1987 Tudor Prince Date-Day Blue Dial (Ref. 94510)

History and Significance

Tudor's relationship with Rolex has always been an important part of the brand's history, but the watches produced under the Tudor name developed an identity of their own. Established by Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor was conceived as a manufacturer capable of offering dependable Swiss watches at more accessible prices while benefiting from the engineering and manufacturing expertise associated with Rolex. Throughout the second half of the twentieth century, this relationship resulted in a fascinating collection of watches that shared many of the design principles found in Rolex models while incorporating their own movements, dials, and configurations. The Prince collection became particularly important in this regard, offering a variety of automatic dress and everyday watches that combined familiar case architecture with Tudor's distinct identity.

The Prince Date-Day occupies an interesting position within that history. Its combination of a day display at twelve o'clock and a date aperture at three immediately recalls the Rolex Day-Date, although Tudor approached the concept through a considerably different range of materials and configurations. Stainless steel examples are especially appealing because they offer the familiar day-and-date arrangement without the precious metal construction traditionally associated with the Rolex counterpart. The reference 94510 captures this idea particularly well, combining a practical complication with the proportions of a traditional 36mm Oyster-style watch. It is a design that feels equally connected to the world of vintage dress watches and everyday sports watches.

The blue dial is what gives this particular example its strongest visual identity. Its sunburst finish introduces a beautiful variation in color as light moves across the surface, shifting between deeper navy tones and brighter metallic blue. Applied hour markers and slender hands maintain the restrained appearance of a classical dress watch, while the day and date displays provide the distinctive symmetry associated with the Date-Day collection. The engine-turned bezel introduces another familiar design element, creating a more decorative appearance without overwhelming the dial. Combined with the stainless steel bracelet, the reference 94510 offers an attractive balance of practicality and traditional Swiss watchmaking aesthetics.

Writer’s Thoughts

The appeal of the Tudor Prince Date-Day reference 94510 comes from the combination of a familiar design and a configuration that feels distinctly different from the watches that inspired it. A stainless steel day-and-date watch with a blue dial, engine-turned bezel, and Jubilee-style bracelet has an understated charm that is difficult to overlook. The 36mm case gives the watch the proportions associated with some of the most celebrated everyday watches of the twentieth century, while the blue dial introduces considerably more personality than a conventional silver or champagne execution. There is also something particularly satisfying about the way the full day display stretches across the upper portion of the dial, giving the watch a more substantial visual presence than a traditional Datejust-style design.

Our Promise

Every watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.

Brand: Tudor

Model: Prince Date-Day

Reference: 94510

Year: 1987

Case Material: Stainless Steel

Case Size: 36mm

Dial: Blue Sunburst Dial with Day and Date Displays

Movement: Automatic

Strap/Buckle: Stainless Steel Jubilee-Style Bracelet

Buckle/Clasp: Stainless Steel Folding Clasp

Contents: Watch only

Case: Stainless steel case shows light surface wear consistent with age and use. The bezel remains attractive, and the case retains good overall definition.

Dial: Blue sunburst dial retains its attractive color and finish. Some deterioration and discoloration are visible.

Hands: Hands remain in good condition with light aging consistent with the watch.

Crystal: Crystal shows light surface wear consistent with use.

Strap/Buckle: Stainless steel Jubilee-style bracelet remains in excellent condition for its age, with tight links and minimal stretch.

Buckle/Clasp: Stainless steel folding clasp remains in good condition with light surface wear.