Tudor
1968 Tudor "Snowflake" Submariner (Ref. 7016/0) Semi-PCG Case
The Tudor “Snowflake” is the nickname given to the Tudor Submariners with reference numbers 7016/0, 7021/0, 9104/0, and 9411/0 which was in production from 1969 to 1975. Dial variants are commonly found in black and or blue and the watch can feature at date complication. The nickname snowflake comes as a result of the unique features of the reference range such as the square hour markers and a unique snowflake hands that were introduced by Rolex/Tudor to increase visibility in low light conditions. However, there is more to the Tudor’s Snowflake Submariner line than its unique and different visual features.
The Tudor Snowflake Submariners, much like the other Submariners produced by Rolex and Tudor, have a long standing history and were supplied to military forces including the U.S. Navy and the Marine Nationale (French Navy)
Marine Nationale Diver Wearing Turdor Submariner "Snowflake"7016/0
The second-generation Tudor Submariners also marked the watchmaker’s transition from caliber 390 movements produced by Parmigiani Fleurier SA (Fleurier) to movements produced by Swiss watchmaker ETA which made the Tudor Snowflake Submariners the first Tudor watches to use these modified ETA movements.
The Tudor Submariner Reference 7016/0 was introduced in 1968 with quite a few changes compared to its predecessor reference 7928. Not only did the 7016/0 bring us the famous "Snowflake" dial and hands configuration, and the movement was upgraded to an ETA 2483, but the case was changed as well. The early 7016/0 Tudor subs feature was is known among collectors as a Semi-PCG or semi point crown guard case, this is in reference to the very different crown guard shape produced for the 7016/0 in the early half of 1968, the crown guards are not necessarily "pointed" like early PCG cases for both Rolex and Tudor, however they do have a much more slender appearance to the more modern style seen after and are sloped up to a smaller rounded point, hence the Semi-PCG name. These cases are only produced in a short range of serial numbers as the Semi-PCG case production was short-lived are were replaced at the end of 1968.
| Stock # | TDRSUB687016 | |
| Brand | Tudor | |
| Style | Submariner | |
| Model | 7016/0 | |
| Serial | 62XXXX | |
| Size | Men's | |
| Material | SS | |
| Dial | Black | |
| Millimeters | 40 | |
| Bracelet | 2pc Handmade Leather Strap |
CASE & BRACELET
The case is believed to remain unpolished with thick even lugs showing strong factory chamfers and honest wear from use. The semi-pointed crown guards remain sharp and even with no signs of being previously polished. The watch retains it's original "no dot-no line" Rolex signed twin-lock crown. The bezel insert retains its tritium pearl has taken on a very dark grey hue showing very light wear from use. The original superdome acrylic crystal exhibits some crazing, which is normal for crystals of this era and age. The case back engravings are clear and untouched and the watch will come supplied on a 2pc leather strap.
DIAL & HANDS
The early "Snowflake" dial has taken on an interesting and unique patina, sometimes referred to as an "acne" dial due to the strong raised texture consistent throughout the dial. The original tritium lume plots have taken on an excellent dark beige patina and exhibit no degradation under U.V. light inspection. The original hands have been professionally restored with tritium to match the dial.
ACCESSORIES
None. The watch is keeping time at spec, previous service history is unknown.