The 1983 Tudor Prince Oysterdate 'Jumbo'
The Tudor Prince Oysterdate has been a watch coveted by collectors as a really great alternative to the vintage Rolex Datejust. But it is advantageous to think about these watches by themselves as the Oysterdate really stands alone with a ton of attractive aspects. The watch we are looking at today is from 1983, and is not your normal Prince Oysterdate from the sister company to Rolex. This is often referred to as a ‘jumbo’ Oysterdate, as this watch fits just that bit larger on the wrist.
Tudor produced the Prince Oysterdate in tandem with Rolex and their Datejust. The first Oysterdate was launched in 1969 and many of the early versions had the iconic Tudor Rose logo at 12 o’clock. The Oysterdate came in many forms, including being used for divers of the same era. Fast forward 14 years, and we have this beautiful Oysterdate from 1983. This one is special, as it is has an over-sized case, often referred to by collectors as ‘jumbo’. This is the reference 90814 and is a 38mm stainless steel cased watch with a white fluted bezel. Being 38mm, the watch fits really nicely on the wrist and fits into the modern era of watch case sizes. The watch features a date at 3 o’clock with a cyclops which magnifies the date. Other than that, it is fairly simple complication wise, with hours, minutes and seconds hands. The watch runs on the Tudor modified ETA 2784, automatic movement.
One of the great things about this watch is its simplicity. The dial is a silver, cream colour which almost makes it a muted pallet. This allows one to have fun with the strap combinations with this watch. The watch has drilled holes in the lugs, which also makes it super easy to switch out those straps. On a black strap, which this watch comes with, the dial really focuses in on the silver colour of the dial. But, switch it out for a brown leather strap, the creamy tones of the dial show themselves. This truly is a watch you can have fun with; it can be an everyday wearer as it goes nicely in a formal setting, but could also be a watch you run around town in. The white gold and steel combination gives it that versatility that many people look for in a watch.
This watch is available in our store here.
