Difference b/w Rolex and Tudor

[VICI]

All -

I am new to the Tudor name - do not know anything about it.

In researching the brand, I am learning that they use a Rolex case, but an ETA movement.

Is that the only difference?? (besides price and "style difference" to the rolex?

I seems to me that if the ETA movement is accurate, an investment in one might not be a bad idea for an everyday use watch.

Curious on any thoughts.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Toplaw

All -

I am new to the Tudor name - do not know anything about it.

In researching the brand, I am learning that they use a Rolex case, but an ETA movement.

Is that the only difference?? (besides price and "style difference" to the rolex?

I seems to me that if the ETA movement is accurate, an investment in one might not be a bad idea for an everyday use watch.

Curious on any thoughts.

The Tudor line go back to the 1920s then mainly sold in Canada and Europe, Rolex or Tudor watches were not sold then in the USA,it was very much later the the Rolex brand arrived for sale in the USA.Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC first opened Tudor watch to world wide production in 1946. And one of the main reasons why he chose the brand name Tudor. Was that he wanted to pay tribute to the Tudor history period of old England.

The Tudor line prior to around 1990 was all Rolex except for movement,Tudor watches are made by Rolex. The major difference between a Tudor and a Rolex is that Rolex contracted the manufacturing of the movement out to a 3rd party manufacturer (ETA in 95% of them) much like Rolex did with there chrongraphs before 2000 they used ETA Valoux and Zenith movements. The ETA ebauche movements were made to Rolex's specifications and signed Tudor. This movement was then sent to Rolex where it was assembled into a watch with all Rolex remaining parts (Rolex case, bezel, strap or bracelet,dial, crystal and crown, seals, etc.). These parts are the same parts used in the Rolex line of watches. The Tudor movements are high grade 17, 21, 25, or 26 jewel Automatic or Manual movements which when correctly cleaned, timed, and oiled, will keep time almost as well as any normal Rolex.

The case screw backs were engraved original oyster case by Rolex,on all the oyster models.In the gold or TT models Tudor uses genuine solid gold Rolex bezels and crown caps, but their bracelets are normally only gold filled,to reduce the cost while Rolex uses solid gold in their bracelets.The French Navy (among others) opted for the Tudor Submariner,instead of the Rolex Sub.
The French Navy demanded rigorous testing and tested several brands These watches were tested to carefully calibrated abusive tests in an attempt to destroy them to see how much abuse it could take before losing accuracy or malfunctioning .After testing they choose the Tudor and the only thing the French navy didn't order was the Oyster bracelet.They chose a nylon strap because it would be much more easy to change,and easily replaced if broken.And today the only step down in quality with Tudor watches in general is the price.The the main difference between a Rolex Sub and say a Tudor Sub is they used a top range Chronometer grade ETA a first class all in-house built movement but not Rolex made,and in watches like the Tudor Prince they used a light Oyster bracelet, on Subs they used the heavy Oyster bracelet.While today would agree the Aeronaut,Hydronaut range are not quite as good case wise as the Oyster cased ones but its still very very close.And today the Tudor line has quite a heritage with Hans Wilsdorf the founder of Rolex.

[zama]

AS always a wonderful and detailed answer from Peter one of the super experienced moderators. You will find on TRF a lot of love for the Tudor line. Many members have at least one Tudor in the family especially those outside the USA. If you secure a Tudor you wont be disappointed I am not, and whatever you do don't open a thread about Tudor being a poor man's Rolex that thread usually sees one or members banned!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[LeslieC]

Originally Posted by zama

And whatever you do don't open a thread about Tudor being a poor man's Rolex that thread usually sees one or members banned!!!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL, no doubt.

[Rsvrider]

Thank you for posting!
Great info

[mikkemus23]

Great post, Padi!

[Tools]

Although the older Tudor models used Rolex bracelets and case stamps, today the Tudor is a completely different design.

Although the US does not sell Tudor, the catalogs and manufacturer shows show a modern Tudor line that is much more contemporary than the traditional looks of Rolex and the earlier Tudor line..

[VICI]

Thanks for the detailed response.

I have always wanted to see a Daytona with a date - and in surfing through the forum, I noticed that Tudor makes a similar version including the date.

Any recommendations of where to pick one up?

[sgmgolf]

Originally Posted by Toplaw

Thanks for the detailed response.

I have always wanted to see a Daytona with a date - and in surfing through the forum, I noticed that Tudor makes a similar version including the date.

Any recommendations of where to pick one up?

Here is mine and currently getting more wrist time than my 16610. I love my Tudor Big Block "Date-ona"!





and next to my 16610...........

[Bunny4jeff]

Originally Posted by sgmgolf

Here is mine and currently getting more wrist time than my 16610. I love my Tudor Big Block "Date-ona"!





and next to my 16610...........

All are equally beautiful!

[J. Alan]

So what is going to happen to Tudor when the Swatch owned ETA cuts off Rolex?? Rolex sourced movements???!!!

J. Alan

[renfield33]

The new Tudor subs look awesome. You should check them out too.

[jolimont]

does tudor make their own cases these days?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by jolimont

does tudor make their own cases these days?

Since Tudor is made by Rolex, just like Chevy is made by General Motors, the answer is that Tudor has always made their own cases.. It's just that in the early years, they used the same cases as Rolex used on their Rolex branded models..

Today, Rolex has a different stamp and machining area for Tudor. Both Tudor and Rolex watches are located at the same facilities in Geneva..

[chiko323]

You can't buy them from an AD in the states so your best bet is to buy online on the forum or elsewhere

[GermanyMatt]

Great looking Tudor!!

[Bunny4jeff]

Thanks, Padi, for the very detailed and interesting history of Tudor watches. I love the vintage Princess Date I have, it keeps excellent time and looks interesting and beautiful. I was surprised once to find a Rolex dealer in the UK who says they do not deal in Rolex Tudors as "we only deal in proper Rolexes..." I beat a hasty retreat

[Andad]

Swatch will continue to supply ETA movements to Rolex and to some other watch manufacturers.

[Sherwooddavid]

I love my Tudor Heritage one of my favorites ! Highly recommended.

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1340583765

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Sherwooddavid

I love my Tudor Heritage one of my favorites ! Highly recommended.

http://www.rolexforums.com/attachmen...1&d=1340583765

You mean you love my Tudor Heritage.
dP

[nowzen]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

You mean you love my Tudor Heritage.
dP

I think he means he'd love to have your Tudor Heritage.

[HORNBLOWER]

So would I, LOL

[CF999]

I love that Heritage ....any guide to age and value??