Tudor
Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1926
Founded by Hans Wilsdorf
Tudor was created by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf in 1926 as a more affordable alternative to Rolex, sharing the same Oyster case construction. Relaunched in 2011 with a much stronger identity and, eventually, in-house Manufacture movements, Tudor has become one of the most sought-after brands in the mid-range segment.
- Founded
- 1926
- Headquarters
- Geneva, Switzerland
- Group
- Independent
- Price Segment
- Mid
- Status
- Active
Key Collections
- Black Bay — Tudor's flagship dive watch, first introduced in 2012 as a heritage-inspired reinterpretation of the brand's vintage divers. It draws on design cues from models produced as far back as 1958, featuring a distinctive domed dial, snowflake or sword hands, and robust construction. The Black Bay family has expanded to include steel, bronze, ceramic, and GMT variants.
- Pelagos — A professional dive watch introduced in 2012 and notable for being one of the first production watches to feature a titanium case and bracelet alongside an in-house mechanical movement. Rated to 500 metres water resistance, it targets serious divers and ocean professionals. The Pelagos FXD variant was developed in collaboration with the French Navy.
- Royal — Tudor's integrated steel-bracelet sports watch, introduced in 2021 and inspired by vintage Tudor references from the 1970s. It features an integrated bracelet design, in-house movement, and positions the brand alongside the most desirable modern sports watches. Available in multiple dial colours and case sizes.
- 1926 — Named after the year Tudor was founded, the 1926 collection serves as the brand's accessible entry-level line. It offers clean, classic designs with a Swiss movement at a competitive price point, appealing to those seeking a refined everyday watch with Tudor's heritage credentials.
Timeline
- 1926 — Hans Wilsdorf registers the Tudor brand in Geneva as a more affordable alternative to Rolex.
- 1946 — Montres Tudor SA is officially incorporated on 6 March, formalising the brand's structure.
- 1954 — Tudor supplies dive watches to the French Navy, beginning a long association with military and professional diving.
- 2015 — Tudor introduces its first in-house movement, the MT5621, in the Pelagos, marking a major step towards manufacture independence.
- 2021 — The Tudor Royal is launched, establishing the brand firmly in the integrated sports watch segment.
- 2025 — Launches Black Bay 68 (43mm, METAS-certified), Pelagos Ultra (1000m titanium), first moonphase complication, and Black Bay 58 Burgundy — all with Master Chronometer certification.
- 2026 — Celebrates 100th anniversary — the Tudor name was registered by Hans Wilsdorf on 17 February 1926. Centenary collection expected at Watches & Wonders 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tudor
- What is the relationship between Tudor and Rolex?
- Tudor was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the same entrepreneur who founded Rolex, as a way to offer watches with Rolex-quality cases and bracelets but at a lower price point. Montres Tudor SA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rolex SA, though Tudor operates as an independent brand with its own design language, collections, and in-house movements.
- Does Tudor make its own movements?
- Yes, since 2015 Tudor has developed and produced in-house calibres for its core collections, including the Black Bay and Pelagos. Earlier models used movements from ETA SA and other suppliers. Tudor's in-house calibres carry COSC chronometer certification and feature silicon hairsprings.
- Is Tudor considered a luxury watch brand?
- Tudor occupies the premium segment of the watch market, offering Swiss-made mechanical watches with high production standards. While it sits below Rolex in terms of price and prestige, it is generally considered a genuine luxury brand with strong collector appeal, particularly for its vintage-inspired Black Bay models.