7016/0 Tudor Submariner

No-nonsense divers don’t come much more attractive than early Tudor Submariners. The 7016, released in 1968, was quite notable as it marked the first time Tudor utilized an ETA movement as opposed to the Fleurier of the 7928 it succeeded. The 7016 reference also covered the first ever-snowflake handsets, though earlier examples such as these still used the old small rose and smile that we all adore. Moreover, this one features a lollipop seconds hand and provenance that likely includes use in the Vietnam War.

But the detail in iteration doesn’t just end with Mercedes vs snowflake handsets. The 7016 has two case styles, a Mk1 with what are known as semi-pointed crown guards and a Mk2 with a case that has full rounded guards. The fully rounded guards usually appear on the snowflake-handed variety, where as the semi-pointed crown guards usually appeared on this Mercedes dial (such is the case here). Moreover, this example sports a ‘long 5’ bezel insert with fat font.

Perhaps most notably, though, this watch was previously retailed through the name where vintage is concerned, Eric Wind. Previously, it was sourced from a US military member who wore the watch in Vietnam, alongside a 9411 which came from the same person. The example is attractive both in how well preserved its dial is but also for its full unpolished (yes, I said it) yet hard-worn case. A more appealing history would be a tough ask.

Find this 7016 available here from a private collector for 12500 USD.