
As the younger and more affordable sister to Rolex, Tudor is in a unique position to offer expertly-made watches at remarkably accessible prices. There’s really nothing like it for what it has to offer, which has really made it the darling of watch collectors worldwide.
Whether you have an expansive budget and are able to pick up Tudors without batting an eye, or are pinching your pennies and saving to buy watches like these, Tudor fits perfectly for every price range.
So here, we’re going to be breaking down the very finest of Tudor’s affordable watches, shying away from anything that strays into the $10,000+ range and focusing here on the best of their collections available for less.
History of Tudor Watches
Like Rolex, Tudor was founded by the brilliant Hans Wilsdorf, and from the beginning was intended to be a more affordable alternative to Rolex while carrying the same air of dependability. Tudor was founded in Geneva in 1926, 21 years after Rolex.
At the start, Rolex served as a helping hand to its younger sister, and the two brand names occasionally shared the dial so the customer could be reassured that Tudor was made just as well as Rolex.
Tudor truly began to come into its own by its 10th birthday in 1936, when Hans Wilsdorf took firmer control over the company and began to adorn watches with their first logo, along with the Tudor name, a rose, which is the symbol of the Tudor dynasty of monarchs.
Another decade later, Tudor was registered as its own company, independent of Rolex, though Rolex continued to play an important role in the development and formation of its watches.
Tudor’s first famous watch, the Oyster Prince, came in 1952, so-named for its use of Rolex’s Oyster case, which had been developed a number of years earlier.
At this point, Wilsdorf showed his marketing genius: Tudor watches were sent through a number of difficult trials, such as a British expedition to Greenland or adorning the wrist of a construction worker operating a jackhammer.
These proofs of Tudor’s versatility and strength only served to continue to establish the brand as a powerhouse in its own right, even independent of Rolex.
The brand only continued to grow and mature throughout the remaining decades to the modern day, notably exchanging their rose for a shield in 1969 and introducing still more of the collections that continue to be offered on their website to this day.
I have no hesitation in saying today that Tudor has fully come into its own, and is finally recognized on its own terms by the watch community at large.
The 15 Best Cheap Tudor Watches
Like I said above, whether you have a large budget and are a dedicated watch collector or are looking to save for your first luxury mechanical wristwatch, Tudor has excellent options for you.
This list isn’t just the 15 cheapest watches Tudor has listed on their website, but a carefully curated selection of affordable options from each of Tudor’s best collections.
It’s a list that I’m sure will speak to you, whether it serves as a launchpad for your own research into Tudor’s offerings or whether you find your next dream watch right here. So, enough bandying words; let’s dive right into the list!
Tudor 1926 ref. M91450-0010 – $2,050

Tudor’s 1926 collection is their most traditional in terms of the design and watchmaking offered, which leads to some very striking watches that play with the constraints of classical watchmaking in a way that manages to stay refreshing. In this case, the textured center section of the dial contrasts gently with the smooth outside minutes track, and the blue tone of the numerals and hands is a superb addition to the opaline base dial.
Thanks to the way colors and textures play together here, it effortlessly manages to put a modern spin on a very traditional-feeling watch. Automatic caliber T601 powers this little beauty, and I do mean little, as the case is also traditional in its sizing at just 36mm. At just a hair over $2,000, this is a superb value proposition from the brand that does value best.
Tudor 1926 ref. M91350-0002 – $2,100

With this model, the 1926 collection shows its versatility with a petite 28mm ladies’ watch. Typically, ladies’ watches in such a small size are susceptible to distorted proportions. So many brands choose to have separate ladies’ collections instead of just trying to shrink a larger watch down.
In this case, however, Tudor does a spectacular job at keeping the same proportions as the other 1926 models, along with the same design language to create a watch that feels perfectly at home in the 1926 collection while also providing an entirely new style thanks to the updated size.
The black patterned dial here keeps the watch from feeling overly feminine (in a sort of all-pink or mother-of-pearl dial way) and yet solidly elegant and classy. It’s a simple and clean watch and pairs admirably well with its thin bracelet, which is just 15mm wide.
Tudor Royal ref. M28500-0007 – $2,675

I find the Royal collection to be a vastly underrated offering from Tudor, and one that, for such a spectacular price, deserves far more consideration. The bezel is absolutely stunning, with alternating fluting and smooth patterns that move your eye around the circular frame of the dial.
The case is well crafted and flows smoothly into the bracelet thanks to a facet near where the lugs would be. Additionally, a common complaint you’ll hear with many Tudor Royals is the disproportionate dial. I’ve heard a ton of arguments that the numerals are far too small, leaving too much negative space in the dial.
In this case, I actually find that that works in the watch’s favor. All that open space leaves all the more appreciation for the stunning salmon dial with sunray finishing, and though the numerals are small, they are lovely and well-polished. This is without doubt a peerless integrated sports watch for its price.
Tudor Clair de Rose ref. M35200-0009 – $2,725

The Clair de Rose collection is Tudor’s ladies-first offering, and the simple elegance of their designs makes it one of their finest. At just 26mm, it’s even smaller than the 1926 I discussed above, but it still manages to pack a considerable amount of complexity and depth into its dial.
For easy use, the crown is slightly extended but not to the point where it feels awkward, and it’s surmounted by a blue cabochon as if Tudor’s taking a leaf out of Cartier’s playbook.
The bracelet is beautiful and highly polished, and its engraved clasp is a reference, like the name, to Tudor’s old rose logo.
Overall, I find it to be a thoughtful watch that goes much further in considerate design than most ladies’ watches from brands today.
Tudor Clair de Rose ref. M35500-0001 – $2,825

Due to its slightly larger size, this 30mm model commands a slightly higher price than #4 above, but this particular model also has an elegant and almost completely inverted look compared to the 26mm version.
Most of the features I discussed from #4 still hold true here, but the opaline dial with blue numerals and hands takes on an even classier appearance. The radial patterning in the center, like the ref. M35200-0009 guides the eye outward towards the numerals framed by two patterned rims.
The slightly larger size makes this watch both more legible and slightly more conspicuous—but with its tiny 8mm thick bracelet, it’ll still wear like an elegant bangle.
Tudor Ranger ref. M79950-0002 – $3,225

The Ranger is Tudor’s version of the Rolex Explorer, which is a comparison that’s nothing but favorable for the Ranger.
Like the Explorer, it’s hyper-legible with large lume plots and broad hands, and the bright red tip on the seconds hand ensures that you’ll even be able to track time down to its smallest interval with ease.
The Ranger sits at a perfect 39mm diameter on the wrist, neatly walking the line between too large and overbearing while maintaining strong legibility thanks to its large dial.
Perhaps the best part of this watch, however, is the caliber MT5402 inside, which is COSC-certified as an extremely accurate chronometer. After all, what good is easily legible time if it’s not pinpoint accurate, down to a deviation of just a few seconds per day?
Tudor 1926 ref. M91551-0003 – $3,725

Another 1926! Hello again, old friend—and yet, compared to both of its predecessors, this watch should now appear both familiar and refreshingly new. Honestly, I often struggle with two-tone watches. They’re hit or miss for me, but when they do hit, I fall head over heels in love.
The latter case is definitely true for me with this watch: I can’t get enough of the pairing of dark gray case and bracelet with rose gold accents on the bezel and center bracelet links.
The same patterned dial is present here, but it’s elevated by the presence of rose gold numerals atop the black dial. My only complaint is the non-color-matched date window at 3:00, which does stick out a little more than I’d like it to for a watch that’s so reserved and classy.
That said, it’s without a doubt one of the finest dress watches available on the market today for its price point.
Tudor Black Bay 54 ref. M79000N-0002 – $3,950

Ah, at last, we make our introduction to Tudor’s flagship collection, the Black Bay. Their 54 model is slightly more recent and is a smaller watch at 37mm than the 58. The two were named, perhaps unsurprisingly, for their inspiration: Tudor Submariner models from 1954 and 1958, respectively.
History lesson aside, this is an absolutely incredible dive watch. It’s so clean and simple, especially in this reference on a rubber strap, but it checks all the boxes. My particular favorite is that dial, which evokes vintage gilt dials even though it’s not made in quite the same true-to-vintage way. I’m a sucker for gold.
The hands are large and legible, Tudor’s “snowflake” pattern, and on top of all those good looks, it also runs on the COSC chronometer-certified caliber MT5400. It’s the flagship for a reason.
Tudor Black Bay 58 ref. M79030B-0002 – $3,950

Tudor has been killing it with blue dive watches ever since their Submariner model in the 50s, and this watch is certainly not one to break the trend. Like I discussed for the Black Bay 54, the 58 is the slightly larger (yet still extremely wearable at 39mm) and slightly older (but still rather recent) model.
This particular model throws all the vintage styling of the last one out the window and goes for pure modern class with its monochromatic blue look. It’s clean, it’s simple, it goes great with your favorite pair of blue jeans, and who doesn’t love a blue dial anyway? It’s the Black Bay at its best. Enough said.
Tudor Pelagos FXD ref. M25707KN-0001 – $4,100

To return to Rolex terms, the Pelagos is to the Black Bay as the Sea-Dweller is to the Rolex Submariner. That is to say, it’s Tudor’s much more serious dive option.
This particular model, for example, was created in collaboration with the Alinghi Red Bull yacht racing team, whose logo is engraved on its caseback.
You don’t have to be a fan of yacht racing, however, to recognize a dang good watch when you see one, and this is it right here.
Its carbon composite case is the first headliner for this watch, making it lightweight and wearable on top of its sleek blacked-out design. Its blue dial pops thanks to the juxtaposition with the black case, making for easy legibility as well as a striking look.
And it only takes a glance at the bezel to recognize this watch as the diving tool watch it’s meant to be, as the time scale on the bezel is far more pronounced than that of the Black Bay.
Thanks to its waterproofing of 200m, this is a watch you can take as a companion on any dive and be perfectly comfortable that it will keep running both underwater and after you return to land with the same precision accuracy of its COSC-certified caliber MT5602.
Tudor Black Bay Pro ref. M79470-0005- $4,175

This Black Bay Pro is Tudor’s take on the Rolex Explorer II, and honestly, that alone says enough about this watch that I should be able to stop writing this section there and move on to the next piece. It’s a GMT done in the Tudor way, which is almost the Rolex way.
The accent color is yellow instead of orange, the hands are snowflake instead of Mercedes, and the price tag is $4,000 instead of $10,000. Like the Black Bay and Pelagos, Tudor’s caliber MT5652 is COSC-certified for accuracy.
Interestingly, the Black Bay Pro even blows the Explorer II out of the water in terms of water resistance: 200m instead of 100m, double the original’s resistance. Plus, at 39mm it’s a wonderfully wearable watch and a great companion for every situation.
Tudor Black Bay One 36 ref. M79640-0003 – $4,175

The Black Bay One collection differs from its siblings mostly in the complete absence of a dive bezel, which makes it a considerably dressier model. This watch in particular plays that role perfectly, thanks to its elegant five-link Jubilee bracelet and svelte 36mm size.
None of the characteristic Black Bay quality is sacrificed for this piece, which continues to feature a COSC-certified movement (cal. MT5400) and 100m of water resistance.
Most of all, though, you’ll be buying this watch for that lovely dial, which Tudor describes as a light champagne but which I also find to take on a charming light green hue in certain lighting.
Tudor Royal ref. M28503-0007 – $4,250

The return of the king! Here’s another Royal for your consideration, this time in a beautiful two-tone color with an absolutely stunning chocolate brown dial.
I’m in love with the two-tone color here, as the gold really makes that complex bezel pop beautifully. But for me, even that is outclassed by the chocolate brown dial.
It’s a color that I’m convinced is tragically underrated in watchmaking, to the point where I even chose it as the base color for the dial of the first watch I ever made. There’s nothing quite like the stunning pairing of that brown dial framed by the patterned gold bezel. It almost looks good enough to eat!
Tudor Black Bay GMT ref. M79830RB-0012 – $4,325

Introducing… Tudor’s GMT-Master! The Black Bay GMT is a slightly larger watch than most of its siblings (41mm diameter), and its inspiration in the Rolex GMT-Master is clear at first sight, but none of those factors take away in the slightest from the fact that this is an exceptional daily wear GMT.
Once again, you’ve got an automatic COSC-certified in-house movement, the caliber MT5652, as well as another surprising water resistance rating of 200m.
I love the way the off-white opaline dial pairs with the “Pepsi” colors of the bezel. It feels both vintage and modern at the same time in a way that I’m struggling to put into better words.
I also really love the hue of the GMT hand, which is a vibrant lacquered red that just pops so well. If you find yourself dreaming of a Rolex GMT-Master without a deep enough wallet to get one, the Black Bay GMT is not only a great substitute but a beautiful watch in its own right.
Tudor Black Bay Bronze ref. M79250BA-0001- $4,800
I know we’re pushing the limits of our budget here a little with a rather more expensive watch than what we started with, but I couldn’t resist including this exceptionally beautiful bronze Black Bay.
If you’re not aware, bronze slowly takes on a lovely green patina over time, which can be polished away regularly if you prefer the golden lustre of the bronze, but is perhaps best allowed to patinate.
This creates a unique and beautiful pattern over the surface of the watch, as no two bronze watches will look quite the same.
The rich greenish slate gray of the dial and bezel here work beautifully with the bronze and will surely blend even more splendidly with the green of a patinated case.
Two other noticeable factors distinguish this watch from its Black Bay siblings: first, the presence of Arabic numerals at 3/6/9; second, its larger size at 43mm.
If you’re cursed with small wrists like me, this might not be the best option for you, but as a whole, it’s a beautiful and unique timepiece that would be a tragedy to miss.
Bonus: Vintage Tudor Oyster ref. 7804 – $636

If you’re a vintage fan or just looking for the Tudor name and quality for the most affordable possible price, look no further than the ref. 7804, a stunning vintage watch with a current going price of just around $636.
Full disclosure: you’ll need to be able to handle a small watch, as this one is just 34mm in diameter (which is actually a solid midrange size for vintage watches!). However, if you’re up for it, this is one of the loveliest vintage watches you can find anywhere for its price.
Its stainless steel case means even if you find one in slightly worse condition, you can easily polish it back into a glowing finish.
Plus, it uses Rolex’s Oyster case, which was one of the first water-resistant watch cases and, when the watch is properly serviced, will keep this watch safely protected from the elements.
Conclusion
Tudor is one of, if not the, best value proposition brands on the market today. Rolex-level quality offered at almost half the Rolex prices is a deal impossible to pass up for any collector. And yet they’re so much more than just the bargain Rolex brand.
Tudor has been making exceptional, unique, and charming watches for years now, and all their dedication is bearing fruit. Tudor is known and loved for itself, not just for its associations with Rolex, and it’s high time to explore what they have to offer.