The TUDOR Royal name first came into public view in the 1950s, but in 2020, a new modern variation entered the global market for the Royal collection, with four size variants and several dial colours to choose from.
The TUDOR Royal collection pays homage to its predecessors with its iconic edged curves and distinctive notched bezel, whilst complementing the look with new variations of dials with both precious gemstones or Roman numerals.
In this article, we explore the rich history of TUDOR’s Royal collection, when is the best time to fashion a TUDOR Royal timepiece and why they have become so popular.
The History of TUDOR
TUDOR began their story in 1926, when founder, Hans Wilsdorf, moved to create a watch that “embodied reliability, precision, and an understated elegance.” Qualities that would come to define TUDOR for generations to come. Known for their range of robust divers watches like the Black Bay and Pelagos, TUDOR have risen in the hierarchy of luxury swiss timepieces.
The TUDOR Royal Collection is an ode to its predecessors like the TUDOR Oyster Prince timepiece. The TUDOR Oysterdate Prince was named to signify the high-quality of it’s timepieces and featured self-winding movements to showcase the expert and innovative mechanisms from TUDOR.
Related : The History of TUDOR Watches
TUDOR: Born to DARE
TUDOR’s dominance in the industry has grown exponentially with the introduction of their Born to Dare campaign. Partnering with the likes of British footballer, David Beckham, Surfer Nic Von Rupp and the Tudor X Racing bulls Cash App F1 Team, only solidifies TUDOR’s determination to push themselves further and take on new challenges.
Related : Introducing the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono ‘Carbon 25’
BORN TO DARE: Styled by David Beckham
With dial sizes like 41mm and 38mm the TUDOR Royal appeals to both men and women, professionals and collectors alike, who value heritage, durability, and understated elegance.
A favourite for British football icon, David Beckham, the TUDOR Royal 41mm has featured in his everyday wardrobe. The epitome of effortless blend between sports-chic, Beckham sports the Royal 41mm in an upload to his social media.
“Tudor Watch you’ve done it again, love the new Tudor Royal”
- David Beckham
Defining the TUDOR Royal Collection
The official TUDOR Royal collection was titled in 2020, inspired by previous TUDOR models with ‘Royal’ in their name. Titled the ‘Royal’ collection, these timepieces feature a sports-chic design with heritage in mind. Boasting first-class technical performance and a refined aesthetic, the collection sits at the crossroads between classic and sports watches.
These timepieces are available in 316L stainless steel or stainless steel with gold, and offered in 4 sizes (28 mm, 34 mm, 38 mm, 41 mm). With 9 possible dials in a variety of sunray satin-finishes (or mother-of-pearl), and applied Roman numerals or diamonds, each dial features a sunray motif that radiates from the centre, creating elegant lighting effects and reflections that accentuate the chic character of the royal.
A unique feature of the TUDOR Royal is its integrated bracelet, which seamlessly connects to the case without lugs, creating a streamlined look and enhancing comfort with its gentle taper. The alternating smooth and notched bezel adds a touch of sporty refinement, underscoring the timepiece's versatility.
The most recent additions to the Royal collection are the new radial brushed salmon and chocolate brown dials. Offering an unexpected and modern aesthetic, these dials create a perfectly complemented contrast against the stainless steel and gold bezels.
Inside the TUDOR Royal Collection
The case of the TUDOR Royal models is waterproof in all circumstances and to 100 metres (330 feet) below sea level thanks to its screw-down crown and caseback. The self-winding, automatic movements, primarily based on Sellita calibers are a pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking expertise. Finely decorated despite not being visible the interior movements of the TUDOR Royal timepieces are adjusted to the highest chronometry standards in the watchmaking industry.
When is the best time to wear a TUDOR Royal?
The TUDOR Royal shines in both formal and smart-casual settings. Its sophisticated case and bracelet design make it ideal for business meetings, evening events, and formal occasions, while its robust automatic movement ensures it's suitable for daily wear as well.
Known as a 'sports-chic' timepiece, the TUDOR Royal collection allows the weare for full flexibility and function. The refined dials with a luxurious sunray dial offers elegant simplicity. A quintessential "desk-to-dinner" timepiece that is ideal for those on-the-go or for those looking for a universal timepiece they can take anywhere.
Our Favourite TUDOR Royals at Michael Spiers
The TUDOR Royal collection has gained popularity in later years thanks to the elegantly coloured sunray dials and sleek, sports-chic look. With a wide variety of dials and bracelets available from the TUDOR Royal collection, we asked our Michael Spiers experts, Tom and Mel, from our showrooms in Plymouth and Taunton for their favourites.
The Royal 41mm - Tom’s Favourite (Plymouth)
The Royal 28mm - Mel’s Favourite (Taunton)
Tom, our TUDOR expert at our Plymouth showroom, favours the Royal 41mm with a blue sunray motif and roman numeral dial.
“It is such a classic design, it suits everything and everywhere. TUDOR have continued to innovate with timeless styles and the Royal collection is a testament to their heritage.” - Tom
This reference also offers a Date & Day function located at the 12 o’clock position and 3’oclock position, making it ideal for those looking for a refined look with a hint of edge.
Our TUDOR expert in Taunton, Mel, chose the Royal 28mm, steel and yellow gold and mother-of-pearl dial as her favourite.
“The mixed metals effortlessly fit with everyone’s skin tone. It is such a lovely piece that can transform every outfit into that extra step above. I particularly love the diamond bezel, it gives such a luxurious feel to the whole timepiece.” - Mel
The Mother-of-pearl dial is sourced and crafted from the worlds largest oysters (Pinctada Maxima), which means each dial for these models are unique to the wearer.
DARE 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 Royal 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 any of the TUDOR Royal models, or would like to discuss any other TUDOR related questions, our teams at Truro, Plymouth and Taunton look forward to speaking with you.
