With both being founded by entrepreneur and visionary Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor was started as a subsidiary in 1926, and served to provide the dependability for which the Rolex brand was known at an entry level price. This was ultimately achievable by using bought-in Valjoux movements, rather than utilising the more expensive in house alternative. Rather than living in the shadow of the larger company, Tudor strived to make its own name, using technological advancements and inventions to become a respected maker in its own right.
Tudor made particular steps forward with the release of its chronograph models, with the 1974 Monte-Carlo sporting drivers’ watch proving to be especially instrumental in furthering the company’s progress. Prior to this, in 1952, Tudor watches accompanied a year long Royal Navy scientific expedition to Greenland, resulting in subsequent demand from the French and US forces. Hollywood also came calling for the brand, with Tom Cruise wearing a Tudor in action film Mission: Impossible.
The folding steel clasp combines with a micro adjusting mechanism to provide a comfortable diving experience that accommodates the pressure of descent, deep water movement and the ascent. Other specialist deep sea features include a precise rotating diver’s bezel, and an automatic helium release valve, essential to balance variations in pressure during decompression. As well as an oyster bracelet as standard, the Pelagos also comes with a rubber strap to allow it to be worn comfortably on the outside of a diving suit.
Obtaining one for day-to-day wear may be more of a difficulty however, with Tudor still proving to be elusive within the market place.
Despite its rarity, Tudor is a brand worth investing in, as it continues to merge Rolex DNA with Swiss watchmaking expertise, whilst forging ahead in an entirely new and modern direction of its own.