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.





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 Submariner Ref. 5513

The Rolex Submariner reference 5513 is a notable example within the Submariner line, distinguished by its two-line dial and lack of a date complication. Produced for an extended period, it represents a core offering for collectors seeking a straightforward and robust tool watch. Its design emphasizes legibility and functionality, aligning with the original purpose of the Submariner series. This reference is recognized for its consistent aesthetic throughout its production run, with subtle variations in dial text and bezel inserts.

The watch features a 40mm stainless steel Oyster case, offering durability and water resistance suitable for its intended use. Powering the reference 5513 is the automatic Caliber 1520 movement, known for its reliability. The crystal is acrylic, contributing to the vintage character of the watch. The unidirectional rotating bezel, typically with an aluminum insert, allows for elapsed time measurement.

For collectors, the reference 5513 is a significant model due to its long production history and the various dial iterations, such as gilt and matte dials, which present distinct collecting opportunities. Its appeal lies in its foundational design and its position as a non-date Submariner, making it a desirable piece for those who appreciate the model's original form. The watch is often paired with an Oyster bracelet, completing its functional aesthetic.

Specifications

Caliber
Cal.1520
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Black gilt
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
CO
Cookies
Jan 12, 2010

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

MI
MiniCooper
Jan 12, 2010

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

DR
DrStrong
Jan 12, 2010

Tudor at its best: Rolex, with a twist ;-) Cheers Jeff

BI
bimbeano
Jan 12, 2010

This 'blue' is to die for ... nice WS also ... . thanks Nicolas filip

BD
BDLJ
Jan 12, 2010

I'm glad you got the Snow Flake, I much prefer that to the Mercedes hands. I actually prefer the MN Tudors to many of the Rolex issued watches. They are somehow more...appropriate (?) for the purpose. The fact that they are less recognised, and recognisable, also appeals. Apart from the bracelet, I've only ever seen these on either G10s (NATOs) which doesn't seem right for a MN Watch or on very non-military leather straps. Do you know what strap was used? Another great watch, Nico, congratulatio

BU
bullibeer
Jan 13, 2010

Fantastic watch!!! Enjoy!!! Snowflake rules!!! ANd they have seen history... Big congrats!!! Now you need some of those .... LOOOL! ready to go... ;-) Some MN...

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