If you’re in the market for your first luxury watch, one brand worth considering is TUDOR. As a sibling to Rolex, TUDOR has been making a name for itself with its style, quality, and affordability. Here’s what you need to know before making your first TUDOR watch purchase.
Heritage and history
Understanding the heritage and history of a brand can make your luxury watch purchase even more special. TUDOR, with its rich history and close ties to Rolex, has a story worth telling. The TUDOR brand was established by Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary founder of Rolex. In 1926, Wilsdorf registered the TUDOR trademark with the idea of creating a watch brand that offered the reliability and precision of Rolex but at a more accessible price point.
The Golden Era
The 1950s and 1960s were pivotal decades for TUDOR, as the brand introduced the Oyster Prince collection, which combined robust construction with elegant design. These watches were celebrated for their durability and performance, often marketed as being tough enough for both professionals and adventurers.
In 1954, TUDOR launched its first dive watch with the TUDOR Oyster Prince Submariner ref 7922. This model solidified TUDOR’s reputation for creating reliable tool watches, designed to withstand the rigors of underwater exploration.
The Modern Renaissance
In 2012, TUDOR experienced a renaissance and reestablished itself as a leading player in the luxury watch market with the launch of the Black Bay collection, which paid homage to the brand’s classic retro designs while still incorporating contemporary features.
Affordability
Luxury watches can be pricey, but TUDOR offers a more accessible entry point into the world of high-end timepieces. Compared to its more famous sibling, Rolex, and other luxury brands within the same category, TUDOR provides excellent value for money. For instance, you can already own a sophisticated dress watch like the TUDOR 1926 for as low as $2,000. If you’re into sporty dive watches, the TUDOR Black Bay 41mm is a great option for only $3,775.
Movement
The heart of any luxury watch is its movement. TUDOR initially kept costs down by using reliable movements from third-party vendors such as Sellita and ETA. However, since 2015, TUDOR has stepped up its game by producing its own in-house movements in collaboration with movement maker Kenissi. Many of these movements are certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and offer a 70-hour power reserve. This is perfect if you like to take off your watch for the weekend and put it back on Monday morning without having to reset it.
Materials
TUDOR watches are known for their high-quality and innovative use of materials. While the brand often draws inspiration from vintage designs, they’re not afraid to experiment with modern materials. For example, the Black Bay Ceramic features a sleek ceramic case, the Black Bay Bronze showcases a bronze finish, the Pelagos is crafted from titanium, and the Black Bay 58 925 has a sterling silver case.
Newest launches
TUDOR is constantly innovating and releasing new models each year, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting for watch enthusiasts. If you’re keen on getting the latest releases and have a flexible budget, you can check out the watches that the brand released in the annual Watches and Wonders event, a premier trade show for the horology world. Recent launches include the Black Bay 58 GMT. This particular TUDOR Black Bay 58 price is set at $4,600 while the rubber strap version is at $4,400. There’s also a new monochrome Black Bay, and a luxurious Black Bay 58 in 18k with a green dial and solid yellow gold bracelet. For sports enthusiasts, the Pelagos FXD Chrono, designed for cyclists, is the newest addition to the lineup.
Choosing your first TUDOR watch can be a rewarding experience. With its blend of affordability, quality, and innovation, TUDOR offers a compelling option for anyone looking to invest in a luxury timepiece. Take your time to explore the different models and find the one that best suits your style and needs.
