Today, we would like to present to you the "Top 10 Recommended Tudor Mechanical Watches (2024 Edition)" .
In recent years, Tudor has released many models that respect Rolex while incorporating the characteristics of Tudor. In 2021, the company opened a new factory in Le Locle, Switzerland together with Kenissi, which is likely a step towards focusing on integrated production under its own brand.
This time, we would like to introduce some of the popular models from Tudor, including some discontinued models, whose future developments are exciting. Please enjoy until the end.
- ① "Black Bay" "Ref. 7941A1A0RU-0003"
- ② "Black Bay 54" "Ref. 79000N-0002"
- 3. Submariner "Ref. 79090"
- ④ "Submariner" "Ref. 79190"
- ⑤ "Chronotime" "Ref. 79180"
- ⑥ "Chronotime" "Ref.79260"
- 7. "Chronograph "Monte Carlo"" "Ref.7169/0"
- 8. Chronotime "Exotic Dial" Ref. 94210
- 9. Ranger "Ref. 79950-0001"
- 10. Black Bay Pro, Reference 79470-0001
- Summary
① "Black Bay" "Ref. 7941A1A0RU-0003"
*Source: https://www.tudorwatch.com/ja/watches/black-bay/m7941a1a0ru-0003
The Black Bay, released in 2023 as the successor to the Ref. 79230R, is a striking burgundy color. This model follows the 41mm case diameter but is slightly thinner, which was good news for those who were concerned about the thickness. In addition to being a COSC-certified Swiss chronometer, it is equipped with the Cal. MT5602-U certified by METAS (Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology), which ensures a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, which Tudor claims is weekend-proof. It is available in three types: Jubilee bracelet, Oyster bracelet, and rubber strap, but the Jubilee bracelet is recommended. It uses the T-fit quick-adjust clasp, which can be easily fine-tuned without tools, and the length of 8 mm can be adjusted in five stages. The prototype of the Submariner Ref. 79190 also had a burgundy bezel, and Tudor is releasing this model continuously with their corporate color in mind. The price is reasonable, making this a great model for daily use.
② "Black Bay 54" "Ref. 79000N-0002"
*Source: https://www.tudorwatch.com/ja/watches/black-bay-54/m79000n-0002
The Black Bay 54, with a case diameter of 37 mm, was added to the Black Bay in 2023. This is a modern reprint of the Ref. 7922, which was born in 1954 as Tudor's first diver's watch. This model uses the so-called "squid needle (snowflake)" and has the characteristics of Tudor, but what is particularly noteworthy is the 37 mm case size. It is nice that the options have expanded for the Black Bay, which has often been released in 41 mm and 39 mm diameters until now. It is available in two types, an Oyster bracelet and a rubber strap, but the rubber strap is recommended. The Oysterflex model of Rolex has become explosively popular, and Tudor has successfully incorporated it, giving it a more sporty impression. In addition, while many popular models these days have a mirror finish to enhance their design beauty and luxury, the satin-finished case and bracelet make scratches less noticeable, making it perfect for those who use their watches heavily on a daily basis. This is a model with excellent cost performance, so I would definitely recommend it.
3. Submariner "Ref. 79090"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/submariner-362464/
This Submariner was manufactured from 1989 to 1994, and is a model that uses Rolex parts along with its successor, the Ref. 79190. It is affectionately known as the "Chusab". It is a popular diver's watch that uses stainless steel for the case and bracelet, but uses blue for the bezel and dial, which is not found in Rolex. It features Mercedes hands, lollipop second hands, borderless indexes, and a case back (stamped ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVE) and crown crown that were supplied by Rolex. The biggest difference from the successor, the Ref. 79190, is the plastic windshield, bi-rotating bezel, and winding bracelet. The movement is the ETA Cal. 2824-2, which is known for its stability. Some of these watches have faded bezels due to aging, giving them a semi-vintage feel, but the number of good quality ones in circulation is decreasing. Prices are gradually rising, so if you're looking for one, we recommend you grab it early.
④ "Submariner" "Ref. 79190"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/submariner-195602/
This Submariner was manufactured from 1995 to 1999 and is said to be the last model to use Rolex parts. It is also affectionately known as the "Chew Sub". The Mercedes-Benz hands, lollipop second hand, rimless indexes, and the case back (stamped "ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVE") and crown crown, all of which are reminiscent of the Rolex Submariner, are its greatest appeal. The difference from the previous model "Ref. 79090" is that it has been changed to a sapphire crystal windshield, a unidirectional rotating bezel, and a hard bracelet (early models had a winding bracelet), and the movement is the ETA Cal. 2824-2, just like the "Ref. 79090". Some models have bezels that have faded over time, and the semi-vintage atmosphere is also a highlight, making this a recommended diver's watch for connoisseurs.
⑤ "Chronotime" "Ref. 79180"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/chrono-time-219632/
This model, which appeared as the third generation of Tudor chronographs and is affectionately nicknamed "Big Block" or "Kamaboko" due to its case shape, is also characterized by the case back (stamped "ORIGINAL OYSTER CASE BY ROLEX GENEVE") and crown crown supplied by Rolex. The Chronotime series, which has a classical design reminiscent of the hand-wound "Daytona" and is still popular today, was developed in three types: plastic bezel, rotating bezel, and stainless steel bezel. The dial colors are also available in three colors: silver, black, and white, and are broadly divided into early and late models, with differences in the frame of the calendar disc and the shape of the index. The versatile yet reliable Valjoux "Cal. 7750" is a movement that can be maintained with peace of mind in the future. With the increasing popularity of Tudor and the attention being paid to semi-vintage watches, there is a possibility that it will gain more recognition, so it is a recommended watch with a future potential.
⑥ "Chronotime" "Ref.79260"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/chronotime-232259/
This is an early model that has been changed from the rugged kamaboko case (big block) to a streamlined form similar to the popular Rolex model Daytona, and uses a Rolex back and crown, with the dial marked "OYSTER DATE". It is said that the early models were only produced for about one or two years, and there seems to be very little in circulation. The letter notation of the "Ref. 79260" was later changed to "PRINCE DATE", and both the back and crown were changed to Tudor specifications. This model also comes in three types: tachymeter bezel, rotating bezel, and stainless steel bezel. While the tachymeter bezel of the "Ref. 79160" is made of plastic, the "Ref. 79260" is made of aluminum. The dial colors are also available in three colors: silver, black, and white, so it is fun to find your favorite combination.
7. "Chronograph "Monte Carlo"" "Ref.7169/0"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/montecarlo-365872/
This is the second generation of Tudor chronographs, and is a popular model that has been available in a lineup of plastic bezel Ref.7149/0, stainless steel bezel Ref.7159/0, and rotating bezel Ref.7169/0 since this generation. Commonly known as "Monte Carlo", this model's biggest feature is its unique design, which is said to have been inspired by the roulette at the casino in Monaco. It is equipped with a Valjoux hand-wound movement "Cal.234", and its unique design with a two-counter subdial and date display at 6 o'clock is eye-catching. Rolex's hand-wound "Daytona" only had a lineup of plastic and stainless steel bezels, but the rotating bezel Ref.7169/0 may be the model that most strongly represents Tudor's style. The dial (bezel) color is not only gray x black as introduced, but also gray x blue. This is a highly recommended vintage model that is full of playfulness that you won't find in Rolex.
8. Chronotime "Exotic Dial" Ref. 94210
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/chronograph-montecarlo-265893/
9. Ranger "Ref. 79950-0001"
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/ranger-227109/
This new model was released in 2022 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the British Navy's North Greenland Expedition, which took place from 1952 to 1954. It is a watch with a modern design that incorporates the design of the original model throughout. The original Ranger model, Ref. 7995, manufactured in the 1960s, had a case diameter of 34mm, which was slightly small by modern standards, but this reissue has a case diameter of 39mm. The movement uses the in-house automatic movement Cal. MT5402, which has sufficient specifications with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and a silicon balance spring. It is available in three types: bracelet, leather strap, and fabric strap, but the bracelet version is recommended. It uses the T-fit quick adjust clasp, which can be easily fine-tuned without tools, and the length of 8mm can be adjusted in five steps. The red tip of the second hand is an accent color, and the simple design with only the luminous color and the "RANGER" logo at 6 o'clock creates a vintage atmosphere. The price is also reasonable, making this a recommended model for daily use.
10. Black Bay Pro, Reference 79470-0001
*Source: https://www.commit-watch.co.jp/buyer/watches/mens/tudor/blackbay-pro-218532/
This model, reminiscent of the original Rolex Explorer II Ref. 1655, was announced at Watches & Wonders Geneve 2022 in 2022 and is a popular model that combines the so-called "snowflake" design with the distinctive Tudor feel. The vintage design, with its orange GMT hands, bezel design, domed sapphire crystal, and luminous color reminiscent of tritium, became a hot topic when it was announced. The movement is the Cal. MT5652, an in-house automatic movement that is also installed in the Black Bay GMT, which was released in Pepsi color in 2018. Popular models these days are often mirror-finished to give them a beautiful and luxurious look, but the satin-finished case and bracelet make scratches less noticeable, making it a perfect model for daily use.
summary
What did you think.
This time we have featured many models that are classified as vintage and semi-vintage. What do you think? Their unique atmosphere and texture have a charm that current models do not have, and conversely, the current models are a lineup of watches that are recommended for daily use and can be used "hard". Personally, I will never forget the solid gold "Chronotime" that was scheduled to be auctioned at the charity auction "Only Watch", and I am eager to see it released as part of the regular lineup (lol).
As current models are gaining popularity, I believe that vintage and semi-vintage models, just like Rolex, will continue to attract more attention in the future, so I would like you to take a look at Tudor's discontinued models.
Once again, I hope this article helps you find your favorite one.
see you!