THE REIGN OF THE ROSE: TUDOR WATCHES
TUDOR COMES FROM THE SAME FORMIDABLE STABLE AS ITS OLDER SIBLING – ROLEX. WE LOOK BACK AT THIS WATCH BRAND’S HISTORY AND INTRODUCE THE HANDSOME NEW HERITAGE BLACK BAY BRONZE
Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf wanted to produce high-quality mechanical watches with the same reliability that made the brand famous, but at a more modest price. In 1946 Tudor was born.
The fledgling luxury brand’s timepieces shared some of the same attributes as Rolex models, such as the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner. This was an important watch for the company – launched in 1954, it was Tudor’s first diver’s watch and set the brand on a new, sportier path.
Over the following years Tudor produced a range of handsome and functional diving watches that became the tools of choice for professional divers and military personnel alike. Then the 1970s saw the release of colourful racing chronographs that made use of oranges, blues and greens and introduced Tudor to a wider audience.
But despite its rich history and beautifully crafted watches, Tudor still lingered in the shadow of Rolex – until today. Now an altogether different image has emerged. Although it’s still a Rolex brand, Tudor has reinvented itself with bolder and braver designs. In 2014, it launched its new collection in the UK, with the Black Bay and Ranger models winning over legions of new admirers among both collectors and watch novices.
Recently Tudor has had remarkable success with its retro-looking Heritage Black Bay, and this year’s bronze-cased version is proving to be just as popular. The Heritage Black Bay Bronze has a 43mm case – 2mm larger than the regular models – and is fitted with an automatic movement developed and produced in-house. The bronze case is inspired by historic ships and early diving equipment, and the lovely thing about this material is that it will take on a unique patina with age, so every watch will end up looking like no other.
The Heritage Black Bay’s rustic look is complemented by the choice of two straps: one in distressed leather, and one made from woven jacquard that was inspired by wartime parachute elastic.
If you’re not yet acquainted with the brand, here’s a quick look at three other popular Tudor watches that make up the collection. And remember, there are plenty more watches to browse on our Goldsmiths website, and in our Goldsmiths showrooms.
The Heritage Ranger is inspired by an Oyster Prince Ranger from the 1960s. It’s a handsome 41mm automatic with a pleasingly uncluttered dual and a satin-finished case.
Price: ￡1,940
This 42mm watch can also trace it roots to the armed forces – the satin-finished titanium case material was partly influenced by military customers who required a less reflective surface. It’s also waterproof to an impressive 500m.
Price: ￡3,020
This 42mm watch can also trace it roots to the armed forces – the satin-finished titanium case material was partly influenced by military customers who required a less reflective surface. It’s also waterproof to an impressive 500m.
Price: ￡3,020
