Who Makes Tudor Watches: The Rolex Connection Explained

Tudor watches, a brand steeped in horological history, began its journey in February 1926 when Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark "The Tudor." As the visionary behind Rolex, Wilsdorf created Tudor as a separate watch brand with its own distinct identity while maintaining exceptional quality standards.

Every TUDOR watch is assembled and fully tested at the brand's Manufacture located in Le Locle, Switzerland, adhering to the brand's superior standards. While Tudor is owned by the Rolex group, it operates with its own distinctive character and manufacturing processes. The movements are crafted by the Rolex group specifically for Tudor watches, offering Rolex-quality engineering at a different price point.

Tudor has evolved from being perceived as "the poor man's Rolex" to establishing itself as a respected watchmaker in its own right. With dedicated manufacturing facilities and unique design elements, Tudor combines Swiss watchmaking tradition with contemporary aesthetics that appeal to watch enthusiasts worldwide.

History and Ownership

Tudor watches have a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century, with deep connections to one of the most prestigious names in watchmaking. The brand's creation and development reflect a strategic approach to market segmentation within the luxury watch industry.

Origins of Tudor Watches

Tudor watches emerged in 1926 when Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, registered "The TUDOR" trademark through the watch dealer and maker "Veuve de Philippe Hüther". This marked the beginning of a brand that would grow to have its own distinct identity in the watchmaking world.

Wilsdorf had a clear vision for Tudor from the outset. He wanted to create timepieces that offered the reliability and precision of Rolex watches but at more accessible price points. This strategic positioning helped Tudor carve out its own niche in the market.

For nearly a century, Tudor has built a reputation for producing robust, high-quality timepieces. The brand has developed strong identity markers and maintained unwavering standards of quality throughout its history.

Rolex's Role in Tudor's Creation

Rolex's influence on Tudor cannot be overstated, as both brands share the same founder. Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor with the specific purpose of offering quality timepieces at more moderate prices than Rolex.

In the early years, Tudor watches often featured Rolex cases and bracelets, with the primary difference being the movements inside. While Rolex used in-house movements, Tudor initially utilised third-party mechanisms to maintain price differentiation.

This relationship provided Tudor with immediate credibility in the watchmaking industry. Benefiting from Rolex's expertise in waterproof cases and reliable engineering, Tudor gained a reputation as "the working man's Rolex" – offering similar durability and craftsmanship at more accessible price points.

Despite their close relationship, Tudor has gradually established its own distinct identity, especially since its modern revival and reintroduction to key markets like the United States.

Manufacturing Processes

Tudor's manufacturing processes represent a careful balance between traditional watchmaking techniques and modern automation. The brand operates a dedicated manufacturing facility in Le Locle, Switzerland, where efficiency and quality control are paramount priorities.

Design Philosophy

Tudor's manufacturing approach prioritises efficiency, productivity and automation while maintaining exceptional quality standards. The brand's industrial facility in Le Locle was purpose-built specifically for Tudor watchmaking operations, marking a significant milestone in the company's history.

The design team, including professionals like Ander Ugarte, creates timepieces that balance aesthetic appeal with functional reliability. Tudor's philosophy emphasises robust engineering over decorative flourishes, particularly evident in their dive watch collection.

Manufacturing processes are streamlined for efficiency while maintaining precision. The facility's grey industrial aesthetic reflects the brand's practical approach to watchmaking, focusing on creating reliable, high-performance timepieces rather than purely ornamental pieces.

Craftsmanship and Quality Control

Tudor watches undergo rigorous testing procedures, especially their dive watches which face extensive water resistance evaluations. Each timepiece undergoes multiple quality checkpoints before receiving final approval.

Kenissi, Tudor's movement manufacturer, produces all of the brand's in-house calibres while also supplying movements to prestigious brands like Chanel, Breitling and TAG Heuer. This manufacturing partnership ensures consistent quality across Tudor's mechanical offerings.

The manufacturing process combines traditional craftsmanship with automated precision. Skilled watchmakers oversee critical assembly stages while automated systems handle repetitive tasks requiring absolute precision.

Quality control measures include water resistance testing, chronometric certification, and durability evaluations. These rigorous standards ensure each Tudor timepiece meets the brand's reputation for reliability and performance under various conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tudor watches generate significant interest among watch enthusiasts and potential buyers. Many common questions revolve around their manufacturing, quality standards, and relationship with Rolex.

Who is responsible for the manufacturing of Tudor watches?

Tudor watches are manufactured in Switzerland under the Tudor brand, which is a subsidiary of Rolex. The company maintains its own production facilities where their timepieces are crafted.

According to recent reports, Tudor has opened its doors to its factory in Switzerland, providing rare glimpses into their manufacturing processes. This Swiss operation handles the assembly and quality control of all Tudor timepieces.

Tudor utilises both in-house movements and modified third-party movements depending on the specific watch model. Their manufacturing approach balances tradition with innovation.

Are Tudor watches considered of high quality?

Tudor watches are widely regarded as high-quality timepieces that meet strict Swiss watchmaking standards. They undergo rigorous testing for accuracy, durability and water resistance.

The brand has built a strong reputation for reliability, with many models featuring robust construction that withstands daily wear. Their quality control processes reflect their connection to Rolex's standards of excellence.

Tudor watches deliver exceptional value by offering premium materials and precise movements at more accessible price points than some other luxury Swiss brands.

How does Tudor's ownership relate to Rolex?

Tudor is a sub-brand of Rolex, both founded by Hans Wilsdorf. Wilsdorf established Tudor in 1946 as a sister company to Rolex.

The relationship allows Tudor to benefit from Rolex's expertise and manufacturing knowledge while maintaining its distinct identity. Both brands operate under the umbrella of the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.

This connection explains certain similarities in design language and build quality, though Tudor maintains its own unique aesthetic and price positioning in the luxury watch market.

What is the price range for Tudor watches?

Tudor watches typically range from approximately AUD 3,500 to AUD 7,500, positioning them in the accessible luxury segment of the watch market. Entry-level models like the Tudor 1926 represent the lower end of this range.

The popular Black Bay collection generally sits in the mid-range, offering excellent value for mechanical timepieces with in-house movements. Limited editions and models with complications can command higher prices.

This pricing strategy allows Tudor to serve as an entry point to Swiss luxury watches while maintaining premium quality standards.

How does Tudor compare to other luxury watch brands like Omega?

Tudor competes directly with brands like Omega in terms of quality and heritage, though Tudor typically offers its timepieces at more accessible price points. Both brands feature excellent movement technology and craftsmanship.

Where Omega might emphasise its legacy with space exploration and Olympic timekeeping, Tudor focuses on its robust tool watch heritage and value proposition. Tudor has carved out a distinct identity with collections like the Black Bay and Pelagos.

Tudor watches often appeal to enthusiasts who appreciate luxury watchmaking but prefer understated designs and strong value for money.

Can one visit the factory where Tudor watches are produced?

Tudor's manufacturing facilities in Switzerland have traditionally been closed to the public, maintaining an air of exclusivity and secrecy around their production processes.

Recently, Tudor has shown signs of greater transparency by occasionally opening its doors for special media tours. These rare glimpses into their operations have been documented in videos and articles, providing watch enthusiasts with insights into their manufacturing.

General public tours remain unavailable, unlike some other Swiss watch manufacturers who offer limited visitor experiences at their facilities.