TUDOR

TUDOR is expanding its Black Bay line by presenting a model with a highly functional complication: a multiple time-zone function – also known as a GMT function – that establishes local time without 1/5 losing sight of the time in two other time zones. Recognisable by its rotatable bezel, which derives its deep blue and burgundy colour theme from other models in the Black Bay line, but in a matt version, the Black Bay GMT is also a nod to the early days of this watchmaking function.

Additional time zones are indicated by a red snowflake hand, TUDOR’s aesthetic hallmark, which spins around the dial in 24 hours, as well as a bidirectional rotatable bezel that is also calibrated for 24 hours. The twelve daylight hours are printed on the burgundy section and the night-time hours on the blue.

TUDOR is adding a range of new aesthetic features to its Style line of classic watches. A fluted bezel and coloured dials enhance the line with its retro-chic touches inspired by TUDOR watches of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

The Style line provides a contemporary take on the classic and elegant wristwatch, a form of expression which TUDOR has continued to tap into throughout its history, with models with evocative names such as Prince or Tuxedo. Drawing on the aesthetic codes born out of the 50s, 60s and 70s, this retro-chic style watch in steel or steel and gold, illustrates the careful attention to detail paid by TUDOR to all its creations.

TUDOR pays tribute to its origins and watchmaking traditions with its 1926 line, a range of mechanical watches that are timeless, classic and elegant. Available in four sizes with a wide choice of dials, the range epitomises TUDOR’s philosophy: one of affordability, refinement, and quality. With its new 1926 line, TUDOR renews its commitment to the traditional values of fine Swiss watchmaking - a world where mechanical excellence goes hand in hand with enduring sophistication. The 1926 line is named after the year when “The Tudor” was registered as a brand on behalf of Rolex Founder Hans Wilsdorf. It captures TUDOR’s philosophy and continues down the very same path that it has trodden ever since its inception, emerging as a high-quality watch technically and aesthetically, with a level of sophistication that transcends any apparent limitations.

For some years now, I have been considering the idea of making a watch that our agents could sell at more modest price than our Rolex watches. And yet one that would attain the standard of dependability for which Rolex is famous. I decided to form a separate company, with the object of making and marketing this new watch. It is called the Tudor Watch Company.

Hans Wilsdorf, Founder

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TUDOR is a Swiss made watch brand, offering mechanical watches with sophisticated style, superior quality and unique value for money. The origins of the TUDOR brand date back to 1926, when ‘The TUDOR’ was first registered on behalf of the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf. He created the Montres TUDOR SA company in 1946 to offer watches with the quality and dependability of a Rolex, at a more accessible price point. Over the course of history, TUDOR watches became the choice of daring individuals worldwide on land, ice, in the air and underwater. Today, the TUDOR collection includes flagship models such as Black Bay, Pelagos, Glamour and Style and since 2015 it has offered mechanical Manufacture movements.

For nearly half a century, TUDOR has left its mark on the history of chronographs with products of strong identity, unique style and uncompromising quality. By proving equal to the task, by kindling passion, by constantly improving its products and by offering models clearly belonging to their era but retaining their own distinct identity, TUDOR has earned a place apart in the field of sports chronographs, embodied in the development of four successive families of products.

In 1970, with the launch of its first mechanical manually-wound model, the Oysterdate chronograph, the brand immediately impressed aficionados through its exceptional use of bright colours and its choice of characteristic pentagonal hour markers. The next year, in 1971, a second series of Oysterdate chronographs, today known to collectors by the nickname “Montecarlo”, provided technical improvements and a stylistic evolution. Notably, the introduction of blue dial and bezel variants in this series left a lasting impression.

The year 1976 saw the launch of the third family of TUDOR chronographs, known as “Big Block” in the watch collection milieu, and the introduction of an important innovation. With the Prince Oysterdate models, the brand presented its first chronographs equipped with a self-winding mechanical movement and confirmed what the Oysterdate family had begun. TUDOR offered immediately recognisable chronographs with excellent technical qualities. Finally, the year 1995 marked the inauguration of the second series of Prince Oysterdate self- winding chronographs, introducing numerous aesthetic and technical improvements such as a reworked and refined case and a virtually scratchproof sapphire crystal.

Four families of TUDOR chronographs, including a dozen major references, sparked ever greater enthusiasm from year to year. In response to this growing interest, TUDOR has decided to present a detailed account of its evolution through a discerning selection of important historical timepieces.