Tudor Submariner 'Hybrid' Ref. 94010 - 'RCN'

The Submariner, namely those produced by Rolex, has long been considered the cream of the crop when it comes to watch collecting as a whole. Possibly the most iconic watch ever produced, the Submariner has long standing utilitarian roots that span decades, and everyone who’s anyone has been spotted wearing one. However, if you look deeper into the Submariner line, you may find a lesser known but just as incredible model manufactured by Tudor.

These pieces are not only more unique and uncommon than the traditional Submariner, but offer a more fun, playful design — particularly with the blue-dialed variants and what are known as 'Hybrids' like the piece that we have here. 

Produced for a very short time within a narrow serial number range at the end of the 1970s, these pieces feature dials that are much more in line with that of what you would find on a Rolex Submariner of the period (Ref. 5513), with round plots throughout and rectangular plots at the 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. The handset, however, is of the characteristic 'Snowflake' shape that is quintessential Tudor from the era.

This example dates to circa 1979 and features a fantastic professionally refurbished case with excellent factory-spec finishing. It shows faint signs of wear with no damage to speak of and a strong bezel assembly with a period-correct 'MK3 Fat Font' bezel insert to boot. The dial within is also excellent, with a clean surface and gently patinated Tritium plots. The handset matches the dial and the Tritium pip on the bezel beautifully. This piece also comes fitted with a very appropriate grey NATO strap with stainless hardware.

It is believed that many of these 'Hybrid' Tudor Subs were issued to the Royal Canadian navy from 1977-1980, and are considered 'MilSubs.' At the time of writing this, they are also the lowest entry point to the world of Military Submariners, but we're pretty confident that this won't last.

These days, Tudor's most popular line, the Black Bay, largely draws design inspiration from pieces like the one that we have here, and for good reason. As the expression goes, you can’t know where you’re going until you know where you’re from.