TUDOR

The Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue” gets its name from its colour, of course, but also from the year 1958, in which the first TUDOR divers’ watch waterproof to 200 metres (660 ft), reference 7924 or “Big Crown”, was presented. Among other aesthetic nods to this historic watch, this model offers a 39 mm diameter case in in keeping with the characteristic proportions of the 1950s. Ideal for slim wrists, people who like more compact watches and vintage enthusiasts, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue” also carries on with the long TUDOR tradition of blue sports watches.

The first TUDOR chronograph, with a self-winding Manufacture Calibre, column wheel and vertical clutch is now available in an S&G version. Remaining faithful to the Black Bay aesthetic, the Black Bay Chrono S&G model makes the famous “snowflake” hands - the signature of TUDOR divers’ watches since 1969 - its own in a gold version refined for optimum readability against the domed matt-black dial. Its counters are hollowed and their champagne-colour creates optimum contrast. Following the TUDOR chronograph tradition, a date aperture is positioned at 6 o’clock. The main Black Bay characteristics are retained, in a slim 41-millimetre steel case and equipped with yellow-gold pushers inspired by the very first generation of TUDOR chronographs. A fixed bezel in yellow gold with a black anodised aluminium insert and tachymetric scale completes the face of this elegant, sporty chronograph.

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.

In 2015, TUDOR is unveiling two models equipped with a new mechanical self-winding movement developed, produced and assembled in-house. As part of the rise of TUDOR, this introduction represents the first stage in a major industrial strategy aiming to provide greater independence to the brand founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1926. By tradition, TUDOR’s watchmaking culture places the quality of its products and the experience of their wearers at centre stage. Historically, the movements used by the brand, sourced exclusively from Swiss suppliers, have always been required to achieve a high level of reliability and precision. The remit for the development of the TUDOR Calibres retains these high standards, requiring an unprecedented level of performance for the brand’s products. The TUDOR Manufacture Calibres provide impressive autonomy. Its power reserve of approximately 70 hours means that its wearer can, for example, take off the watch on Friday evening and put it on again on Monday morning without having to wind it. Beating to a frequency of 28,800 beats/hour or 4 Hz, the Manufacture Calibres are regulated by a variable inertia oscillator with silicon balance spring, held in place by a traversing bridge fixed at both sides to improve resistance to shocks and vibrations. Its self-winding system is bidirectional and it is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

TUDOR is often perceived as a trendsetter in the watch industry. Thanks to the stylistic choices it makes, the brand has always known how to keep a step ahead of trends that today are considered standard in the watch industry. The fabric strap is a good example of this.