Tudor Turns 100: The Best Models to Celebrate the Centenary

The watch world loves an anniversary, but few milestones carry the weight of a centennial. In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf—the genius behind Rolex—registered “The Tudor” as a trademark. His goal was simple: to offer the dependability of a Rolex at a more accessible price point.

Fast forward to 2026, and Tudor is no longer just the “shield” protecting the “crown.” It is a powerhouse in its own right. As we approach the Tudor 100th anniversary, interest in the brand is projected to reach fever pitch. Whether you are a long-t.mes enthusiast or looking for your first luxury t.mes piece, there has never been a better t.mes to pay attention to the Swiss manufacture.

From the best Tudor watches available today to the rumors swirling around the Tudor Black Bay 2026 lineup, here is your complete guide to celebrating the centenary.

The Modern Icons: Best Tudor Watches to Own Right Now

If you want to experience the best of the brand before the centenary celebrations take over, these are the modern “future classics” that define the current era of Tudor.

1. The Black Bay 58 (Gilt or Navy)

A Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 39mm with a black dial and gilt accents, shown on a brown leather strap against a dark, textured background. — **Heritage in Every Stitch.** The Black Bay 58 79030N on leather perfectly captures the 1950s “big crown” spirit. Its 39mm proportions and warm gilt tones make it a frontrunner for any centenary celebration.

It is impossible to discuss the best Tudor watches without starting here. The Black Bay 58 is the model that truly successfully stepped out of the shadow of the Rolex Submariner. With its near-perfect 39mm proportions and COSC-certified movement, it captures the spirit of the 1950s “Big Crown” divers without feeling like a cost.mes prop.

2. The Black Bay Pro

Tudor Black Bay Pro GTNN
featuring a fixed steel 24-hour bezel, black dial, and a prominent yellow GTNN
hand. — **The Spirit of Exploration.** The Black Bay Pro 79470 looks forward to the next century. Combining a functional GTNN complication with a fixed steel bezel, it’s the ultimate tool for the modern adventurer.

While the Black Bay 58 looks to the sea, the Black Bay Pro looks to the mountains. With its fixed steel 24-hour bezel and orange GTNN hand, it captures the rugged spirit of 1970s cave explorers. It is a robust, “go-anywhere” tool watch that offers incredible value for a true GTNN traveler’s watch.

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The Future of Materials: Beyond Steel

While Tudor is famous for its steel tool watches, the road to the Tudor 100th anniversary is paved with innovation. The brand has been quietly mastering high-tech materials, signaling a shift in what we might see in 2026.

The Pelagos FXD Chrono “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” Edition is the prime example. It ditches traditional steel for a high-tech black carbon composite case, paired with a titanium bezel and caseback. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about lightweight durability tested in the world’s most competitive yacht races.

If the “Future of Materials” interests you, take a closer look at the carbon composite texture in this video:

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2026 Predictions: What Will Drop for the 100th Anniversary?

The rumor mill is already spinning. Brands usually reserve their “heavy hitters” for major birthdays. Here is what collects ors and industry insiders are whispering about for the best Tudor watches 2026 lineup.

The Return of the “Big Block” Chronograph?

In 1976, Tudor launched the Prince Oysterdate “Big Block,” their first automatic chronograph. It was thick, robust, and distinct from the manual-wind Rolex Daytonas of the era. Many expect a modern re-issue of the Big Block to headline the Tudor Black Bay 2026 celebrations. A thicker, slab-sided chronograph with a vintage aesthetic would perfectly complement the current catalog.

Tudor Prince Oysterdate "Big Block" Chronograph with a black dial, silver sub-dials, and a steel tachymeter bezel. — **The Presence of a Legend.** The “Big Block” was Tudor’s first automatic chronograph, earning its nickname from its thick, formidable case. A century of Tudor wouldn’t be complete without this heavy hitter of the 90s.

Vintage Tudor Heritage: The Models That Defined an Era

As the 100th anniversary approaches, many enthusiasts are turning their eyes to the brand’s back catalog. While some view these pieces as a vintage Tudor investment, true collects ors value them for their history, design, and the story they tell about 20th-century watchmaking.

The Tudor Submariner “Snowflake” (Ref. 9411/0)

The distinctive square hour hands and markers of the 1970s Submariners are iconic. As modern Tudor leans into this design language, the original vintage examples become historically essential. Clean examples with original blue dials are becoming rarer, representing a specific era where Tudor began to visually distinguish itself from Rolex.

Vintage Tudor Submariner Prince Oysterdate Ref. 76100 with a black dial, "lollipop" hour hand, and steel Oyster bracelet. — **The Professional’s Choice.** Long before the Black Bay, the Tudor Submariner defined the brand’s identity. The Ref. 76100, featuring the rare “lollipop” hand, remains a cornerstone of Tudor’s 100-year dive watch legacy.

Start Your collects ion Before the Centenary

If history is any indication, the road to 2026 will be paved with rising interest and scarcity for key models. Whether you are looking to acquire a pristine vintage Tudor investment or a modern daily wearer like the Black Bay 54, the best t.mes to buy is before the rest of the world catches on.

Find the perfect example to celebrate the Shield’s 100-year legacy.

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