Tudor Watch Markings & Identification Guide

The serial number on a Tudor watch is typically engraved between the lugs at the 6 o'clock position. To view it, you generally need to remove the bracelet or strap. The reference number is commonly found on the opposite side, between the lugs at 12 o'clock. Both numbers are important for identification and dating purposes.

Tudor was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, and was originally designed to offer Rolex-quality cases at a more accessible price point using third-party movements. Historically, Tudor watches used Rolex-manufactured cases and crowns. Today, Tudor operates as an independent brand with its own in-house movements, distinct designs, and a generally lower price point than Rolex, though the two brands share corporate parentage under the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation.

Tudor introduced its own in-house mechanical movements beginning around 2015, designated with the MT5xxx prefix. Notable calibers include the MT5602 (time-only), MT5612 (with date), and MT5813 (chronograph). These movements are certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute and typically offer approximately 70 hours of power reserve. Prior to these in-house calibers, Tudor predominantly used ETA and Sellita movements.

Tudor's logo has undergone several significant changes. Early Tudor watches featured a rose emblem, which appeared on dials and case backs through the mid-20th century. The brand gradually transitioned to a shield logo during the 1960s and 1970s, and this shield has remained the primary Tudor emblem since. The specific rendering of both the rose and the shield has varied over the decades, and the logo style is commonly used by collectors to help approximate a watch's production era.

Yes, vintage Tudor watches commonly feature Rolex-related markings, and this is generally consistent with the brand's manufacturing history. Many vintage Tudor watches used Rolex-manufactured cases, crowns, and bracelets, and it is typical to find Rolex coronet stamps on the crown, clasp codes on the bracelet, and occasionally Rolex case back references. The presence of these markings on vintage Tudor pieces is expected and does not necessarily indicate inauthenticity.

Tudor serial numbers can often be cross-referenced with production date ranges compiled by collector communities and published reference guides. These ranges provide approximate production windows based on known serial progressions. However, the serial number alone may not yield an exact date, and it is commonly recommended to also consider the reference number, dial characteristics, and movement type for more accurate dating. Tudor's service centers may also be able to assist with production date verification.

The Tudor Black Bay is a line of dive-inspired watches introduced in 2012 that draws design cues from Tudor's vintage dive watch heritage, particularly the Tudor Submariner models of the 1950s through 1970s. The Black Bay is often considered popular for its combination of vintage-inspired aesthetics, robust construction, in-house movements, and a price point significantly below comparable Rolex models. The line has expanded to include numerous variants including GMT, chronograph, and bronze-cased models.

Authenticating a Tudor watch typically involves examining the serial and reference number engravings for correct formatting and quality, inspecting the movement for appropriate construction, and verifying that the dial markings are consistent with known examples from the same era and reference. The overall build quality, weight, and finishing are also commonly evaluated. For vintage models, the presence of period-correct components and consistent aging across all parts is often considered important. Professional authentication by a Tudor-authorized service center or a specialist in Tudor watches is commonly recommended for significant purchases.