Tudor Prince Oysterdate - References, Prices and Owners' Reviews

Tudor Prince Oysterdate is a model launched in 1968, blending Tudor’s utilitarian DNA with classic “Oyster” codes: a water-resistant, automatic, mostly 34 mm everyday watch whose cyclops date enhances usability. Conceived as a more accessible counterpart to icons from the sister brand, it has spanned decades through varied dials (silver, black, linen, 3-6-9 “Explorer”), bezels (smooth or engine-turned) and references now familiar to enthusiasts.

Design & legibility: the model’s identity

The Prince Oysterdate embraces a clean, efficient aesthetic: clear dial, applied markers, baton or dauphine hands depending on period, crisp minute track and a cyclops date at 3 o’clock; the watch prioritises instant readability and discreet elegance that suits steel bracelets or leather alike, such that the readable dial + cyclops + Oyster case combo is the line’s immediate visual signature.

Case, bracelet and daily comfort

The 34 mm (most commonly) Oyster case features well-shaped lugs, balanced mid-case and city-proof water-resistance; across generations you’ll find steel, steel/gold or solid yellow gold, with smooth or engine-turned bezels and sapphire appearing late while earlier pieces use plexiglass; riveted/folded Oyster, Tudor jubilee or leather straps complete the picture, and the on-wrist feel is very balanced thanks to low mass and lugs with a natural drop.

Movement: architecture, performance and care

The family housed proven Swiss automatics: ETA 2784 in late-60s/early-70s references, then ETA 2824-2 across many 1980s–1990s executions (74010, 74020, etc.); a 4 Hz beat and quick-set date on numerous versions deliver robust rate stability and simple use; servicing every 4–6 years in normal wear with seal/stem checks preserves longevity and water-tightness, so that the ETA + Oyster case pairing yields a confidence-inspiring reliability/maintenance profile.

Timeline & main models (1968–2011)

(1968) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “Champagne”:

The earliest documented period for the Prince Oysterdate features a 34 mm waterproof case, plexiglass and a light dial with applied markers; the “cyclops date” becomes an obvious daily/office asset, with generous aperture despite compact sizing. An ETA movement from the 27xx family provides a smooth central seconds and straightforward date setting, while the riveted Oyster bracelet underscores the classic-sport stance. A reference commonly observed for this phase is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 7990/3, archetypal of the line’s sober versatility.

(1969) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “Silver Dial”:

An evolution in the same spirit with a sunburst silver dial, screwed steel case and cyclops over plexi; readability benefits from contrasty baton hands and a decisive minute track. The watch bridges suit and casual with ease and remains an excellent gateway into Tudor vintage. Mechanically, a high-beat ETA (period-dependent) brings steadiness and efficient winding; an emblematic identifier of this generation is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 9050/0, often delivered on a Rolex 7835-19 Oyster bracelet.

(1970) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Yellow Gold 34 mm “Full Gold”:

A dress-leaning solid yellow-gold execution: champagne dial, faceted markers and gilt hands emphasise formality without sacrificing everyday utility; the Oyster mid-case ensures durability and city water-resistance, and the cyclops plexi keeps the date instantly legible. On the wrist, 34 mm retains a measured presence that tucks easily under a cuff. Delivered on gold bracelet or leather depending on market, a useful marker for this configuration is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 9050 in yellow gold trim.

(1984) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “74000”:

A strong 1980s return: 34 mm steel case, smooth bezel, multiple dials (silver, black, linen, Roman) and broader use of the Tudor jubilee bracelet; the slim profile is perfectly compatible with daily wear. The ETA 28xx automatic era eases servicing, and quick-set date becomes standard on many pieces. For this pivotal step, the key reference is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 74000, sometimes dial-signed “Prince Date” depending on runs.

(1988) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “74010 Engine-Turned”:

Defined by an engine-turned bezel and highly readable dials (sunburst silver, linen), with the supple Tudor jubilee bracelet and signed clasp enhancing comfort while the screw-down crown preserves practicality. This execution adds light-catching texture without tipping into flash. The ETA 2824-2 provides quick-set convenience; a frequently cited identifier is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 74010, dated to the late 1980s on numerous examples.

(1990) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “74020 Knurled Bezel”:

A 1990s variant that maintains compact sizing and strong clarity, with silver/black dials and, depending on batch, updated dial signatures; restrained thickness and a worked bezel reinforce the chic-sport look. Solid-link steel bracelets improve perceived quality, and the watch remains formidable in day-to-day versatility. A helpful waypoint for this period is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 74020, recorded on 1992–1993 pieces.

(1993) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Two-Tone 34 mm “74033”:

A steel/gold take with champagne or silver dials, leaning dressy without abandoning Oyster robustness; the cyclops remains a reading cue and the 19 mm lug width opens strap options. At the desk, the watch keeps a moderated presence ideal under a shirt. ETA 2824-2 continues delivering accuracy and ease; for this execution, the usual identifier is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 74033, very visible on the secondary market.

(2011) Tudor Prince Oysterdate Steel 34 mm “74000N Late Series”:

The line’s last recorded productions feature smooth-bezel steel cases, white Roman or other classic dials and steel bracelets; ergonomics stay true to what made the model successful, with consistently immediate legibility. Using ETA 2824-2 keeps service straightforward, and late examples are readily found in tidy condition with box/papers. One of the references for these end-of-run pieces is Tudor Prince Oysterdate 74000N, still encountered as full sets.

Buying advice: size, variants, straps & uses

If you want a first Oyster that’s dressy yet easy to wear, the 34 mm steel, silver/smooth-bezel configuration is the best starting point; it slips under cuffs and the cyclops date serves daily life, meaning the smooth-bezel 74000 steel remains a universally safe pick. Late, well-documented pieces are common.

For more visual character while staying compact, look at a 74010 with engine-turned bezel: the bezel’s texture animates light without shouting; comfort-wise, the 19 mm Tudor jubilee brings notable suppleness and suits office/weekend switching.

Fans of late-60s/early-70s flavour should seek 7990/3 or 9050/0: plexi, understated dials, riveted bracelets; these are excellent dailies for those who accept vintage charm (and care), especially since well-serviced examples keep very respectable accuracy. Check crown integrity and seal history.

Conclusion

Compact, readable and timeless, the Tudor Prince Oysterdate suits wearers seeking a solid city watch for Monday-to-Sunday duty with instantly recognisable Oyster identity; you choose it for sober looks, reliable movements and rich reference variety. To refine your pick (period, bezel, dial, steel/two-tone/gold), always match try-ons to real usage; and Dialicious customer reviews are a valuable checkpoint to validate comfort, readability and long-term road-holding.

(Updated September 2025)