Tudor Prince

Tudor Prince Models

The Tudor Prince has several distinct model families, each of which has its own personality but share the elegant, refined DNA that defines the Prince style. Unlike modern Tudor collections such as the Black Bay or Pelagos, the Prince was never officially divided into sub-collections but rather evolved into different model families over time. The watches range from classic three-hand date models to luxury day-date configurations and durable chronographs, effortlessly bridging the gap between dress and sports watches.

Tudor Prince Date

The Tudor Prince Date represents the purest expression of the line's philosophy - elegant simplicity with mechanical reliability. Ref. 74000N showcases a 34mm stainless steel case housing an automatic movement, with a minimalist dial design that emphasizes readability and timeless appeal. Its modest proportions make it a versatile choice for any wrist size.

Ref. 72000 offers a smaller case size of 32mm, which is aesthetically elevated with the two-tone steel and gold configurations. This reference adds a touch of luxury while preserving the understated elegance that defines the Prince Date family. The contrast between steel and gold creates a sophisticated visual balance that pairs effortlessly with both business attire and casual ensembles.

Tudor Prince Oysterdate

The Tudor Prince Oysterdate collection is a classic example of the connection with its parent brand through a shared design language. Ref. 9050 is a 34mm case that uses an automatic movement, closely following vintage Rolex Date watches in balanced proportion and traditional dial layout. This model is of excellent value for collectors seeking Rolex aesthetics at a lower price.

Ref. 7966 further emphasizes this heritage through its Rolex-signed Oyster case and screw-down crown. These elements not only enhance water resistance but also provide the satisfying tactile experience that has become synonymous with premium watchmaking. The reference serves as a tangible link between Tudor's independent identity and its prestigious origins.

Tudor Prince Chronographs ("Big Block")

The "Big Block" chronographs under the Prince Oysterdate umbrella represent some of the most significant Tudor models ever produced. As Tudor's first automatic chronographs, these robust timepieces earned their nickname from their distinctive case thickness, necessary to house the self-winding movement. Their historical importance and visual impact make them highly prized by collectors today.

Ref. 79180 features a turn bezel and plexiglass crystal and is an extremely rare and highly collectible vintage chronograph. Ref. 79160 features a tachymeter bezel in a style similar to that of the original Rolex Daytona watches, while the Ref. 9430/0 is among the earliest "Big Block" references featuring a distinctive larger case shape and orange color accents.

In 1989, references 79100 were introduced to replace the 9400s. Their case remained identical, retaining the "Big Block" nickname. The dial bore the indication "OYSTERDATE," and while the case and winding crown were still signed Rolex, the bracelet clasp from then on would bear the TUDOR logo. The self-winding Valjoux Calibre 7750 movement was kept within this reference model.

Tudor Prince Date-Day

The Tudor Prince Date-Day provides a sophisticated calendar complication in an elegant package. Ref. 76200 features a 36mm case with day and date displays, positioning itself as a direct alternative to the pricier Rolex Day-Date. Its overall balanced proportions and practical functionality make it an excellent choice for professionals seeking a versatile timepiece to add to their collections.

Ref. 7017 is one of the earliest Date-Day models, featuring a fluted bezel and a classic dress watch appearance but with a slightly larger 38mm case diameter. It captures the essence of mid-century luxury watches with its refined details and proportions. Its day and date windows' readability and its intricately thought-out dial design are the perfect illustration of Tudor's focus on form and functionality.

Tudor Prince Watch Specifications

The Tudor Prince collection balances refined aesthetics with solid engineering, creating timepieces that stand the test of time both stylistically and mechanically. These watches feature precise manufacturing, quality materials, and thoughtful design elements that elevate them above mere timekeeping instruments. From their versatile case sizes to their reliable movements, Tudor Prince watches exemplify the brand's commitment to accessible luxury without compromise.

Materials

Tudor Prince watches showcase an excellent material selection that ensures both beauty and durability. The collection primarily features 316L stainless steel, valued for its corrosion resistance and ability to maintain its luster through decades of wear. This high-grade steel forms the foundation of most Prince models, providing the ideal balance of strength and refinement.

For an even more higher-end appearance, two-tone watches with yellow gold elements - traditionally on the bezel, crown, and bracelet links - provide a sophisticated contrast to the steel watches. Some more premium Tudor pieces offer complete solid gold styles or gold caps over steel, offering the decadence of the precious metal without compromising on Tudor's value proposition. In comparison to modern Tudors that sometimes offer titanium or bronze, the Prince line utilized more traditional watch-making materials.

Movement

Tudor Prince timepieces house reliable mechanical movements that blend traditional watchmaking with practical functionality. Earlier models featured modified ETA calibers, meticulously adjusted and regulated to meet Tudor's exacting standards. These reliable movements offer excellent precision and are built to last for decades.

Later Prince models incorporate more advanced self-winding calibers with enhanced power reserves and stability. Chronograph versions typically house the legendary Valjoux 7750 movement, renowned for its robustness in demanding conditions. While modern Tudor has transitioned to in-house movements for its current collections, the Prince line represents an era when the brand excelled at optimizing and refining sourced calibers to exacting standards.

Dial

Tudor Prince dials offer understated sophistication in their clean designs and thoughtful attention to detail. Classic silver, white, and black dials dominate the lineup, offering ageless beauty that easily transitions from office to casual wear. Applied hour indexes - often in steel, gold color, or luminous material - add depth and enhance legibility under varying light conditions.

Many Prince models feature subtle texture variations that create visual interest without overwhelming the design. Sunburst finishes catch the light dynamically, while some vintage references showcase patina that develops unique character over time. Date windows are typically placed at 3 o'clock, with day displays at 12 o'clock on Date-Day models, maintaining perfect balance across the dial. This careful attention to proportions makes Tudor Prince dials instantly recognizable to enthusiasts of fine watchmaking.

Watch Bands

Tudor Prince watches come paired with carefully designed bracelets and straps that complement their refined cases while ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day. The collection offers several options that allow owners to personalize their wearing experience without compromising the watch's sophisticated aesthetic.

• Metal Bracelet (stainless steel and two-tone): Features solid links with brushed outer surfaces and polished center links, creating subtle light play. Two-tone options incorporate gold-colored elements for added luxury.
• Leather Strap: Available in various colors and finishes, from classic black and brown to more contemporary tones, often featuring fine stitching and a signed Tudor buckle.

Sizes

Tudor Prince designs have traditional watch proportions that honor classic watchmaking principles yet still allow for comfortable wear on the majority of wrist sizes. These proportionate dimensions have been key to the collection's enduring style, as they avoid the extremes of fleeting fashion in favor of timeless balance.

• Diameter: Most models range from 34mm to 36mm, with chronographs measuring slightly larger at 40mm. The Date Ref. 72000 offers a slightly smaller case option of 32mm.
• Thickness: Typically 10-12mm for date models, with chronographs measuring 14-15mm.
• Lug to Lug: Generally 42-44mm, ensuring stable positioning on the wrist.
• Lug Width: Predominantly 19mm or 20mm, facilitating strap changes while maintaining proper proportions.

Water Resistance

Tudor Prince watches offer practical water resistance that protects against everyday moisture exposure. Standard models typically provide 100 meters (330 feet) of water resistance, sufficient for swimming and water sports but not professional diving. This capability comes courtesy of the Oyster case technology inherited from Tudor's Rolex connection.

The robust sealing systems prevent moisture and dust ingress that could damage the precision movements within. While Prince models aren't designed as dedicated dive watches like Tudor's Submariner, their water resistance adds to the everyday practicality that defines the Tudor philosophy—creating refined timepieces that don't sacrifice functionality for aesthetics.

Tudor Prince Price

The Tudor Prince line, with its sleek design and masterful craftsmanship, is now discontinued due to Tudor’s shifting focus to its current product lines. As a result these watches now exist solely on the pre-owned market, which remains very active, especially as demand remains strong among connoisseurs and collectors. Their currently discontinued status, in combination with the connection Tudor has to Rolex has led to mounting collector interest, and has instituted a well established price framework within the secondary market.

In the pre-owned market, Tudor Prince prices vary based on factors such as specific reference, condition, age, provenance, and overall market demand. The pre-owned models available on our website are categorized into the following price ranges:

• Under $2K: This range typically includes older models in good condition, with some signs of wear. These pieces offer classic design and reliable functionality, making them excellent entry points for enthusiasts seeking Tudor quality at an accessible price point.
• $2K to $5K: Here, you'll find later versions of the Prince collection in excellent condition, often accompanied by original box and papers, which add to their value. Many examples of the stainless steel Prince Date and Oysterdate models appear in this range due to their enduring popularity and timeless design.
• $5K to $7K: This category encompasses well-preserved Prince Date-Day models and some of the more uncommon dial variations that have become increasingly collectible in recent years.
• $7K to $10K: This range includes exceptional examples of "Big Block" chronographs in outstanding condition with complete sets, including original documentation, boxes, and papers.
• $10K to $15K: The rarest and most desirable Tudor Prince models fall into this premium category, including limited production variants, special editions, and pieces with historical significance or impeccable provenance.

It's important to note that "Big Block" chronographs have shown consistent appreciation over the past decade, with prices nearly doubling for excellent examples with complete documentation. The Date-Day models have also seen steady growth in value as collectors recognize their quality relative to their Rolex counterparts. When considering the purchase of a Tudor Prince, thorough research and consultation with reputable dealers are essential. 

Authenticity confirmation is significant since counterfeit models can impact investment value as well as collector demand. Learning  how to spot a fake Tudor watch is an extremely useful skill set for any serious collector, with a particular focus placed on subtleties like crown signatures, movement finishing, and case back engravings on Prince models. Even the slightest inconsistencies in printing quality on dials or in bracelet construction will reveal counterfeits of these increasingly valuable timepieces.

For a deeper insight into these iconic timepieces, including their history, features, and what sets each model apart, we recommend reading our comprehensive Tudor watch review. This analysis delves into the brand's evolution from Rolex's sister company to an independent horological powerhouse, offering valuable information for both seasoned collectors and those new to the world of fine watchmaking.

Expert Opinion

"The Tudor Prince collection represents the perfect balance between horological excellence and value that has defined Tudor since its inception. Each timepiece in this family showcases the brand's dedication to quality while maintaining accessibility - a rare combination in today's luxury watch market. The Prince models exemplify Tudor's intelligent approach to design, with restrained elegance that transcends passing trends.

Having handled countless examples over the years, I still marvel at the consistent quality and level of attention applied to these watches. Our customers particularly enjoy the way Tudor Prince models rest easily on the wrist while offering the prestige of a brand so deeply entrenched with its heritage. Whether you are drawn to the classic Prince Date, the sophisticated Date-Day, or the historically significant 'Big Block' chronographs, these watches provide unbeatable value that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come."

- Paul Altieri, Founder & CEO of Bob's Watches

Why Choose Us

Choosing Bob's Watches for your Tudor Prince acquisition means partnering with the industry's most trusted source for authentic luxury timepieces. Our specialized knowledge of Tudor's heritage and technical specifications ensures that you receive accurate information and fair market valuation for every watch in our inventory. We carefully examine each Tudor Prince for authenticity and condition, providing transparent assessments that build lasting trust with our discerning clientele.

Our commitment extends beyond the purchase with exceptional after-sale support that addresses any questions about your Tudor Prince. Every watch undergoes meticulous inspection and servicing when necessary, ensuring optimal performance from the moment it arrives on your wrist. With Bob's Watches, you're not just buying a timepiece - you're becoming part of a community that shares your passion for horological excellence and appreciation for Tudor's unique position in watchmaking history.

Sell Your Tudor Prince

Sell your Tudor Prince watch with Bob's Watches' proven selling system. Our experts understand the nuances that affect your watch's worth - from reference numbers and dial differences to condition and provenance. We offer fair market prices based on present demand, ensuring you receive the true value of your Tudor investment without the risk of private sales or auction fees.

Experience our straightforward process that respects both you and your timepiece. From initial evaluation through final payment, we prioritize transparency and efficiency at every step. Ready to pass your Tudor legacy to its next caretaker? Visit our "Sell my Tudor watch" page today and discover why collectors consistently choose Bob's Watches when it's time to refresh their collections.