The Best Tudor Watches for Investment Heirlooms

As an aspiring watch enthusiast, Tudor’s extensive library of Swiss timepieces can be daunting. That’s why we’ve put together our top Tudor watches. These pieces are sure to elevate your collection.

10 AUGUST 2023 - ERNEST JONES WRITER

If you love Tudor’s balance of quality features with affordable prices, then you’re not alone. Founded in 1926, by Rolex’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor has become known for its rich heritage and expert craftsmanship.

Whether you’ve been gifted your grandfather’s or looking to pass one down yourself, Tudor watches make the perfect family heirloom. If you’re lucky enough to come across the Tudor Black Bay or Pelagos. Here’s our take on the two models.

Are Tudor Watches A Good Investment?

Yes, if you’re looking to make a wise investment in the world of luxury timepieces, there are several things that make Tudor watches a good idea.

Firstly, Tudor is backed by Rolex – the reputation, heritage and expertise of its parent company, means Tudor watches are inherently committed to precision, durability, and quality, making them highly desirable and sought-after by collectors.

And secondly, Tudor is known for its highly sought-after limited editions, including special releases like the Tiger Woods chronograph, the Harrods original green Black Bay, and the Bucherer edition Black Bay Bronze. Plus, its collaborations with celebrities and big-name ambassadors like David Beckham and Jay Chou further increase its appeal and investment potential. 

In general, limited editions, discontinued models, or those with unique characteristics tend to have a higher chance of increasing in value, but you can’t put a price on sentimentality – and there’s no doubt that your Tudor watch will last you a lifetime.

Most Sought-after Tudor Models

Tudor Black Bay GMT model

Black Bay GMT

Is Tudor Black Bay GMT a good investment? Yes, it’s a good investment, and its incredible features mean it will last so one to pass down for generations to come.

Most notable perhaps is the iconic snowflake hands, which have become synonymous with the Tudor Black Bay collection. These distinctive hands introduced back in the 1960s, add vintage charm to the timepieces and combined with the collection's luminescent hour markers and unidirectional rotating bezels, the Black Bay watches have excellent legibility and functionality – perfect for diving and everyday wear.

The GMT variation of Tudor's Black Bay collection is a standout choice thanks to its distinctive dual-coloured bezels – usually in red and blue or red and black. The multifunctional Black Bay GMT features a vintage-inspired design that speaks to its luxury heritage but what sets the GMT model apart? Its practical dual-time functionality allows explorers to easily track two different time zones at the same time, making the watch a perfect travel companion.

Tudor Black Bay GMT
Tudor Pelagos watch

Pelagos

Think of the Black Bay but perfected for divers. The Tudor Pelagos collection is the ultimate in professional diving watches, just ask Morgan Bourc’his. Designed for the most demanding underwater exploration, the collection is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, that combines robustness, functionality, and style in a sleek and modern package.

Constructed with lightweight yet incredibly durable titanium, the Pelagos watches are not only resistant to corrosion but also have impressive water resistance (500m). They also have a unidirectional rotating bezel, luminescent markers, and a helium escape valve, making them reliable companions for all your deep-sea adventures.

Tudor Pelagos

How to read a watch's serial number

The format of a watch serial number can vary depending on the brand and model, but there are common practices to follow. Typically, the serial number is engraved on the case back or sometimes on the side of the watch case. It usually consists of a combination of letters and numbers, and it serves as a unique identifier for that specific watch.

To read the serial number, start by locating the engraved characters and then carefully transcribe them. In some cases, you may find additional information, such as the model number or production date, alongside the serial number. Many watch brands also provide online databases or customer support where you can verify the serial number's authenticity and obtain more details about your timepiece. 

For Tudor watches, the serial number is found on the watch lug. This is where the watch strap attaches to the watch case. The reference number can be found on one side with the serial number on the other. To differentiate between the reference and serial number, the serial number will be a number between 1-999999 and can include a prefix. 

Tudor watches Black bay and Pelagos resale value and features

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Ask our watch experts

At Ernest Jones, we take pride in stocking the finest Tudor timepieces, each crafted to stand the test of time. Remember, when making your investment, think about things like the watch's provenance, craftsmanship, and unique features that make it a valuable addition to your collection.

To ensure authenticity, verify the watch's serial number, study the intricate details, and seek guidance from authorised stockists or the brand itself. Our dedicated watch experts are here to help every step of the way, so book an online appointment to find the perfect Tudor timepiece to celebrate your story.