Surprise! – the collection from Sgt William Bennett we purchased was actually a trio of mirror gloss 7928’s with two consecutive serials we paired and sold earlier and included a third (this example) that is only 40 serials away from that set.

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 including this 7928 Submariner.

With it being only 40 serials away, all three examples having mirror gloss gilts and untouched provenance as they were issued, it’s clear to us that these dials fall in this very tight serial batch in the 570xxx range.

It really doesn’t get better than this. This example has to be one of the finest mirror gloss Tudor 7928 Submariners in existence and having the military provenance to back it up is simply just the cherry on top.

Case condition is not usually the first thing your eyes are drawn to, it’s the dial. But for the experienced, once you experience exceptional cases, you can’t unsee it. The utter condition of this case is one for the textbooks – the chamfers and case definition are extremely well defined.  The dial, needless to say, is one you could stare at all day long – flawless mirror gloss, incredibly bright print, magnificent matching patina, need I say more? During service, we decided to retain the original super dome crystal rather than replace it. The crack is internal and because the integrity is not compromised, we felt it added to the charm and story of the watch with its military provenance.  

You can probably tell I have a hunch of seller’s remorse on this – this example is THAT good! The next caretaker is getting a used-on-the-field watch that’s truly in incredible shape, something that is almost NEVER happens.

(Item: INVDBV_22)