Tudor has long since made it clear that it is one of the most attractive luxury watch brands around in terms of offering supreme build quality, in-house movements, rock-solid reliability, vintage-inspired designs, and value that is hard to beat. Forget about living in Rolex’s shadow, Tudor watches have now quickly become a celebrity in its own right, with the brand’s sales at Bob’s Watches increasing by close to 60% year-over-year. This is our no holds barred review of Tudor where we lay out how it performs against its most popular competitors based on actual sales data, cover the important questions you have before making a purchase decision, and more.
Key Takeaways:
- Best-Selling Model: The Tudor Black Bay is the brand’s undisputed icon and our top seller, with sales up +25% year-over-year.
- Top Tool Watch: The Tudor Pelagos is a modern marvel of engineering, featuring a full titanium case, 500m water resistance, and sales growth that has tripled in three years.
- Brand Quality: Tudor offers 90% of the build quality, heritage, and reliability of a Rolex, often at less than half the price.
- Value Retention: Top models like the Black Bay 58 hold their value exceptionally well, making them some of the most popular pre-owned Tudor watches on the market.
- Market Position: Tudor is a true “accessible luxury” brand, competing directly with major players like Omega and Breitling while offering a clear step up from brands like Tissot or Hamilton.
We’ll go from the roots story of the vintage Submariner to the modern-day Black Bay and why it’s ruling the watch world. Here is the full Tudor review and the stats-filled explanation of the brand’s explosive success.
Our Top-Selling Tudor Watches: A Data-Backed Review
This is not a list of reviews, because reviews are opinions. Ours is a list based on “receipts”. Curious about what’s actually selling right now? Based on our 2024–2025 sales data, these are the models customers keep buying. We’ll kick things off with the top three from the video and then expand from there.
Tudor Black Bay: The Undisputed Icon
The Tudor Black Bay is one of our bestselling collections at Bob’s Watches, and it’s no surprise because it’s Tudor’s entry point into vintage-inspired dive watches. The Black Bay collection is the brand’s bestseller and it’s been performing incredibly well for them globally with an increase in sales of 25%. The 39mm Black Bay 58 reference 79030 is one of the standouts from the collection and for good reason. It’s vintage-inspired, backed by modern dependability.
The Black Bay collection is special because it’s directly inspired by the vintage reference 7924 from 1958 and it adopted its slim case proportions and tool watch spirit. In a modern watch, this translates to an in-house MT5402 caliber with 70 hours of power reserve that provides true weekend-proof capability. The level of vintage styling combined with modern movement capability and an easy to wear sizing make it one of the best Tudor dive watches on the market.
Key Black Bay Features:
- Iconic Snowflake hour hand
- Domed sapphire crystal
- COSC-certified in-house manufacture calibers (on most models)
- 70-hour “weekend-proof” power reserve
- 200m water resistance
Popular Black Bay Variations:
| Model | Size(s) | Key Feature |
| Black Bay 58 | 39mm | The best-seller. Perfect vintage proportions. |
| Black Bay 54 | 37mm | A new release, truer to the original 1954 dive watch size. |
| Black Bay (Heritage) | 41mm | The modern classic, now with a Master Chronometer movement. |
| Black Bay GMT | 41mm | A fan-favorite “Pepsi” bezel for tracking multiple time zones. |
| Black Bay Chrono | 41mm | A popular “Panda” dial racing chronograph. |
The Tudor Pelagos: The Ultimate Modern Tool Watch
The Black Bay captures the brand’s vintage spirit, while the ready-for-anything Pelagos is its technological avatar. Collectors are paying attention, too. It’s no wonder that sales have tripled over the past three years. The Tudor Pelagos is a no-frills function watch that’s as serious about diving as they come. Constructed entirely in titanium (not including some FXD models), it’s an object that combines absurd durability with elegant lightness on the wrist.
The Pelagos offers Rolex Submariner specs for half the price. It has a water resistance rating of 500m, 200m for the 39mm model, a helium escape valve, and is powered by Tudor’s 70-hour rated, professional-grade, in-house movement. Add to that a patented adjustable clasp which can be expanded or contracted to adapt to a wetsuit or fluctuations in wrist size, and you have a timepiece designed for the very real environments it’ll encounter. The Pelagos FXD, developed in collaboration with the French Navy, pushes this utilitarianism even further, swapping the traditional Pelagos lugs for fixed strap bars.
Pelagos Variations:
| Model | Size | Key Feature |
| Pelagos 42 | 42mm | The original 500m “super-diver” with a patented clasp. |
| Pelagos 39 | 39mm | The newer, more wearable version for everyday use. |
| Pelagos LHD | 42mm | “Left Hand Drive” model with a “roulette” date wheel. |
| Pelagos FXD | 42mm | Fixed strap bars, designed for French naval divers. |
Vintage Tudor Submariner: The Collector’s Piece
Of course, it is not a high volume modern watch but the consistent demand and love for the vintage Tudor Submariner keeps it in our top three sellers. I think this is where Tudor’s history and pedigree really come into play. These were made from the 1950s all the way until the 1990s, many have the direct lineage and history with Rolex being signed by Rolex as you can see on crowns and cases. The classic French Navy Tudor Submariners were issued by the French Navy to its divers making them a big part of horological and military history.
Tudor Submariners are the blueprint for today’s Black Bay collection. In fact, for many collectors, the vintage Submariner isn’t just a watch. It’s a tangible link between the brand’s past and modern successes.
Tudor Ranger: The Rugged Field Watch
The Tudor Ranger is the brand’s interpretation of a field watch, and it has been an almost immediate success story. Its minimalist dial, with subdued, no-nonsense case, glowing Arabic numerals at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock, makes the Ranger the embodiment of Tudor’s military past while still being an approachable watch for everyday use.
Dimensions are a very wearable 39mm, which will fit easily on most wrists. Inside is Tudor’s dependable in-house caliber, and it still benefits from 100m water resistance. The Ranger will be versatile enough to wear in the office as well as for weekend getaways, and at a more attainable price, it makes for a great introduction to the Tudor lineup for those looking for a more subdued option to the house’s dive watches.
Tudor Royal: The Integrated Bracelet Success
The Tudor Royal has been a bit of a sleeper hit for the brand. It has shown that Tudor can succeed in markets outside of their staple tool watches and has managed to fill a bit of a void. The Royal is a dressier sports watch with an integrated bracelet and notched bezel which can stand toe-to-toe with the likes of the Rolex Datejust. The Tudor Royal blue dial is a popular variation that pairs sunburst finishing with top Tudor quality at a more accessible price point.
Offered in multiple sizes from 28mm all the way up to 41mm, the Royal has something for every style and wrist. It features a date display and is available with a high grade third-party movement. For the buyer looking for Tudor quality in a less sporty package the Royal is a serious value.
Tudor 1926: The Elegant Entry Point
Elegantly simple and surprisingly affordable, the Tudor 1926 collection offers an accessible entry into the brand, and one that is right at home with those looking for a dress watch with Swiss levels of quality and Tudor’s rich heritage.
As you can probably guess from the name, the Tudor 1926 collection is a direct homage to the year that Tudor itself was founded. The collection stays true to a classic look with the proven, vintage-inspired proportions and simple dial designs. All the complications you’d expect to see across Tudor’s other collections are here, with date display and moon phase variations. The 1926 brings Tudor ownership within reach for more watch fans. It may not feature the in-house movements of many of Tudor’s sports collections, but the ultra-reliable ETA-based calibers found in the 1926 line aren’t slouches, and they do offer easier servicing.
Tudor North Flag: The In-House Pioneer
The Tudor North Flag is another cult classic from the brand, being the first Tudor to have an in-house movement. This watch was first introduced with the MT5621 in 2015 and started the brand’s transition from third-party movements to in-house, with the opening of Kenissi manufacture.
The North Flag is readily identifiable by its power reserve indicator on the dial, ceramic bezel, and the personality-adding yellow on the seconds hand. Production has long since ended, and those looking to complete their collection will have to seek out a pre-owned piece.
Is Tudor a Good Quality Watch Brand? (A Brand-Level Review)
Yes, Tudor is a great watch. At the high end, the brand is among the best in terms of value and quality. In its sub-$10,000 category, Tudor offers Swiss watchmaking with in-house movements, premium materials, and superior finishing compared to most other watch brands in the same price bracket. If you are in the market for a new wristwatch and are wondering whether Tudor is any good, this article will provide some insight.
Where Does Tudor Rank in the Watch World?
Tudor perhaps has the most interesting position of all in terms of “accessible luxury” as it is effectively at the top end. It towers over the various Swiss bottom-of-the-line offerings (Tissot, Hamilton et al.) and is the direct competition of OMEGA and Breitling. What makes Tudor special is the pedigree (same as Rolex as it was founded by Hans Wilsdorf), in-house production, and a high end yet attainable price point in the world of Swiss watchmaking.
The brand has carved out its own identity through bold material choices like titanium and bronze, military-inspired design, and a willingness to experiment while maintaining exceptional quality standards. This positioning makes Tudor one of the smartest entry points into serious watch collecting.
The Tudor vs. Rolex Connection: Are Tudors as Good as Rolex?
The relationship between Tudor and Rolex is one of the most interesting stories in watchmaking. Understanding their connection helps clarify what you’re getting with each brand.
| Feature | Tudor | Rolex |
| Founding | By Hans Wilsdorf (Rolex founder) as a high-quality, more affordable alternative. | The parent company; the standard-bearer for luxury watches. |
| Movements | Primarily in-house (Kenissi) or top-grade ETA/Sellita. COSC-certified. | 100% in-house “Superlative Chronometer” movements. |
| Materials | 316L Steel, Titanium, Bronze, Ceramic. | 904L “Oystersteel” (a proprietary, more corrosion-resistant steel), precious metals. |
| Price Point | $2,500 – $7,000 | $8,000 – $50,000+ |
| The Verdict | Unbeatable for build quality and performance for the price. More experimental and tool-focused. | The pinnacle of finishing, brand prestige, and long-term value retention. |
Both brands share the same founder and design principles, but they serve different purposes in the market. Rolex focuses on proprietary materials, supreme finishing, and maximum prestige. Tudor delivers comparable performance and reliability with a more accessible approach to luxury watchmaking.
How Tudor Compares to Tissot (Tudor vs. Tissot)
Just because they’re both great Swiss brands doesn’t mean that Tudor and Tissot compete in the same spaces. Tissot is one of the best entry level Swiss brands, with almost universally reliable ETA movements, solid build, and great value. Tudor is a true luxury watch brand, featuring both outsourced and in-house movements (via their Kenissi manufacture), higher-end finishing, and more premium materials. The differences in movements, build quality, and finishing are why Tudor has a much higher price point, and places it several levels above Tissot in the luxury hierarchy.
Is a Tudor Watch a Good Investment?
Understanding value retention and who should consider Tudor helps you make an informed purchase decision. Let’s break down the financial and practical aspects of owning a Tudor.
Do Tudor Watches Hold Their Value?
Not all Tudors age like a stainless steel Rolex, but most of their most popular models, particularly the Black Bay 58, do so. The brand’s hold on value is one of the best in its price range, with some references commanding a strong percent of their original retail price on the used market.
There are several reasons for Tudor’s excellent value retention. Limited production numbers, increased brand awareness and the unavailability of in-demand models at retail are all factors in Tudor’s favor when it comes to keeping prices high. Brand association with Rolex also helps to add credibility that serves resale value. All this adds up to make an existing Tudor a wise purchase, as one can enjoy the experience of owning while having some assurance that the investment hasn’t depreciated significantly.
Who is a Tudor Watch For?
- The New Collector: Someone who wants their first serious luxury watch with in-house mechanics and real heritage. Tudor offers an authentic entry point into Swiss haute horlogerie without the intimidating price tag.
- The Seasoned Enthusiast: A collector who appreciates Tudor for its own merits, its military history, iconic “Snowflake” hands, and bold use of materials like titanium and bronze that differentiate it from more conservative brands.
- The Rolex Admirer: The buyer who loves the Rolex aesthetic (like the Submariner or GMT) but wants a more accessible price point and a watch they can actually buy and wear without a waitlist or allocation games.
The Final Verdict on Our Tudor Watches Review
And after having walked you through the brand, its flagship models and history, I think it’s obvious that Tudor has carved out its very own identity. Far from being “Rolex’s brother”, Tudor is a titan in itself, thanks to this irresistible mix of vintage allure, modern technical excellence and an unparalleled value for money. Proof ? Record breaking sales figures, and there is a model to meet the expectations of each type of collector, from the legendary Black Bay to the high-tech Pelagos.
The brand isn’t slowing down at all. In fact, it’s one of the most intelligent and gratifying luxury watch investments you can make today. Don’t miss out, browse our full selection of certified-authentic Tudor watches at Bob’s Watches. Each watch is in stock and ready to ship today.
