5 Best Vintage Tudor Watches in 2022
Tudor was created in 1946 by the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, to offer watches for the midmarket that have the same quality as Rolex but at a more accessible price point. This strategy worked, as Tudor became popular among collectors and enthusiasts alike because of its Rolex-like reputation while maintaining a personality of its own that is separate from its big brother.
Tudor watches are well-designed and powered by movements that are created in-house. This is why the Tudor brand is a worthy investment not just on the newer models, but for their vintage pieces as well.
Here are the five Tudor watches Houston collectors should consider adding to their private collection.
Black Bay GMT
The Black Bay GMT is the more functional edition of the original Black Bay three-hand model. This watch has a 41mm stainless steel case and a 24-hour bezel that serves to track a second-time zone, which is a great feature for frequent fliers and travellers. It also features a black domed dial with a date window at 3 o’clock.
With a water resistance of 200 meters, this watch is perfect for casual divers. It is also powered by the caliber MT5652 with a power reserve of 70 hours, which means that the watch can last over the weekend without having to reset it. Recently, the brand came out with a steel and yellow gold Black Bay GMT.
Pelagos
While the Tudor Black Bay collection remains to be the favourite among watch connoisseurs for its vintage charm, the Pelagos is also another outstanding collection from the brand. This year marks the Pelagos’ 10th anniversary after its successful release in 2012.
With a waterproof resistance of 500m and a titanium material that prevents seawater corrosion, the Pelagos serves as a great diving watch. The unique patented feature of this watch lies in its titanium bracelet, which has the ability to expand or contract depending on the current water depth and pressure. It’s also equipped with a helium escape valve that preserves the watch during “saturation” dives. Just like the older divers’ watches from the brand, the Pelagos also features the Tudor snowflake trademark.
Heritage Ranger
The Heritage Ranger was a hit when it was launched at BaselWorld 2014. This 41mm retro-inspired watch pays homage to the iconic 1967 Ranger watch, and will easily take you from the office to the mountains. The matte black dial is simple, while the luminescent numerals and indices are not applied but painted to fully highlight the Ranger’s vintage look. There’s also the distinctive Tudor rose on the crown and shield on the case back. There are multiple bracelet options to choose from: a steel clasp, a fabric strap, and a leather band. It’s powered by a 2824 caliber, with a power reserve of up to 38 hours.
Tudor 1926
This collection celebrates the early years of the brand and was named for the year that Hans Wilsdorf trademarked Tudor. The embossed honeycomb pattern on the dial and Arabic numeral hour markers provide the watch with a vintage feel. It is available in four sizes (28mm, 36mm, 39mm, and 41mm) and in two bracelets: a metal or leather strap.
The 1926 is powered by the caliber 2824 with a power reserve of 38 hours. It also has a waterproof function of 100 meters. Overall, this is a great entry point to the Tudor brand, full of history and heritage but with modern sensibilities.
Clair de Rose
Tudor’s line of women’s watches offers a simple yet stylish design and professional finish. Available in 26mm, 30mm, and 34mm, the Clair de Rose sports a blue lacquered Roman numerals and markers, which serve as a nice contrast to the opaline dial and radial guilloché. This collection’s most distinguishable trait is the blue spinel cabochon on the crown. It also comes with a date function and waterproof functionality of 100 meters. This watch is powered by the caliber T601 for the 34mm model, and caliber T201 for the smaller versions.
If you need help choosing which watch to buy, seek advice from a seasoned watch expert like Zadok Jewelers, a Tudor watches retailer in Houston.
