The Watch
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The Marine Nationale is the official name of the French Navy, representing one of the oldest and most capable maritime forces in the world. Established in the 17th century by Cardinal Richelieu, it operates as a core branch of the French Armed Forces, tasked with protecting national sovereignty and projecting power globally. It is one of the few elite "blue-water navies," meaning it possesses the logistical strength and advanced fleet necessary to operate continuously across open oceans worldwide without relying on local coastal ports.
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As a cornerstone of European security, the Marine Nationale has responsibilities that range from global anti-piracy and counter-terrorism operations to securing France's Exclusive Economic Zone, which is the second-largest in the world. Structurally, it is highly advanced, utilizing a full suite of naval capabilities including nuclear-powered attack and ballistic missile submarines, elite naval commandos, and a carrier strike group led by its flagship nuclear aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle.
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The Marine Nationale required specialized wristwatches primarily as critical navigation, tactical synchronization, and life-support tools for their elite combat divers (nageurs de combat) and naval pilots. In an era before digital dive computers, sub-aquatic operations relied heavily on mechanical dive watches to accurately track elapsed dive times and manage decompression stops, which was vital for preventing decompression sickness. Furthermore, because radio silence was strictly enforced during covert operations, precise and highly legible mechanical timepieces were the only way for dispersed teams to synchronize tactical maneuvers, navigation legs, and explosive detonations down to the exact second. In short, for combat divers, a rugged, legible wristwatch was a vital piece of life-support equipment because sub-aquatic operations left absolutely no room for timing errors.
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Zodiac is a celebrated brand when it comes to Divers Watches, with a long history and a reputation as one of the best skin diver manufacturers. The M.N's need for quality is shown here in this Zodiac Night Diver. The Dial is fully luminous and it is marked with a red point between the 4&5, Zodiac only put these on their top of the range watches, designating "professional sports watches".
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This Particular example is believed to have been purchased at a French Military auction. They are very seldom seen and the few that have popped up, all of their Issue numbers have ended with a "B", throwing weight behind these being assigned to the Brest MN base.
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This Watch features in the Marine Nationale book by Watchistry. Page 250/251. See last pics, all credit to Watchistry and their fantastic book.
Age: c.1990's.
Reference: Red Point Pro.
Movement: Quartz with Centre Seconds & Quickset Date.
Calibre: ETA 955.114.
Timekeeping: Very Good.
Service History: Unknown.
Dial: Original Zodiac Fully Luminous Tritium Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel with Screw Caseback.
Measurements: 38mm/40mm with crown guards.
Bezel: Uni-Directional.
Water Resistant?: No,
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Original Crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Screw down Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Lightly Used 18mm Khaki Military Style strap with Steel fixtures.
Lug Width: 18mm.
Getting Acquainted
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Bits that stand out:
- Rare Bird.
- All Original and Correct.
-Mercedes Minute hand.
- Fully Luminous Dial.
-Deep Military markings to the back.
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Nitty Gritty:
-Some minor markings to the Case & Bezel.
-Some very small, extremely minor specks on dial.
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Overall the Zodiac is in nice condition.
The Dial is in very good condition.
Case is in very good shape.
Caseback markings are nice and deep.
Original Crown.
Original Crystal.
Hands are in lovely shape.
