Manufacturer: Tudor Year: Circa 1980 Reference No: 9401/0 Case No: 937'502 and M.N. 80 Model Name: Submariner Marine Nationale Material: Stainless steel Calibre: Automatic, cal. 2776, 25 jewels Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel Rolex Oyster bracelet, max length 190mm Clasp/Buckle: Stainless steel Rolex deployant clasp Dimensions: 39.5mm Diameter Signed: Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
Catalogue Essay
Rolex introduced Tudor to the market in 1945 with the objective of selling high quality watches at a more accessible price. Throughout its history, Rolex used the Tudor line to experiment with different designs and concepts and the Submariner line was no exception. Its durability and legibility made it an ideal choice for one of the world’s elite naval forces: the French Marine Nationale, established in 1624 as la Marine Royale by Cardinal Richelieu.
The reference 9401/0 without date function, replaced the reference 7016/0 in 1975, bringing a more robust movement with hacking seconds but retaining the unusual square-shaped hour markers and “snowflake” handset. Both references, and their sister references with date, were commissioned by the Marine Nationale until the 1980s for use by their divers, and these “issued” “MN” Submariners are among the most coveted of any Tudor Submariners. Preserved in overall excellent condition, it also has “M.N. 80” crisply engraved on the caseback.
With a beautifully faded bezel, rich azure colored dial, and crisp case, this reference 9401/0’s collectability is bolstered by both its history and fantastic aesthetics.
Almost twenty years after Rolex was founded, Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the intention of making more affordable watches without compromising the quality for which Rolex was renowned. Tudor was named after the British Dynasty that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, and their symbol came from the "War of Roses." After interchanging Rose and Shield symbols for a number of years, the firm replaced the Rose with the Shield logo from the 1960s until today.
Some of the most recognized vintage models made by Tudor include the Submariner, a waterproof model first introduced in 1954, the Oysterdate, the earliest versions of which were nicknamed the "Monte-Carlo," the Heritage, which included the date at 6 o'clock, as well as the Pelagos, which translates to "deep sea" in Greek.
Ref. 9401/0 A historically interesting and very well-preserved stainless steel military-issued diver’s wristwatch with center seconds and bracelet, made for the French Navy
Circa 1980 39.5mm Diameter Case, dial, movement and bracelet signed
