Hardly any other watch brand has been able to win as many points from watch lovers and enthusiasts in recent years as Tudor. The Rolex sibling brand is a constant talking point thanks, thanks to its attractive launches and a price/performance ratio that is unparalleled in the watch world. But which Tudor models do I like best? Here are my top five picks for the best Tudor watches that should be on your radar.
1. Like a Diving Watch From 1954 – The Tudor Black Bay 54
With the Tudor Black Bay 54, Tudor takes the vintage theme to a whole new level. Not only does the watch closely resemble the 1954 original in appearance, but it is also true to the size of the original – something that hardly any watch manufacturer has dared to do before. The vintage-inspired diving watch looks as if it had been put into a time machine in 1954 and sent to the present. Technically, however, the 37-mm watch is state-of-the-art: With an in-house movement, practical T-Fit clasp, and 200 m (656 ft) depth rating, this watch has everything a watch wearer could wish for. The biggest highlight of the Tudor Black Bay 54 is the silky sunburst dial, which gives the small diving watch a refined touch that the Tudor Submariner from 1954 could never have imagined. This blend of vintage design and modern elements makes the Tudor Black Bay 54 one of the best Tudor models you can buy today. You can find this model on Chrono24 for around $3,000, depending on the condition and scope of delivery.
2. The All-Rounder – The Tudor Black Bay Monochrome
Even though the Tudor Black Bay 54 is my personal favorite among the Tudor watches, objectively speaking, the best watch in the Tudor catalog at the moment is probably the Tudor Black Bay Monochrome. Here, Tudor has dispensed with all vintage elements such as gilt indices or warm colors and brought out a visually modern version of the popular diver’s watch. This adds variety to the Tudor lineup and ensures that there is something for everyone. The METAS-certified, in-house movement not only makes the watch extremely accurate, but also anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gauss. Of particular interest is the option to choose a five-piece link steel bracelet instead of a three-piece, which makes the Tudor Black Bay Monochrome appear even more elegant and luxurious. Thanks to a cool black tone, a consistent lack of vintage details, and great technology, this Black Bay variant is not only the best Tudor watch currently available, but also probably the best Rolex Submariner alternative on the market. Especially because, in true Tudor fashion, the price is also right: you can call a preowned Black Bay Monochrome your own for around $4,500.
3. The Epitome of a Tool Watch – The Tudor Pelagos
Are we only talking about Black Bay models in this article? Yes, kind of. While Tudor also has other models to offer, the flagship of the Rolex sibling is and remains the Black Bay line, which is available in many variations and offers something for every watch enthusiast. However, if there’s one model that should not be missing in a Tudor top five and does not belong to the Black Bay line, then it is definitely the Tudor Pelagos. Although the Black Bay’s larger sibling is clearly overshadowed by the popular vintage diving watch, it’s also one of the best Tudor models currently available. Made of titanium, the Tudor Pelagos is completely geared towards functionality and impresses with its tooly design, a host of innovations, and a water resistance of up to 500 m (1,640 ft). The patented clasp, which adjusts to your wrist depending on the temperature, may not win any beauty contests, but it is absolutely unique in the world of watches. The Tudor Pelagos is the epitome of a tool watch and is one of the best functional diving watches currently available on the market. You’ll find it on the Chrono24 starting at just over $2,500.
4. The Formal Black Bay – The Tudor Black Bay 31/36/39/41
With the Tudor Black Bay 31/36/39/41, Tudor offers a more formal version of the popular diving watch. This special model is another all-rounder that is reminiscent of timepieces like the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, Omega Aqua Terra, and the odd Rolex Datejust, but with its diver dial, it’s much bolder and more rebellious than the aforementioned watches. This gives the formal Black Bay a unique touch that no other all-rounder in the watch world can match. The incredibly beautiful sunburst dial and partially polished, five-piece link steel bracelet make it unmistakably clear: This is a fine watch that not only looks great in everyday life, but can also be worn on special occasions. Hand on heart: I’d prefer this Tudor to a Rolex Oyster Perpetual. The design is just cooler. The watch is hardly inferior to its Rolex counterpart in terms of quality, but it is significantly less expensive. Current references like the Tudor Black Bay 36 ref. M79640-0002 can be found on Chrono24 starting at $2,750. In my opinion, the Tudor Black Bay 31/36/39/41 is one of the best Tudor models you can currently buy.
5. The Future Classic – The Tudor Black Bay 58
When we talk about Tudor, one model is certainly not to be missed: The Tudor Black Bay 58. Launched in 2018, this watch was born from the idea of creating a slightly more compact and narrower Black Bay, and it quickly became an absolute fan favorite. The 39-mm Tudor Black Bay is now available in numerous variants: The original from 2018 is reminiscent of the Tudor Submariner from 1958, and the blue version is a tribute to the collaboration with the Marine Nationale. Tudor is particularly keen to experiment with the Black Bay 58: The most popular Black Bay model is not only available in steel, bronze, or silver, but also in gold. Of particular interest is the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT, which was released in 2024 and not only expands the popular collection in a meaningful way, but also fulfills a long-awaited wish for fans. The Tudor Black Bay 58 is probably the most important watch in the Tudor catalog.
