Tudor Submariner Marine Nationale Ref. 94010
Vintage

Tudor Submariner Marine Nationale Ref. 94010

By amanico · Jan 12, 2010 · 51 replies
amanico
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Amanico champions the Tudor Submariner Marine Nationale Ref. 94010, arguing for its rightful place alongside legendary Rolex military watches. He meticulously compares its features, history, and perceived prestige, challenging the notion that an in-house movement or brand name alone dictates a watch's value. This post is essential for vintage dive watch enthusiasts and those interested in the historical significance of military-issued timepieces.

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We very often post topics about the Military Submariners or the Comex, as Legendary Rolex Watches.

Of course, they deserve such posts, and admiration, but if History makes these watches so exciting, there is another contender to consider, the Tudor Submariner.

Our Good Old Dr Strong made a review about them, to give them the Justice and the place they deserve, and I highly recommend you to read it, if it is not already done:

rolex.watchprosite.com

Here, I will focuse on one model, the Ref 94010, which was the latest Tudor Submariner used by the French Marine, from 1975 to 1983.

This reference, as you know, came with 2 different blue dials.

The round and triangular indexes:



Or the Snow Flakes:



I was recently seduced by this reference, and I really wonder why it was not an older love.

If you think about it, I don't see why the Military Rolex are much more prestigious than the Military Tudor.

The movement?

Well, the Rolex have an in house movement, indeed, while the Tudor house an ETA automatic movement, the Cal 2776, offering an hacking second, and a power reserve of 38 hours.

The ETA is extremely reliable and accurate, as well as its Rolex contender, and I don't see it as a " poor man's choice ".

The Finish?

The Tudor and the Rolex share a lot of common points, such as the case, the crown, the case back, and to make it short, only the movement, and the layout of the dial and hands make the difference.





As for the dial, the snow flakes seems to have a conventional finish, except its color and the original square shape of the indexes and hour / second hand, while the other dial, I mean, with the round indexes, seems to receive a superior finish, a kind of laquered or enameled finish, instead of the " Snow Flakes " matt blue dial.

So, once again, I don't see the finish as a relevant point to explain the difference in prestige between Military Rolex and Tudor.

No, in fact, I much see a psychologic factor, due to the name...Rolex is and will always be Rolex, while Tudor has to be more known, its history, the quality of the Tudor watches.

But the History of the Tudor Military watches- which were truely used as toolwatches- is not less prestigious than the History of the Comex or the Military Rolex watches, as we'll see later.

So, may a kind of snobism explain the difference?

smile

Among these 2 Ref 94010, I decided to go for the ...



Snow Flakes!

It appeared to me that the round and triangular indexes, although beautiful, very elegant, were also a bit too close to its Sister, the Rolex Submariner .

The Snow Flakes give a total different look, more original, more " macho ", " bad boy ", masculine, which perfectly makes echo to the use of this watch.



It is funny how a watch can change with such small details as a Blue dial and differently shaped indexes...

Here, the TUDOR M.N with the famous 5508...A Myth to come versus a Myth?



You still have, of course the classic and timeless Submariner case, strong and elegant, and the big crown you can find on the modern Subs, but the blue dial and these strange indexes and hands reinforce the strength of this watch.

The domed plexy adds some warmth and sweetness to this brutal watch.

The creamy indexes contrast with the blue matt dial, in a very appealing way.





Of course, as on the the Comex, you have, on the case back, a number,which is not a serial number, but which indicates the year of the dotation.

The " Magic Number ":



As you can see on the background used for these pcitures, the watch came with the " Marine Nationale " Register, with all the references of the Military Tudor ( and not only Tudor ) watches which were serviced.

But there was also another kind of paper, smaller, which was delivered when the watch was decommissioned ( Sorry, don't know who to credit for this picture )



My Tudor was used by the ENSM which stands for " Ecole de Navigation Sous Marine ", created in 1916, whose mission is to insure the formation and the training of the Military Submariners Crews.

Here the Logo used by this School ":



( Informations and picture taken from the French Ministery of Defense, in French, sadly ) :

www.defense.gouv.fr

Other Tudor watches with the same reference ( or different ) were used by the Prestigious Elite Corps Commando Hubert, the Groupe De Plongeurs Démineurs, the Saint Mandrier Base Aeronautiqe Navale, the Mine Hunter LYRE, and some others...

So, yes, these Tudor have a real History!

As every Submariner, it is a very pleasant watch to wear, and if you add the blue dial and bezel, and the History behind, you just have a ...Winner.



Best to All,

Nicolas


About the Rolex Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680

The Rolex Submariner reference 1680 is notable as the first Submariner model to feature a date complication, marking a significant evolution for the line. Introduced in the late 1960s, it bridged the gap between the earlier no-date Submariners and later iterations, offering enhanced functionality while retaining the robust characteristics of the professional tool watch. This reference is distinguished by its single cyclops date magnifier on the crystal, a feature that would become a hallmark of many subsequent Rolex models.

This reference typically features a 40mm steel case, housing the self-winding Caliber 1575 movement. The movement provides a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. The crystal is acrylic, commonly referred to as Plexiglas, contributing to its vintage aesthetic. Water resistance for the 1680 is rated at 200 meters, consistent with its design as a reliable underwater instrument.

For collectors, the reference 1680 is highly sought after, particularly early examples with "Red Submariner" dials where the word "Submariner" is printed in red. These variants represent a distinct period in Rolex's production history and are prized for their rarity and aesthetic appeal. The 1680 appeals to those who appreciate the blend of historical significance, functional design, and the tangible qualities of vintage Rolex manufacturing.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.1575
Case
steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic (Plexiglas)

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
FA
FanFrancisco
Jan 12, 2010
creamy round and triangular indexes on blue dial looks very smart, good choice!

AM
amanico
Jan 15, 2010
They are both very tempting, Stefan

And I really wonder if I won't end with both of them... Best, my friend. Nicolas

CO
Cookies
Jan 12, 2010
this one i like

I don't see this vintage in any way inferior to a submariner. It's a tough toolwatch that really conforms to all a diver will want, and i find the hour hand design incredibly legible. Vintages are like art, appreciated out of context and composition. The context part is strong, with it's affinity to the military, and the composition, well, only lacking in terms of the ETA movement. Were this to house a Rolex movement then, wow, the value might be on par with the vintage subs. Tudor has to forge

AM
amanico
Jan 15, 2010
Nicely put, Cookies, and interesting thoughts, too

Well, I don't know Tudor enough to have a definitive point of view on their modern production. But the more I dig into the past of this brand, the more I appreciate some of their products, like this Tudor MN, or some awesome non crownguard Subs, too. The only point I disagree a bit is about the ETA movement. It seems very reliable and damn accurate, to me. Will have to learn more about this movement. Best, and thanks for this very well written input. Nicolas

CO
Cookies
Jan 15, 2010
I've been inactive for sometime

And fantastic posts elicit passionate replies.Agree abt ETA,it was probably advanced in that era and context.Great post, Nic!

MI
MiniCooper
Jan 12, 2010
A great vintage.....

for sure.....but.... as I already told you, my choice would have been the other (round) one..... However I do like the creamy indexes... and you are right... the snow flakes has a harder look and more unusual.... the round a softer/elegant look ..... however... you cannot go wrong with either watch.... I do share your appreciation of the vintage Tudor watches but I am skeptic on their current new line..... Thanks for posting such an informative post my friend.... Enjoy it Cheers

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