Tudor timepieces are some of the most iconic watches in the world. With a brand history dating back to the 1920s when Tudor was initially trademarked, these watches have been trusted by explorers, military personnel, and everyday people as reliable, stylish, and affordable watches.
Officially founded in 1946 by Rolex founder, Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor timepieces are excellent, accessible, and practical versions of high-end watches that have grown increasingly popular over the years. Today, the Tudor brand is popular among those looking to invest in a watch that will stand the test of time.
If you’re curious about investing in a Tudor watch, you’ve come to the right place. This article will explore the best Tudor watches to invest in, from the classic Black Bay to the modern Pelagos. We’ll also discuss how to determine the value of a Tudor watch before you buy and some tips to ensure your watch is authentic and in good working condition.
Top 5 Tudor Watches to Invest In
What are the top Tudor watches to invest in for those hoping to get their hands on these classic, timeless accessories? Below are some of the best Tudor watches to select from when purchasing.
The Black Bay Tudor Watch
The Black Bay is one of the most iconic Tudor brand watches, consisting of an expansive line of beautiful pieces with a flawless, neo-vintage design set. Tudor’s Black Bay models, such as the 2022 Tudor Black Bay Pro, are complete with stunning features, including a matte black domed dial, gorgeous, luminous hour markers, and self-winding movements. Additionally, Black Bay watches have waterproof screw-down crowns and are highly water-resistant, making them ideal for daily wear.
The Black Bay watch collection was launched in 2012 and stood out as one of the most expansive lines of Tudor watches. With over a dozen variations of Black Bay watches–some of which are discussed in this article–Black Bay Tudor watches have something for everyone. This model takes design cues from traditional dive watches, with some of the following similar features:
- Snowflake hands
- Domed dial and crystal
- 200m water resistance
The Pelagos Tudor Watch
The Pelagos is another famous Tudor watch launched in 2012, with its name derived from the Ancient Greek word for “open” or “deep sea.” The watch is a refreshing, beautiful take on a classic vintage style and stands out as one of the most notable inclusions among Tudor watches. The Tudor Pelagos includes features such as the following:
- A unidirectional bezel
- Waterproof case
- High contrast dials
- Original generation Pelagos watches are powered by the ETA 2824, while the second iteration includes an in-house movement known as the MT5612.
The Chronographs Tudor Watch
The Chronographs are also a great option if you’re looking to invest in a Tudor watch. Tudor Chronograph watches originated in 1970 with three models featuring a 39mm case and two-register chronograph layouts. The next generation of Tudor Chronograph watches, released in 1971, maintained the same case size and dial design; however, this generation improved upon the internal chronograph movements.
In 1977, the Tudor Chronograph received another upgrade marking its third generation: “Big Block” chronographs, powered by self-winding movements and thicker cases than its predecessors. Both the vintage Tudor Chronograph (reference 7149) and its 1970 Chronograph predecessors (reference 7031) include the following features:
- A stylish, 70s-style aesthetic dial design
- A two-register chronograph layout
- Fixed tachymeter scale bezel
- Date window in the watch’s 6 o’clock position
- A cyclops magnification lens on the crystal
The Tudor Submariners
Tudor Submariner watches are a valuable investment for fans of vintage watches and anyone looking for the best watch to invest in. The Tudor Submariner watch is a high-quality alternative to the Rolex Submariner and other Rolex dive watches that guarantee water resistance, making it a perfect investment option if you are seeking a watch that’s safe to wear around water at a more affordable price.
The Tudor Submariner differs slightly from Rolex dive watches due to its movement style: the Submariner has a Caliber 390 self-winding movement, making it stand out against other similar models. Additionally, the Tudor Submariner 7928 watch includes the following features that could make it the best Tudor watch to invest in for you:
- 39mm case size
- Stainless steel material
- Rotating timing bezel
- Black dial with luminous hour markers
- Acrylic domed crystal
- 200m water resistance
- Stainless steel oyster bracelet
The Tudor Black Bay Bronze
This option in the Tudor Black Bay collection may be the best Tudor watch to invest in if you are a fan of vintage-inspired designs and elegant features. The Tudor Black Bay Bronze watch has exquisite details blending retro and modern designs with a bronze case material. The watch is intentionally styled to show its age and contains the following features that make it a classic in the Black Bay collection:
- Different dial
- The only Black Bay model that features bronze in its case material
- Different shades of brown on the watch’s dial and bezel–on the latest versions of the watch, different shades of slate gray are featured.
- Unidirectional bezel
- 200m water resistance
The Tudor Black Bay GMT
This model in Tudor’s Black Bay collection is a stunning example of the brand’s vintage designs. The Tudor Black Bay GMT includes a gorgeous steel case without crown guards, a matte black dial and chapter ring, a blue and red aluminum insert, a coin-edged bezel ring, and a rivet-style bracelet. Additionally, this Tudor GMT includes an 8mm crown and a blend of vintage and modern designs, finished with the following features:
- 41mm case size
- Stainless steel materials
- Time with running seconds, date display, and GMT functionality
- Luminous hour markers
- Bidirectional bezel with aluminum insert
- Domed sapphire crystal
- 200m water resistance
- Stainless steel bracelet
How to Determine the Value of a Tudor Watch
For anyone looking for the best Tudor watch to invest in, the key to determining its value is to look at its age, condition, and rarity. The older the watch, the more valuable it is likely to be, mainly if it is in good shape.
When assessing the age of a Tudor watch, the serial number is a great place to start. However, the serial number on a Tudor watch will only indicate the watch’s age if the watch debuted between 1956-2002, as Tudor began using randomized serial numbers after this period which follows no specific format.
The condition of the watch is also critical when determining its value. Tudor watches should be scrutinized, as they can easily be damaged by water, dust, or scratches. A watch that is in excellent condition will be worth more than one that is in poor shape. If you are looking for the best Tudor watch to invest in, paying attention to its condition is vital to ensure you are paying a fair price.
Signs of Authenticity
Additionally, always check for any signs of authenticity, such as the original box and papers, as these can add to the watch’s value. The rarity of a Tudor watch can also play a part in determining its value. Specific models can be rare, and these watches can be worth more than others. Additional ways to check for signs of authenticity include:
- Check the case back for your Tudor watch. Tudor watches often have Rolex case backs engraved with the Rolex symbol, while other Tudor watches will have smooth case backs.
- Check that the hour markers on the watch include two bars for each hour that are close in proximity, size, and shape.
- Check the watch’s strap buckle. An authentic Tudor watch will have the Tudor crest symbol centered on the strap buckle.
- Ensure that you purchase your Tudor watch from an authorized and trusted retailer like Bob’s Watches.
Market Value
Finally, it is essential to consider the market value of a Tudor watch. The market value can be challenging to determine, as the price of a watch can vary drastically based on its age, condition, and rarity. It is best to research and compare prices to understand the market value.
Conclusion
Tudor watches are timeless accessories that are perfect for investment. From the iconic Black Bay to the modern Pelagos, there are many options from Tudor’s catalog. Before you buy, research the watch’s age, condition, and rarity to determine its value. Always check your Tudor watch for its original features to ensure you make the right choice with your investment. Additionally, it is vital to conduct your research and invest in a Tudor watch that aligns with your preferences and budget to guarantee that you make the right purchase.
If you’re looking for the best Tudor watch to invest in, Bob’s Watches can help you make a final decision. As the world’s first and only pre-owned Rolex exchange source, Bob’s Watches is an excellent option for consumers looking to buy, sell, or trade their watches with a trustworthy service. Bob’s Watches is a trusted provider of high-end watches and the perfect source to find vintage and pre-owned Tudor models. Whether you’re looking for a water-resistant Submariner or vintage Black Bay Bronze, Bob’s Watches can help you make the right decision.
