THE ESSENTIALS

MAKE: TUDOR
MODEL: 9071/8
YEAR: 1977
BOX/PAPERS: NO/NO
CASE DIAMETER: 34MM
CASE MATERIAL: 18K YELLOW GOLD
BRACELET MATERIAL: LEATHER
MOVEMENT: AUTOMATIC

Among the many reasons we love vintage watches here at Falco is that we are constantly learning; even after many years of obsession, we are still discovering watches we've never handled before. 

Since Tudor's revival in recent years, led by the Black Bay line, the brand has introduced a fantastic catalogue of watches, including many crafted in precious metals like their big brother, Rolex. However, going back a few decades, the vast majority of watches made by Tudor were solid, purpose-built tool watches in stainless steel, designed to be more accessible than their Rolex counterparts. 

It is therefore amazing to handle the present example, a Tudor Prince Oysterdate ref. 9071/8: a 34 mm dress watch crafted entirely in 18k yellow gold. The 9071 draws comparisons to the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date line, and just like the Rolexes, most 9071s were made in stainless steel, and occasionally in steel and gold (two-tone). Only in very rare instances do you find a 9071/8, which undoubtedly sold to someone who knew exactly what they liked, as the original price of this watch was many times higher than most stainless steel Rolex models of the period.

Whatever the reason for its existence, we're grateful for it. The watch has survived in amazing condition after nearly 50 years. The case appears untouched, with minimal marks, and the original champagne dial is perfect, with the tritium lume aging to a gorgeous creamy hue. The movement came to us in perfect health, running at 0 s/d, with 250° amplitude and a 0.2 ms beat error. 

With its flat caseback, the 9071/8 wears like a hybrid between a sports watch and a dress watch. Incredibly cool.