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6 Top Tudor Watches To Buy Right Now - Black Bay 54, Pelagos 39

Tudor originated as an offspring of Rolex’s portfolio. Originally named ‘Veuve de Philippe Huther’ and founded in 1926, the owner of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf made the executive decision to acquire the brand and rename it ‘Tudor’. The brand's watches were sold throughout Rolex boutiques and have resulted in the phenomenal brand we know today! Heck, if it’s good enough for their first brand ambassador, David Beckham, you know you are on to a good thing watch fans.

Tudor watches are therefore deemed to be an accessible luxury watch brand which offer an affordable alternative to Rolex watches. With ambassadors like Tom Cruise and singer Lady Gaga, the brand has moved from strength to strength and can now competently deal excellent timepieces by themselves.

As such, Chrono Hunter thinks it's only fair to get specific and let you in on the top 6 Tudor models you should buy right now! Let's roll!

Tudor Pelagos 39

The Tudor Pelagos 39 is one of the models which has every capability of revolutionising the entire horological industry. One of the hot drops of 2022, The Pelagos first started in 2012 alongside the highly successful Black Bay. Developing over time with upgrades like new movements, models which were militarised like the FXD and now the Pelagos 39. Suffice to say, it's all great stuff guys and worth you buying!

Technical Features Of The Tudor Pelagos 39

The Pelagos 39 utilises the MT5400 movement which enables the wearer unprecedented accuracy and quality which is perfect for those looking to buy a Tudor.

Pelagos 39 - Source - Tudor

This automatic movement is given the rare privilege of being COSC certified, meaning this Tudor watch meets a high standard of precision, operating between -4 to +6 seconds daily, making it a great model to buy. The Pelagos 39 actually operates between a -2 to +4 variation, allowing the watch to be as accurate as one of Beckham’s crosses!

The model runs at a strong 4Hz and gives a projected power reserve of 70 hours. Enough to fly to your villa in Marbella for the weekend and back when you buy this timepiece!

The movement is extremely secure due to it being protected by the highly regarded variable inertia balance, traversal bridge and robust anti-magnetic silicon hairspring. Consequently, this allows these Tudor watches to remain accurate against any form of magnetism or abrasions meaning you can buy this model with no fear of it dying on you!

Construction of The Tudor Pelagos 39

The Pelagos 39 is crafted using a unidirectional bezel as an ode to the diving community! And we do love homage at Chrono Hunter.

Pelagos 39 - Source - Tudor

On to the bezel which is made of grade 2 titanium and given a highly durable ceramic insert which provides a beautiful shine when polished. This is especially true due to the sunray effect the bezel offers.

The sunray finish matches the dial which is given a simple colour scheme of a black background alongside white indices. The flange is sandblasted adding extra timekeeping design to the sunray dial as well as enjoying top-notch legibility which is a key aspect for those looking to buy a reliable watch.

The iconic Tudor snowflake hands are given a good dose of X1 Swiss Super-Luminova not to mention the squared, monobloc ceramic indices. 39mm for a dive watch? This is the future, Timelords! While some may see the brand as pretty vanilla, one cannot deny the craftsmanship. Made out of titanium, the timepiece stings like a butterfly and floats like a bee..that said, it is extremely lightweight yet infinitely tougher than their stainless steel counterparts. Think Rolex Deepsea Challenge or Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech if you are looking to buy bulkier models!

The case is satin-brushed and is fitted with the brand’s signature T-fit clasp system to ensure easy micro-adjustments. Moreover, the diving extension allows the bracelet to expand to fit over a swimsuit. After all, it is a dive timepiece at heart and if you want to emulate Jacques Cousteau, the Tudor Pelagos 39 is an excellent purchase.

It has however replaced dive watch elements like the helium escape valve in exchange for chamfered bevels and the mirror like sheen given off by the polished titanium casing. By dropping 300 metres of water resistance in comparison with its predecessors, this Tudor model now attains a depth of 200 metres which is more than enough for the common user or avid enthusiast. Unless you want to buy an Omega Ploprof!

Pair this beauty with your luxury Villebrequin swimming trunks for those beachside days in Bali or dress it up with a black suit to match the dial when sealing deals in the office. Feeling like you need to buy an investment piece? The Pelagos 39 is COSC certified and represents a new breed of dive watch. Therefore, it has potential to become a valuable piece over time.

You can buy a Tudor Pelagos 39 at retail for £3,850 at the time of writing.

Black Bay 54

Following on from the stunning Tudor Submariner 54, the Black Bay 54 follows a few of the same design codes as its predecessor. Released during Watches and Wonders 2023, The Black Bay 54 is a fresh breed of a stunning model which is certainly worth a buy! Following on from the phenomenal Oyster Prince Submariner way back in 1958, the black dial with gold elements has continued through the years!

Technical Features

Black Bay 54 - Source - Tudor

It’s an automatic movement which features a few key components which enhance the quality of the movement. Take for example the balance bridge, the variable inertia wheel and even a silicon hairspring in order to repel any magnetism in order to ensure the quality of the movement.

Beating at a steady rate of 4Hz, the model operates well within the parameters of COSC requirements, hitting a solid rate of -2/+4 seconds per day. Furthermore, it runs with a strong power reserve of 70 hours. Suffice to say, you won't be running into any trouble if you buy a Tudor Black Bay 54!

Construction of the Tudor Black Bay 54

Composed of stainless steel, the craftsmanship styles are very much linked to the older Oyster Prince reference 7922.

By keeping the case sizing at 37mm, the design codes follow the structure of the 7922. That's not all! By not using hash marks and keeping the triangle at 12 o’clock, the watch clearly relates back to the vintage models of the 50s which allows the watch to be versatile in its modern movements and classic casing. Fantastic!

Black Bay 54 - Source - Tudor

Tudor have stayed ahead of the horological curve by keeping their model capped at 37mm. After all, didnt you know that smaller models are now very much in favour! The Black Bay 54 features silver markings on the bezel in order to keep with the steely aesthetic of the model.

The eagle eyed among you will have noticed that both the indices and hands hark to the vintage stylings of Tudor timepieces of yesteryear. Given a golden tinge, they clearly stand out against the black dial and add a luxurious yet elegant feel to what ultimately is a dive watch.

The bezel is given a serrated edge in order to enhance your grip when turning, keeping with the diver vibe. Furthermore, the solid caseback, as well as the domed sapphire caseback all relate to the diving endeavours you may find yourself committed to if you decide to buy a Tudor Black Bay 54!

Buy this model and wear it over a few cocktails in Claridges, for that chic pool party or with a stunning suit. This model is as malleable as it is durable, allowing you to buy this bad boy and pair it with any manner of versatile outfits. The Black Bay’s heritage is evergreen and has since been updated to a modern construction with its on trend smaller wrist size and strong MT5400 calibre. Suffice to say, this model has investment potential if you seek to buy a Tudor Black Bay 54.

You can buy a Tudor Black Bay 54 at retail starting from £3,030 at the time of writing.

Tudor 1926 - 36mm

As the lesser known brother of the brand’s portfolio, The Underrated Tudor 1926 is named after the brand's registration of the name ‘Tudor’ by Rolex owner Hans Wilsdorf. The collection is eclectic and we believe it to be the epitome of the brand's dress watch lineup!

Technical Features

Most of The 1926 features the automatic ETA 2824 movement.

1926 - Source - Komax

The movement is one that has been outsourced which does pose itself as a negative due to in-house movements being more revered. This is the same for the ETA 2671 which is featured in the smaller 28mm watches and runs at around the same figures of the 2824.

Meanwhile, the steady 4Hz movement pulsates at a respectable rate while the modest 38 hour power reserve means you can let your model off your wrist for just under 2 days. Chrono Hunter believes that you should keep this bad boy on however!

While you may be a little disappointed at the results of the movement, we can assure you that for the classy model style and affordable price point, you won't be dismayed for too long!

Construction of the Tudor 1926

Crafted out of stainless steel, this particular model measures 36mm, offering ample room on your wrist to showcase it with cuffs.

1926 - Source - Watch Palace

Given a sublime polished finish, the model offers a mirror like sheen which enhances the dress model aesthetic that the brand is aiming for. A brushed effect would’ve been too reminiscent of sports watches and the mirror like finish allows light to glint off the timepiece, drawing more eyes than you would maybe care for! You’ll certainly be talk of the town if you buy a Tudor 1926!

The bezel is given a polished finish, pertaining to the rest of the case and allowing the model to be seamless in its construction. It doesn't have the serrated edges of dive watches like the Rolex Submariner or the AM/PM indices the brands own Black Bay GMT models. Instead, it's fixed in place and negates any engravings in order to keep the model extremely minimalist and clean.

The dial is opaline, offering the cleaness of white with a waffle dial, pertaining to the artistic and extremely hypnotic dial motif that the brand has chosen for this model. It instantly draws the eye to the timepiece and allows the purple indices and hands to be instantly visible. Notice the minute intervals on the periphery of the dial are removed from the waffle pattern, allowing them to stand out against the plain white background.

The date aperture at 3 o'clock is subtle and could almost be missed if not for the black numbering and its prominent positioning on the dial's face. Protected by a sapphire crystal, you can ensure that it's not just a model for good looks, it can read the time exceptionally well. The bracelet is similarly crafted out of stainless steel but deviates in its finish, utilising both satin brushing for the outer links and a polished glean for the centre links.

While it's water resistant to 100 metres, we recommend you wear this beauty for the best events in your life like your wedding day or buying it after that big promotion. And if you need more inspiration about special occasion watches, you might want to peruse one of our recent features here.

The model may not be the most valuable timepiece you will own due to its limited notoriety amongst the brand's collectors, especially due to its affordability. However, don't be dissuaded, Timelords! This is still a stunning timepiece that will take pride of place in anyone’s collection!

You can buy a Tudor 1926 36mm at retail for £1,660 at the time of writing.

Tudor Submariner

As we’ve already expressed, Tudor and Rolex are timekeeping brothers in arms, with Rolex taking the role as the older, more established brother of the pair. As such, we may notice some cross over in regards to the models released by each brand. The Submariner is certainly no exception! In 1999, The Submariner was discontinued meaning you have to be extra quick to get your hands on a stunning Submariner!

Technical Features

The Submariner utilises the ETA 2483 movement.

Submariner - Source - Bazamu

As an automatic movement, it’s not the fastest model to be frank, as it runs at 18,000VpH. Nevertheless, this shouldn’t bring down the quality of the model itself. It’s important to remember that this is a collection that was discontinued pre-2000 after all!

The model utilises some very important updates however like a Glucydur balance with Incabloc shock protection. A balance made of Glucydur is excellent as its construction as a copper alloy allows the model to be hard and resistant to any corrosion and magnetic fields. The Incabloc shock protection essentially dampens the impact of knocks and abrasions, allowing the model to continue to run with ease.

Construction of The Tudor Submariner

The case is crafted out of stainless steel and has a little difference to it amongst the brands watches.

Submariner - Source - Tudor Sub

Rolex supported Tudor through their early years through offering their movements and cases. This model is no exception as the case is actually one from Rolex themselves. Not to cramp the brand's style but to have a case from Rolex is a massive boost in the quality of the model.

Measuring 39.5mm, the model is fairly small for a dive watch and utilises other Rolex features like the sizable crown with features Rolex insignia and the bulky lugs on either side of it. The dial's face features all the vintage aspects you would expect from a model stemming back to the 1960s. Matt black, the cream indices and Mercedes hands stand out superbly against the dial.

The minute intervals are given the same colour, allowing the dial's face to stand out clearly in an obvious promotion of legibility. Yet, Super-Luminova isn't used here. Sigh. Rather, tritium is adopted which offers a more limited glow over a period of time.

While it may not be as effective as the later SuperLuminova or Luminova updates, it enhances its collectability due to tritium being rarely used today. The acrylic crystal rises sharply from the model, creating a unique dome design which isn't very present in modern watches to date. Since it doesn’t use a sapphire crystal, the vintage status of the model is again confirmed, offering a phenomenal investment opportunity.

Submariner - Source - Tudor Collector

The bracelet gives a nod to Rolex as it uses the classic Oyster bracelet which utilises a brushed finish on the outside and a polished finish on the inside. This means that the ruggedness of the model is retained through the brushed finish while the more formal polished finish allows the timepiece to be worn in a variety of situations.

Representing a perfect entry point to the Rolex Submariner, you can wear this delightful vintage piece in the sea due to its 200 metres water resistance or in the office in your new sharp suit while displaying its ultra minimalist design..

Vintage timepieces are in more demand than ever, especially models with such rich histories. By incorporating some of Rolex’s creations like the bracelet and case, the model is more durable than your standard Tudor and the association with such a lauded brand will enable its value to further increase. Vintage elements like the usage of tritium on the indices and hands mean the model is more desirable to collectors, allowing this to become a perfect investment piece.

You can no longer buy a Tudor Submariner at retail but you can buy it on the secondary market for around £10,500 at the time of writing.

Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze

Bronze watches are something that's becoming a little more familiar in the horological world. In fact, this Watches and Wonders 2023 yielded some stunning models like The Bell & Ross BR 03-92 White Bronze. But The Black Bay 58 Bronze is a genuine horological contender in this field and we’re all for it!

Technical Features

Sized up at 43mm, the Black Bay 58 Bronze instantly makes a mark by being one of the larger models in the Black Bay collection.

Black Bay 58 - Source - ISOCHRONO

Powered by the calibre MT5601, it houses the variable-inertia balance and impressive 70 hour power reserve. The model both has the longevity and durability to withstand all your busy lifestyles! Cranking out 28,800VpH of horological goodness, the automatic movement powers itself through the day effortlessly.

COSC certified, accuracy and reliability is a given, especially since it employs the use of silicon balance springs to counteract any of those nasty magnetic fields. Perfect for those looking to buy a watch that will stand out in the office!

Construction Of The Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze

Bronze by name and without doubt bronze by its very nature, this baby is heavier than steel. Therefore, this model is not for the faint hearted or those who are too climatised to steel Black Bay watches. It doesn't feel like you are wearing a 47mm Panerai Luminor Marina however, so leave your negative connotations at the front door before slipping this on!

Black Bay 58 Bronze - Source - Beyond The Dial

The Black Bay 58 Bronze is extremely sturdy and is enhanced over other materials such as anti corrosion and scratch resistance. The caseback is satin finished and is given a bronze PVD coating instead of being actually crafted from bronze.

Due to the screw down crown, serrated rotatable bezel edge and solid caseback, the model is capable of reaching strong depths of 200 metres of water resistance. Crafted with a sapphire crystal, the watch is tough and repellent against most scratches. The dial is given a matte grey colour scheme which allows the bronze edged white hands and indices clear legibility.

The Arabic numerals are complemented with circular indices to create a stunning dial design, especially with the Rolex inspired Mercedes hands. The strap is crafted out of grey nubuck leather, providing a supple band to hold the bronze watch to your wrist. The strap has a bronze buckle in order to keep the entire model seamless and enhance the security of the timepiece. You’ll have nothing but the utmost protection should you decide to buy a Tudor Bay 58 Bronze.

Bronze is a stunning colour and patinas over time, allowing the watch to change and be unique to the wearer. This means that while it looks as phenomenal on the waves like the bronze boats of old, it also looks sublime with a black cashmere jumper!

The Black Bay 58 Bronze has bags of potential for avid collectors and enthusiasts. This is because bronze is rarely used in the horological world, especially since it patinas to the user. The movement is COSC certified, allowing the watch to last longer and not become quickly inaccurate, rendering the watch reliable and awesome to gawp at!

You can buy a Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze at retail for £3,680 at the time of writing.

Tudor Black Bay GMT

GMT Watches have been expanding since, well the dawn of transcontinental travel in the 50’s. As such, the brand has jumped on board with some stunning editions of GMT watches.

Technical Features

The MT5652 movement is given the brand’s charm of COSC certification and is given an accuracy variation of between -4/+6 seconds per day.

Black Bay GMT - Source - ROX Magazine

The watch utilises a ‘jumping hand’ which allows three time zones to be calculated instead of the usual two. The jumping hand allows time to be manipulated through just a few alterations of the crown. The jumping hand and the standard GMT hand is more than enough for calculations against the 24 hour bezel.

Offering a 70 hour power reserve, the watch will allow you to enjoy that last minute weekend getaway, a quick trip to the Bahamas and back or a cruise round the sunny peninsulas!

Construction of The Tudor Black Bay GMT

The Black Bay GMT features a polished finish on the sides of the watch, giving a mirror-like glean to those casting eyes on it. They are pretty sizable too, relating to the tool watch nature of the timepiece and its necessity to have width for added durability.

Black Bay GMT - Source - Tudor

The model has a thin bezel with a serrated edge to allow maximum grip in all circumstances. In comparison to the case, the bezel comes across as very small but its strong colour scheme allows the bezel to beam out of the watch beautifully.

Reminiscent of Rolex GMT watches from 2018, the Black Bay GMT utilises a ‘Pepsi’ style bezel with the red and blue colour scheme. While it doesnt use the highly durable ceramic bezel that Rolex employs, the brand goes for an aluminium bezel instead which offers the watch a more vintage slant.

The bezel markedly stands out around the matt black dial, offering clear visibility of the AM and PM indices on the bezel. The indices and snowflake hands are given a cream colour, allowing clear legibility against the black dial. The indices vary between prominent dots and rectangles which are extremely legible, especially since they are all doused with a blast of Super-Luminova.

The bracelet is crafted out of stainless steel and tapers in size from 22mm from the lugs to 18mm at the clasp which allows a more comfortable wear on the wrist. Coherent in its stainless steel build with the aesthetically pleasing Pepsi style bezel, the watch can be worn when shaking hands with family at a get-together, firing out spreadsheets in the office or lounging around by the swim-up bar.

The Black Bay GMT will potentially become more valuable as it uses the same coloured bezel as the highly revered Rolex ‘Pepsi’ as it is made out of aluminium, relating to the vintage construction of older models. The latest release at Watches and Wonders 2023 utilises the highly desired Opaline dial which isn't used all that often in the horological world!

You can buy a Tudor Black Bay GMT at retail for £3,590 at the time of writing.

Conclusion

Tudor watches are certainly worth your time if you are looking for a phenomenal timepiece or a watch brimming with heritage and precision. From the incredible history of the Black Bay collections to the underrated 1926 collection, the brand is more than skilled at releasing impressive timepieces for entry-level enthusiasts looking to buy a watch of this calibre.

After all, Hans Wilsdorf’s vision for the brand was to be an affordable way to ascend the Rolex ladder…one day! And if 6 models isn’t enough, we think you should take a closer look at The Black Bay Chrono All Blacks. Giving the typical diving watch a more intricate feel, the additions of a tachymetric scale and sub dials give the watch a sublime design in comparison with other models!

Limited to 1,181 pieces, it is associated with the highly successful New Zealand rugby team. Unfortunately, you can no longer buy a Tudor Black Bay Chrono All Blacks at retail due to it being discontinued in 2019, However, you can source it on the secondary market for around £9,000 at the time of writing.

Alternatively, why not take a look at the Black Bay P01? As the more avant-garde model of the brand's collection, it measures 42mm and takes its inspiration from Navy prototypes dating back to 1967. COSC certified, you can no longer buy a Tudor Black Bay P01 at retail but you can source it on the secondary market for around £3,500 at the time of writing.

Tudor has offered consumers a chance to own a piece of great horological quality at a more affordable price. Following the same design codes as Rolex, Tudor plays to the same design codes as their father brand, all while offering Hans Wilsdorf’s vision of a cheaper entry level to the majesty of Rolex watches! Long live the King.

Can't wait to buy a Tudor Black Bay GMT? Want to get your hands on the hottest Tudor watches around? It is certainly worth having a chat with Chrono Hunter here. Check out our phenomenal reviews on Trustpilot to find out why we really are your essential source to buy a watch or sell a watch. Receive multiple offers from our established network of luxury retailers and save money the smart way. Simply enter the details via our form or download our dedicated app, available on both Apple and Android platforms.

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