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The French Navy Connection (Marine Nationale)

Jan 25, 2026 Vol. Volume 1: The "Shield and Crown" 62 plays
0:00 4:17

Show Notes

The long-standing partnership with the Marine Nationale (French Navy) from the 1950s to the 1980s.

- Unlike Rolex, which was often a luxury purchase, Tudors were government-issued tools. They were delivered "head only" (no bracelet), leading divers to fashion straps out of elastic parachute webbing—the origin of the famous "MN Strap."

- The "MN" engravings on the case backs (e.g., M.N. 74) are some of the most faked and sought-after markers in vintage watch collecting.
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