Lot #1211
Tudor Submariner Gilt Underline Chapter Ring 7928 Mine Defense Laboratory
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Introduction
Tracing its origins to 1954, the Tudor Submariner was released as a cost-effective counterpart to its eponymous Rolex sibling. Blending Rolex-quality externals with an off-the-shelf movement to cut production, Tudor’s Submariner proved to be incredibly robust and popular. Released in 1959, the ref. 7928 is perhaps the most iconic Tudor Submariner as it had the longest production run; extending until 1968, and being the reference that introduced crown guards to the collection. Used across numerous militaries due to its quality and cost-effective nature, the Tudor Submariner has a long and storied history, with this exact ref. 7928 seeing use in the Navy Seals. Issued by the Mine Defense Laboratory in Panama Florida, this watch would have been issued to Navy Seals to enable the real time research of underwater mine countermeasures. The Mine Defense Laboratory’s mission included torpedo mine countermeasures, helicopter mine countermeasures, mine hunting and mine watching study projects, as well as other advanced countermeasures, and the Tudor Submariner was the frogmen’s first line of defense as the tool to enable the coordination of underwater activities, timing decompression phases as divers rose back to the surface and ensuring tasks were completed on time.
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Grade
V 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Watch Only
Est. value range
$15,000 – $20,000
The Details
Brand
Tudor
Dimensions
40mm
Model
Submariner
Movement
Automatic cal. 390
Reference
7928
Bracelet
Stainless Steel Oyster bracelet
Year
1963
Condition
Very Good
Material
Stainless Steel
Included
Watch Only
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Featuring a well-preserved “underline” dial, this ref. 7928 is deservedly coveted by collectors, but our military-issued example also sports a rarity amongst these underline dials. Usually the ref. 7928 underline dial features four lines of silver inscription at 6 o’clock, yet our example’s dial sports gilt inscription through its entirety, a stunning and rare combination indeed.
THE CASEBACK
Issued to Navy seals and frogmen in training at the Mine Defense Laboratory in Panama Florida, this example’s caseback sports “MDL-48” engraving indicating it was for the Mine Defense Lab #48 where underwater mine countermeasures were researched.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in very good condition. Slight loss of luminous to seconds hand. Underline gilt dial has evenly aged luminous; the two o'clock lume is abraided however others remain intact. Case and bracelet have surface abrasions. Crown has a small ding near the coronet. There is a total of 10 rivet links. Bracelet can be sized down by adjusting the clasp. USA rivet band stamped 1972, making it newer than the watch.
Our Perspective
A beautiful gilt dial, chapter ring, pointy crownguard Submariner issued by the US Mine Defense Laboratory - what else could a military watch enthusiast want?
Eric Ku
Co-founder
