Tudor Watches

Tudor Watches: Affordable Luxury Watches 

Despite being a sister company of Rolex, Tudor has already made a name for itself in the watchmaking industry. The brand produces only highly coveted watches that display expert craftsmanship and precision timekeeping. Some of its most popular collections, such as the Tudor Black Bay, Tudor Pelagos, and Tudor North Flag have become collector’s must-haves. Today, Tudor is one of the most decorated watch brands and proves to be a great starting point for luxury watch brands. 

How much is a Tudor watch? 

Tudor Watch Collections 

Prices for the Tudor Pelagos: For Professional and Recreational Divers  

The Tudor Pelagos is one of the bestselling watches from the brand. Unsurprisingly so, the watch offers great features perfect for professional and recreational divers alike. This tool watch proves a great addition to your arsenal if you fancy diving. It’s also great for people who are constantly exposed to water like naval officers or coast guards. 

From its construction alone, the Pelagos presents itself as a functional and reliable watch. It has a light titanium construction that’s also incredibly durable. With that, you get up to 500 meters of water resistance with this watch. That goes more than 1,600 feet deep. 

You can avail of the watch in either black or blue that are both stunning options for a dive watch. The crown of the Left Hand Drive (LHD) model sits on the left-hand side. It’s perfect for left-handed users. This is ideal for lefties who want to wear their watches on their right wrist. 

That said, if you’re a professional, this is a great watch not only for its depth rating. It also comes with a helium escape valve. This feature is perfect for professional saturation diving. How does a helium escape valve work? It prevents damage from the pressure that builds up in the watch during decompression. 

Moreover, this watch has a patented folding clasp on its titanium bracelet. The clasp automatically adjusts the length of the bracelet, so it can fit with your wetsuit. Generally, when pressure increases underwater, the wetsuit gets compressed. This causes the band to shorten. When the pressure gets released, the suit then expands and the band automatically adjusts to it. 

This, together with the escape valve, the Tudor Pelagos is the ultimate diving watch to have. Plus, you get an additional rubber strap if you buy the watch from the manufacturer. Now, the cost of the Tudor Pelagos watch sits at around $3,600 USD to $4,000 USD, brand new. However, if you want to save a few hundred, a pre-owned Pelagos watch costs about $3,000 USD to $3,200 USD. 

Prices for the Tudor Black Bay: Ode to the Iconic Tudor Submariner

In the effort to revive Tudor’s Submariner watch, the brand launched the Tudor Black Bay collection in 2012. Its history stretches back to 1954 during the launch of the Tudor Submariner Ref. 7922 Submariner. It became one of the most impressive watches of its generation. Many recreational and professional divers had this watch to accompany them underwater. 

Today, the collection spans a ton of models and variations. From time-only versions, the watch also had chronograph and GMT functions to boast. Generally, there are a few ways to identify a Tudor Black bay watch. 

First, you get the ode to the Tudor Submariners. These watches have various recalls to the 20th century watch, such as dive bezels, bevelled lugs, and Snowflake hands. Secondly, you get a newer take on the traditional Black Bay. Most of these come with new complications such as GMT function and even new materials to boast. Finally, there are classic Black Bay watches that fit any occasions. Usually, they are in a time-only format, so you only get what’s necessary from your watch. 

Most Popular Tudor Black Bay Watches and their Price Range

The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight is a storied design for a number of reasons. Firstly, it carries the history of Tudor as a supplier to the French Navy (Marine Nationale). It’s also a direct nod to the Ref. 7924 “Big Crown”. This timepiece is the first-ever Tudor dive watch. Its water resistance goes as deep as 200 meters, and back in 1958, this is a big deal. You can own this for about $4,100 USD. 

Another popular model is the Tudor Black Bay GMT. It’s a modern diver that comes with a date window and a 24-hour GMT hand. Its bezel rotates and comes with markers for a 24-hour simulation. It’s perfect for travellers and people on the go. 

Of course, we also have the Black Bay Chrono. This reimagining of the Black Bay adds an innovative chronograph function to the watch. It also has a tachymetric bezel for a complete sporty look. You can also get this timepiece in a two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold edition called the Black Bay Steel & Gold. Its gilt dial is a charming addition to the overall luxurious feel of the watch. The Black Bay S&G also comes in a three-hand version with a date window. Rightfully so, the Black Bay S&G costs around $4,400 USD for the time-only version. Meanwhile, the Black Bay Chrono S&G costs around $6,800 USD. 

Finally, it’s not a Black Bay collection without the P01. This, perhaps, is the most controversial Black Bay yet for all the good reasons. It carries the same design as a military prototype from the 1960s. This comes with a unique-locking mechanism for its 12-hour bezel. 

If you’re not into diving bezels, you can also get the Tudor Black Bay in various sizes and iterations without them. For instance, you have the Black Bay 41 that measures 41 mm in diameter. The same idea applies to the Black Bay 36 and 32. These models range from $1,900 USD to $4,000 USD, depending on the size and material. 

Prices for the Tudor Heritage Chrono: A Chronograph with a Twist 

The 1970s saw the birth of many iconic timepieces. One of those is the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph. This timepiece comes with a striking dial and its legacy lives on with today’s Tudor Heritage Chrono. Similarly, it also has a very colourful dial. The colours of the timepiece come straight out of the 1970s. It’s a fresh take on a classic without losing its essence. 

Powered by the ETA calibre 2892, this automatic timepiece has a powerful chronograph function. Among its function, the most impressive is that you can measure periods of up to 45 minutes. It also comes with a bi-directional bezel to monitor a different time zones. You can avail of this watch from $4,100 USD brand new, or 3,200 USD pre-owned. 

Prices for the Tudor 1926: Timeless Elegance

If you’re looking for a classic watch, the Tudor 1926 is the one for you. This timepiece pays tribute to the history of Tudor. It perfectly captures the brand’s essence with elegant timepieces and mechanical excellence. These sophisticated timepieces, as the name goes, are named after the year Hans Wilsdorf founded the brand, 1926. 

The devil is in the detail with this timepiece. Perfect for men and women, the Tudor 1926 watch comes in four size and various color combinations to steal the scene. Available in either 28mm, 36mm, 39mm, or 41mm cases, you can also get this watch in either a steel case or gold and steel case. You’ll surely enjoy its embossed dial which contrasts the smooth minute space. The hands of this watch come in an arrow shape, different from the typical snowflake design. Lastly, every Tudor 1926 watch has a water resistance of 100 meters, and dial colours vary between silver, opaline or black. 

Prices for the Tudor Glamour: Grace and Sophistication Personified 

Diamonds are forever, they say, and the Tudor Glamour cements that very idea on watches. This collection is as fabulous as the name itself. Some of its models boast 11 diamonds as hour markers. Not only that, even the bezel of these watches come with diamonds all over. It also comes in various sizes to suit every man and woman. 

So how much does a Tudor Glamour watch? To give you an idea, This 31mm Tudor Glamour Date ladies watch with diamonds costs around $3,800 USD. A bigger version of the watch, the Tudor Glamour Date in yellow gold, which measures 36mm two-tone design and comes with a date display at 3 o’clock is priced at about $4,500 USD. The 42 mm double date model has a large date display at 12 o’clock, appearing as two separate windows. Meanwhile, at 6 o’clock is a small dial for the seconds that pass. At 2,400 USD, you can get a Glamour Double Date and 2,000 USD for a Glamour Date-Day. 

Prices for the Tudor Grantour: A Racing Icon 

It’s not a luxury watch brand without a collection inspired by motorsport. After all, the industry is one of the most prominently related to timekeeping. The Tudor Grantour, for instance, is a great timepiece with various iterations. There are three versions of this watch. 

Firstly, you get a three-hand version with a date window, also known as the Tudor Grantour Date. Powered by the ETA calibre 2824, it’s one of the most affordable Tudor watches at $2,200 USD. Then, you have Tudor Grantour Fly-Back. It comes with a two-register chronograph. A flyback chronograph is an easy choice for people who want a quick time period measure as the chronograph resets at a push of a button. You can avail this watch for about $3,200 USD. You can also get the Tudor Grantour Chrono powered by the ETA calibre 7753. It costs around $2,800 USD brand new. 

Prices for the Tudor Fastrider Chrono: A Very Sporty Chronograph

The Tudor Fastrider Chrono is, perhaps, the most modern timepiece in the brand’s catalog. Watches from this collection come in various colours. The collection has since then improved, but early models come in yellow, red, or green dial. In the matte black version, the ceramic bezel is most appealing to the user. This chronograph watch also powers through with the ETA calibre 7753. A brand new model should cost around $3,400 USD. 

Meanwhile, new models called the Fastrider Black Shield is an all-black take on the watch. There are highlights and streaks of bright colours that make them incredibly stunning. You can get this watch for around $3,800 to $4,000 USD, brand new. 

Prices for the Tudor North Flag: An Understated Chronometer Watch 

If you don’t know it by now, Tudor upholds its history like no other. Inspired by the Tudor watches worn during the British North Greenland Expedition in the 1950s, the brand launched the Tudor North Flag. It’s a 40mm stainless steel watch with an angular design. It has a double bezel that seamlessly integrates steel and ceramic together. Powered by the Tudor in-house movement MT5621, this is a certified chronometer. You can find a date at 3 o’clock and a power reserve function at 9. Get a brand new model for $3,200 USD or a pre-owned piece at $2,600 USD. 

Prices for the Tudor Heritage Ranger: Simple and Reliable 

Taking inspiration from the Oyster Prince Ranger from the 1960s, the Tudor Heritage Ranger comes in a simple design. It has Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock and arrow-shaped hour hand. Simply put, this watch is comparable to the Rolex Explorer. The difference between the classic Oyster Prince Ranger and the new one is primarily the size. At 41mm, the Heritage Range is, perhaps, a more modern take on the watch. Moreover, the watch comes powered by the ETA calibre 2824. You can get a brand new Tudor Heritage Ranger watch for $2,500 USD or a pre-owned one for $2,100 USD. 

Prices for the Tudor Submariner: More Than Just a Rolex Sub Alternative 

We all know the Submariner and even non-enthusiasts would associate this to Rolex as a brand. However, Tudor, too, has a Submariner watch. It’s practically the same as the Rolex model. The only difference is that the Tudor Submariner is the watch that cemented Tudor’s name as a provider of luxury timepieces at affordable prices. The Tudor Submariner is a classic timepiece that’s highly coveted in the vintage watch market. 

Prices for the Tudor Style: A Classic Everyday Watch 

Highly similar to the Tudor Glamour, the Tudor Style is a simpler take on elegance. It doesn’t have diamonds but it sure possesses the same quality. The Style collection consists of three-hand watches that are either in stainless steel or two-tone cases. You can avail of the watch no matter what your size preference is. The watch comes in either 28mm, 34mm, 38 mm, and 41mm case. You can fetch this watch for as low as $2,500 USD brand new. However, getting a pre-owned model will only cost you around $1,800 USD. 

5 Reasons to Buy a Tudor Watch 

Purchasing a Tudor watch is one of the best decisions you can do today. The brand provides high-quality timepieces and they’re worth every penny. Tudor is becoming an entry point into luxury watch collecting. Many of its patrons boast a few reasons why Tudor is a great launchpad for collectors. Here are a few reasons to purchase a Tudor watch. 

1. For less than 4,500 USD, you can get a first-class luxury watch.

2. Every timepiece boasts high-precision in-house movements that come with chronometer certification. 

3. Prices for Tudor watches, even the more recent models, continue to appreciate.

4. Costs of rare, vintage Tudor watches are on the rise over the past years. 

5. Every watch from this brand boasts a classic design with state-of-the-art technology

History of Tudor 

Everybody knows Tudor as a subsidiary of Rolex. However, the brand has grown to be an entity of its own. Watches from this collection sit at a more affordable price range compared to Rolex watches. Moreover, Tudor models mostly come powered by ETA calibers. In more recent years, Tudor also started manufacturing its own in-house movements. As of late, Tudor is showing a more modern take on watches compared to Rolex. Here’s a brief rundown of the brand’s history. 

In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf struck a deal with Swiss watchmaker Veuve de Philippe Hüther for exclusive rights to the trademark, “The Tudor”. It took a while for the Montres Tudor SA to establish. It wasn’t until 1946, 20 years later, that the brand finally came to life in Geneva. Then, a year later, they launched the Tudor Oyster. This is the first appearance and application of Rolex’s Oyster on a Tudor watch. 

From then, Tudor went on to release more watches that to this day are deemed iconic. For instance, the Tudor Oyster Prince was launched in 1952. This watch was the first to have a rotor in its movement. Two years later, the first dive watch from the brand was launched, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner. Some versions of the watch were sent to the US Navy from the 1950s, and in the 1980s, the same watch was sent to the Marine Nationale Française. 

From there, the brand has only been putting out timepieces that continue to impress the world. 

An Award-Winning Watch Manufacturer 

By 2020, Tudor boasts a total of 6 prizes claimed at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève. This puts the brand along with manufacturers like Jaeger-LeCoultre. 

1. In 2013, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay won the Revival Watch Prize.
2. Then, in 2015, the Tudor Pelagos took home the Sports Watch Prize.
3. By 2016, Tudor was on a roll for earning the “Petite Aiguille” Prize for the Heritage Black Bay Bronze.
4. In 2017, the Black Bay Chrono earned the same prize.
5. Then, in 2019, the Black Bay P01 got the Challenge Watch Prize.
6. More recently, in 2020, the the Black Bay Fifty-Eight also won the Challenge Watch Prize.

Vintage Tudor Watches 

We all know how Rolex rules the vintage watch market. The same thing can be said for Tudor watches. However, with the starting price point for Tudor watches, you can’t expect the brand to carry astronomical prices for a vintage piece. Is that a good thing? Yes and no. Yes, if you’re in it to collect a piece of history with you. However, if you’re looking to invest on Tudor watches as an asset, then maybe it’s not the smartest choice. You can always go for more luxurious brands like its sister company, Rolex. Keeping in mind the trajectory of vintage Tudor prices, you may want to invest on select pieces that may appreciate greatly over the years. 

For instance, you may want to put your money on the Monte Carlo 7100 series. The Tudor Submariner Reference 7016 is also a great starting point for collecting vintage Tudor watches. 

Famous Patrons of Tudor 

Tudor also has a roster of celebrity ambassadors who all believe in the brand’s ideals. Among those include the musical icon, Lady Gaga. She’s a fan of the Black Bay 32. Football superstar, David Beckham also loves the Tudor Black Bay but also has the heart for the Tudor Royal. 

In the wild, celebrities such as Will Smith and Brad Pitt have also been spotted with Tudor watches. Meanwhile, known watch enthusiast and collector, John Mayer, also has a few Tudor pieces in his arsenal. Even Tom Cruise wore a Tudor for the movie Mission: Impossible 4 Ghost Protocol (2011). 

Tudor: Every Man’s Watch 

Tudor has created a name for itself and that’s a great achievement for a brand that once only aimed to shadow a bigger brand’s ideals. Today, the company boasts a line of timepieces that frees itself from the idea that it’s just “poor man’s Rolex”. Instead, Tudor is leaning to more modern take on luxury timepieces, which the market welcomes with open arms. Indeed, the future only looks exciting for Tudor enthusiasts all around the world.