Long celebrated for its robust dive watches, TUDOR now turns attention to a dress watch milestone: the 1926 Luna. This elegant anniversary line, introduced in 2018 to honour its foundation, embodies both subtlety and precision with clean contours and a refined “waffle” dial texture.”
This year, TUDOR launched a new set of timepieces into its 1926 collection: The Luna, which marks the first moonphase aperture on the maison's timepiece. In this article, we delve into the rich history of the 1926 collection and explore how the new 1926 Luna celebrates the innovation of Swiss horologists.
A Timepiece that Embodies Reliability, Precision and Understated Elegance
Founded in 1926, German businessman Hans Wilsdorf wanted to create a timepiece brand that married the element of reliability with robustness. A more ‘hardy’ timepiece than dress watches, with excellent Swiss-precision, TUDOR came to life in the form of the early watches distributed to the French Navy.
Over the years, the Swiss horologists grew to be a well-known active timepiece brand specialising in diving watches to mountaineering timepieces. The brand’s foundation was firmly rooted in function, offering robust, precise instruments built to endure the harshest environments. Over time, however, TUDOR has masterfully expanded its repertoire, blending technical excellence with refined aesthetics.
The beginnings of the TUDOR 1926
Unveiled in 2018, the TUDOR 1926 collection was created to celebrate the year the brand was officially registered, paying homage to its origins and the enduring legacy of the original TUDOR Oyster. The 1926 collection offers an elegant variety of dial colours that beautifully complement its vintage‑inspired design.
The 1926 Collection
A blend of heritage and personal expression across four case sizes: 28 mm, 36 mm, 39 mm, and 41 mm, ensures a perfect fit for any wrist. Though the timepieces vary in dial colors, featuring black, silver, or white, each one is unified by the distinctive "waffle" pattern that has become a signature of the collection. This textured detail, rooted in vintage design, gives the watches a timeless character.
Related: The History of TUDOR Watches
Introducing the TUDOR 1926 Luna
The Luna variations are introduced in three new colour phases: sunburst blue, sunburst champagne, and sunburst black. The striking balance between the simplicity of the dial and the innovative introduction of TUDOR’s first moonphase offers a perfect and elegant dress watch.
At first look, the TUDOR 1926 Luna offers a classic yet fresh aesthetic. With three variations to choose from, each Arabic numeral and solid line stands proudly against the sunburst dial, ensuring good legibility and a striking display. The shape of the 1926 Luna echoes that of the earlier styles, paying tribute to sleek and understated design.
Elegant Simplicity
The 39mm dial of the Luna includes a combination of even-numbered Arabic numbers and dash dial-markers. This pays homage to the look of the original TUDOR Oyster, which became a loved and iconic dress-watch. The raised numbers provide excellent clarity and, against opposing colours, such as black applique on a champagne burst dial, evokes a balanced look.
Seven-Link Steel Bracelet
The 1926 Luna is fitted with a seven-link steel bracelet, meticulously crafted with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. Its elegant construction ensures a seamless integration with the case, enhancing the watch’s refined silhouette. Designed for both comfort and longevity, the bracelet embodies the same balance of form and function that defines the entire 1926 collection. Its vintage-inspired aesthetic, paired with modern durability, makes it a fitting complement to the Luna’s timeless appeal.
The First Moonphase Aperture
The 1926 Luna marks the first TUDOR timepiece to incorporate a moonphase complication. This is a huge turning point in the brand's ingenuity, as, up until now, the 1926 line has prided itself on a refined but elegant design.
At the 6 o’clock position on the dial of the Luna sits the moonphase aperture, a poetic complication that adds a celestial elegance to the timepiece. This delicately executed feature displays the waxing and waning of the moon in exquisite detail, offering a subtle tribute to classical watchmaking.
Harmoniously integrated into the dial’s balanced layout, the moonphase not only enriches the watch’s visual depth but also reflects the maison's continued dedication to blending mechanical sophistication with timeless design.
The moonphase complication operates via a precision-engineered 59-tooth gear, which advances incrementally each day to accurately mirror the lunar cycle. When properly maintained, the mechanism requires adjustment only once every 2.5 years.
The Beating Heart of the tudor 1926 Luna
Beneath the elegant exterior of the 1926 Luna lies a dedication to precision and reliability. True to the brand’s philosophy, the movement is both robust and refined, ensuring dependable performance for everyday wear. Its mechanical heart is housed within a meticulously constructed case, providing a harmonious balance between inner engineering and outward sophistication.
The TUDOR Luna is powered by the self-winding T601 calibre, a Swiss-made mechanical movement renowned for its reliability and accuracy. Designed for longevity and ease of maintenance, this calibre delivers smooth timekeeping and steady power reserve, reinforcing TUDOR’s reputation for functional excellence rooted in horological tradition.
Moonlit Magic with TUDOR at Michael Spiers
The constant push for innovation and modernity in all of TUDOR timepieces is a testament to their strength as a brand. The TUDOR 1926 collection signifies a simple yet strong presence across their collections, whilst also honouring the horological expertise of the timepiece components.
If you are interested in the TUDOR 1926 collection or would like to discuss any other TUDOR-related questions, our teams at Truro, Plymouth, and Taunton look forward to speaking with you.
