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What’s the difference between tudor and rolex?

  • Thread starter mike7371
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mike7371

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A watch that looks and feels like a Rolex, but does not have a Rolex logo just might be in fact a Rolex. But, is there a difference between Tudor and Rolex watches? Rolex has a sister line known at Tudor. Tudors are not prevalent in the United States. This is because Rolex USA does not import Tudor watches. However, because people have brought them into the U.S., they can be found on the secondary and pre-owned markets.

Many automobile companies have two different models at differing price points. Well, Rolex has as similar structure with Tudor. Tudor watches utilize the same case material and similar design, similar bracelets and dials. However the movement is typically a Swiss made ETA or Valjoux movement, rather than an in-house Rolex movement. In fact, Rolex manufactures, distributes and services both watches. But, the difference is in styles and price points. Also, Rolex intended Tudors to appeal to a wider international audience. [h=3]More Moderate Prices[/h]
Traditionally, Rolex models exemplify “evolution” rather than “revolution.” Because of this, Tudor models are markedly different from the traditional Rolex line. Tudor allowed Rolex to experiment with styles and materials that were not generally found in the staid Rolex model line. The utilization of cloth watch straps, titanium cases, vibrant colors and dials are commonplace for Tudor. Honoring the Tudor period in England, Hans Wilsdorf unveiled the line in 1946 with the intent of having a Rolex pedigreed wristwatch available to the common man. Early Tudor’s have a Tudor Rose emblem, which changed to the Tudor shield during the 1960’s.
tudor2.jpg
Tudor Watch that looks like a Submariner, because it is in a Rolex Submariner case.
Because Tudors utilize the same case, crown, crystal, and bracelet design as Rolex, Tudors are the go-to tool watch for many entities including sportsmen and various branches of the armed forces. Up until that last few decades, Tudor watches utilized Rolex signed crowns, bracelets and crystals. The difference between Tudor and Rolex was the movement inside and its respective price point as a result of the less expensive ETA or Valjoux movement. However, Rolex Tudor always recognized the advantage of their direct connection to Rolex in order to improve their sales.

Essentially, a Tudor is a Rolex. Similar packaging, similar styles, similar quality and timing, similar metal (both gold and stainless models), and both are serviceable at any Rolex Service Center.
 
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muiramas

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A Tudor is not a Rolex. I would suggest that the association between the two is as more of a hindrance than a benefit to Tudor. Got a Black Bay? Say hi to the elephant in the room called Submariner.
 

SOLEX

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Back in the day Tudor had Rolex cases, bracelets, and other bits (everything but the movement and different printing on the dial)

Today Tudor has all of it's own cases and parts. It is just a division of Rolex, nothing more. I think it is a great line, they push the envelope with designs that Rolex would deem too risky.