Tudor - The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV Geneva Friday, November 5, 2021 | Phillips

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  • 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.

  • Artist Biography

    Tudor

    Swiss • 1926

    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.

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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

Estimate
CHF12,000 - 24,000 
€11,200-22,300
$13,000-26,000

Sold for CHF36,540

Contact Specialist

Alexandre Ghotbi
Head of Watches, Continental Europe and the Middle East Director
AGhotbi@phillips.com

The Geneva Watch Auction: XIV

Geneva Auction 5 & 7 November 2021