Tudor Oyster Prince

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SKU AS01390
SKU AS01390

Details

On March 6, 1946, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf announced his intention to create "a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest price than our Rolex watches, and yet one that would attain the standards of dependability for which Rolex is famous." Thus, the Tudor Watch Company was born. Six years after the birth of the Tudor Watch Company, in 1952, Tudor launched the Tudor Oyster Prince. From the very first Tudor Oyster Princes that rolled off the assembly line, the model featured two technical innovations that were theretofore exclusive to Rolex: automatic movements and the trademark waterproof Rolex "Oyster" case. The advertising campaign that announced its introduction featured men working in harsh, forbidding conditions--miners or construction workers, all with a Tudor Oyster Prince strapped to their wrists.

The Tudor Oyster Prince's reputation for sturdiness and dependability was tested almost immediately. In 1952, the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom organized a scientific expedition to the northernmost reaches of Greenland. Contrary to popular belief, it was not the Longines "Greenlander" (Ref. 23088) that accompanied this expedition, but the Tudor Oyster Prince, one for each of the thirty crew members. 

In November of 1953, one of the crew, Captain J.D. Walker of the British Royal Engineers, sent a letter to Rolex expressing his "extreme admiration" for the Tudor that he was issued.  In that letter he wrote:

"...My duties necessitated many varied activities, from stores humping and hut building to driving 'Weasels" and dog sledging on the icecap.  Temperatures varied from 70ºF to -50ºF, and on many occasions during the thaw period the watch was unavoidably immersed in water.  Despite these trials, occasional time signals broadcast from England proved that my Rolex Tudor Prince watch was maintaining a remarkable accuracy.  On no occasion did it require to be wound by hand.  When on the ice-cap away from Base for several weeks at a time, it was of inestimable value to have on my wrist a watch whose accuracy could be depended upon at all times..."

The present Tudor Oyster Prince may deviate somewhat from the look of those fabled thirty Oyster Princes that accompanied the British North Greenland Expedition, but be assured: it sacrifices nothing in terms of the sturdiness that Tudor aficionados have come to know. True, the case is gold-plated instead of stainless steel, and the applied markers are gold as well. But that case is a Rolex Oyster Case, as proclaimed proudly on the case back, and the Rolex coronet logo is emblazoned on the winding crown. It's powered by an automatic ETA movement, stalwart and dependable. For a lover of vintage Tudors, the Tudor Oyster Prince can't be surpassed, because it combines an elegant exterior with all the hallmarks of dependability that make a Tudor a Tudor. 

A:S Guarantee

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Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

Shipping & Returns

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All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.