Did Tudor Diverge From Hans Wilsdorf's Original Vision?

Having charted its destiny from diffusion line to a brand in its own right, did Tudor diverge from Hans Wilsdorf’s original vision? What watch collector John Low and Watch Palace owner John How discovered, might surprise you

- John Low and John How

According to John how, owner of Watch Palace, an institution in the Singapore watch retail scene since 1978, the designs of early Tudor timepieces, especially those with jubilee bracelets were virtually identical to their more established older brother Rolex. “You paid a premium back in those days for Rolex, but there was no lack of quality from Tudor,” recalls How. Indeed, when Tudor was a new company, it was more like Rolex than it is today, and this is because of the fact that Tudor was actually founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex.

The iconic crown could be seen on casebacks, parts and bracelets, How remembers that consumers in the ’70s and ’80s still gravitated towards Rolex, but he also remembers how the Tudor Prince was an early bestseller for visiting Hong Kong and Chinese tourists. After its relaunch, however, Tudor has built a different reputation, of a high-quality, reputable watch company, with a rich and interesting history, which reflects quality craftsmanship and watchmaking.