Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf launched Tudor in 1926 with workers of all kinds in mind: miners, construction workers, and artisans. Rolex, then as now, was often an unaffordable luxury for many, reserved for explorers and businessmen. Tudor, on the other hand, was conceived as an entirely different alternative.
Wilsdorf's goal was clear: to create a watch that his retailers could offer at a more accessible price than Rolex, without sacrificing the high standards of reliability that the brand was famous for.
While sharing many features with Rolex, such as sturdy, waterproof Oyster cases and a similar design, Tudors managed to keep costs low by using existing Swiss movements rather than in-house movements. The result? Watches that were more affordable to the consumer, but still durable and of high quality.
Today, Tudor has overcome any perception of being Rolex’s “little brother.” Current collections and vintage models are finally getting the respect and recognition they deserve. From the vibrant “Home Plate” chronograph to the sophisticated Advisor, Tudor has often ventured where Rolex stopped, experimenting with bolder and more creative designs. By introducing in-house movements while still maintaining competitive prices, the brand is now in a prime position to win the hearts of millions of new watch enthusiasts.
Over the past decade, Tudor has achieved great results with its modern creations.
Models such as the Black Bay, Heritage Chronograph, and Pelagos collections have won over audiences with their distinctive style, robust construction, and affordable prices. However, when it comes to functionality, sporty style, and the use of advanced materials, the Pelagos stands out the most.
Although its design draws inspiration from Tudor’s historic diving watches, the Pelagos stands out for its innovative approach that makes it ideal for professional use. Crafted from titanium, it is a watch that a technical diver would choose without hesitation to work at depths of hundreds of meters below sea level.
This Pelagos model features a 42mm titanium case, sapphire crystal, helium escape valve, custom crown, and a unidirectional rotating bezel with a luminous black ceramic insert. The matte black dial features applied luminous indexes, a white minute scale on the edge, a date window at 3 o’clock, and the signature “snowflake” hands.
Paired with a multi-link titanium bracelet with a signed folding clasp and diving extension, it is powered by the COSC-certified Tudor Calibre MT5612 automatic movement with a 70-hour power reserve. Water-resistant to 500 metres, it is designed to outlast the conditions a diver might face.
Without exaggeration: the Pelagos is one of the most extraordinary diving watches of our time and perhaps the most successful of the Rolex group's models. It is already a contemporary classic, and you only need to take it underwater to fully understand its value.
