Tudor 1926 Watch Review

The 1920s was an iconic era. It was the time of the Jazz Age, flappers, the first public demonstration of a television by John Logie Baird, and of course, the world’s introduction to Winnie-the-Pooh.

And in watchmaking, it was the decade that Veuve de Philippe Hüther registered the Tudor trademark on behalf of Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf.

The 1926 Tudor line pays homage to this significant year with a timeless look that’s unfussy, yet packed with luxurious details. And with four sizes, several dial options, and models suitable for both men and women, it has a thoroughly modern sensibility too.

Overview

Hans Wildorf created Tudor to offer all the quality of its big sister Rolex, at more affordable prices. The re-imagined heritage line of the 1926 fits that ideal perfectly. Each model is a classic of fine Swiss watchmaking, yet affordable enough for most collectors.

The 1926 line is the epitome of the Tudor philosophy of refinement paired with high quality. Each watch has a quietly confident look. We noticed that the design of the 1926 line is a little softer than some of Tudor’s big names such as the Black Bay or the Pelago. It’s a dressier watch than Tudor’s bigger and sportier pieces. 

The elegant metal bracelet, smaller bezel options, and the arrow shaped hands call to mind a vintage Tudor Oysterdate. Meanwhile, the gentle detailing on the dial combined with optional details such as rose gold accents or diamonds, gives the 1926 line a sophisticated vibe.

History

Swiss watchmaker Veuve de Philippe Hüther registered the Tudor trademark in 1926 on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex watches. It’s this iconic moment, when Tudor became real, that the 1926 line gets its name from.

By the 1930s, Tudor watches were gaining popularity in the Australian market. In 1946, Wilsdorf founded Montres Tudor SA, to make sure the Tudor range forged its own identify. Wilsdorf had a vision: To give watch lovers beautiful timepieces that had all the quality of a Rolex, but at a more affordable price. He achieved his aim by putting off-the-shelf movements in robust cases that had all the hallmarks of Rolex’s stringent manufacturing process. 

In the 1950s, the watch world fell in love with the Tudor Oyster range. The use of the unique waterproof Rolex Oyster case and a self-winding movement set Tudor apart as a luxury watch wearers could trust in all conditions. Tudor’s reputation was boosted considerably when a Royal Navy expedition to Greenland in 1952 including several Oyster Prince models.

Tudor supplied watches to the French Royal Navy, and created a variation on the Oyster Prince especially for the U.S. Navy, firmly establishing the brand as reliable enough for the toughest challenges.

Today, Tudor is certainly best known for bold, chunky, divers’ and adventurers’ watches such as the Black Bay and Pelago. The more rugged styles were instrumental in Tudor’s successful comeback to the American market.

But Tudor is no stranger to gentle elegance either. Their Royal collection features delicate sunray-brushed dials and diamond indices. The Clair de Rose line boasts soft curves and a pretty, feminine dial, while the Glamour models have an uncluttered face with sword hands, much like the 1926.

The Tudor 1926 collection brings Tudor’s vintage lines and dressy side together in an interesting departure from the brand’s more utilitarian pieces. The practical spirit is still there, though, in the highly legible face, careful attention to detail, and the use of space on the dial. You can even see a little Rolex influence here too. The waffle-patterned dial and slender hands recall the honeycomb Rolex dials of the 1950s. 

Yet all of this is updated for the modern wearer, thanks to the date window, fine detailing on the indices, smooth minute track, and beautifully brushed and polished bezel and bracelet.

The hallmark of a truly successful vintage-inspired watch is that it calls forth all the glamour and adventure of the past, while feeling like a watch that’s ready for the future. The Tudor 1926 range gets that balance just right.

Appearance

One of the things we love about the 1926 range is the versatility of it. With several possible colourways and embellishments, the 1926 family moves easily from masculine and businesslike to feminine and dressy.

But before we get into details, let’s take a look at the features all the models share in common.

The 1926 dial has a delicate embossed design that looks beautifully tactile. So much so you almost want to take the glass off (not that you would) and touch it! The soft honeycomb pattern contrasts beautifully with the silky smooth minute track.

There are plenty of other little details that add interest too. The glass is domed, which is a nice vintage touch. The classic Tudor snowflake hands aren’t present here, but in our opinion, the Tudor 1926 range doesn’t suffer from the lack of them. The sword-shaped hands call to mind some of the vintage Tudor Oyster and Oysterdate models.

Each dial bears the words “rotor self-winding” as a reminder of the reliable mechanical movement that powers the watch and represents the fine craftsmanship Tudor is known for.

Around the dial, even numbers have appliqued Arabic numerals, while odd numbers are represented by arrow-shaped hour markers. And in another nod to the Oysterdate, there’s a date window at 3 o’clock.

A look for every wrist

Here’s where the appearance of the Tudor 1926 range gets interesting. First of all, the watches come in four sizes: 28 mm, 36 mm, 39 mm and 41 mm. Even the loveliest of watches are sometimes too chunky for a more slender wrist, or those who don’t want a big watch. The range of sizes here means that men and women alike can find something to fit.

The Tudor 1926 collection comes in a range of sophisticated colourways. The bezel and metal bracelet come in steel, or steel with rose gold accents. Meanwhile, you can choose from a black, opaline, or silver dial. Some models replace the odd-numbered arrow markers with diamonds.

The result? A subtly different series of styles that frankly might make it hard to stop at just one watch.

Want something that has the heft and confidence of a classic Tudor tool watch? Opt for the 41mm model with all-steel bracelet and a black or silver dial. Choose black with silver numerals for a classic look, or silver with all-steel bezel and softer rose gold numerals for more of a day to night look.

Looking for something more delicate? Choose a 28mm case with silver and rose gold colouring, and a silver dial with rose gold numerals and diamond accents. Now you’ve got a feminine watch that works for even a formal event. Or choose a silver or black 28mm for an understated masculine look that suits the smaller wrist.

After a fresh modern appearance that still honours the vintage pedigree of a 1926? Go for an all-steel 36mm bracelet and bezel with an opaline dial and striking deep blue markers for a clean and sporty look.

All models come with the classic Tudor metal bracelet in either steel or steel with rose gold. With satin-brushed external links and polished middle links, the bracelet adds interest and depth without being overbearing. The folding clasp and safety catch provide the perfect finishing touch to keep your watch secure.

Features and Specs

The 1926 Tudor range has all the quality you’d expect from Tudor. With a powerful self winding mechanical movement under the hood (Calibre T201 for the 28mm or Calibre T601 for the others) and a decent power reserve, you can rely on the 1926.

• Stainless steel bezel or steel with rose gold detailing
• Steel screw-down crown with the Tudor logo
• 28 mm, 36 mm, 39 mm or 41 mm case
• Embossed dial with applique numerals, arrow batons, sword shaped hands, and date window
• Steel or steel and rose gold bracelet with folding steel clasp
• Water resistant to 100 metres (all models)
• Mechanical self-winding movement
• 38 hour power reserve (all models)
• Closed case back
• Domed sapphire crystal

Wearability

Let’s not dance around the main point: We love the Tudor 1926 line. With four different sizes and a range of colourways from bold black to soft rose gold with diamonds, most watch lovers will find a version that suits them.

The attention to detail on the dial, and the exquisite polishing, show that Tudor can easily hold its own against its big sister, Rolex. This is a luxury watch and no mistake, yet it’s affordable enough for most entry level collectors, giving it a wide appeal.

Every version of this watch has stunning light play thanks to the combination of polishing and brushing on the bracelet, and the textures on the dial. And of course if you opt for the diamond version, you get a little extra shine.

The classic Tudor steel bracelet sits beautifully on the wrist. This is a comfortable watch, and the range of sizes mean you can find one that slips easily under a shirt cuff.

The only slight downside is that the numbers and batons lack luminosity. This isn’t a big deal in daylight, as the dials are crisp and legible, but if you need a watch that performs well in lower light levels or underwater, the 1920 can’t quite cut it.

WIth its 100m water resistance and 38 hour power reserve you can wear the 1926 day after day, in the boardroom, at home, or on holiday. It’s an excellent value watch that’s dressy, classy, and very versatile.

Cost

The Tudor 1926 range retails from £1,530 – £3,200.

Summary

This is a modern classic. With its smooth lines, fine details, and range of sizes and colours, the 1926 might be one of Tudor’s most versatile watches yet. The only difficulty is choosing which colour and size combination to try first.