5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Tudor Watches

Tudor are one of the most exciting watch brands in the world and are consistently producing highly desirable pieces at a price point that’s more affordable than many other luxury watch brands. Considered by many to be the budget Rolex, they are very similar to Rolex models but have their own style. Therefore, they have a lower price point – even lower, when buying pre owned Tudor watches!

 

Tudor is the sister company to Rolex, launched in 1946 by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf under the companion brand Montres Tudor SA. They continue to be part of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation
Below are 5 key things to consider when buying pre owned Tudor watches.

 

1. Investment, Pleasure or Both?

Tudor watches offer an extremely good opportunity to own a quality, stylish watch at a more affordable price point to alternatives from other luxury watchmakers.
If you’re buying purely for investment, modern pre-owned Tudor watches do not reap the same rewards as Rolex. However, there are still some key things to consider if you want to increase your potential of return.

 

My four top tips …

• Focus on whether a model is desirable now and whether it is likely to be so for the foreseeable future.
• Always go for a watch with the widest appeal and the most limited supply.
• If it’s purely for investment purposes, buy the very best example you can find. After all you don’t have to worry about damaging it if it’s only going to sit in your safe.
• Make sure you buy a Full Set – box, papers, service records and accessories.
If buying for pleasure and or both pleasure and investment – keep reading.

 

2. Style

When it comes to style icons, Tudor has some of the best sporting heroes championing their brand. Including – football legend David Beckham, Champion surfer Nic Von Rupp and the entire New Zealand All Blacks squad.

 

Sports, Classic, Dive and Ladies – Tudor have a huge catalogue to choose from. In 2007, Tudor launched a whole new range of watches which were designed to be like their Rolex brothers but with more “Sartorial Sense.” They’re more colourful, more daring and for a younger customer and their success over the last 15 years has been monumental.

 

The three most popular modern Tudor models are the Black Bay, Pelagos and Heritage Chronograph.

 

Black Bay – based on the classic dive watches of the 1960’s, the Heritage Black Bay is an excellent dive watch with classic Tudor styling. Available in both 39mm and 43mm cases sizes and made from stainless steel, bronze, steel and gold or silver, there are lots of options to choose from including a chronograph.

 

Pelagos – The lightweight brother to the Black Bay in the dive watch stable, the Tudor Pelagos is made from titanium and comes with either a black or blue dial and with either a standard right hand or unusual left-hand crown. They’re also available in both 39mm and 43mm case sizes.

 

Heritage Chronograph – If you prefer your sport on dry land then the Tudor Heritage Chronograph might be for you. Based on the Tudor Monte Carlo of the 1970’s, these colourful 42mm Chronographs ooze 70’s style.

 

3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

 

It all comes down to confidence and perspective. Just because you’re small in stature, doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t carry off a larger timepiece. In fact, it’s very much the fashion for women to wear oversized men’s watches.

 

For a man, it’s all about confidence. If you feel comfortable going big and will wear a 42mm + proudly, then a Tudor Glamour Double Date will look good. If you’re going to be self-conscious, then pick something classic like a 36mm Tudor Black Bay S&G.

 

If you’re looking for something smaller, older/vintage could be better for you.

 

4. Vintage or Modern

The choice between a vintage or modern watch is partly one of personal taste and partly one of robustness. We mentioned above about the fact that vintage watches tend to be smaller, so if you prefer a slightly smaller look, then something like a Tudor 74000 might be for you.

 

On the other hand, if you want to wear your Tudor every day, then you should probably go for a newer one as the movements from the 1960’s are more fragile and expensive to repair than later versions.

 

Bracelets have also changed over the years and newer ones are more hard wearing and comfortable so may be more suited to regular as opposed to occasional wear.

 

Servicing costs for a vintage watch can be higher and parts hard to come by – two important considerations when choosing between modern and vintage pre owned Tudor watches.

 

5. Fashion or Function

What do you want your pre owned Tudor watch for? Assuming of course you’re not heading to the Mariana Trench. Is it simply to tell the time or do you need it to dive in?

 

If you do want a sports watch for diving, the Tudor Pelagos range is the best place to start.

 

If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.