*Unpolished* 1968 Tudor Submariner (Ref. 7016/0) Gilt Dial W/ "Semi-PCG" Case & US Navy Provenance

The Tudor Submariner Ref. 7016/0, introduced in 1968, marked a pivotal evolution in Tudor’s Submariner lineage. Building upon the foundation of the ref. 7928, the 7016/0 brought with it several key updates, most notably the transition to the robust ETA 2483 movement and the introduction of the now-iconic “Snowflake” dial and handset. That said, early examples, such as this one, retained the classic gilt dial aesthetic, offering a compelling bridge between Tudor’s earlier design language and its more modern tool-watch identity.

Equally significant is the case design. Early 1968 production of the 7016/0 featured what collectors have come to describe as “Semi-PCG” (semi-pointed crown guards). Unlike the sharply defined pointed crown guards seen on earlier Rolex and Tudor models, these exhibit a more subtle, sloping profile that tapers to a softened point. Produced only within a narrow serial range during the first half of 1968, this transitional case design was short-lived, making surviving examples particularly desirable among collectors.

Presented here in exceptionally well-preserved, unpolished condition, this example stands apart not only for its originality but also for its compelling Navy provenance. The caseback is engraved: “TO LCDR FUNSTON, FROM WARDROOM NAVEODFAC,” linking the watch directly to the U.S. Navy’s Naval Explosive Ordnance Disposal Facility (NAVEODFAC). This specialized division was tasked with the identification and neutralization of hazardous ordnance, including chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. Lieutenant Commander William Funston, an executive officer aboard the USS William R. Rush during the 1960s, was the recipient of this timepiece, presented by the wardroom in recognition of his service. This rare military association adds a deeply personal and historically rich dimension to an already exceptional Tudor Submariner.