TUDOR’s French Navy Roots

This is a story that begins with in French Navy. Not exactly what you might expect from a watch designer, but that beginning is a key part of what makes TUDOR so unique.

The Oyster Prince Submariner

In 1954, the TUDOR Oyster Prince Submariner was created for professional divers. It was evaluated in 1956, by the Groupement d’Étude et de Recherches Sous-Marines (G.E.R.S.), known in English as the Underwater Study and Research Group. After review, the watch was deemed “perfect” and “completely correct” by the Commander of the G.E.R.S. It quickly became the watch for divers.

French Navy's Official Watch

By 1959, TUDOR caught the attention of the French Navy, who quickly adopted it as their official watch for Marine Nationale divers. This was the Reference 7928, which featured the “square crown guards,” and is still the centerpiece of TUDOR watches today.

The Rolex-TUDOR Connection

Looking at TUDOR watches, you may notice a hint of another famous watch brand: Rolex. This isn’t merely a coincidence. TUDOR was started by “Veuve de Philippe Hüther” on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, who founded both TUDOR and Rolex. As Rolex went in the direction of luxury fashion, TUDOR was designed to be a high-performance instrument that’s both reliable and robust.

Innovation in the TUDOR Prince

In addition to being a sister company to Rolex, Wilsdorf endowed TUDOR with a feature unique to Rolex. He said, “I have decided that the TUDOR Prince deserves to share with Rolex two advantages I would allow no other watch to use – the famous and unique waterproof Oyster case and the original self- winding Perpetual ‘rotor’ mechanism. All TUDOR Oyster Princes will have these two exceptional features, previously exclusive to Rolex. This indicates, I think, the measure of our faith in the new watch. I am proud to give my personal endorsement.”

Born To Dare Legacy

But these watches also go beyond the standards. Pioneering creativity and a “Born to Dare” attitude continue to set TUDOR apart. TUDOR watches represent a fusion of the original and the contemporary, making watches that are unrivaled.

TUDOR in Sports 

While known for their dive watches, TUDOR embraces the bold in every aspect. You’ll find it on the waves as part of the World Surf League with award winning surfer Nic Von Rupp. You’ll see it in the TUDOR Pro Cycling Team, on the seas in the America’s Cup, and the official timekeeper o UCI World Tour races.

A Trusted Legacy

Trusted by the US Navy SEALs, the French Marine Nationale, and adventurers around the globe, we’re proud to carry TUDOR watches in our stores.

Find TUDOR watches at Schwarzschild Jewelers in Richmond, Charlottesville, and Midlothian Virginia