Tudor Watches
Big Watch Buyers offers a curated selection of authenticated, pre-owned Tudor timepieces in the New York Diamond District. Explore the Tudor lineup below.
Rolex's Other Brand — and Why That Is an Advantage
Tudor was founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf — the same man who founded Rolex — as a more affordable alternative that used the same Oyster case and Perpetual rotor technology but sourced movements from third-party suppliers rather than manufacturing them in-house. For decades, Tudor was positioned as "the Rolex you can afford" and was sold through the same dealer network. In 2013, Tudor relaunched with a new identity: no longer a cheaper Rolex, but a brand with its own design language (the snowflake hands, the burgundy bezel, the rivet-style bracelet) and its own manufacture movements (the MT5600 series, developed in-house at Tudor's Geneva facility). The relaunched Tudor is the most compelling value proposition in Swiss watchmaking: manufacture movements, 200m+ water resistance, chronometer-certified precision, and vintage-inspired design — all at prices that compete with Longines and Oris rather than Rolex.
The Black Bay: Tudor's Crown Jewel
The Black Bay (introduced 2012) is the watch that relaunched Tudor. It is a dive watch that combines elements from Tudor's 1950s and 1960s Submariners (the snowflake hands, the domed dial, the burgundy bezel) with modern specifications (200m water resistance, manufacture caliber MT5602, 70-hour power reserve, silicon hairspring). The Black Bay is not a vintage reissue — it is a modern watch that uses vintage design language, which means it has the charm of a 1960s diver with the reliability of a 2020s manufacture movement. It is the most successful watch in Tudor's history and the one that established the brand as a legitimate alternative to Rolex's professional lineup.
Pre-Owned Pricing Guide
| Model | Retail (approx.) | Pre-Owned Range | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bay Steel (M79580) | $4,150 | $2,500–$3,500 | 16–40% |
| Black Bay Burgundy (M7941R) | $4,300 | $2,800–$3,800 | 12–35% |
| Black Bay Blue (M7941B) | $4,300 | $2,800–$3,800 | 12–35% |
| Pelagos 39 (M82601) | $4,700 | $3,000–$4,000 | 15–36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Tudor or Rolex?
A: Rolex has stronger brand recognition, better value retention, and a more extensive dealer network. Tudor has a manufacture movement, vintage-inspired design, and a price point that is 60–70% lower than the equivalent Rolex. If you want the brand that everyone recognizes, Rolex. If you want the best mechanical value in Swiss diving watches, Tudor.
Q: Is the MT5602 movement as good as the Rolex 3230?
A: It is manufactured in the same Geneva industrial complex, uses a silicon hairspring (which Rolex does not), has a 70-hour power reserve (same as Rolex), and is chronometer-certified by COSC. The finishing is less refined than Rolex's, but the functional performance is equivalent.
Q: Black Bay or Pelagos?
A: The Black Bay is the vintage-inspired dive watch — domed dial, snowflake hands, warm aesthetics. The Pelagos is the professional dive tool — titanium case, 500m water resistance, LHD option, maximum functionality. The Black Bay is the daily-wear choice; the Pelagos is the serious-diver choice.
Sell or Trade Your Tudor
Our specialists provide transparent valuations for every Tudor reference. We understand the nuances: model (Black Bay vs. Pelagos), bezel color (burgundy is most popular), and the presence of the original box, warranty card, and documentation. Walk into our 47th Street showroom for an immediate appraisal, or use our fully insured Parcel Pro shipping label for a remote evaluation with same-day payment.
Visit Us in the Diamond District
Our showroom: 20 W 47th St., Suite 401, New York, NY 10036. Walk-ins welcome.
Hours: Mon–Fri 9 AM – 6 PM | Sat–Sun Closed | Phone: +1 (646) 429-9412
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