Author: Alex DeVane

In the never-ending search for cheaper luxury watches, a lot of pieces come to mind as having some of the best features out there for a fraction of the price.

The Tudor 1926 Opaline Classic is a true gem, shining even brighter than pieces far more expensive. In the watch world, lowering the price cap leaves you with slim pickings.

Fortunately, this is not Tudor’s first time being the underdog, as they’ve become accustomed to residing in Rolex’s shadow. It makes sense.

Tudor, after all, was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the same man who founded Rolex nearly twenty years before.

While the brand was originally created with the intention of providing cheaper alternatives to Rolex that watch fans could still enjoy, Tudor has now become much more than that, evolving into a titan of the industry and demanding respect across the board. 

History 

Tudor’s breakaway from the Rolex name originated in 2012 when the Pelagos was released. Before, whenever a new Rolex came out, there was always a Tudor watch with the same exact name—a new Rolex Oyster came out, we would also get a Tudor one, and whenever a new Submariner would drop, a new Tudor Submariner would shortly follow.

That trend changed even more with the release of the Black Bay series, which was largely responsible for giving Tudor its own name and style that has continued on to become the brand we know today. The 1926 follows those same principles.

It is an original watch that comes with breathtaking functions, all at a significantly reduced price, which has become expected from Tudor. The years tick by, and we see Tudor continue to grow in this relatively newfound identity, gracing us with pieces that shine in their own right, with a voice original.

As a fan of authentic pieces, this is truly a blessing. Today, as we take a closer look at the 1926, I want you to understand just how hard this brand has worked to move away from Rolex and start something truly special that allows them to create the pieces that they want to create without relying on anyone else. Let’s dive in. 

Case

A fairly simple, stainless steel case with an elegant polished finish all the way around that feels like a tribute to the old Oyster cases while at the same time being much more curvy and elongated. Something that stands out to me is how thin it is—measuring only 9.5mm thick.

As you would expect, this is a dream for those with smaller wrists, and it also does wonders for the aesthetic, attracting those who prefer slimmer, curvier watches that are much more subtle.

The diameter itself measures anywhere from 39mm-41mm, so it’s not minuscule, but it definitely leans toward the smaller side when you consider how it fits and feels. 

The case back is screwed down, with the traditional “Tudor Geneve” text around the edge. The crown has gotten a lot of praise, however, for being small and blending in with the slimmer design while being tremendously easy to unscrew and operate, which goes a long way in terms of functionality and does your wearers a favor by preventing any headaches or frustration. 

I’ve found that a slim bezel often cursed a watch to be a scratch magnet, and it seems like that would be true for the 1926 bezel. It’s not remarkable in any way, and it doesn’t really offer a layer of protection.

It does its job aesthetically speaking, but I could definitely envision some scratches forming on the glass much more quickly than usual. A sapphire crystal does help, but it’s important to have a bezel that can do some of that heavy tanking as well.

Overall, the case does its job well enough. It’s nothing crazy to write home about, but it seems to me like Tudor was shooting with a much more subtle aesthetic that is meant to complement the highlight of the piece, the dial. 

Dial 

Several watch dials accompany the 1926, but the most notable one by far is the Opaline dial with its stark white color and blue numerals and indices. Looking closer, we can spot the waffle pattern enriching the dial—and, therefore, the entire piece—with an extra layer of detail.

Another notable aspect is the way that the dial catches the light. Holding your wrist one way in the sun changes the entire look, and the blue indices follow this style choice as well, coming alive on your wrist under certain lights. 

The thin nature of the watch does wonders for the dial. Tudor knew what the main focus of this piece would be. They minimized all distractions, causing the wearer to pay full attention to the magnificent pattern that sets the tone for the entire piece.

No date window, but the minimalist design doesn’t require one. Plus, date windows tend to just be an eyesore on a luxurious piece of this caliber. Instead, the blue “Self Winding” text is positioned at the bottom of the dial, forming a smiley face. 

I will say that the simplistic color and waffle pattern are certainly stunning, but the specific blue shade used for the text and indices caught my eye the most. Something about it is so alluring, as it just fits so well with the rest of the aesthetic.

As mentioned before, the bezel does little in terms of security or durability, but part of me prefers a smaller, less obtrusive style that doesn’t overshadow the majestic shade of the hands. They are quite subtle but laced with so much detail that offers much more to digest beyond first glance. 

Needless to say, the dial is a masterpiece, but it is only because of the slim nature and the subtle details that the design choice works as well as it does. I can’t imagine I would feel the same way if this watch was any bigger.

It just puts into perspective how committed Tudor is to their level of detail and how they work hard to check every box with every piece they release.  

Movement 

A heavily modified Calibre 2824 ETA serves as the engine for this piece. It comes with shock absorption and 25 jewels, causing it to tick at 28,000 vph.

Being that this is a third-party movement, this is where Tudor has saved most of its money. A house-made engine would definitely put this piece over the top, but I’m certainly satisfied with the performance of this watch, as ETA has proven to be a very reliable choice for a long time. Plus, a

house-made-movement would make this piece a lot more expensive, so we, as customers, are better off settling for reliability rather than something more luxurious. 

Bracelet

Each link of this stainless steel bracelet is made up of 7 individual pieces—four brushed-over and mid-links and three polished connectors. All of this detail and fine-tuning gives us a highly intricate design that complements the same waffle texture on the dial. 

The bracelet comes with a very short flip-lock clasp, fitting that minimalist vibe. Because of this, the watch is worn far more comfortably. A smart design choice on Tudor’s part because, more often than not, larger clasps tend to be irritating and, in some cases, very painful to wear. 

But sadly, I can’t call this bracelet perfect because there are a few questionable design choices. Firstly, there are no micro-adjustments. It is arguably necessary for daily drivers like these to have micro-adjustments because consumers are purchasing this piece with consistency in mind.

If it proves to be more of a chore to strap on every morning, they would be better off looking for another piece to wear on a day-to-day basis. The bracelet also has no tapering, which is a shame considering the elegant aesthetic that every other portion of the piece communicates so well. 

Overall, I can’t complain too much, and if the watch fits perfectly upon first wear, you’re not going to have too much to complain about either.

But you could argue that a good fit is the most important feature to a consumer. After all, if it hurts to wear the watch, what other reason is there to buy it other than perhaps adding it to an esteemed collection?

Needless to say, the lack of fitting options is disappointing, but being that it will only affect a marginalized portion of people, the rest of the design leaves me walking away rather satisfied. 

On-Wrist Experience

For smaller wrists, the fit is perfect. In fact, most wrists will have zero issues at all, but the lack of micro adjustments will prove to be heartbreaking for the outliers who don’t fit because Tudor was one step away from having a watch that could virtually fit everyone. 

The 1926 leans on the dressier side, but you can wear this watch anywhere and never feel out of place. Elegance shines through and through, but it is still subtle enough to pair with basic everyday clothing like buttoned shirts, jeans, khakis, sweaters, etc.

Because of the thinness and the lack of an obtrusive clasp, this is an extremely comfortable watch that feels very light on the wrist. It keeps that swagger of an authentic Swiss luxury piece while not being too over the top.

A perfect combination for those new to the luxury game, or the Swiss game, for that matter. New wearers will be drawn to the comfort as well as the style, and a simple piece like this will be very easy to grasp for those who are still learning. 

Pricing

You can find the Tudor 1926 from Tudor authorized dealers, like Exquisite Timepieces. We only ship to the US and are authorized dealers, ensuring a 5-year warranty directly from Tudor.

A brand new 1926 Opaline (m91650-0005)can be picked up for $2,225 USD. Pre-owned pieces usually range from 1.5-2k, depending on the condition of the watch. 

Conclusion

So there we have it. The 1926 is truly a stunner, a true testament to Tudor’s legacy. Tudor has been in this industry for too long to still be revered as the “poor man Rolex,” and it is pieces like these that prove they have left that mindset in the past and are now only focused on providing high-quality, unique pieces that further cement the Tudor name as a force to be reckoned with.

This is one of those pieces that is very easy to recommend because—all things considered—it’s relatively cheap and simple, has a design that appeals to almost everyone, and a simple upkeep that will prove very easy for new watch-lovers to become accustomed to.

It’s a true beauty that proves not everything has to be over the top. Things can be simple and precise while still providing a high level of detail and class that will leave customers satisfied, and this watch fully embodies that idea.

Tudor has a history of not getting the respect it deserves from the industry. In the ’90s, many viewed them as cheap Rolex copycats, often overlooking what they brought to the table and instead favoring other Rolex-like companies such as Seiko and Tag Heuer, which seemed to offer far more originality and unique characteristics to their pieces than anything Tudor was doing at the time. This ultimately led to the brand leaving the US in 1996. 

In this article, we will be looking at how Tudor made their valiant return to the US after discovering themselves, particularly focusing on how the Black Bay became one of their most iconic pieces and is arguably the most sought-after Tudor on the market today. 

History 

In 2013, Tudor returned to the US, this time straying away from copycats and perfecting their own designs, slowly evolving into the brand we know today. First introduced in 2017, the Black Bay 36 was originally offered in black, with a 41mm version alongside it.

Being part of the Black Bay line, neither of these pieces could match the water resistance found on the divers, but 150M deep is still more than enough resistance for the average wearer. Plus, people liked the Black Bay line for other reasons.

Eventually, the navy blue variant came into the spotlight in 2018 and was immediately looked upon with favorable nostalgia from those reminiscent of pieces like the Tudor Subs from the 70s and 80s. The 36mm version seemed to enthrall fans, sharing many similarities with 36mm Rolex’s but having just enough personality to give itself a well-respected name. 

Getting a closer look at this watch was a treat, and I was left exceedingly impressed with the design choices Tudor made to set them apart from the competition.

While in the past, their originality might have been questionable, I think it’s safe to say Tudor has redeemed itself for previous errors by flipping the watch industry on its head and putting in the extra work to make themselves one of the most well-respected brands on the market. 

Case

Every review I’ve seen of this watch raves about how this is one of the most well-balanced and properly proportioned cases of all time.

And I must say, after firsthand experience, I would have to wholeheartedly agree. While the Black Bay comes in three sizes (32, 36, 41), the 36mm is the true star of the show, which is what we will be focusing on today.

While I haven’t dealt personally with the two other sizes, the common consensus is that the 32mm is a tad cramped, and the 41mm is a bit spaced out, leaving the 36mm to find the perfect median.

It is worth pointing out that by today’s standards, 36mm is considered on the smaller side of sports watches, which may leave those of you with larger wrists with no other option. I have no doubt that the 41mm can satisfy all of your needs should that be the only size that fits; today, we are simply focusing on the 36mm in particular. So, let’s dive in.

The case features impeccable finishing, which really puts into perspective how much detail is intertwined with this piece. It has slab sides polished to effortlessly catch light and gleam like unblemished glass.

Being that it’s a thinner watch, the slab sides are proportioned to accommodate the rest of the sides and subtly do their part, taking extra care not to feel too clunky.

The crown breaks through the stainless steel surface, imposing itself as one of the signature trademarks of the Black Bay line. The rose logo is a subtle throwback to one of Tudor’s earlier heritage models, which plays on the nostalgic strings even more. 

The fixed bezel comes highly polished and glistens brighter than the radial brushing of the lugs, reinforcing the aesthetic with a nice contrast.

The sapphire lens fits the bright polishing, shining just as bright under certain lighting conditions, causing the watch to shimmer on your wrist, and the closed case back keeps everything nice and tight, offering flawless protection. 

Dial

Each dial color is beautiful in its own right, but the semi-gloss blue dial is extremely eye-catching. Again, like the sizing, the Tudor Black Bay finds the perfect median concerning the shade of blue—not too dark and not too light, seemingly transforming on the wrist when exposed to certain light.

The indices are slightly raised, standing 0.5mm tall, giving an extra layer of detail while highlighting the polished sides that also reflect light. The indices caught my eye because they are a mixture of shapes.

At the 12:00, there is a narrow triangle facing downwards; at the 3:00 6:00, and 9:00, slender rectangles disrupt the circular pattern, providing a unique sense of elegance and a nice geometric aesthetic that is extremely satisfying to look at.

Each index also comes equipped with a white lume that glows a low green in the dark, helping with nocturnal visibility. It also features a sapphire crystal up top, which pretty much guarantees that the Black Bay will not scratch under most conditions. 

The “TUDOR” text is in a perfect position, not too large to steal any attention but just noticeable enough to give you something else to look at. Below, the “ROTOR SELF-WINDING” text is curved, which kind of looks like a little smiley face.

The elegant, snowflake hands sweep over all of this, combining a straightforward, slender minute hand with a diamond-shaped hour hand that’s a great deal fatter. The second hand is very subtle despite the diamond-shaped lume plot towards the tip. 

I can understand how people tend to scoff at snowflake hands, but I feel they match the setting that Tudor is trying to create and stand out as one of the most dynamic features of this piece. In my opinion, it’s rare for snowflake hands not to hit the spot.

They are highly legible and fit the tone of this watch perfectly. Plus, they give a blocky feel that is actually quite charming to look at, complementing the geometric shapes of the indices. 

Movement

The ETA 2824 movement powers the Black Bay. Today, most Tudor watches have shifted to in-house movement, but the Black Bay is one of the only remaining pieces that still uses an outsourced movement.

Tudor has actually modified the ETA 2824 to keep things as accurate as possible. The movements are regulated to COSC standards but do not go through the certification process, causing Tudor to slightly improve upon the original movement, allowing the Black Bay to tick at a resounding -1 sec/day. 

Straps

I recommend choosing the oyster-style bracelet, though you can opt for the watch on a strap. Not only is the bracelet cheaper than going out and buying another strap, but it looks better, too. The fit and finish is excellent, mimicking the bracelet with brushed surfaces and flanked sides.

The strap starts at 19mm and finishes at 16mm when it meets the clasp. The clasp is fairly wide, measuring 17mm, and has a vintage-looking taper that makes the watch quite comfortable to wear.

The Tudor shield shines on the back of the clasp with three positions for micro-adjusting the bracelet. While researching what others thought of this piece, I noticed a common theme of people being a little annoyed with how few fitting options there are.

19mm is a fairly uncommon size, so you may end up searching for bracelets that accommodate your wrist more comfortably. It’s also worth pointing out that the Tudor does not currently offer a half-link option for the Black Bay, making the search for perfect comfort a little more complicated. 

Of course, this is a minor complaint. The curves of the bracelet and case still make for a smooth fit, so, depending on your wrist size, you may suffer no problems at all. 

On Wrist Experience

To put it frankly, this watch is a delight to wear. It’s not perfect—nothing is—but it’s going to be difficult to find anyone with any major complaints.

Some advice I will give is that if you have a wrist smaller than 6.5 inches, you will have virtually no problems at all finding a perfect fit, but those of you with significantly larger wrists may need to size up. The oyster case (in most instances) guarantees an esteemed level of comfort, and—I’ll say it again—the proportions are genuinely some of the best I’ve ever seen.

People will undoubtedly be drawn to the watch’s slim measurements, but to call this watch slim itself feels wrong.

It manages to do something I’ve never seen before; it disguises itself as a thinner, more luxurious watch, but on the wrist, it makes its presence known in the best of ways, coming alive as a true dive watch.

What Tudor does is combine all the intricate details and measurements with a simple yet effective aesthetic, giving their wearers quite the surprise when they find out the Black Bay offers so much more than they previously thought. Numbers don’t always give the full picture.

The 36mm strikes a perfect balance between elegance and sportiness, securing a spot in Tudor’s collection as a truly timeless piece. 

The Black Bay essentially resides on two different sides of the spectrum. On one end, it oozes in comfort and elegance, making it the perfect watch for any formal occasion. On the other hand, it is a true dive watch, dubbing it fit for day-to-day wear with authentic utilitarian roots.

This gives us (once again) a perfect combination. Realistically, you never have to take this watch off, no matter where you go. It’s not one of those fragile pieces that you always have to worry about getting damaged, nor is it one of those clunky bricks that are virtually indestructible but look like an entire cinder block on your wrist.

The theme for the Black Bay seems to be finding the perfect median, and it has truly impressed me with how much it was able to do just that. 

Pricing

You can find the Tudor Black Bay 36 from Tudor authorized dealers, like Exquisite Timepieces. We only ship to the US and are authorized dealers, ensuring a 5-year warranty directly from Tudor. A brand new Black Bay 36 can be picked up for $4,050 USD. Pre-owned pieces usually range from 3 to 4k, depending on the condition of the watch. 

Conclusion 

This watch is beautiful; it fits great, and its versatility allows for constant wear, which is great when considering the price of watches like these. Tudor has indeed come a long way since departing the American market in 1996.

They have forged a new name for themselves, one that is now known for creative, original pieces that not only stand out in and of themselves but define the respective genre they belong to. In my opinion, the Black Bay is a perfect introduction to luxury timepieces.

Relatively cheap compared to other watches in the market, I would consider the Black Bay a jack of all trades and pretty much guarantee that anyone who at least respects the watch world will find something they adore on this piece. 

Tudor is one of the most consistent brands of the modern day. With how much they had to go to get to where they are, it’s going to be difficult to find a piece that falls short of the standard they have set for themselves.

The Black Bay is a treasure, and some already consider it a classic, but as the years go on, this piece will undoubtedly take its rightful place in history books as one of the most appealing watches of all time.