tudor 7016 movement | tudor submariner history

The Tudor 7016 movement. Four digits that resonate with collectors and enthusiasts alike. More than just a series of numbers, it represents a pivotal point in Tudor's history, a moment where affordability, reliability, and a distinctive aesthetic converged to create a horological icon. This article delves deep into the Tudor 7016 movement, exploring its origins, its significance within the Tudor Submariner lineage, and its enduring appeal in the modern market. We'll examine its specific implementations in models like the 7016/0, the celebrated "Snowflake" variant, and consider its place within the broader context of Tudor Submariner history.

The Tudor Philosophy: A Focus on Accessibility

To understand the importance of the 7016 movement, it's crucial to appreciate Tudor's overarching philosophy. Positioned as a more accessible alternative to Rolex, Tudor aimed to provide high-quality, robust timepieces at a lower price point. This strategy heavily relied on utilizing readily available and reliable movements from external suppliers, primarily ETA (Ébauches SA). This wasn't a compromise on quality; rather, it was a calculated decision that allowed Tudor to focus on case construction, dial design, and overall aesthetics while leveraging the established expertise of ETA in movement production.

The early Tudor Submariners, including those powered by the 7016, perfectly embodied this philosophy. These watches offered the ruggedness and functionality of a dive watch, with styling cues that echoed their Rolex counterparts, but at a significantly more attainable price. The 7016 movement was a key enabler of this accessibility.

The Tudor 7016 Movement: A Workhorse ETA Caliber

The Tudor 7016 movement is essentially a modified ETA 2483 caliber. While Tudor didn't manufacture the movement from scratch, they implemented specific modifications and quality control measures to ensure it met their standards of reliability and performance. The ETA 2483 itself is a robust, automatic winding movement known for its dependability and ease of servicing.

Key features of the ETA 2483 (and therefore the Tudor 7016) include:

* Automatic Winding: The movement winds automatically via a centrally mounted rotor, eliminating the need for manual winding unless the watch has been unworn for an extended period.

* Date Function: The 7016 movement features a date complication, displayed at the 3 o'clock position on the dial.

* Sweep Seconds Hand: A central seconds hand provides a clear indication of elapsed time.tudor 7016 movement

* Frequency: Typically operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour (vph), the movement provides a smooth seconds hand sweep.

* Robust Construction: The ETA 2483 is known for its durability and resistance to shocks and impacts.

The Significance of Using an ETA Movement

The decision to utilize an ETA movement offered several significant advantages for Tudor:

* Cost-Effectiveness: ETA movements were readily available and significantly less expensive than developing and manufacturing an in-house movement. This allowed Tudor to maintain its lower price point.

* Reliability and Proven Performance: The ETA 2483 was a well-established and reliable movement with a proven track record.

* Ease of Servicing: The widespread availability of ETA movements meant that watchmakers around the world were familiar with their construction and servicing procedures. This made maintenance and repairs relatively straightforward and affordable. This is a crucial point for vintage watch collectors, as it ensures that their timepieces can be kept running for years to come.

* Simplified Training: Training watchmakers on the intricacies of an ETA movement was far less complex and costly than training them on a proprietary in-house movement. This further contributed to the overall affordability of Tudor watches.

The Tudor Submariner 7016/0: A Deep Dive

The Tudor Submariner 7016/0 is arguably the most iconic model to house the 7016 movement. This watch, produced from the late 1960s to the mid-1970s, is a true classic in the world of dive watches. It is a no-nonsense, functional tool watch that exudes a timeless elegance.

Key Characteristics of the Tudor Submariner 7016/0:

* Case: Stainless steel case, typically measuring 39mm in diameter, excluding the crown. The case features a robust construction and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a graduated insert.

* Dial: Matte black dial with luminous hour markers and hands. The dial is typically signed with the Tudor rose logo and the model name "Submariner."

* Bezel: Rotatable bezel with either a black or blue insert, marked with 60-minute graduations for timing dives.

* Movement: The Tudor 7016 movement, based on the ETA 2483.

* Bracelet: Typically fitted with a stainless steel Oyster-style bracelet or a NATO strap.