Overview
In 1969, Tudor broke away from Rolex tradition and took its Submariner line in a new direction by introducing the 7016/0 (dateless) and 7021/0 (with date) “Snowflakes”. Both watches utilized a new dial design with square markers and square hands, and for the first time Tudor offered the Submariner in a distinctive blue color. Clearly set apart from the Rolex Submariner, the “Snowflake” has arguably become Tudor’s most iconic design and its legacy continues to live on in the brand’s modern day Black Bay and Pelagos lines. Many of these vintage “Snowflakes”, particularly the blue ones, age so beautifully with bubbled dials, golden lume, and faded bezels. This particular example offers that special wabi-sabi and soul that modern watches just can’t replicate.
Specifications
Brand:
Tudor
Model:
Submariner 'Snowflake'
Reference:
7021/0
Year:
1971
Case Number:
760903
Case Material:
Stainless steel
Diameter:
40 mm
Lug Width:
20 mm
Thickness:
13.0 mm
Lug-to-Lug:
47.5mm
Dial:
Blue
Lume:
Tritium
Crystal:
Acrylic
Movement:
Automatic
Caliber:
ETA 2484
Bracelet/Strap:
Rolex 7836 stainless steel bracelet with 380 end links
Max Wrist Size:
7.25 in (12 links)
Hand model has a wrist size of 6.2 in
Condition
Case: The case shows normal signs of wear for its age with many little hairlines and nicks throughout, but no major scratches. The lugs are thick with the original bevels still visible. The bottom edges of the lugs are razor sharp and the crown guards are full and very well defined. The case back shows consistent wear with clear engravings. The bezel is in excellent condition and has faded to a lovely pale blue with a hint of lavender. LA Watch Works replaced the previous all-white bezel pearl with a matching, period-correct tritium pearl.
Dial, Hands, & Crystal: The blue dial shows bubbling throughout and a slight bit of “confetti'' coloration near the date wheel. Both of these phenomena are common results of aging with this reference. The 3 to 9 hour marker plots show a range of coloration while the 10 to 2 plots are more uniform. The numbers on the date wheel are all black, which is normal for later examples of this reference (this one has a late serial number). The tritium within the hands shows some bubbling and dipping. The folks at LA Watch Works took a look and believe the lume to be original and recommended against stabilization due to the risks of the material cracking. The brand new Rolex 25-125 acrylic crystal is in perfect condition.
Bracelet/Strap: The Rolex stainless steel bracelet shows normal stretching for its age with no major drooping. There are many small hairlines and several little scuffs throughout. The coronet on the outer clasp is nice and sharp.
Performance
Functions: All functions including the crown-winding, time-setting, and date-changing are working as expected.
Service History: The watch underwent a full service by Rik Dietel of Time Care Inc. that was completed on 06/01/2022.
