Has Tudor just released the ideal wear-it-everywhere watch? There is certainly a case to be made for the newest additions to its Tudor Royal collection, with diamond bezels and a striking new blue dial colour. The Tudor Royal is one of the Swiss brand’s more unsung, if-you-know-you-know lines. The brand is rightfully famous for its Black Bay collection of sporty dive watches—most recently with a swishy, summer spirit—but that’s certainly not all it is capable of.
Founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the younger sibling brand to Rolex has long had a clear perspective: matching the best possible mechanical and aesthetic quality to a price that’s easier to approach. Tudor’s take on luxury is one of open accessibility, which is what gives its watches a lightness of spirit—they are beautiful, well-crafted objects that are aspirational and relatable.
The Tudor Royal range is part of Wilsdorf’s living legacy, and through its sport-chic design offers up what might just be a perfect middle-ground style for today. It’s got a sporty look, thanks to its stainless steel case construction; waterproofness to 100 metres; as well as a comfortable five-link integrated bracelet. That’s all tempered by stylish details, such as the thoughtful mix of satin-brushed and polished finishes on the case and bracelet. Most of its surfaces are satin-brushed, which imparts a less shiny and therefore more sporty look. It’s the sides of the case, the inner links of the bracelet, the edges of the bezel, and the crown that are mirror polished—touches of higher shine that gives it contrast and depth.
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The latest additions to the collection are nudging the Tudor Royal into the territory of a true modern classic. Brand ambassador Cheng Yi was the face of the watchmaker’s two new references, charmingly sized at 28mm and offered in either full stainless steel or two-tone steel and gold. It fits into the trend of the moment for smaller watches, and sits nicely on a wide range of wrist sizes. What’s new to these models is its blue dial with a sunray finish, decorated with diamond-set hour markers.
What really gives the design a modern look is its bezel. The Tudor Royal is typically outfitted with a notched bezel with alternating cut grooves—a neo-vintage effect that leans into the heritage and nobility implied by the collection’s name. When the bezel is set with diamonds, though, the look completely changes. The sparkle adds a contemporary effect, and crosses the sportier aspects of its aesthetic with a touch of glamour. There’s a neat detail too: the bezel is adorned with precisely 60 diamonds, a subtle stroke of precision that lines the gemstones up with the railroad track on the dial. Dressed this way, the watch becomes extremely versatile—that quality necessary for a modern icon—a stylish companion for both the on- and off-duty hours.
Discover the Tudor Royal collection at The Hour Glass.
