TUDOR's Heritage: From the Royal Navy to Your Wrist

Known and beloved for their bold design and technical precision, TUDOR watches have earned a place among the most respected names in Swiss watchmaking. Their first dive watch for the Royal Navy was created in 1954, and from that moment onward, TUDOR has since evolved into a globally recognized brand celebrated for blending rugged performance with refined aesthetics. To help enthusiasts explore the brand’s rich legacy, our knowledgeable staff at La Différence Time Centre has created a concise guide to TUDOR’s history to assist anyone looking to understand what makes these watches truly stand out from other luxury timepieces.

Origins Rooted in Vision

Launched in 1926 and later formally established as Montres TUDOR SA in 1946 by Hans Wilsdorf, TUDOR was created to deliver reliability and precision at an approachable price point. With these remarkable watches, Wilsdorf envisioned a watch that could take on the rigours of everyday wear and still deliver professional-grade performance. This vision would shape TUDOR’s direction for decades to come, beginning with their origin as dive watches for the Royal Navy.

The First Dive into the Deep

TUDOR’s true turning point came in 1954 with the debut of the Oyster Prince Submariner, the designer’s first dive watch. Built with robust waterproofing, a rotating bezel, and luminescent markers, it quickly found favour among professional divers for its strength and utility. By the late 1960s, TUDOR was supplying dive watches to the Royal Navy, where their durability and straightforward design proved essential for underwater missions. These military-issued models earned TUDOR a reputation for making strong yet handsome timepieces that could handle even the most extreme and demanding environments.

Carving Out an Identity

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, TUDOR continued refining their dive watch line while also branching into bold, sportier territory. The diver models from this era, particularly those featuring the now-iconic “snowflake” hands, became closely associated with military use— especially among French Navy divers. Meanwhile, models like the Ranger II and the Monte Carlo chronographs introduced daring case shapes and colourful dials that helped establish a more independent identity. In 1976, the launch of the “Big Block” automatic chronographs further underscored TUDOR’s commitment to technical innovation. During this period, the designer clearly set itself apart from other luxury watchmakes with a distinctive design language and performance-driven functionality.

A Triumphant Return

After a period of relative quiet in the 1990s and early 2000s, TUDOR staged a strong comeback in 2010 with the introduction of the Heritage collection. This lineup, starting with the Heritage Chrono and followed by the now-iconic Black Bay, drew inspiration from the brand’s historical models while incorporating modern engineering and contemporary flair. The Black Bay, in particular, reimagined TUDOR’s dive watch legacy for a new generation, complete with the snowflake hands once seen on vintage military pieces.

Expanding the Legacy

Today, TUDOR is known not only for their dive watches, but also for their increasingly diverse range including dress watches, chronographs, and sporty models. From the most robust models to the dressiest, all are powered by TUDOR’s patented in-house movements first introduced in 2015. The brand has managed to merge its utilitarian roots with a strong sense of style, craftsmanship, and modern watchmaking innovation. This delicate balance has earned TUDOR a loyal following among seasoned watch collectors and newcomers alike.

From Utility to Luxury

TUDOR's path from supplying military diver watches to becoming one of the most admired names in contemporary watchmaking is a story of purposeful evolution. What began as a robust tool watch for military professionals has grown into a collection of luxury timepieces that blend heritage and innovation. TUDOR’s wide selection of watches of multiple styles offers something truly compelling for anyone who appreciates thoughtful design backed by a rich history.

Explore the History of TUDOR Watches at La Différence Time Centre

Discover an exceptional selection of luxury watches from world-renowned watch manufacturers at La Différence Time Centre. From our watch retail store in Markham, we offer an inviting space to explore premium watches from designers like TUDOR, along with expert timepiece services to maintain the function and value of your treasured pieces. Every watch in our inventory is carefully chosen to reflect quality, heritage, and craftsmanship. For a more tailored shopping experience, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a consultation with one of our knowledgeable team members. You can also contact us directly for more details about our collections or to learn more about the services we proudly provide.