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The Tudor 7016, often considered the quintessential vintage Tudor Submariner, represents a fascinating chapter in the history of horology. More than just a "poor man's Rolex," the Tudor 7016 carved its own niche, offering robust reliability, distinctive aesthetics, and a compelling history tied to prestigious military contracts and everyday wear. This article delves into the world of the Tudor 7016, exploring its design, history, variations, and enduring appeal, referencing related models and key search terms like "tudor 7016 for sale," "1968 tudor 7016 specs," "tudor submariner 7016 0," "tudor 7016 0 snowflake," "1968 tudor submariner 7016," "tudor submariner history," "tudor snowflake submariner models," and "tudor submariner no date."

The Tudor Submariner: A Legacy of Reliability and Style

The story of the Tudor Submariner begins with Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex. Wilsdorf recognized the need for a more accessible, yet equally reliable, alternative to Rolex watches. In 1926, he registered "Tudor" as a separate brand, aiming to offer Rolex quality and design principles at a more affordable price point. This mission statement laid the foundation for the Tudor Submariner, a watch that would eventually earn its stripes on the wrists of military personnel and everyday adventurers alike.

Tudor's early models, like the Oyster Prince, utilized Rolex-like cases, movements, and bracelets, establishing a strong foundation of quality and reliability. These early models, dating back to the 1940s, demonstrated Tudor's commitment to building watches that could withstand demanding conditions. This commitment was further cemented with the introduction of the Submariner line.

The Tudor 7016: A Defining Model

The Tudor 7016, introduced in the late 1960s, is widely considered a cornerstone of the Tudor Submariner collection. It represents a significant evolution in design and functionality, offering a compelling alternative to its Rolex counterpart. While the Rolex Submariner remained the pinnacle of luxury dive watches, the Tudor 7016 presented a more utilitarian and arguably more charming option.

Design and Features: A Blend of Functionality and Style

The Tudor 7016 is characterized by several key features that contribute to its distinctive appeal:

* Case: The 7016 typically features a 39mm stainless steel case, mirroring the dimensions of the Rolex Submariner. This size is considered ideal by many for its comfortable wearability and classic proportions. The case is robust and well-constructed, designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration.

* Bezel: The rotating bezel is a crucial component of any dive watch, allowing divers to track elapsed time underwater. The 7016's bezel is typically made of aluminum and features a graduated scale with luminous markings. The bezel insert is often black, but variations with blue inserts can also be found, adding to the watch's collectibility.

* Dial: The dial of the 7016 is available in two primary configurations:

* Rose Dial: Early 7016 models feature a dial with the Tudor "Rose" logo, a nod to the brand's heritage. These dials are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity and historical significance.tudor 7019

* Shield Dial: Later 7016 models transitioned to a dial with the Tudor "Shield" logo, a more modern and streamlined design. While the Shield dial is more common than the Rose dial, it still retains its own unique charm and appeal.

Regardless of the logo, the dial features luminous hour markers and hands, providing excellent legibility in low-light conditions. The hour markers are typically tritium-based, which provides a warm, creamy patina as the watch ages.

* Hands: The hands of the 7016 are another defining feature. Early models typically featured "Mercedes" hands, similar to those found on Rolex Submariners. However, the 7016 is best known for its "Snowflake" hands, introduced in the late 1960s. These hands feature a distinctive square shape, providing excellent visibility and contributing to the watch's unique character.

* Movement: The Tudor 7016 is powered by an ETA movement, typically the caliber 2483. While not an in-house movement like those found in Rolex watches, the ETA 2483 is a reliable and robust workhorse. It is known for its accuracy and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for a dive watch.

* Crystal: The 7016 features an acrylic crystal, which is durable and resistant to shattering. While acrylic crystals are more prone to scratches than sapphire crystals, they can be easily polished to restore their original clarity.

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