Tudor Marine Nationale Sub

[Cantab]

At the recent Head of the Charles Regatta (world's largest rowing regatta), I was spectating next to a Frenchman who was discussing what he described as a very rare Tudor Sub. He mentioned that the French Navy (Marine Nationale) issued several Tudor references to their divers, commandos, and submarine officers from the late 60s to the late 70s. This sounded intriguing, and I wonder if anyone can elaborate on sources for these watches. While I am sure that they are expensive, it is hard to imagine that they are valued in the the range of the famous Rolex Mil Subs. An issued diver's watch from the 70's is at the top of my list for an aspirational acquisition, but a quick search on TRF and C24 yielded no results. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.

[Dan S]

They show up occasionally in the usual places. I was lucky to find one locally from a friend of a friend, although it's probably the least desirable variant. Prices vary depending on the variant (reference, color, hand-set) and condition and accessories, but they are often in the $20k range, more or less. Keep in mind that they are tricky to authenticate since the markings (and even the paperwork) can be faked pretty easily. There is a ton of info on the internet about Tudor Marine Nationale Subs if you use google. Here's an old blog post by Ross Povey to get you started.

https://tudorcollector.wordpress.com...ine-nationale/

[linesiders]

I was not at the Head of the Charles.

The Tudor watches for the MN started 57/58 and delivered thru the 80s, used a while later.

Here is a beaten and ridden hard 59 MN

Not Safe Queens

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by Dan S

They show up occasionally in the usual places. I was lucky to find one locally from a friend of a friend, although it's probably the least desirable variant. Prices vary depending on the variant (reference, color, hand-set) and condition and accessories, but they are often in the $20k range, more or less. Keep in mind that they are tricky to authenticate since the markings (and even the paperwork) can be faked pretty easily. There is a ton of info on the internet about Tudor Marine Nationale Subs if you use google. Here's an old blog post by Ross Povey to get you started.

https://tudorcollector.wordpress.com...ine-nationale/

Thank you, and I will start looking, though the price range is a bit steep for me. However, a real one must have some very interesting history. That article for which you provided a link has a wealth of information. These must have a following that is very focused, not in the mainstream.

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by linesiders

I was not at the Head of the Charles.

The Tudor watches for the MN started 57/58 and delivered thru the 80s, used a while later.

Here is a beaten and ridden hard 59 MN

Not Safe Queens

That '59 is a great example of an issued watch, clearly used for the purpose intended. And, that collection is a bit mind blowing. It must be a quantifiable percentage of the MN production! Thanks so much for sharing.

[linesiders]

Originally Posted by Cantab

That '59 is a great example of an issued watch, clearly used for the purpose intended. And, that collection is a bit mind blowing. It must be a quantifiable percentage of the MN production! Thanks so much for sharing.

Only the Square is a MN - there are other MNs in the shop.

MN Models are almost all of the 50s-80s Subs: 7922, 7922 Big Crown, 7924, 7928 Square, 7928 Eagle Beak, 7928 Pointed, 7928, 7016, 94010.

The most common MN Tudors are the Blue snowflakes from 74 through early 80s / Triangle dials mid 80s. Prices start low 20s and run into 30s.

I do not even know what my beater Square is worth but there are two nicer 7928 Square Crown Guards on C24 for 140K each. Some serious MN collectors believe all Squares are MN.

[1675-David]

Tudor announced a new partnership with the French Navy last spring, and in doing so provided this info on their web sight

https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/inside...rine-nationale

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Only the Square is a MN - there are other MNs in the shop.

MN Models are almost all of the 50s-80s Subs: 7922, 7922 Big Crown, 7924, 7928 Square, 7928 Eagle Beak, 7928 Pointed, 7928, 7016, 94010.

The most common MN Tudors are the Blue snowflakes from 74 through early 80s / Triangle dials mid 80s. Prices start low 20s and run into 30s.

I do not even know what my beater Square is worth but there are two nicer 7928 Square Crown Guards on C24 for 140K each. Some serious MN collectors believe all Squares are MN.

That wide range of MN models sounds like a target rich environment for eventually finding one. Thank you, this will be a fun search.Finding a genuine one at a reasonable price will be the challenge.

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by 1675-David

Tudor announced a new partnership with the French Navy last spring, and in doing so provided this info on their web sight

https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/inside...rine-nationale

That's very helpful, thank you.

[strafer_kid]

Originally Posted by linesiders

I was not at the Head of the Charles.

The Tudor watches for the MN started 57/58 and delivered thru the 80s, used a while later.

Here is a beaten and ridden hard 59 MN

Not Safe Queens

Some very nice pieces here!

[Dan S]

Originally Posted by linesiders

Only the Square is a MN...

Well that's a grail.

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by Dan S

Well that's a grail.

Second the motion!

[NickD1975]

I think there is one in the upcoming Phillips auction. Don't quote me though, I didn't look carefully!

[Cantab]

Originally Posted by NickD1975

I think there is one in the upcoming Phillips auction. Don't quote me though, I didn't look carefully!

You are correct, I just looked at it on their website.
It will be interesting to see if it sells, and if so, what price it brings.
None of the MN issued Tudors were equipped with a bracelet, perlon straps were standard, and later there were straps made from parachute rigging such as those offered by Erika's Originals.Weighing in on the actual watch is way above my capabilities, but it would be enlightening to see comments on authenticity from those qualified to do so.

Thank you for mentioning the watch.