Tudor Watches: Getting to Know the “Other” Rolex


With the return of Tudor watches to the United States after a long absence, American watch fans once again have the opportunity to purchase timepieces from Rolex’s lower priced “little brother” Tudor watch brand. Below, we take a look at some of the Tudor watches that U.S. watch collectors had been missing out on, along with some current Tudor watches — available in the States — that have been released at the Baselworld watch fairs in recent years.

The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is inspired by a Tudor watch for divers that made its first appearance in 1954. The watch also pays homage to Tudor watches of the 1970s with its burgundy-colored, unidirectional bezel (and burgundy accent on the crown). The watch has a steel case with a diameter of 41 mm, water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet). (To access our exclusive watch test of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay, click here.)

Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Tudor Heritage Black Bay

At Baselworld 2014, Tudor released a new version of the Heritage Black Bay (below) with a matte-black dial and blue bezel. To read more about it, click here.

Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Tudor Heritage Black Bay

As the official “Timing Partner” of Ducati, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer, Tudor created the Fastrider, a Tudor chronograph inspired by the world of motorcycle racing. The design of these sporty Tudor watches features several allusions to motorcycles, including the racing stripes on the dial and chronograph pushers that resemble engine pistons. The dial comes in three colors: black, white, or “silversun,” and the watch comes on a triple-link steel bracelet, leather strap, or black fabric strap.

Tudor Fastrider
Tudor Fastrider

For the Tudor brand’s big U.S. return, Tudor unveiled at Baselworld 2013 a special edition Tudor watch called the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield, a chronograph in a monobloc matte-black ceramic case with red accents. Click here for more on the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield, including a brand video.)

Tudor Fastrider Black Shield
Tudor Fastrider Black Shield

Tudor’s other diving watch, the Pelagos, features a case made completely of titanium, water-resistant to a depth of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet). The Pelagos is available with a titanium bracelet equipped with a spring-loaded self-adjusting mechanism, developed and patented by Tudor, which automatically adjusts itself, contracting as a diver descends and his diving suit compresses, and expanding as he ascends.

Tudor Pelagos
Tudor Pelagos

Tudor also offers ladies’ watches, notably its Claire de Rose collection. One of the highlights of the Claire de Rose is the seconds hand, a cut-out of Tudor’s rose symbol. The rose is also found on the cabochon on top of the crown. The Clair de Rose collection also features mother-of-pearl dials.

Tudor Claire de Rose
Tudor Claire de Rose
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  2. Sherry B.

    No mention of the Heritage Chronos? Pretty glaring omission, don’t you think? Nice article otherwise, though.

  3. I have owned a ROLEX GMT since 1973 , BEST WATCH I HAVE EVER OWNED. Period.. however I also have a datejust – a ok watch, and a Tudor Tiger Chrono , super watch also,
    I like them both the tudor and the GMT great quality watches both

  4. Sam Harris

    The new collector should know: The case is by Rolex,the movement by ETA. Early Tudors are quite collectable.

    • Jerry Byles

      Do you think Tudor will still be able to get ETA movements since ETA is doing away with selling them to watch companies outside of the Swatch Group?

  5. Cesiro14

    The Tudor style is one of the most beautiful watches ever made, but I think he could have luminous hands.

    • Undersized? You just be joking.

      You must be one of those Invicter “collectors”

  6. love the style the Rolex was my favorite and stolen from me this looks good
    what would it take to wear it in a Action Feature i am Staring in shortly ? Google Tommy Bull its all me thanks Tommy

  7. MrTissot

    I’m a big fan of the remarkable looking blue dialled Tudor Heritage Black Bay

  8. Todd Roth

    I just had a gorgeous 1970 Tudor day-date prince rotor completely refurbished by Rolex Dallas. I also have a tiger Tudor and just acquired the fast rider black shield. All fine examples of Swiss horology. I am just as satisfied with the precision and styling as I am of the Rolex GMT Master II and submariner that are also in my collection. Would highly recommend Tudor.

  9. Tudor is high price Eta driven watch. But that Tudor Heritage Advisor looks nice.

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  11. geoff

    I sold a business in 1970. As a present to I and my wife I bought her a 9ct gold Rolex cocktail watch and for myself a S.S. GMT master. I paid the jeweller £125 for hers and £86 for my GMT Master.
    Mine has travelled with me world wide and has been serviced by Rolex, the last one 2 years ago cost £500. It has all the service tickets and I am about to pass it over to my Son for the price of the last service. I still keeps remarkable time.
    Great buy from the days when sex was safe and flying was dangerous.

    • Now sex is dangerous and flying is safe and the cost of a Rolex is more than sex & flying.

      • MrTissot

        Hilarious! I appreciate your humour :)

  12. Charles Rizzuto

    The Tudor has a basic design that’s to the point. I don’t know if it shares the mechanics & precision of a Rolex; but time will tell. If the quality and caliber is close to it’s Rolex sister with an affordable price, it would be worth trying. Charles Rizzuto