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.)
Available in both Tudor ladies watch and Tudor mens watch, this collection is divided under the Tudor Classic and the Classic Date-Day with a variety of case dimensions to choose from. Those looking to buy Tudor watches online can compare the various styles available at Watchshopping.com.
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.
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.
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’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 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.