Everything about Tudor Submariner 

This Tudor model attracted the attention of military corps around the world, notably the French Navy, for its robustness and Rolex-quality water-resistance, but at a more affordable price. Huge quantities of reference 7922 watches are ordered by many military groups including the US and Canadian navies, often without brand names, allowing them to be customized to meet military specifications... 

A partnership with the French Navy continued into the 1980s, attracted by the watch's technical capabilities, making it an ideal ally for divers.

Over the decades, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner has evolved both technically and aesthetically. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, water resistance was increased to 200 meters, and the design became more distinctive with the introduction of Snowflake hands and square hour markers in the late 1960s (reference 7016). During this period, Tudor gained a reputation for producing reliable diving watches at a reasonable price. 

The brand's partnership with the French Navy further enhanced its status as a professional tool watch. In 1999, production of the Tudor Submariner ceased, but the model's legacy lives on. The Tudor Black Bay, launched in 2012, pays tribute to the Submariner's iconic visual elements, including the Snowflake hands and vintage-inspired aesthetic. The discontinuation of the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariners has made this model a favorite among watch enthusiasts and watch collectors in particular.

The Tudor Submariner is a subtle balance between functionality and elegance. Its unique features set it apart from its competitors. Its unidirectional rotating bezel for measuring dive times, often in black or blue. Its sleek, functional dial with luminescent markers for improved visibility when diving. 

The famous Snowflake hands, introduced inthe late 1960s, offer improved legibility and have become an essential feature of Tudor diving watches. Last but not least, the Oyster case. Designed by its big sister Rolex to last, the stainless steel case guarantees water-resistance and sturdiness.

Unlike Rolex, which uses in-house movements, Tudor Submariners have been equipped primarily with third-party movements from ETA. These movements are renowned for their reliability, ease of maintenance and affordability. Movements with the 390 caliber, used in the first models, are most often found in early versions. This hand-wound movement set the standard for precision and durability. Later watches were equipped with ETA automatic movements, offering even greater precision and convenience.

Tudor Oyster Prince Submariners are designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration. The first watches had a water resistance of 100 meters, then 200 meters. This robustness, combined with the Oyster case and screw-down crown, made the Submariner a favorite of divers and military personnel.

The end of production of the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner in 1999 made it a highly sought-after model on the vintage watch market due to its rarity (and thus drove up its price). This model will join the most coveted references of watch nugget seekers. Collectors are particularly fond of early models such as reference number 7928 and the Snowflake hand-watches of the late 1960s and 1970s. 

The combination of limited availability and the importance of the historical aspect makes these watches highly sought-after and drives up their price. The sale of this model has become a treasure hunt for mens and ladies with a passion for watchmaking.

It's true that this watch is steeped in history. The Tudor Submariner's association with the military adds to its appeal. The models used by the French Navy are particularly coveted, and often feature unique modifications such as fixed lugs for NATO straps. Military forces wanted to modify the regular model to make it more suitable for their use. We invite you to discover our collection of single-pass NATO rubber straps for Tudor Submariner. These military watches are quite rare and steeped in history, making them a must-have for any collection.

While vintage Rolex Submariners fetch astronomical prices, Tudor Oyster Prince Submariners offer a more accessible entry point into the world of luxury diving watches. This value proposition, combined with the watch's quality and design, makes it a favorite among mens and ladies collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The reference 9401/0 released in the 1970s was very popular with military forces. It is the diving watch most famous for its military use, particularly by the French Navy. 

With its navy blue dial (the brand's emblematic shade) and grey bezel, it is often engraved with the initials M.N. followed by the year of issue on the reverse of the stainless steel case, and comes in two configurations: Snowflake or triangle index. Delivered to the French Navy until the early 2000s. They're highly sought-after because they're like the guards of a piece of history.

Although the Tudor Submariner is no longer produced, its spirit lives on in the Black Bay collection. Collections like the Black Bay Fifty-Eight draw heavily on the design elements of the Submariner, including Snowflake hands, domed sapphire crystals and the aesthetics of the earlier models (dial, bezel, etc.). If you're curious about this model, don't hesitate to read our complete guide to the Tudor Black Bay range.

Production of Tudor Submariners has ceased, so they can be found mainly on the second-hand market. For a new watch, the Tudor Black Bay is the obvious choice. It has the same overall aesthetics, but with the Submariner label, it lacks the charm of a vintage watch. The latest models on sale, sometimes available in pre view, convinced us.

When buying a vintage Tudor Submariner, it's essential to make sure of several things. First of all, you need to check the product's originality. Make sure that the dial, hands, bezel and movement are original and have not been modified. Next, check the condition: look for signs of wear and restoration, particularly on the case and dial (including scratches on the steel, which are commonplace).

Finally, check provenance: look for models with a documented history or original papers. The advantage of watches that don't leave the shops is that there are no waitlists. Well, it's all relative, because sometimes finding a timepiece like this on the watch market isn't always easy, as some of them aren't sold very often. If you've owned this little jewel of history, you're one of the lucky ones.

Vintage Tudor (Oysterdate) Submariners sell for varying prices, depending on their rarity and condition. Unfortunately, nothing is free, and here such a precious timepiece is worth its weight in gold. We won't give any prices, as the watch market is constantly evolving, and prices can change very quickly over time. Reliable sources include reputable auction houses such as Phillips or Christie's, specialist dealers in vintage watches or online platforms such as Chrono24 or Hodinkee. 

If you choose this option, don't forget to also check the shipping conditions. Shipping conditions vary from platform to platform. However, vintage models mean limited stock. The advantage is that there is no waitlist. And if there is no waitlist, that means you won't have to wait very long once you manage to find the model. However, retailers only stock a few, so bear this in mind, even if every watch purchase deserves time to think.

Once you've managed to get hold of this timepiece, the best way to preserve your Tudor Submariner is to clean it regularly with a soft cloth to remove dirt and oils. The recommended period is every 3 to 5 years, and preferably by an authorized Tudor service center to ensure the best possible quality of overhaul.