numerals on a black dial. The minute scale features a red marker every five minutes, lending the design a sporty touch. Its 40-mm stainless steel case is part satin-brushed, part polished and sits comfortably on the wrist thanks to its slightly curved lugs. The black leather band has light seams in keeping with the dial's color palette.

Tudor offers the Prince Day Date for those who desire a day of the week display in addition to a date display. Some classically elegant models strongly resemble the Rolex Day-Date. These versions have their day display on the upper edge of the dial at 12 o'clock. What's more, you also have a choice of Arabic numerals, Roman numerals, or indices for the hour markers. Examples with white dials are particularly beautiful. Plan to spend approximately 1,800 euros for a Tudor Prince Day Date in very good condition.

Prince Date chronographs have 40-mm cases and cost around 2,000 euros. At this price, you can purchase a model with a black dial and a black bezel with a tachymeter scale for calculating speed. As is typical of the ETA 7750, the subdials are located at 6, 9, and 12 o'clock on every Prince Date chronograph. The white Arabic numerals feature a shadow effect that makes them feel three dimensional and gives the chronographs a more playful feel. If you prefer something more extravagant, the Tudor Prince Date is also available with a bright red or yellow dial. These models cost about 700 euros more.

Tudor also offers chronographs with a panda dial, named for its resemblance to a panda's head. Probably the most famous example of a watch with a panda dial is the Rolex Daytona Paul Newman, which regularly fetches high prices at auctions. A typical panda dial has a white dial that contrasts with its black subdials, though there is also an inverse version with a black dial and white subdials. Both versions appear on Tudor chronographs that can be found in very good condition for upwards of 2,700 euros.

Pieces featuring the "TIGER" inscription beneath the subdial at 12 o'clock are the highlights of the Prince Date collection. These watches were developed in cooperation with famous golfer Tiger Woods, which is why they bear his name. Woods also happens to be one of the most highly-paid athletes in the world. The Tiger Prince Date comes in numerous designs with different colored dials. The bicolor versions with black or white dials and golden indices and hands look especially elegant. However, there are also extremely sporty versions with a red dial and three-dimensional black Arabic numerals. Prices for the Tiger Prince Date are around 2,800 euros.