I tested every new Tudor at Watches and Wonders – my favourite caught me by surprise
The Rolex sister brand had a lot to offer
The dust has all but settled on Watches and Wonders, but the legacy of the pieces launched will live on for some time. This year saw a range of stunning watches unveiled from all corners of the industry, proving just how healthy it is.
I've already waxed lyrical about a lot of the models I saw, but one brand I've yet to touch on is Tudor. The Rolex sister brand brought a range of gentle upgrades to the show, as well as some entirely new models to boot. Let's get into each of them.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono five-link bracelet
Let's kick off with the most gentle updates. That sees the Tudor Black Bay Chrono range come available on a new five-link bracelet. That offers a more jewellery-like experience, similar to the Rolex Jubilee bracelet or the Christopher Ward Consort bracelet.
Article continues belowIt's certainly a lovely thing. Sure, it's far from the biggest news, but I was a fan of the model especially on the new bracelet. It's not hard to see why this is such a popular chronograph.
Tudor Black Bay Pro opaline dial
Another gentle change came to the brand's GMT watch. That introduced a white opaline dial, which is a really nice touch.
It's reminiscent of the classic Rolex Explorer II design – albeit with Tudor's more industrial design language – and comes on a range of different strap options.
Tudor Black Bay 58 burgundy dial
The Tudor Black Bay 58 has been around for a while now, and is widely regarded as a top pick for those seeking a well-proportioned dive watch. It's one of those near-perfect things which really doesn't need messing with.
Still, I was delighted to see the addition of a burgundy dial this year. There are far too few red watches out there, and this is a really classy integration. No notes, 10/10.
Tudor Black Bay 68
The introduction of a new Black Bay model was almost inevitable, but I don't think many would have guessed it would feature a larger case size. That sees a 43mm case size introduced, which is larger than many would look for these days.
Still, it's surprisingly wearable. Normally, a 43mm case would look daft on my wrist, but Tudor has done a fantastic job of keeping the proportions in check.
Tudor Pelagos Ultra
But here it is – release number five and my surprise top pick from the show. The Tudor Pelagos Ultra is the definition of a dive watch, with a gorgeous titanium case offering lightness and a staggering 1,000m water resistance rating.
Utilising the same 43mm case diameter of the Black Bay 68, I wasn't expecting much from this. I was pleasantly surprised, though – the case wears nicely and the lightweight nature of the titanium lends a more sprightly feeling on the wrist.
It's a total knockout, and if you're searching for anything more than just a desk diver, this is a top pick.
