tudor 7106/0 | tudor 7016 0 snowflake

You've stumbled upon a Tudor 7106/0 and are seeking guidance before making a purchase. That's a wise move. The Tudor Submariner, in all its variations, is a highly sought-after vintage timepiece. The 7106/0, while less commonly discussed than its "Snowflake" brethren like the 7016/0, holds a unique charm and represents a significant piece of Tudor's dive watch history. This article will delve into the specifics of the Tudor 7106/0, exploring its characteristics, potential pitfalls, and its place within the broader context of Tudor Submariners. We'll draw parallels to the more familiar 7016/0 and Snowflake models, discuss the reliable ETA 2483 movement, and provide you with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your potential acquisition.

Understanding the Tudor Submariner Lineage

Before we dive into the specifics of the 7106/0, it's essential to understand the context of the Tudor Submariner line. Introduced in the mid-1950s, the Tudor Submariner was conceived as a more affordable alternative to its Rolex counterpart. While sharing a similar aesthetic, Tudor utilized movements sourced from ETA, a reputable Swiss movement manufacturer, rather than Rolex's in-house calibers. This allowed Tudor to offer a robust and reliable dive watch at a more accessible price point.

The early Tudor Submariners, like the 7922 and 7924 "Big Crown," were visually very similar to their Rolex cousins. However, over time, Tudor began to develop its own distinct design language, culminating in the iconic "Snowflake" hands introduced in the late 1960s. The 7106/0 falls within this evolution, representing a transition between the early Submariners and the later, more distinctive models.

The Tudor 7106/0: A Closer Look

The Tudor 7106/0, produced primarily in the late 1960s and early 1970s, is a 39mm stainless steel Submariner characterized by several key features:

* Case: The case is a classic Submariner shape, similar to the Rolex 5513 and the Tudor 7016/0. It features a polished case body with brushed lugs. The lug holes are drilled, making strap changes easier. The case dimensions are generally consistent, but minor variations can occur due to polishing over the years. Checking for excessive polishing is crucial to ensure the case retains its original shape and proportions.

* Dial: This is where the 7106/0 differentiates itself. Unlike the later 7016/0 "Snowflake" with its square hour markers and distinctive hands, the 7106/0 typically features a matte black dial with applied circular hour markers, baton markers at 6 and 9 o'clock, and an inverted triangle at 12 o'clock. The hour markers are often outlined with white gold or steel, adding a touch of elegance. The dial should be in good condition, with minimal degradation or reluming. Pay close attention to the lume – it should be consistent in color and texture across the dial and hands. Original dials are highly desirable, but many have been relumed or even replaced over the years.

* Hands: The hands of the 7106/0 are typically "Mercedes" style hands, similar to those found on Rolex Submariners. These hands are often filled with tritium lume, matching the lume on the dial. As with the dial, ensure the lume is consistent and original.

* Bezel: The 7106/0 features a bidirectional rotating bezel with a black aluminum insert. The insert has graduated markings for the first 15 minutes and individual markings for the remaining minutes. The pip at the 12 o'clock position should also contain lume. Bezels are often replaced or damaged over the years, so finding an original bezel in good condition is a bonus. Faded or ghosted bezels are also desirable by some collectors, adding character to the watch.

* Movement: The heart of the Tudor 7106/0 is the ETA 2483 automatic movement. We will explore this movement in more detail later.

* Crown: The crown is typically a Rolex-signed Triplock crown, denoted by three dots underneath the Rolex coronet. This crown provides excellent water resistance. However, some examples may have Tudor-signed crowns, so verifying the originality is essential.

* Caseback: The caseback is typically plain stainless steel, with no external markings other than the serial number and model number.

Tudor 7016/0 vs. Tudor 7106/0: Key Differencestudor 7106/0

While both the 7016/0 and 7106/0 are significant Tudor Submariner models, they exhibit key differences: