Tudor

The Tudor watch company was founded in 1946 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex. Wilsdorf created Tudor as a more affordable alternative to Rolex, with the aim of producing high-quality, reliable watches that could be worn by a wider audience.

The name "Tudor" was chosen to evoke the Tudor period of English history, which was characterized by great cultural and artistic achievements. The Tudor rose, which was the symbol of the Tudor dynasty, was also incorporated into the company logo.

Tudor watches initially used Rolex movements but were priced lower than Rolex watches due to their simpler design and less expensive materials. The first Tudor watches were marketed primarily in the United Kingdom, but the brand quickly gained popularity in other countries as well.

In the 1950s, Tudor began to produce its own in-house movements and to design its own watch cases and dials. The company also introduced several iconic watch models, such as the Tudor Oyster Prince, which was the first Tudor watch to feature an automatic movement.

Tudor watches were popular with military personnel and were used by several armed forces around the world, including the French Navy and the US Navy's elite underwater demolition team. Tudor watches were known for their durability, accuracy, and reliability, making them an ideal choice for military use.

In the 1970s, Tudor faced financial difficulties and was briefly discontinued. However, the brand was relaunched in the 1980s and has since become a respected and popular watch brand in its own right, with a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable watches at affordable prices.

Today, Tudor watches are known for their sporty, rugged designs and are popular with divers, sailors, and other adventure enthusiasts. The brand has also continued to innovate, introducing new materials and technology into its watches, such as ceramic and silicon components. Despite its lower price point, Tudor has maintained its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making it a popular choice among watch enthusiasts and collectors.