One of the things that makes the world of luxury watches and watch collecting so beautiful is the variety of models and brands – there really is something for every style, budget and taste. But what if you had to choose just one watch brand to wear for the rest of your life? We asked our authors to weigh in. The rules are simple:
- You have to choose one watch brand to wear for the rest of your life.
- Money is no object.
- Twist: You get one “wild card” watch, i.e., you can swap one watch from your chosen brand for a watch from another brand. Which one would it be?
As someone who is not only passionate about watches, but also has a lot to do with them professionally, I enjoy the variety that the watch world has to offer. Whether it’s a well-known luxury brand or a microbrand, we have an almost endless selection of watches available in all price ranges, styles, and from all over the world. But if I could only choose one watch brand to wear for the rest of my life, it would definitely be Tudor. After all, the Rolex sibling brand is responsible for my interest in watches in the first place and the reason I’m writing these words right now.
Tudor: Rolex’s Cool Sibling
Yes, you read that right: Although there are no limits to budget in this game, I’ve opted for a watch brand that is fairly priced compared to other luxury watch manufacturers; some might even call it down-to-earth. While I admit I really like the idea of wearing an extremely crazy and expensive watch brand forever, I think there is no watch brand that I identify with more than Tudor. The Rolex sibling has a long and storied past, but it’s never been knocked down and has been on a triumphant march since the Black Bay was first introduced. Tudor has ensured that we’ve enjoyed a vintage boom in recent years. However, with watches like the new Black Bay Black Monochrome, the Swiss manufacturer has also shown that they have the courage to bring out more modern interpretations of their classics. Tudor continues to shake up the watch industry. I really like the overall design language of the watches, and the fact that Tudor can get away with more bold moves than Rolex. And let’s face it, what brand could be better suited to a slightly nerdy guy in a beanie and denim jacket writing about luxury watches?
A Tudor for Life
So my love for Tudor has certainly not gone unnoticed by you. But which model would I choose if I could only wear one watch from this manufacturer? That question is not so easy to answer, because the large Black Bay collection alone contains several candidates that I would love to wear – even though they are all essentially the same model. But as great as I think watches like the Black Bay 58, the new Black Bay Monochrome, or the officially discontinued Tudor Date Day are, my choice would be the Tudor Black Bay 54. It combines the best of the past and present. On the one hand, it is closely modeled on the original Tudor Submariner from 1954 and is, therefore, like a time machine that takes me back to the glory days of diving watches. On the other hand, this watch is equipped with the latest technology and has an overall feel that is unparalleled in this price range – and sometimes even beyond. Operating the crown, the T-Fit clasp and, above all, the crisp diving bezel literally gives me goosebumps. I almost like the dial even better, which is vintage-inspired but always looks fresh and modern thanks to its smart sunburst effect. It’s a joy to see the watch in the sunlight and the golden elements give it an incomparable look.
The Wild Card: Staying in the Rolex Family
As great as I think Tudor is as a watch brand (I would certainly have no problem wearing nothing but a Tudor Black Bay 54 forever), there is one watch that accompanies me almost every day: the Rolex Datejust 41 with a white dial. This versatile watch suits any occasion and will never go out of fashion. The snow-white dial ensures the timepiece goes with just about any attire and the fluted bezel gives the watch just the right amount of bling. If you’re wearing an expensive watch, I think it’s allowed to have a little sparkle. The only watch that could really top it for me is a Rolex Day-Date.
