Let’s say you have $5,000 to spend on a watch. If your first inclination is to go straight to Rolex, I get it. Rolex is the most valuable watch brand in the world for a reason. But if you’re interested in digging a little deeper, you’ll quickly find yourself in the wonderful, slightly quirky world of Tudor, Rolex’s younger sibling.
Founded by Rolex’s Hans Wilsdorf in 1946, Tudor was imagined as a way to offer Rolex’s quality to a wider audience, at a lower price point. It’s a similar strategy to what companies like Toyota do with Lexus, or what Gap did with Old Navy. The Tudor name was taken from the Tudor period of England, a time of great change, exploration, and innovation.
Over the years Tudor has become something of a cult favorite among watch enthusiasts. And while the brand has always been overshadowed by Rolex, it has its own excellent, slightly offbeat offerings that are well worth considering.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay
The Heritage Black Bay is perhaps the iconic Tudor model, and for good reason. It’s a stunning dive watch that takes inspiration from some of the earliest Tudor dive watches, as well as the iconic Submariner made by its parent company. The watch has a 41mm case and a distinctive “snowflake” hands that gives it a unique look. Water resistant to 200m, it’s also a watch that can truly be worn in the water, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Tudor Pelagos
The Pelagos is Tudor’s flagship dive watch, and it’s a serious piece of kit. It’s water resistant to an incredible 500m, and has a titanium case and bracelet that makes it extremely lightweight. The watch uses Tudor’s in-house MT5612 movement, which is highly accurate and reliable. The Pelagos is a true tool watch that can take pretty much anything you can throw at it.
Tudor Black Bay 58
The Black Bay 58 is a newer addition to the Tudor lineup, but it’s quickly established itself as a standout model. The watch features a smaller, 39mm case size that will appeal to those with smaller wrists or who prefer more restrained watches. The movement inside is the MT5402, which is a COSC-certified chronometer and one of the best movements you’ll find at this price point. The Black Bay 58 is also known for its beautiful, gilt-style dial that features gold accents and vintage-inspired printing.
Tudor Style
Tudor’s Style lineup is all about classic, dressy watches that are perfect for everyday wear. The 41mm case is available in either stainless steel or gold, and the dials feature elegant, minimalist designs that will never go out of style. The watches are powered by either an ETA or Sellita movement, depending on the specific model. If you’re looking for a watch that’s a little more understated than the Black Bay or Pelagos, the Tudor Style is an excellent choice.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono
The Black Bay Chrono is a watch that really shows off Tudor’s watchmaking prowess. It features an in-house chronograph movement that has a column wheel and vertical clutch, two hallmarks of a high-end chronograph. The watch also has a beautifully designed black dial with contrasting white subdials that give it a sporty look. The 41mm case is available in either stainless steel or gold, and the watch has a water resistance of 200m.
Hot take: Tudor might not be as well-known as Rolex, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less worthy of your attention. In fact, Tudor’s slightly offbeat offerings and lower price point make it one of the most interesting brands out there. Whether you’re a serious diver or just someone who appreciates a well-made, stylish watch, Tudor has something to offer.
