We promise to invest our time and experience into understanding your needs and desires. We won’t &#8230;
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<ul>
<li>Expect you to have lots of knowledge</li>
<li>Drown you in more detail than you need</li>
<li>Try to push a sale on you</li>
</ul>
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Our aim is to make you feel relaxed and welcome, and to enjoy the Oakleigh Watches experience from start to finish.
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The oakleigh promise

Yes, a Tudor is certainly a luxury watch.

Is Tudor a luxury watch?

Tudor is still owned by Rolex although they are made in different factories and no longer share components.

Is Tudor still made by Rolex?

Rolex was founded first in 1905, followed by Tudor in 1946.

What came first Tudor or Rolex?

When Hans Wilsdorf founded Montres Tudor SA in 1946, he named it after his fascination with the history of Tudor England.

Why are Tudor watches called Tudor?

Tudor are different to Rolex and offer a more daring design at a lower price point. While the Rolex watch may be slightly more refined, the Tudor brings different styling options and great value for money.

Are Tudor as good as Rolex?

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patek 381x518 copy

How much is my watch worth?

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Best Dive Watches - 12 of our Favourites

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Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?

“Can I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

This is a question that I am often asked by our clients. Of course what they are referring to is whether their watch is water resistant – will it leak and ruin the movement, dial and hands?

There are usually three areas that need to be considered when the water resistance of a watch is under examination;
<ul>
 	<li>the caseback</li>
 	<li>the glass</li>
 	<li>the crown</li>
</ul>
During testing, these three components are checked for condition and damage or corrosion. Next the seals fitted between the component and the case are inspected and often replaced. The watch is then pressure tested using a purpose built piece of equipment. When it passes – voila! Your watch is waterproof.

So yes, if it passes the test, you CAN go swimming in a luxury watch. But hang on, there’s another question that needs to be asked ……

<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-8735" src="https://cms.oakleighwatches.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Swim2.jpg" alt="" width="943" height="530" />

“SHOULD I go swimming in a luxury watch?”

All the watches that we sell here at Oakleigh Watches are superb examples of their type and are all of course very valuable.

I can’t imagine a more hostile environment for a luxury watch than a beach with its salt and sand, or a swimming pool full of chlorine, steel and ceramic tiles. And that’s before you even mention the water! So our advice would be – “yes you can swim in a luxury watch but NO, you probably shouldn’t.”

If you’re at the pool or the beach – relax, forget about the time! Or, if you’re like me and feel a bit lost without something stylish on your wrist, switch your luxury time piece for a much more practical G-Shock!

Oakleigh Watches works alongside local Rolex and Omega service agents <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/?_ga=2.204148883.2033394945.1721402847-623201293.1721402847">Michlmayr &amp; Co.</a> All of our luxury pre-owned watches are tested to ensure they are water resistant and comply to COSC spec. Some of our more vintage stock will not be water resistant and this will be made clear in the description.

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The-Tudor-Big-Block-listing

In 1970 Tudor entered the chronograph market with a watch that was very different from its Rolex Daytona brethren – The two incarnations of the ’Monte-Carlo’ were bold, bright and colourful and occupied their own place in the Rolex family lineup, as a slightly inferior model to the Daytona.

Then in 1976 there was a shift and the ‘Big Blocks’ were born. Far from establishing a point of difference from the Rolex Daytona by continuing with the ‘fun’ slightly ‘junior’ theme, Tudor made a watch that was similar to the Daytona and in one key way, actually superior….

As well as toning down the colour palette and producing monochrome chronographs (although exotic-dialed 9000-series ‘Big Block Monte Carlos’ were made), Tudor adopted the Valjoux 7750 movement, not only adding an extra chrono sub dial but also a quick set date and an automatic movement. This automatic movement made the Big Block the first self-winding chronographs from the Rolex group – it would take Rolex themselves well over ten years to make an automatic Daytona and 25 years to make one with an in house movement.

As well as an advanced set of features, the Valjoux movement brought with it the necessity for a deeper case than its predecessors to house the self-winding mechanism and rotor, hence the nickname “Big Block”.

The first Big Blocks were the 9400’s consisting of three references that gave the option of three different bezels:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">9420 with an acrylic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9421 with a 12-hour calibrated rotating bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">9430 with a steel tachymeter bezel</li>
</ul>
In the late 1980’s, the 9400 series was replaced by the 79100 series of Big Blocks and again, there were three references with three bezel types:
<ul class="ul1">
 	<li class="li1">79160 with a black plastic tachymeter bezel</li>
 	<li class="li1">79170 with a black graduated 12-hour rotating bezel;</li>
 	<li class="li1">79180 with a steel tachymeter bezel.</li>
</ul>
By the mid 1990’s Montres TUDOR S.A. was 50 years old and they started to made decisive moves to differentiate themselves from their Rolex brothers. As a consequence the direct references to Rolex were steadily disappearing from the cases, winding crowns and bracelets of Tudor watches to be replaced with own brand alternatives and the day of the Big Block was over.
An important watch and often overlooked, the Big Blocks are one to watch that’s for sure

The Tudor ‘Big Block’

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The three most popular modern Tudor models are the Black Bay, Pelagos and Heritage Chronograph.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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3. Size

Does matter when it comes to watches?

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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.

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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&amp;G.

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If you’re looking for something smaller, older/vintage could be better for you.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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If you do want a sports watch for diving, the Tudor Pelagos range is the best place to start.

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If you’re simply looking for a fantastic watch made to the highest of standards, then you can have some fun choosing.

5 Step Guide to Buying Pre owned Tudor Watches

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Tudor Black Bay GMT NATO

Availability

Brand

Model

What's Included

Condition

Reference

Years

Papers

Movement Type

Movement

Diameter

Dial Colour

Case material

Bracelet/Strap

Gender

Matching Model

This Tudor Black Bay GMT is a Full Set bought in the UK in 2019. It has been worn carefully and is in excellent unpolished original condition. No marks or wear to show that it has been worn more than a few times.
The stainless steel case and the classic blue and red 'Pepsi' bezel insert are combined with the Tudor NATO to give a different look and feel to the bracelet version.
Complete with boxes, booklets and the original papers, this is a Full Set.
Just tested by Tudor certified watch specialists <a href="https://www.michlmayr.com/">Michlmayr &amp; Co</a>  this Tudor Black Bay GMT  is running within COSC spec.
For more Tudor Watches visit our <a href="https://www.oakleighwatches.co.uk/brand/pre-owned-tudor-watches">Tudor </a>Brand page.
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This Tudor Black Bay GMT is a Full Set bought in the UK in 2019. It has been worn carefully and is in excellent original condition.

Tudor Black Bay GMT | 2019 | Full Set

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