The History of Tudor Watches | Bob's Watches

Well, we’re at it again, and it’s time for another installment of the Bob’s Watches video series. Rather than dialing in on another Rolex model, we’re taking a look at an offshoot of the Rolex family. We’re talking Tudor watches - the Rolex sister-brand conceived and founded in 1926 as a mechanism for Rolex’s sales team to offer a watch of reputable quality at a slightly more modest price point. The brand has had its ups and downs over the years, but over the last decade, and especially the last 4 or 5 years, they’ve been skyrocketing in popularity. The current collection has a healthy number of interesting pieces to offer, most of which have interesting ties to the brand’s history. If you’re even vaguely familiar with the brand, odds are good that the Tudor Black Bay is the first thing that comes to mind, so let’s start there. The Black Bay first kicked off with a black dial, red bezel, and gilt indices and hands. It was also powered by an ETA-based movement in its first generation. Much has changed since that first launch, including the addition of several dial and bezel options, case sizes, and most notably the move to an in-house movement. The manufacture caliber MT5612 features some solid technical improvements over its ETA-based sibling. It’s COSC certified, uses an anti-magnetic silicon hairspring, and uses a transversal bridge supporting its balance wheel for added stability and shock resistance. It also delivers a 70 hour power reserve, which is a significant impr