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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch

Tudor Submariner Reference 7016/0 'Marine Nationale'

Partially verified

This Tudor Submariner, reference 7016/0, is a military-issued timepiece associated with the French Marine Nationale. Produced circa 1974, the watch features an Oyster case that has undergone professional polishing. The dial is characterized by a blue color and a textured surface, exhibiting what the vendor describes as a 'lunar'-like appearance. It includes squared Tritium indices displaying a varied patina and the specific 'snowflake' handset style, which has been color-matched to the dial. The case back bears an inscription reading 'M.N. 74', which displays signs of attempted removal. The watch is presented on a strap and exhibits the aesthetic features identified by the vendor as standard to blue-dialed Submariner variants issued to the French military.

Front view of the Tudor Submariner 7016/0 showing the blue dial and snowflake hands
Front view of the Tudor Submariner 7016/0 showing the blue dial and snowflake hands — Oliver & Clarke. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
oliverandclarke.com
Category
Wristwatch · Diver's wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Tudor
Reference
7016/0
Catalogue / lot identifier
Source URL identifies the listing
Source-reported date
circa 1974
Source-reported place
Switzerland

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial

The watch is housed in an Oyster case, which the vendor reports has been previously polished while maintaining symmetrical lugs. The dial is blue with a distinctive textured surface described as having a 'lunar'-like appearance.

The dial is fitted with square-shaped Tritium hour markers that exhibit a rich, varied patina. The hands are of the 'snowflake' variety and have been professionally color-matched to the dial’s aged surface. The bezel insert is blue with a luminous triangular pip at the zero position.

Evidence for this section
  • “the Oyster case has bee previously polished and done-so tastefully, presenting nicely with symmetrical lugs”
  • “For a short time, the early blue 'Snowflakes' around this era developed a wild, 'textured' surface, resulting in an almost 'lunar'-like appearance.”
  • “characteristic square Tritium plots showing a deep, rich patina throughout with some variance in the color. The equally characteristic 'snowflake' handset has been professionally color-matched”

Military Markings and Provenance

This watch is identified as a Marine Nationale issue, a branch of the French military known for utilizing blue-dialed Tudor Submariners. The case back bears an engraving of 'M.N. 74'.

The engraving shows signs of attempted removal, which the vendor suggests may have occurred post-decommissioning or during the period of service to conceal its military property status.

Evidence for this section
  • “the French 'Marine Nationale' being perhaps the best known to utilize blue-dialed Subs.”
  • “you'll find the "M.N. 74" visible through a not unusual attempted removal, likely done post-decommissioning or even in period by its issued soldier to conceal the fact that it was property of the French Military.”

Condition and History

The watch is described as having an honest vintage condition. The vendor notes that the polishing work performed on the case was completed in a tasteful manner, respecting the intended finishing of the Oyster case.

The watch is attributed to 1974, coinciding with the era of the 'snowflake' Submariner production. The current presentation includes a modern-style strap which does not interfere with the visibility of the lugs or crown guard.

Evidence for this section
  • “the Oyster case has bee previously polished and done-so tastefully, presenting nicely with symmetrical lugs and correct finishing.”
  • “Dating to circa 1974”
  • “honest condition, and its a Tudor.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific movement caliber used in this reference 7016/0?
  • Can the 'M.N. 74' engraving be further verified against existing French Navy inventory logs?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Tudor Submariner Reference 7016/0 'Marine Nationale'
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerTudor“manufactured by Tudor”
Reference7016/0“Ref. 7016/0”
Datecirca 1974“Dating to circa 1974”
Case TypeOyster case“the Oyster case has bee previously polished”
HandsetSnowflake“characteristic 'snowflake' handset”
Military ProvenanceMarine Nationale“issued to a variety of different militaries, with the French 'Marine Nationale' being perhaps the best known”
EngravingM.N. 74“you'll find the "M.N. 74" visible through a not unusual attempted removal”

Visible details

  • Blue rotating bezel insert with triangular luminous pip
  • Tritium indices show color variance
  • Snowflake-style hour hand
  • Oyster-style crown

Research qualifications

  • The 'M.N. 74' case back engraving shows evidence of attempted removal
  • The handset has been color-matched

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

ساعت Tudor Submariner رفرنس 7016/0 نظامی Marine Nationale

Reviewed 2026-11-02 · Record b5f7b03147

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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