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  • Brand: Tudor
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Heritage & Overview

Tudor Watches: A Technical Overview

Tudor Watches, a brand with a rich heritage, was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary behind Rolex. The brand's journey began in February 1926 when 'The TUDOR' trademark was registered in Geneva, Switzerland. Wilsdorf's vision was to create an affordable alternative to Rolex, ensuring high reliability and quality by utilizing Rolex cases, crowns, and Oyster waterproof technology combined with cost-effective third-party movements.

In 1936, Wilsdorf took direct control of the brand, introducing the Tudor rose logo, a symbol of strength and grace. The establishment of Montres Tudor S.A. in 1946 marked a new era, with Rolex guaranteeing the technical and aesthetic standards of Tudor watches. The 1952 launch of the Oyster Prince, Tudor's first self-winding model featuring a Rolex rotor, gained significant attention during the British North Greenland Expedition from 1952 to 1954.

The 1954 introduction of the iconic Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7922 set a new standard for tool watches, initially offering 100m waterproof capabilities, which were upgraded to 200m by 1958. This model became a staple for professionals and was supplied to militaries such as the US Navy SEALs and the French Marine Nationale from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Tudor's chronograph milestones include the 1970 Oysterdate with the Valjoux 7734 movement, the 1971 'Montecarlo,' and the 1976 'Big Block' self-winder. The brand continued to innovate with later lines such as the 1991 Monarch and the 1999 Hydronaut. Tudor has built its legacy as Rolex's robust, accessible sibling, favored by divers, military personnel, and adventurers alike. Today, Tudor has evolved into a modern powerhouse, offering in-house movements while retaining its rich heritage.

Both Tudor and Rolex are owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, ensuring that the legacy of quality and innovation continues to thrive.

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