We've said a lot about our sincere appreciation for Tudor in the past, so in the interest of levity, allow us to recap:

- Rolex quality without the cost

- More exciting designs built on the same platform as countless icons

- VERY impressive modern offerings have rejuvenated interest in vintage models

Whichever way you slice it, vintage Tudor timepieces; from their entry level time-only Oyster Prince models to their sports and diving watches and chronographs are just plain cool. Setting them apart from the hordes of other watches categorized in that scientifically qualative method is of course their connection to Rolex - arguably the world's finest manufacture and certainly its best-known brand.

Rolex has created more iconic timepieces than any other single brand, making it understandable as to why some collectors never stray from the path of the crown. That said, they are doing themselves a disservice not to consider the offerings of Rolex's sibling brand. 

Part of the common slight comes from the movement argument - as most collectors know, the only major differentiating factor between Rolex and Tudor has been the use of third-party movements in the latter. Of course, this argument is deflated somewhat when considering that a number of the most sought after and valuable Rolexes come with movements made elsewhere (Valjoux 72 and Zenith El Primero).

It is with this concept firmly in mind that we have expressed on numerous occasions our appreciation - nay - true affection for Tudor "equivalents" to many iconic Rolex models. "Snowflakes", Rangers, and Monte Carlos are not only less expensive than their Rolex brethren, but in our opinion vastly more interesting. The latter, offered here, is in every way the Daytona we wish Rolex had made for us.

With a 40mm Oyster case, stunning colorful exotic dial and acrylic crystal on the outside and a bombproof Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement on the inside, this watch has got our number! Known internally as a Reference 9420/0, this particular model was introduced around 1976, over ten years before Rolex introduced an automatic movement into the Daytona line. Also available with a black and orange color scheme, these rarer blue models have developed a true following, and infrequently come to market. This particular example is also incredibly clean with a nearly flawless case and dial, as well as its original Rolex Oyster bracelet.  This might just be the next big thing in vintage Tudor, don't miss it!