A star is born: History of Tudor Watches

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The Genesis :

Tudor Watches has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1926 by the legendary watchmaker, Hans Wilsdorf, also the founder of Rolex. With a commitment to precision and craftsmanship, Tudor has become synonymous with exceptional timekeeping. The brand has lived an exciting journey through Tudor watches’ history, exploring milestones and making unparalleled contributions to the world of horology.

Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor Watches in Geneva, Switzerland. His vision was to create timepieces that guaranteed the traditional Rolex philosophy of quality at an accessible price.

It was only in 1932 that Tudor crossed boundaries and made its first mark in Australia however, it soon made its own mark in the market of luxury watches and among collectors.

Tudor has managed to shine brightly and build its own legacy. Tudor has evolved into a brand cherished by watch enthusiasts for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, and distinct design language.

Through the years, owing to the robustness and affordability, TUDOR watches have been chosen for some of the boldest adventurers, on land, in the air, underwater and on ice. The brand has developed its signature collections, such as Black Bay, Pelagos, 1926 and Royal, among many others, each with its own distinct aesthetic and features.

Tudor watches have also forged its path through associations with renowned personalities, events, and organizations. It has managed to create a lasting legacy of its own. With its unshakeable devotion to innovation, craftsmanship, and affordability, Tudor continues to captivate watch enthusiasts around the world, ensuring its enduring presence in the realm of fine timepieces.

The Master Claims Tudor :

In the history of Tudor Watches, the year 1936 holds a particular significance. It was in this year that “The Tudor” trademark was registered, and the brand was transferred to Hans Wilsdorf from the house of “Veuve de Philippe Hüther”, a watchmaker and dealer in Geneva.

Also, it was in 1936 when the rose of the Tudor family made the first mark on the dials of its watches. Inscribed within the shield, this logo reflected, as quoted by Tudor itself “The invincible union of strength – the watch’s robustness – with grace – the beauty of its lines.”

Tudor Begins :

10 years down the line, right after the Second World War had ended, Hans Wilsdorf created a company that specialized in watches for both men and women and called it “Montres TUDOR S.A.”. 1946 marked the official launch of “The Tudor” brand, and in 1947 the shield in the logo disappeared, leaving only the rose sitting gracefully with the company name, paying emphasis to the brand’s independent and elegant style.

An example of Tudor’s attention to rigor and perfection can be found in the first Tudor Oyster reference 4463. The watch was ahead of its time, with its mechanical Calibre 59 movement with an anti-shock system and two positions.

The launch of the iconic Tudor Oyster Prince by the brand was another milestone in the Tudor watches’ history. This timepiece was built with the innovative Oyster case and the original self-winding Perpetual ’rotor’ mechanism. These two features were earlier exclusive only to Rolex.

Tudor’s commitment to precision, reliability and technological advancement made it the ideal choice for professional divers. In 1954, Tudor’s first divers’ watch, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 was introduced to the world, positioning itself as an instrument of choice for professional divers, and cementing Tudor’s reputation as a trusted name in the industry.

Throughout its history, Tudor Watches has continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking. As another technical advancement and milestone, the brand introduced the Tudor Oysterdate Chronograph in 1970, featuring a self-winding movement and a tachymeter scale. This model showcased Tudor’s technical expertise and commitment to innovation. This has been one of the favourites among the collectors, the second edition of Oysterdate in 1971 came with promising technical advancements and revolutionary aesthetics. It was then nicknamed by the luxury watch collectors as “Montecarlo”.

Iconic References

Tudor Watches are renowned for their exceptional quality, design and avant-garde technology, making them a favourite among watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Among Tudor’s sought-after collections, the models that hold the torch for being the most popular are the Black Bay 58, Black Bay Chrono and Pelagos 39.

From one of the most popular Tudor Black Bay collections, Black Bay 58 pays homage to Tudor’s iconic diving watches from the 1950s. It features a vintage-inspired design with a slim case, making it perfect for those who appreciate a classic and refined aesthetic. With its robust construction and exceptional water resistance, the Black Bay 58 is a reliable timepiece that combines heritage and modern functionality.

For avid divers, the Pelagos 39 is a popular choice. Boasting a unidirectional rotating bezel set on the case with a titanium bracelet, it offers remarkable strength and lightness, ensuring comfort even during prolonged underwater explorations up to a depth of 200 meters. Equipped with Tudor’s in-house Calibre MT5400 (COSC) movement, the Pelagos 39 delivers exceptional accuracy and a power reserve of up to 70 hours.

The Black Bay Chrono is a union of Tudor’s diving heritage with the world of motorsports featuring the flawless functionality of a chronograph. The model features a 41mm case and a unidirectional rotatable bezel, it exudes a sporty yet sophisticated charm. The Black Bay Chrono houses the Calibre MT5813 (COSC) movement, offering precise timekeeping and a chronograph function.

What is the story behind Tudor watches?

Popular as the sister concern of Rolex, Tudor Watches has a very interesting, history-rich story that propels the legacy it lives on today. Tudor watches were crafted with the same uncompromising standards and attention to detail as Rolex while maintaining a more affordable price point. This unique approach set Tudor on a path to success.

Tudor has carved its own path in the world of horological devices. With milestones like the introduction of the self-winding movement and the launch of iconic collections like the Black Bay and Pelagos, Tudor has continuously pushed the boundaries of innovation.

The brand’s renowned associations with the French Navy, and U.S. Navy showcases Tudor’s commitment to precision and reliability. These landmarks and associations have solidified Tudor’s reputation as a true symbol of exceptional artistry and timeless style. Throughout its journey, the brand has also enjoyed its partnerships with most famous world personalities like Lady Gaga, David Beckham, Jay Chou, All Blacks and many more.

The brand has also expanded its range of products to include a wider variety of styles, that includes dress watches, chronographs, and sports watches. In present times, Tudor is a respected brand that is known for its quality, affordability, and stylish designs.

What came first, Tudor or Rolex?

By the time Hans Wilsdorf conceived the idea of launching Tudor, Rolex was already an established name in the realm of luxury watch manufacturers, buyers and enthusiasts. Tudor’s independence is evident in its timeless designs and expanding product range. While Rolex’s influence and expertise are undoubtedly present, Tudor stands on its own as a respected and sought-after brand among watch lovers. It has established a distinct place in the luxury watch market, offering a compelling alternative for those seeking exceptional quality and craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.

Tudor as a brand commands its legacy and recognition over watches’ history and heritage. Tudor has set itself on a pedestal in all the ranges and domains of watches whether it is motor-sports, diving watches, dress watches etc. catering to both men and women.

The brand has its in-house movements, showcasing its technical expertise and dedication to innovation. These movements undergo the same rigorous testing and quality control processes as those of Rolex, ensuring reliable and accurate timekeeping. Tudor creates references with distinct aesthetics that appeal to a diverse range of tastes. Whether it’s the vintage-inspired charm of the Black Bay collection or the modern sportiness of the Pelagos collection, Tudor offers a wide selection of styles to suit different preferences.

Who invented Tudor watches?

Tudor Watches, renowned for their advanced technology and timeless designs, have established themselves as a prominent name in the world of horology. Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary behind Rolex. Let us delve into the fascinating journey of Tudor Watches, from its inception to the first decade of its existence.

“For some years now, I have been considering the idea of making a watch that our agents could sell at a 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.” – H. Wilsdorf

Hans Wilsdorf’s idea was to create a range of watches that would encompass the unmatched quality and attention to detail as Rolex while catering to a much larger customer base.

This commitment to the art of watchmaking, precision, and reliability became the cornerstone of Tudor’s identity. Tudor has made significant strides in the development of in-house movements. This move has allowed the brand to enhance its technical capabilities and further establish itself as a leader in the industry.

Tudor Watches’ dedication to quality and design excellence has garnered international recognition. The brand has been selected by prestigious organizations. Additionally, Tudor watches have been worn by notable figures such as sports personalities and celebrities, further solidifying their status as a timepiece of choice among discerning individuals.
With a legacy of excellence and a dedication to craftsmanship, throughout its history, Tudor Watches have remained a symbol of innovation and style in the world of horology.

Kapoor Watch Company, KWC brings the best of the world’s luxury watch brands and their latest models under one roof. An expansive range of Tudor collections are available at Kapoor Watch Company. Log on to the Kapoor Watch Co. website or visit the store to explore the collection.