Tudor 1926: Underrated or too plain?
When I try this watch on my wrist I just know that the size is perfect. It’s well built, and it flies under the radar which, for an everyday watch, is a plus in my case.
Yet, there seems to be little appreciation for it online. I wonder why. Some say it’s too boring, but realistically, any 36mm dress watch has to be “boring” in order to look classic. The exciting part usually comes from the perceived quality, the finishing, the build quality and the movement. And while this one may not be a Calatrava, for less than 2k I have to say I can’t ask for much more in terms of quality and finishing.
What do you think of this watch? Have you ever tried it or do you own it? Is it overlooked or does it deserve its place in the oblivion?
Living with a watch on the left wrist and a pen in the right hand⌚️🖊 between Rome, Paris, Tokyo, Amsterdam, and London. 🗣 🇮🇹🇬🇧🇯🇵🇫🇷
I would call it elegant rather than plain. There’s a lot going on there; it just isn’t garish or even obvious at first glance. I dig it.
I would call it elegant rather than plain. There’s a lot going on there; it just isn’t garish or even obvious at first glance. I dig it.
I personally agree. I’ve been thinking about getting one, and if so in what colour. I think it’s a classic design, and while it may not be a unique piece (actually only a handful of watches can really claim to be unique), I love how it wears, and it would be perfect for an everyday watch under 38mm with a bracelet.
Besides, what other alternatives are there?
i like Tudor and i like vintage watches with modern materials. But I have to try it on my wrist to see if I like it. Anyway for that price it's a good bestbuy.
i like Tudor and i like vintage watches with modern materials. But I have to try it on my wrist to see if I like it. Anyway for that price it's a good bestbuy.
Of course, trying it on is necessary. Still, with the 28mm, 36mm, 39mm and 41mm versions I think everyone should be able to find the right fit!
I personally agree. I’ve been thinking about getting one, and if so in what colour. I think it’s a classic design, and while it may not be a unique piece (actually only a handful of watches can really claim to be unique), I love how it wears, and it would be perfect for an everyday watch under 38mm with a bracelet.
Besides, what other alternatives are there?
In that style, it’s certainly hard to beat! I love the subtle waffling on the dial.
This watch harkens back to what just about every watch company was doing in the late 1950's through about 1970. There were the even numbered models and then there were the odd numbered models. Old advertisements are full of them. Eventually, the numerals were lost entirely and stylized away.
In terms of materials, quality, and finishing, this watch is light years ahead of those vintage pieces. It is larger in the modern way. However, at three feet or more the average person viewing this watch on your wrist could not distinguish it from a restored 1962 Helbros. This is a homage to something that you can pick up for less than $100.00.
It is a beautiful watch. It is an elegant watch. What it is not is original. But you shouldn't care what I think.
This watch harkens back to what just about every watch company was doing in the late 1950's through about 1970. There were the even numbered models and then there were the odd numbered models. Old advertisements are full of them. Eventually, the numerals were lost entirely and stylized away.
In terms of materials, quality, and finishing, this watch is light years ahead of those vintage pieces. It is larger in the modern way. However, at three feet or more the average person viewing this watch on your wrist could not distinguish it from a restored 1962 Helbros. This is a homage to something that you can pick up for less than $100.00.
It is a beautiful watch. It is an elegant watch. What it is not is original. But you shouldn't care what I think.
True. I have a Longines and a Zenith with this exact indices layout and they’re both vintage. The problem with those watches is usually technical, anti magnetism, water resistence etc. This one retains those classic vibes but it’s a utilitarian watch you can swim with. It goes well with a suit and you can throw it in the gym bag after work. I like its versatility.
I think the problem the 1926 has on social media is that it's a Tudor, but not a Black Bay or Pelagos.
One of the Canadian ADs apparently sells more 1926s than any other Tudor model, but they likely end up on the wrists of non-enthusiasts looking for a nice watch, or in the collection of an enthusiast that doesn't post it much because it doesn't get enough likes.
If I worked in a more formal office environment I'd be looking at a 36mm or 39mm with the blue hands and indexes. I don't, so my Hamilton "Cooper", and CW C63 get worn to the office.
I think the problem the 1926 has on social media is that it's a Tudor, but not a Black Bay or Pelagos.
One of the Canadian ADs apparently sells more 1926s than any other Tudor model, but they likely end up on the wrists of non-enthusiasts looking for a nice watch, or in the collection of an enthusiast that doesn't post it much because it doesn't get enough likes.
If I worked in a more formal office environment I'd be looking at a 36mm or 39mm with the blue hands and indexes. I don't, so my Hamilton "Cooper", and CW C63 get worn to the office.
That sounds about right but I don’t buy watches for getting social media likes. Those who don’t, could consider this piece. The bb36 surely is hyped and is well built. Like, very well for the price. But the mixture between the Sub dial, the OP case/bracelet and the explorer bezel make it look weird to me. It’s a great watch, sure, until you can’t get one of these 3. The 1926 instead, is good for its purpose and you’d wear it even if you own a Sub for example.
Da Vinci said it best—simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Da Vinci said it best—simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
Leonardo wasn't wrong.
I think buy what you like is most important, personally i wouldnt simply because i already have other watches for that purpose. Main thing is for that price tag, cant fault it🤝
It’s extremely underrated. Tudor makes amazing watches. I think the royal is also very nice and overlooked.
Isn’t this cathegory of watches, in this price range, generally overlooked? I can’t really think of any modern dresswatch steeling the spotlight from modern sportwatches. In my book this cathegory is the hardest to make right. I can’t express why, but I guess it all boils down to materials and proportions. I find most modern dresswatches quite boring, or cheap looking. This, however, doesn’t a bit. Shure, the design has been done in the past, as Aurelian points out, but this is done beatifully. The pattern of the dial in combination with golden or copper index and numerals together with smooth and substantial bezel. I haven’t been a fan of (modern) Tudor dresswatches before but this I really like. My roster of dresswatches is full for the season, otherwise I would consider it for myself.
Isn’t this cathegory of watches, in this price range, generally overlooked? I can’t really think of any modern dresswatch steeling the spotlight from modern sportwatches. In my book this cathegory is the hardest to make right. I can’t express why, but I guess it all boils down to materials and proportions. I find most modern dresswatches quite boring, or cheap looking. This, however, doesn’t a bit. Shure, the design has been done in the past, as Aurelian points out, but this is done beatifully. The pattern of the dial in combination with golden or copper index and numerals together with smooth and substantial bezel. I haven’t been a fan of (modern) Tudor dresswatches before but this I really like. My roster of dresswatches is full for the season, otherwise I would consider it for myself.
Modern dress watches look a bit off sometimes, mostly due to their dimensions if you ask me. Oris Artelier Complication (40mm), Frederique Constant Classic World Timer or Slimline Moonphase (42mm), but also VC Patrimony (40mm) or the new Calatrava (39mm), are just some examples I could think of, in a wide price range between 2k and 29k, of watches that would be gorgeous if slimmed down by 5-10% of their size, especially in regard to diameter and lug-to-lug distance.
This Tudor however, does it nicely. The 36mm version (the one pictured here that I'm interested in) and the 39mm one have a short lug-to-lug distance, a thin case (not like the LEGO brick-like of the BB36) and wearable sizes.
I don't think it's "boring" at all. The dial is slightly textured, the warm-toned applied numerals contrast sharply with the light background, and the mix of Arabic numerals and arrowhead indexes are visually appealing. Plus, I love the "smiley" Rotor Self-Winding label, and the date is nice and discreet. Overall, I think this is a winning modern interpretation of a mid-century style timepiece.
Sports watches are typically loud and showy, therefore it's natural that people will photograph them often and plaster them all over social media. Dress watches are the antithesis to that -- understated and maybe not as photogenic. Their beauty can really only be appreciated "in the metal" because details like finishing and quality can't always be captured in a photo.
I bet that 1926 looks amazing on a range of different straps too. Great watch, congrats!
Out of curiosity, what performance would you want to see boosted? For me personally, the absence of COSC certification is a plus: I'd have to pay a premium for something that on such a cheap watch doesn't really make a difference.
I suppose "cheap" is a matter of perspective.
Some hairspring material with enhanced anti-mag properties would be a nice addition.
Why do you think the price is high? The BB36 that is generally recognized as a good value proposal is more than 1k more expensive and the only performance that adds is the lume together with 5 bar more of wr (but it loses the date). The bracelet on the bb36 is also arguably better made but for watches that cost 2-3k I'm not sure I'd be happy to pay 1k more for the bracelet. That's more right for pieces in the 10k range.
As for the occasion, I think this one would do well in casual attire too, but that is definitely subjective. For me, casual attire is still what many consider "dressing up" probably so it's down to personal habits. I agree I wouldn't see this one working well with hoodies and sweatpants.
It is a fair/good price if your focus is the big swiss brands. However, typically that's not my market; I'm a confirmed Seiko/Micro Brand junky so when I compare it to a dressier watch running a swiss movement in my realm it seems a bit high priced.
I work remotely from home 95% of the time so live in hoodies and sweatpants most days. I dress up day for me is a tracksuit or jeans lol. The only times I dress up at all is when we go on vacations. I could see myself buying a Tudor 1926 for those occasions. In fact I did add it to my watches to remember list as the wife is talking about a Europe trip and I'd likely want something like that in my watch roll for that trip.
I don't think it's "boring" at all. The dial is slightly textured, the warm-toned applied numerals contrast sharply with the light background, and the mix of Arabic numerals and arrowhead indexes are visually appealing. Plus, I love the "smiley" Rotor Self-Winding label, and the date is nice and discreet. Overall, I think this is a winning modern interpretation of a mid-century style timepiece.
Sports watches are typically loud and showy, therefore it's natural that people will photograph them often and plaster them all over social media. Dress watches are the antithesis to that -- understated and maybe not as photogenic. Their beauty can really only be appreciated "in the metal" because details like finishing and quality can't always be captured in a photo.
I bet that 1926 looks amazing on a range of different straps too. Great watch, congrats!
Agreed. It’s exactly what I was saying on some other post. This one is probably not photogenic. That being said it’s not my watch but thank you! I just tried it on at my AD but I’m seriously considering getting this one, it’s in competition with the Oris 403 as my daily “fly under the radar” watch :)
I suppose "cheap" is a matter of perspective.
Some hairspring material with enhanced anti-mag properties would be a nice addition.
It’s subjective, you’re right, but broadly speaking the 1926 is indeed on the lower end of prices in watchmaking.
And I agree, enhanced anti-magnetism would be nice, but I’m happy to have a highly modified Sellita in a well built watch for less than 2k. Still, more anti magnetism would have indeed been nice
It is a fair/good price if your focus is the big swiss brands. However, typically that's not my market; I'm a confirmed Seiko/Micro Brand junky so when I compare it to a dressier watch running a swiss movement in my realm it seems a bit high priced.
I work remotely from home 95% of the time so live in hoodies and sweatpants most days. I dress up day for me is a tracksuit or jeans lol. The only times I dress up at all is when we go on vacations. I could see myself buying a Tudor 1926 for those occasions. In fact I did add it to my watches to remember list as the wife is talking about a Europe trip and I'd likely want something like that in my watch roll for that trip.
Yes, that changes a lot the perspective indeed. For your lifestyle it could be a nice dress watch to use on those occasions, such as the trip to Europe, while still being ok with jeans and a t shirt (especially if you get the blue indices version) given its bracelet and 10 bar wr! 👍🏻
I would call it elegant rather than plain. There’s a lot going on there; it just isn’t garish or even obvious at first glance. I dig it.
So under appreciated! I’ve actually never see this particular dial in person before. I want to try one on now!
Understated but classy is a difficult combination to pull off. I feel the bracelet makes this look a tad bulky - this might be better on a black leather strap.
One brand that pulls off the "understated but classy" look quite well is Wempe, for a similar pricepoint see e.g. the zeitmeister. IMO the Wempes pop a bit more than Tudor, and they do not look like 1960s homages. Also to consider: Mühle Glashütte, generally more tool watches, but the 29er series is actually quite dressy and elegant.
So under appreciated! I’ve actually never see this particular dial in person before. I want to try one on now!
In person the dial is very nice, the waffle texture is subtle yet quite neat on the white dial.
Understated but classy is a difficult combination to pull off. I feel the bracelet makes this look a tad bulky - this might be better on a black leather strap.
One brand that pulls off the "understated but classy" look quite well is Wempe, for a similar pricepoint see e.g. the zeitmeister. IMO the Wempes pop a bit more than Tudor, and they do not look like 1960s homages. Also to consider: Mühle Glashütte, generally more tool watches, but the 29er series is actually quite dressy and elegant.
Thank you! I’m actually a big fan of black leather straps and I will definitely wear it on one in winter.
The two watches you suggested are nice, especially the wempe, but I may still prefer the Tudor. I’ll keep my eyes out to see if I see them in the metal at some AD nonetheless :)
I've looked at the Blue numerals version and really liked it.
I've looked at the Blue numerals version and really liked it.
I’m thinking between that one and this one in the picture, the two versions with the white dial. Love both of them!
Love this Tudor! Very classy.🎯
I have seen this watch in the flesh, photo's do not do it justice. I was impressed with the finishing, which I though was better than the Longines thye had in the shop. some of them are more expensive than this Tudor.
I thought this watch was very ugly when I saw it in person. I hated the waffle pattern on the dial.