Mini Subs.....

As I work on adding more articles to tudorcollector.com I never cease to be amazed at how experimental Tudor were with some of their designs! If we take the Submariner as an example, whilst Rolex have only ever produced a 40mm version, the Tudors have come in all sizes, from the 26mm Lady Sub, via 32mm Mini Subs and 36mm mid-size Subs to the familiar 40mm staple Submariner. Within each of these variations are different dial layouts, colours inserts (even stainless steel!) and a multitude of bracelet options!

Each variation deserves an article of it's own - but that's going to take time!! Here's a couple of pics of one of the less seen examples - the 'Snowflake' Mini Sub. The Snowflake Sub is now the stuff of legend, especially considering it's military connection. What is interesting is that the Mini Sub variation (at 32mm) didn't feature the monicker Mini Sub on the dial, unlike it's mercedes handed cousin. Also, the watch was available with and without crown guards making this the last NCG Sub produced by Rolex or Tudor, before the Black Bay.

Here are two owned by Ian B. Notice the difference in the inserts.

And one previously owned by me, a ref 94400 - the same as the one on the left above.

HK Rolex and Tudor Passion.........

Rolex Passion Event co-founder Philipp Stahl is one of the world's most renowned vintage Rolex collectors. He dedicates many hours and works tirelessly to promote networks of collectors, host events and work on projects related to vintage Rolex and Tudor watches. Philipp and Bernhard's Passion event originated in Maastricht, but there have now been events across the globe taking the Passion 'brand' to new collectors and different audiences (click here to read the Tudor highlights of Mike Wood's UK Passion event). The latest event took place in Hong Kong and featured some incredible watches. The full story is told on Philipp's blog, "Rolex Passion Report".

Here at Tudorcollector we were excited to see a couple of very nice Tudors amongst the plethora of incredible Rolex watches on display. First up, spot the Tudor BC!!

Here in the UK we don't get to see these hoardings! Hopefully one day Tudor will return to our shores.

Finally, a VERY rare Tudor 'Homeplate' Monte Carlo, featuring a black dial. There are only four known examples of these chronographs; three of which are in HK and one in the US!

Thanks to Philipp for allowing me to use some of his pictures here. Check out the full story here:

HK Passion Report

Summer NATO Shot Pt 5.........

Choices, choices!!

NATO watch roll is a limited edition by Grahame Fowler NYC, the perfect way to transport your watches and straps in style!

Nice MN Line Up....

I have been having some real fun posting fun shots of Tudors on nato straps in the summer sun here on the Tudorcollector blog. There is one man, however, who is the king of nato-cool; so much so that he supplies nato straps to Mr John Mayer from his shop in NYC - Grahame Fowler.

Grahame is a confirmed Tudor addict and has an amazing collection on Tudor MNs, Here is a group shot of his MNs, most featuring the original issued nato straps.

And a snap of his nato strap stock in NYC.

The MNs with some of their cousins.

All photos by Grahame Fowler

The Black Bay Hits Oz.......

Over on the VRF, Alan Hammer has written a great post on his new Black Bay. Great shots and some interesting info. Check it out:

Alan's VRF Black Bay Post

Enjoy!!

Marks of Distinction......

I came across this photo from my files that was posted on a forum many years ago by a well known French Tudor MN collector. It's interesting to see the various years represented and pictured all together. Four digits that mean so much and have such a big significance. If only watches could talk, there would be some truly hair raising stories told......

Summer NATO Shot Pt 4.......

Tudor replaced the Submariner in their line up with the Hydronaut, which is an evolution of the timeless divers watch so beloved by Rolex and Tudor enthusiasts alike. Whilst maintaining some features of the later sapphire glass Subs (trip lock crown and screw case back), the Hydronaut had a restyled case and updated hands and bezel insert.

Here's my old Tudor 89190 Hydronaut on Heritage-esque nato strap. Great for the beach!!