Looking to extend your collection with a Tudor watch? These top ten picks are great options.
If you’re on a mission to find the best Tudor watch, I’ve got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of ten of the best models. The brand is famous for offering excellent luxury watches for a more affordable price than its sister brand, Rolex.
Some top models from Tudor, like the Black Bay Chrono Column-wheel, have won awards. Others are versatile enough to wear daily. The Tudor Royal, Ranger, and Pelagos watches are popular designs, yet the Black Bay is the most iconic of all.
Both new and vintage Tudor watches are highly respected in the watch industry.
However, the Black Bay is the centerpiece of the brand’s portfolio. It combines retro aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology.
Today, Manufacture movements power these watches, renowned for their large crowns and domed crystals. Before this, Black Bay models were powered by ETA movements and remain some of the most sought-after on the market.
As of 2023, you can opt for the Black Bay 54. This new model measures a mere 39mm in diameter which is a little big for smaller wrists, but still not huge.
There are also the Chrono iterations and the Back Bay 31, 36, 39, and 41 models, which forego the diving bezel.
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The Best Tudor Watch for Diving
Without a doubt, the best Tudor watch for diving has to be the Tudor Pelagos. For a start, it promises a water-resistant capability of 500 meters. The original Pelagos watch was released in 2012 and shared similarities with the Rolex Sea-Dweller.
It came with a helium escape valve jutting out the side of a 42mm case.
It also promised all the features expected of a dive tool. These included a legible, luminous-accented dial, a unidirectional rotating bezel, automatic movement, and a screw-down crown.
Last year, Tudor released the Pelagos 39, a downsized version of the heftier 42mm dive watch. The brand got rid of the date window and slimmed its case depth down to 11.8mm.
Its water-resistant rating also dropped from 500 to 200 meters. Despite the popularity of the Pelagos 39, other members of the series prove just as popular, including the Pelagos LHD.
All models from the Pelagos watch collection are crafted from titanium, constituting a lightweight companion for underwater exploration. For this reason, the Tudor Pelagos has made it to my top ten list of best Tudor watches.
Ten of the Best Tudor Watches
Rolex is by no means a diffusion of the Rolex brand. These ten examples prove that Tudor can hold its own.
Tudor Black Bay GMT Watch Reference M79830RB-0012
This sturdy form of the diver’s watch takes on a travel-friendly role with its GMT function. You still get the “Snowflake” hands seen in the archetypal Black Bay watch but with an additional GMT hand.
It works in conjunction with a 24-hour bezel. This new model boasts a striking burgundy and deep blue ceramic bezel insert. Understandably, it proves popular with fans of the iconic Rolex “Pepsi” watch.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono Watch Reference M79360N-0008
The Chrono version of the Black Bay watch departs from the signature dive watch look. Instead, it features a bi-compax dial layout and a black tachymeter bezel. This 41mm steel model with a white dial and black fabric strap looks particularly sporty.
Elongated “Snowflake” hands and an integrated date display allow it to stand out against the many racing chronographs out there.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono S&G Watch Reference M79363N-0001
Here, the Black Bay watch takes on a whole new personality. Rendering the design in luxurious golden tones gives extra warmth to the gilt dial elements and deep, rich black display. This model is an outstanding example of Tudor’s ability to innovate.
Of course, the S&G is also available on a champagne dial, but this version deserves a whole lot of credit.
It features a stainless steel and yellow gold cap bracelet, a black anodized aluminum bezel disc, and a Manufacture movement. The 41mm model is completed with piston-style pushers and the iconic “Snowflake” hands.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze Watch Reference M79250BA-0002
Bronze diving watches are an increasingly popular trend. The material is often chosen for its corrosion and saltwater-resistant properties.
Bronze dive watches are also desirable due to their ability to develop an aged-like patina over time.
Tudor has decided to create its first-ever bronze watch in the form of the Black Bay.
Its explorer-style dial, however, bears Arabic numerals and 3 and 9 o’clock. Even more interesting, the singular stripe running down the band is woven into the strap itself. It evokes the straps that some of the French Marine Nationale fitted to its Tudor Submariners in the 1970s.
Tudor Royal Watch Reference M28603-0007
Tudor has mastered an incredible sports watch design in the form of the Royal. This sporty integrated bracelet watch is perfect for those who love the look of the Rolex Day-Date.
These designs nod to the brand’s original 1950s Royal watch. Both ladies’ and men’s versions are available in the new salmon pink and chocolate brown models released earlier this year.
This 41mm chocolate brown two-tone version, however, is a favorite. Its notched bezel in yellow gold matches the central bracelet links, the hands, and the crown. For busy lifestyles, the advantage of a date window and day aperture is a welcomed one.
Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze Watch Reference M79012M-0001
Highly popular for its smaller diameter, the Tudor Black Bay 58 measures a small 39mm diameter on the wrist. It doubles down on the popularity of the brand’s earlier vintage dive watches. The Black Bay Bronze is a super-vintage take on the dive watch.
Its riveted bronze bracelet gets noticed easily, and its Manufacture movement sends the “Snowflake” hands around a stunning chocolate dial.
Tudor Black Bay P01 Watch Reference M70150-0001
Back in 2019, Tudor shocked its discerning fanbase with the Black Bay P01. It featured a unique bezel locking system via a crown at 4 o’clock. This 42mm steel model on a brown leather strap looks incredibly retro.
The 200-meter water-resistant watch boasts the iconic black domed dial and matching domed sapphire crystal. Its 12-hour graduated steel bidirectionally rotating bezel is, without doubt, the talking point of this watch.
Tudor Ranger Watch Reference M79950-0001
The Tudor Ranger celebrates the 70th anniversary of the British North Greenland Expedition, and the Oyster Prince watch it trusted in. The robust, practical watch was indispensable to the expedition and had a simple dial to show this.
It can be paired with a steel bracelet or fabric strap, depending on personal preference. It also looks good on the black leather and rubber band option. The bracelet iteration, for us, is the clear winner. It features the Tudor T-Fit safety clasp to ensure a snug fit 24/7.
Tudor Pelagos Watch Reference M25600TB-0001
The Tudor Pelagos is designed for exploration. Its lightweight titanium case is available with a black or blue dial. This blue dial model features a legible blue ceramic disc on the bezel and the desirable “Snowflake hands”.
You also get a Manufacture movement and a staggering 500-meter water resistance with this watch. The ultimate dive watch guarantees rich Super-LumiNova emissions at night, epitomizing the classic tool watch. What’s more, its 39mm diameter is super compact for those with a slender wrist.
Tudor Pelagos LHD Watch Reference M25610TNL-0001
Surprisingly, the Tudor Pelagos LHD is just as popular with left-handed wearers as it is with right-handed wearers. The crown is positioned on the left side of the titanium case. It makes it easier for the lefty to access it whilst wearing the watch on the opposite wrist.
The Left Hand Drive also boasts a legible black dial and an extension bracelet system for wearing atop dive gear. You still get the impressive 500m water-resistant capability with this watch, albeit in a unique case design.
FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about Tudor:
What Is the Most Sought-After Tudor?
The Black Bay watch is the most sought-after model. Today, the collection offers plenty of different options. Tudor ceased production of the Black Bay Classic not long after its release and moved on to the 2.0 versions. For this reason, Classic Black Bay watches are incredibly popular today.
Are Tudor Watches High Quality?
Tudor demonstrates a strong commitment to producing durable, reliable, and precise watches. The brand uses the skill and know-how acquired from its sister company, Rolex.
This meticulous approach to detail and rich brand philosophy is reflected in the quality of every TUDOR watch.
Is Tudor Quality As Good as Rolex?
Tudor first arrived on the horological map in 1926. It uses the Rolex Oyster’s case design but was fitted with an ETA movement to keep costs low.
Since then, Tudor has continued to keep its watches affordably priced despite offering a quality that is just as good.
That said, devoted Rolex fans argue that its larger sibling still produces the “better” watches out of the two.
The Best Tudor Watch To Buy for Investment
With a brand story dating back to 1920, it’s no wonder Tudor watches are so collectible. These robust, accessible watches are trusted by military personnel, deep-sea divers, and ordinary people like you and me.
If you’re hoping to get your hands on a classic, the Black Bay has to be the best Tudor watch for investment. The range is home to a myriad of neo-vintage designs featuring black domed dials and reliable automatic movements.
Closing Thoughts: There’s a Tudor for You
.From the neo-vintage Black Bay watch to the dressy yet sporty Royal, with Tudor there’s a little something for everyone. Whether looking at investments or statement pieces, hopefully, I’ve eased the task of navigating the brand’s various styles for you.
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You mentioned best watch to keep and value. Could you not list the best collectors Tudor watches .I have noted several older watches have substancially ncreased in value, ie the earlier submariner from the mid 90’s was around £800 to buy then now £5 – 6k.