Tudor

The Tudor Submariner, nicknamed “Snowflake” by collectors, referring to the special square hour markers and matching hands, was Tudor’s second generation of Submariner models. It was introduced in 1969 as the ref. 7016 with no date.

In the mid 1970’s the reference 9401/0, such as the present lot, was introduced without a date and the reference 9411/0 with a date. Both references were fitted with either blue or black dials, matching inserts and with ‘Snowflake’ hands and numerals.

The Snowflake Submariner is the most popular configuration when it comes to vintage Tudor. Its historical importance was demonstrated when the brand introduced new watches inspired by the past and for which the Snowflake was the inspiration.

For a long time in the shadow of its Rolex counterpart, vintage Tudor Submariners appear in much lower numbers at auction and have become highly collectible.

The present watch is not any other charming Tudor Snowflake, this piece is an exceedingly rare example issued for the French Marine Nationale. The watch was consigned by the family of the original owner, guaranteeing an undisputable provenance and the pedigree of the watch.

Two references were used by Tudor to equip the Marine Nationale. In 1974, they used the Reference 7016, followed by the 9401 in the blue dial and bezel livery such as the present example. The 9401 was used under the Snowflake configuration and later with triangular indexes, the first generation being the most coveted by collectors. Both the 7016 and the 9401 had their back engraved with the MN, standing for Marine Nationale, and the year of issue, 1978 in the case of this lot.

This watch was the faithful companion of its original owner during missions around the globe It endured extreme conditions and hostile environments. He was a deep-sea diver until 1994 at the Arsenal of Brest. He travelled extensively, often for several months mainly to sink ships and weaponry, to carry under-water repairs and other special missions. As his job was very sensitive, he could not disclose any details to his family. However, he shared a tragic memory with his son. During a mission in the Papeete lagoon, in French Polynesia, he was supposed to do some under-water cutting with a blow torch but he could not go because of an ear infection. His best friend took his place. There was an explosion when the work was being carried. The members who stayed on the boat immediately dived to help their companions but sadly, it was too late. This tragic episode demonstrates the perilous life of these anonymous heroes for whom these Tudor Submariner watches were made for.