It is widely known Tudor played an integral part in supplying wristwatches for many military organizations across many countries but most famously for the French Navy, also known as Marine Nationale. In addition to the French Navy, the Canadian and U.S. Navy were also issued Tudors for their personnel. With the idea of stories and history being told through watches today, these watches with military provenance are highly prized.

The U.S. during the mid 60’s was at the height of the Vietnam War. Many manufacturers, including Rolex and Blancpain, were commissioned to supplying the U.S. military with wristwatches. These particulars were issued and used in both training missions and combats. Although once the war ended, many were decommissioned and since they were properties of the U.S. government, were required to be returned back. Some, though, were slipped through the cracks.

William M Bennett was part of the Quartermaster Unit Training Center (QUMTC) whose main mission was to support most aspects of all general supplies other than weapons, ammunition and transportation of personnel and equipment for the U.S. Army. Because the QUMTC was the point in charge of distribution of equipment, Sargent Bennett also had access to much of the decommissioned supplies. To our fortune, Sgt Bennett was able to save a few of these Tudor 7928 gilts gloss from extinction which included these two consecutive serials that were commissioned to the U.S. Army.

Sold as a pair, these sister 7928’s are finally reunited. They are both born with consecutive 570xxx serials. Tudors were most often seen with textured dials but according to https://www.tudorsub.com/tudorsubmariner7928, Tudor experimented with the glossy gilt dial for a very brief period of time and the ones we’ve seen for only the fourth quarter of ‘66 – the ones before and after all were textured dials. Coincidentally, that tiny batch and the most sensitive of dials, the gloss gilts that Tudor, were commissioned to be used on the field.

Often times aging appears on these Tudor gilt dials but the mirror gloss finish on both examples is impressively well preserved without any imperfections at all. Combined with the thought of these were actually used on the field in the most demanding of conditions and survived in this state of preservation is a no short of a miracle. The lumes and print are all incredibly bright and crisp and have formed this rich creamy patina that really adds oomph to the appearance.

Both cases survived equally strong and remains unpolished. The thickness and chamfers are clearly defined. By examining the area of reference number and serial, there’s no evidence of these ever being worn on a bracelet. Like most military issued watches, we believe these were worn on NATO straps to support this theory.

Both watches benefit from a full movement overhaul from International Watch Works and comes with a 1-year warranty. In addition, Sargent William Bennett’s QMUTC Motor Vehicle Operators Permit from Oct. 25, 1943 along with his military dog tags are included. 

We believe these sister serials in one of the rarest gloss gilt configurations deserves to remain as a pair and we are proud to keep it as that. With all the stories behind these dials, it is to one’s imagination what they may have been through. Regardless, these two incredible U.S. Army issued examples are ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.

(Item: INVDBV_20 & INVDBV_21)