When it comes to finding a luxury wristwatch that will stand the test of time, there’s one brand you can always trust. TUDOR prioritizes function, precision, and elegance in every classic design. Thanks to the designer’s large selection of men’s and women’s timepieces, there’s a TUDOR watch to suit every style.
The History of TUDOR Watches
TUDOR was never meant to become just another name in the designer watch business. When Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, established the company in 1926, he had one goal in mind: to craft timepieces known for the same impeccable quality as his high-end Rolex pieces at a more widely accessible price point.
TUDOR watches initially shared the same design elements and innovations with its sister-company, releasing the first design, the TUDOR Oyster, in 1947. These water-resistant watches were given to the divers in the British Royal Navy, a move that proved their durability and solidified their brand as the preferred designer for reliable and robust timepieces. Over the next few decades, TUDOR continued to develop other models that were popular in the military and sports sectors.
What is a Diver Watch?
With its nautical background, you’ll often hear TUDOR timepieces described as “diver watches.” This term is used for specialized timepieces designed specifically for underwater use.
These designs will often use water-resistant materials, ensure fitted seals, prioritize readability in low-light conditions, and help ensure divers can track time while underwater. Both the TUDOR Black Bay and Pelagos collections are designed to fit into this category.
Where Do TUDOR Watches Stand Today?
After a few years of behind-the-scenes brainstorming, TUDOR relaunched in 2009, determined to stand apart as a more separate brand. It stepped away from using the exact same cases and bracelets as Rolex and began releasing original designs. Soon enough, those Swiss-made TUDOR watches got their own reputation and fanbase—and it’s been uphill ever since!
The Classic Design Elements of TUDOR Watches:
TUDOR timepieces are known for several signature features, including:
TUDOR Snowflake Hands
First appearing in the 1969 TUDOR catalogue, its now-famous watch hands were inspired by the goal of making the time as legible as possible. Instead of using small, thin lines for the two hands, TUDOR uses a unique snowflake shape for the hour hand. This simple detail showcases the brand’s dedication to functional and useful design.
TUDOR’s In-House Movements
If you’ve ever shopped for TUDOR watches, you’ll notice they boast high precision and reliability—this is all possible thanks to their high-quality in-house movements. In watchmaking, movements can either be outsourced to another company to make or designed and developed by the watch brand itself. When you’re taking a closer look at watch anatomy, in-house movements are the most trustworthy option.
In 2016, TUDOR began using Kenissi, a Swiss movement manufacturer, to engineer COSC-certified movements such as the Caliber MT5621. These often exceed the standard timekeeping accuracy, making TUDOR designs some of the most reliable in the business.
TUDOR’s Use of NATO Straps
When it comes to buying a designer watch, the comfort and construction of the strap matter just as much as the case! Inspired by original military designs, NATO straps have been featured on the majority of TUDOR watch models, like those in the Heritage Collection, for decades. These simple and durable straps are made with a flexible fabric and a traditional Jacquard weaving technique, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns.
Other Crucial Details in TUDOR Designs
Swiss-made TUDOR watches can also include fun and functional features, such as:
- Big crown: a prominent winding crown made famous by the original diving watch
- Rotating bezels: made to help track elapsed time
- Luminescent dials: optimized for reading the face in low-light conditions
- Moon phase: keeps track of the moon’s phase throughout the month
- Power reserve indicators: help the wearer track power in more modern pieces
Who Wears TUDOR Watches?
You’ll often hear TUDOR watches referred to as the “poor man’s Rolex,” but that little quip doesn’t equate to who actually wears them! These luxury timepieces have been spotted on the wrists of typical wristwatch enthusiasts and high-brow celebrities alike. If you love a design and can save up to afford the designer watch, it’s meant to be.
Famous People That Sport Swiss-Made TUDOR Designs:
- Lady Gaga
- David Beckham
- John Mayer
- Victoria Beckham
- Daniel Ricciardo
What Materials Are Used to Make TUDOR Watches?
The majority of the cases and bracelets in Swiss-made TUDOR watch models are crafted with 316L stainless steel. Specific models, like the Pelagos diver watch, utilize titanium and carbon composite, while others feature gold or bronze accents. All metals used are chosen for their resistance to corrosion, durable resistance to impacts, and long-lasting value, ensuring each design can be worn for years and years.
Discover the Most Popular TUDOR Watches
With so many different models out there, it can feel impossible to narrow down your options. Before you set foot in your local jewelry store, take a second to get familiar with the top TUDOR designs to find your dream timepiece:
The TUDOR Black Bay
The TUDOR Black Bay Collection combines class and functionality to create the epitome of luxury. Filled with vintage-inspired designs, Black Bay is made to amaze, with pieces like the monochromatic TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic model and the black, gold, and steel styles of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. It’s no surprise the watches in this line remain best-sellers year after year.
The TUDOR Pelagos
The TUDOR Pelagos line features touted professional divers’ watches known for reliability, robust construction, and timeless design. With luminous hands to ensure excellent visibility, lightweight titanium construction, and a helium escape valve specially designed to allow gas to escape from the case during ascent, these pieces are often described as the best diver’s watches money can buy. If you aren’t a professional diver, you can still sport the look!
The TUDOR 1926
Named after the year Wilsdorf registered the official trademark, the TUDOR 1926 pays homage to the brand’s original designs, with a little modern flair, of course. TUDOR 1926 watches feature automatic mechanical movements, domed dials, and smooth bezels. This collection has a wide variety of elegant models available in different sizes, case materials, and dial colors for both men and women.
The next time you’re in the market for a new timepiece, don’t sleep on TUDOR. With over 100 years in the business, the brand has dutifully released countless watches to suit every style. It’s just a matter of finding yours!
