Tudor Submariner 7016/0 Yellow Patina Blue Insert 1968 (Serviced)

Steel Tudor Submariner ref. 7016/0 with aged tritium dial, faded blue bezel insert, riveted oyster bracelet, and recent service.

Tudor Submariner

Tudor has been around since 1926, founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the same person behind Rolex. The brand was set up to offer a more accessible alternative to Rolex, using similar case and bracelet construction but sourcing movements from outside suppliers to keep costs down. Over the decades Tudor built a solid reputation, particularly in tool watch categories like dive watches and chronographs. Today the brand is seen as a legitimate option in its own right, not just a budget Rolex substitute, and vintage Tudor pieces in particular have developed a strong collector following.

The Tudor Submariner is one of the more sought-after vintage dive watches on the market. Produced from the 1950s through the 1990s, these watches were built to the same general specifications as the Rolex Submariner of their era, sharing case shapes, crown guards, and bracelet styles, but with Tudor-specific movements and dials. The reference 7016 was produced in the late 1960s and early 1970s and is part of the "snowflake" generation that followed, though earlier references like this one used more traditional sword or Mercedes-style hands. The 7016 in particular is notable for its large, chunky case with prominent crown guards, giving it a bold, tool-watch presence on the wrist.

What draws collectors to the 7016 specifically is the combination of rugged construction and the way these watches age. The dials, bezels, and lume plots on examples from this era develop character over time in ways that modern watches simply do not. The cal. 2483 movement inside is a reliable automatic based on an ETA base, and parts support is generally manageable. These watches were used hard, so finding one in solid shape with original components intact is genuinely worthwhile for anyone interested in vintage dive watches with a legitimate history.

Key Details To Consider

This Tudor Submariner reference 7016/0 is a well-preserved example of one of Tudor's most sought-after vintage dive watches. The steel case presents nicely, with thick, sharp lugs that have held their shape well. The case has been professionally polished, with the brushing executed cleanly and consistently across the surfaces.

The black shield dial has aged in a particularly appealing way, with the tritium lume plots taking on a warm, even yellow tone that matches well with the hands. This kind of natural aging is part of what makes these older Tudor Submariners so attractive to collectors. The original bezel insert has faded to an unusual blue tone over the years, which works well alongside the dial and gives the watch a distinctive look that is hard to find in this condition.

The oyster riveted bracelet is in excellent shape with no noticeable stretch. It currently holds 11 links and fits a wrist measuring approximately 7.25 inches (18.4 cm). Additional links can be sourced and added on request if needed for a larger wrist.

The movement was professionally serviced in April 2026 and is running properly. It was also pressure tested to 3 ATM (30 meters) following the service. Overall, this is a solid example of the reference in good used condition, with honest wear consistent with its age and a great combination of dial, hands, and insert patina.

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