Rolex

It sounds like the name of a Pirat's Ship, and, in a certain way, it is.



When we mention the Tudor Marine Nationale name, we immediately have in mind the blue diamond or mercedes dials, and almost never the black snowflakes dial.

There is a certain logic behind this fact, as the Tudor M.N came only in one reference ( 7016/ 0 ) and for only one year ( 1974 ) with this black dial, so the " bird " is pretty rare...

Though, this watch deserves to be better known, and more often seen.

So, I decided to take some better pics of it.

1/ a Threatening Beauty.





2/ Strong, powerful, original, yet elegant:





This is an interesting alternative to the most often seen " Big Crowned Submariner Sister " 5513, in my opinion.

The Snowflakes dial makes it all, and gives a lot of " masculinity " to the Sub, but, at the same time, keeps a lot of elegance, in this black version...

3/ An incredible dial:

If I had to describe it in only one picture, I would use this one, as every particular detail of the Tudor M.N is here.

Special hands, uncommon indexes, the Tudor name and Logo, proudly reigning on the dial :



Here another particularity of the dial, its rough texture, like it was made in a kind of " Volcano Stone ".



The blue dialed M.N didn't have this specifity, and some said that they received a better finished.

I, for one, love a lot this rough look, which corresponds to the idea I can have of a Military watch.

4/ A Case Back which tells the active story of the watch to its owner, and to him only:



Anyway, Blue or Black, the Tudor MN will always be interesting and lovely watches, which should receive a better and bigger interest, in my opinion.

These Black Tudors are Pirats Watches!





Best,

Nicolas

No message body

Great pictures my friend, really a nice snowflake.

I find the rough looks suits the watch perfectly

Actually, the bezel looks almost blue on the picture..?

Cheers

Hans

The bezel faded to a nice grey, but with the light of the flash...It comes a bit blue.

I love a lot this " dirty " dial, which nicely matches with the " philosophy " of the watch, too.

A great " Bad Boy ".



Thanks for your input!

Best,

Nicolas

...these nice and rare pieces my friend..

You must have good contact and a lot of luck with you. But one day will I (I hope ) also find a seed

Cheers

Hans

All is a matter of patience and luck, my friend.

Best.

Nicolas

...with my staff, collegues, family and friends.... but NOT when we talk about watches....!

.....come to me my precious.... come, come.... !

Cheers

Hans

you just gotta get yourself a MN.....

second coolest watch in the world!

...my friend, but where do I find one..!

Have to say, I am still kind of  "new" to vintage (except on Omega) but where do i find them!!

HELP...!

On the other hand, what do you see as the coolest watch of them all...!?

Cheers

Hans

that these MN are not easy to find...but they do come up. You should ask a couple of people to keep an eye out for one. The trouble is, there are many out there that are in bad condition....faked...without decom papers etc etc. Finding a proper MN isnt that easy, but they are out there. The coolest watch in the world...no question...its this one...

... also one of my favorites, though I might never get lucky to own one :-(

I have a much younger brother... but would prefer the vintage

(here a picture from my Birthday last week, where i did not get any watch present at all

Cheers

P.S. Please keep an eye ot for me. Any idear where I should keep my eyes open? I look at ebay, this forums collectors market, some www pages I have found and a few other forums... 

This message has been edited by hans_jorgen_1968 on 2010-07-01 03:38:29

Are spotting from time to time, here in France.

Best!

Nicolas

Thank you Nicolas, once again, for a very inspirational post.  So much so that reading it I too was suddenly taken by the urge of rushing out and getting one these iconic watches
 You couldn't be more spot on with your description of the rough, 'volcanic' black dial with its sulfur like lumes.
I would be glad hearing more about your assertion of a production limited to 1974. My MN is engraved on the reverse side and dated 1979 on its decommisioning paper... A fake, maybe?

 

 

Is your M.N a 7016/0?

Does it have a flat case back, like on mine?

Have a look at Dr Strong's review on the Tudor M.N, my friend ( Go to New Blog Post on the right part of your screen and see the link to Tudor M.N ).

I did some searches, and had the confirmation that the 7016/0 M.N was released in '74 only, and that this watch came with the black dial, only.

Some received the blue dial, though, because the black dial was ruined, but it originally came with the black dial.

The later M.N ref 94100 always came with the Blue dial.

So, what is the reference of your Tudor M.N ( the ref is engraved between the lugs ).

Best,

Nicolas

Mine appears to be a ref. 94010 from 79. I will send you a picture of both back, lugside and decom-paper via pm this evening.

But it may have been changed while the watch was serviced.

Best,

Nicolas

great watch Nicolas, thanks for the education and pictures

For once, it is my turn to show something interesting!



Best,

Nicolas

Why do you show us these beauties where it's almost impossible for anyone else to find one?

The torture continues..........

Best

Fernando

I bet that if you hunt one, you'll get it before the end of the year, with the blue dial.

For the black dial, it is a bit more complicated, but with patience, nothing is impossible.



Best,

666.

Both?



666.

but too soon to tell.