Tudor
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Tudor Submariner 79090 Dive Watch from 1984, Restored to Like-New Condition by Tudor

The Tudor Submariner 79090 from 1984 is an iconic dive watch that embodies both Tudor’s watchmaking heritage and the timeless spirit of professional timepieces. This particular example, fully restored by Tudor in 2025, presents a unique opportunity for watch enthusiasts and vintage collectors seeking a model in like-new condition. Thanks to a complete restoration carried out by Tudor itself, this watch is equipped with a Tudor movement based on the ETA 2824-2, perfectly matching the original specifications, ensuring reliability and precision. The dial, the stainless steel bracelet, and all components have been replaced by Tudor, providing the aesthetics and quality of a brand-new watch while preserving the authenticity of the original model.

Tudor Submariner and the British Royal Navy

One of Tudor’s most iconic collaborations was with the British Royal Navy. In 1954, the brand launched its first dive watch, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner 7922, which shared many characteristics with the Rolex Submariner of that era, including a robust case and an automatic movement. By the late 1960s, Tudor had become an official supplier to the Royal Navy, providing models such as the Tudor Submariner 7016, 7021, 9401, and 79090.

These watches were characterized by their no-date dial and a simple, highly legible design optimized for underwater use. They were often delivered without a stainless steel bracelet, as Royal Navy divers preferred to wear them on elastic fabric or NATO nylon straps, allowing for a better fit over a diving suit. These military-issued Tudors were used by clearance divers and combat swimmers, with some even modified by the Royal Navy’s maintenance department to meet the specific requirements of their missions.

The Use of Tudor Submariners by the US Navy

Unlike some Swiss brands like Blancpain with its Fifty Fathoms, Tudor was never an official supplier to the US Navy. However, Tudor Submariner watches were indeed used by special units within the US Navy, particularly by clearance divers and combat swimmers who valued them for their reliability and durability in extreme environments. Their robust construction, combined with a dependable automatic movement and a unidirectional rotating bezel, made them an ideal tool for measuring dive time underwater.

Tudor and the French Navy Combat Swimmers

One of the most significant military engagements of Tudor was its collaboration with the French Navy (Marine Nationale, MN). Since the 1950s, the Marine Nationale sought a reliable dive watch for its combat swimmers, an elite unit specializing in underwater operations. Tudor responded to this request by supplying Submariner models that were officially adopted and used for several decades.

The most well-known versions used by the French Navy include the Tudor Submariner 7924, 7016, and 9401/0, which were often delivered without a stainless steel bracelet, allowing divers to fit them with NATO fabric straps or improvised solutions such as parachute webbing. These watches were regularly serviced by the Marine Nationale’s maintenance workshop, with some modified to meet the specific needs of divers.

A Military Legacy That Lives On

Today, the military history of the Tudor Submariner significantly contributes to its appeal among collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts. The authenticity, durability, and functionality that attracted elite units from the British, American, and French navies remain embedded in the DNA of Tudor’s modern models, such as the Tudor Pelagos FXD, developed in partnership with the Marine Nationale.

Owning a Tudor Submariner with such a heritage, whether an original vintage piece or one restored to its original standards, means wearing a piece of military history—a watch that has proven its reliability in the most extreme conditions and continues to captivate watch enthusiasts and underwater explorers alike.

Why Buy This Tudor Submariner 79090 from Mostra ?

Purchasing this Tudor Submariner 79090 from Mostra offers numerous benefits for collectors and vintage watch enthusiasts. First, this Tudor-certified restoration guarantees authenticity and full compliance with the original specifications, eliminating any concerns about wear or non-original parts.

Additionally, its like-new condition allows the wearer to enjoy a vintage watch with modern performance, offering the charm of the past without the drawbacks of aging. With its restored water resistance, revised movement, and flawless case, this timepiece is an ideal choice for both daily wear and prestigious collections. Moreover, by acquiring this exceptional watch from Mostra, you benefit from recognized expertise, personalized service, and the assurance of a Tudor-certified model, making it a secure and valuable investment for years to come.

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