Tudor Submariner 94110 'Ci' Military Watch
Vintage

Tudor Submariner 94110 'Ci' Military Watch

By Subexplorer · Jan 31, 2014 · 29 replies
Subexplorer
WPS member · Rolex forum
29 replies8094 views7 photos
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Subexplorer shares his personal journey with a vintage Tudor Submariner Ref. 94110, embracing its 'imperfect' condition and military provenance. He highlights the unique charm of a watch with a storied past, focusing on the mysterious 'Ci' engraving and its connection to the Argentinian Armed Forces.

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As collectors of vintage watches, we are always seeking for the most "perfect" example of our object of desire: an unpolished case, original dial and set of hands, matching patina and an original and good working movement are some of the features which make for the "perfect" vintage timepiece.

All this considered, the watch I´ve been wearing during the last couple of weeks, and intend to keep on my wrist during next week end, is an "imperfect watch", but it had kept me smiling every time I took a glance to it.

Case is full but rather battered, with lots of little "scars" which tell about its hard past military life. The second hand is not the original nor the correct one for a "flake" model. I also suspect that the minute and hour hands were replacements or relumed.

The blue dial got some scratches on its surface, etc.

In spite of all these details, making for its imperfections to consider it an "ideal" vintage watch, I still love it, and it invites me to keep wearing it during more days.

I have been searching for one of its kind for some time now, and I got it thanks to the information generously given to me by my friend FranciscV also a Purists colleague.

It is a reference 94110 of circa 1978/79.
It got an all red date disk, which adds charm to its dial. The movement is in very nice condition and perfectly working inside.




























... But its most important and interesting detail remains hidden to the viewer and only known to the owner...









It belongs to a limited quantity of timepieces bought by some Armed Force of Argentina, during the last years of the 1970´s decade and mid 1980`s, probably for use by our military tactical divers Special Corps.

It has been speculated that "Ci" means "Cuerpo de Ingenieros" or "Cuerpo de Infanteria" but I personally do not agree and believe that it has a different meaning.

May be it means something like: "Codigo de inventario" (inventory code). A five digit code which helped to keep track of the timepices issued to members of the Armed Force it belonged.

I feel that if the meaning of "Ci"  had been the name of the armed corp, both letters would be capital letters, like "MN" for the Marine Nationale watches.

At the moment, all my intents of disclosing the mistery of the real meaning of "Ci" has been fruitless, in spite of the different articles posted in several Forums, and some research I could do here.

I know my dear friend Nicolas is working in a full report about this matter and I´m sure his work will surprise us with some great photographs and new info about these little known Tudor series. I am eagerly looking forward to view said report.

May be we are lucky to find some new info about Ci in a near future. In the meantime, I will keep enjoying this imperfect but charming watch, which I hope you´ll like.

Have a great week end friends!
Very cordially, Abel.

This message has been edited by Subexplorer on 2014-01-31 14:08:56

About the Rolex Tudor Submariner Ref. 94110

The Tudor Submariner reference 94110 is a notable example from the brand's dive watch lineage, distinguished by its "Snowflake" hands and square hour markers. This reference represents a significant evolution from earlier Tudor Submariner models, incorporating design elements that have become highly recognizable and sought after by collectors. It was produced during a period when Tudor was establishing its own distinct identity while still leveraging the robust engineering of its parent company. The 94110 is often considered a transitional reference, bridging earlier designs with later iterations.

This reference features a stainless steel case, typically measuring 40mm in diameter, housing an automatic movement. The crystal protecting the dial is acrylic, consistent with dive watches of its era, providing durability and ease of maintenance. The movement, often the ETA-based Caliber 2784, offered reliable timekeeping and a practical power reserve for daily wear. Its construction was designed to meet the demands of underwater use, reflecting the functional purpose of the Submariner line.

For collectors, the 94110 is particularly appealing due to its distinctive dial and hand configuration, which sets it apart from other Submariner references. Variants exist with both blue and black dials, often accompanied by matching bezels. The presence of the date complication further distinguishes it from its no-date counterpart, the 94010. Its robust construction and unique aesthetic make it a desirable piece for those interested in the history and development of Tudor's dive watches.

Specifications

Caliber
ETA 2784
Case
Stainless steel
Diameter
40mm
Dial
Blue or Black
Water Resist.
200m
Crystal
Acrylic

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
FR
FrancisV
Jan 31, 2014

Dear Abel, You finally got it, and It makes me really happy to be a part of the "great hunting". Now I see it again it looks really stunning! The red date it is far less common for that reference and year, and the faded insert is almost nicest than an original blue one. We will keep on digging til we find out the Ci meaning. As I told you, I am after a a clue that probably help us to shed some ligth on this mysterious matter. I am confident that we are closer than before, and who knows what Nico

SU
Subexplorer
Jan 31, 2014

... for your kind comments. Once again, thank you for your info regarding this watch. No doubt I got it thanks to your clues. It´s a pleasure to share it with you, and I´m so glad you like its looks now. I agree that the clear gray bezel insert looks so cool on this watch. Thank you so much again, Un abrazo afectuoso, Abel.

BI
Bill
Jan 31, 2014

Who needs perfection when you have authenticity. Great watch. I just added one to the collection but not such beautiful wabi. Congratulations. Bill

SU
Subexplorer
Jan 31, 2014

... I m so glad you like it! And nice to know you got one Ci yourself! Would love to see a picture of yours! Thank you again my friend! Best cordial regards, Abel

MI
Mike1066
Jan 31, 2014

I agree with Bill. That is a watch with soul. And great patina too! Enjoy it. V/R Mike

BI
Bill
Jan 31, 2014

A special watch like yours is one in a million. I was just saying that perfection is with vintage are cousins not brothers. Bill

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