The Tudor 1926 is Tudor’s heritage dress watch — clean dials, a quality in-house movement, sapphire crystal, and 100m water resistance from $1,750 (28mm) to $5,050 (41mm two-tone). It punches above its price in finishing quality but flies under the radar compared to the Black Bay. If you want elegance over adventure, this is Tudor’s overlooked gem.
What Is the Tudor 1926?
Launched in 2018, the Tudor 1926 takes its name from the year Tudor was founded — the year Hans Wilsdorf registered the brand to produce more accessible watches under the Rolex umbrella. While the Tudor Black Bay dominates conversations with its diver DNA, the 1926 is quietly one of the brand’s most refined offerings: a dress watch built around clean symmetry, restrained dials, and the same high standards that define every Tudor.
It’s available in four case sizes — 28mm, 36mm, 39mm, and 41mm — making it one of the most size-diverse collections in Tudor’s lineup. The 1926 targets anyone who wants a polished, versatile watch that transitions from boardroom to weekend without effort.
All References & Sizes
The 1926 collection spans four diameters with both steel and two-tone (steel/rose gold) variants. Here’s every current reference as of September 2026:
| Ref. | Size | Material | USD Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| M91350-0001 | 28mm | Steel | ~$1,750 |
| M91351-0001 | 28mm | Steel / Rose Gold | ~$2,350 |
| M91450-0001 | 36mm | Steel | ~$2,350 |
| M91451-0001 | 36mm | Steel / Rose Gold | ~$3,200 |
| M91550-0001 | 39mm | Steel | ~$2,575 |
| M91551-0001 | 39mm | Steel / Rose Gold | ~$4,375 |
| M91650-0001 | 41mm | Steel | ~$2,650 |
| M91651-0001 | 41mm | Steel / Rose Gold | ~$5,050 |
Dial options include silver, black, blue, and champagne across the range. The two-tone variants use an Oystersteel case with 18k rose gold crown and bracelet links — a significant aesthetic step up that justifies the premium for many buyers.
Full Specifications
| Specification | 39mm / 41mm Details |
|---|---|
| Movement | Tudor Calibre T601 (in-house) |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph (4 Hz) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours |
| Case Material | 316L Oystersteel |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire, anti-reflective coating |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft |
| Crown | Screw-down |
| Bracelet / Strap | Integrated steel bracelet or leather strap |
| Lug Width | 20mm (41mm case) |
| Case Thickness | ~10.5mm |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
Movement Deep-Dive: Calibre T601
The Tudor Calibre T601 is an in-house movement — designed and manufactured at Tudor’s Manufacture in Le Locle. At 28,800 vph, it beats at 4 Hz for smooth seconds-hand motion, and its 38-hour power reserve means it’ll survive a weekend off the wrist without stopping. It’s COSC-regulated in Tudor’s manufacture — not official COSC certified like some siblings, but regulated to similar standards.
Compared to ETA-based movements found in many competitors at this price point, the T601 gives Tudor true manufacture credibility. You’re getting a genuinely in-house movement for under $3,000 — a rare feat in the Swiss watch industry. The movement features a silicon hairspring (in updated variants), offering greater resistance to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations without additional cost to you.
Tudor 1926 vs. the Competition
How does the 1926 stack up against watches at similar price points?
| Watch | Price (USD) | Movement | WR | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tudor 1926 41mm | ~$2,650 | In-house T601 | 100m | In-house movement, heritage design |
| Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 | ~$6,150 | In-house 3230 | 100m | Brand prestige, resale value |
| Longines Master Collection 40 | ~$2,250 | ETA 2892 | 30m | Slim profile, dress purity |
| Tissot Visodate Powermatic 80 | ~$695 | ETA 2824 | 30m | Price accessibility |
| Omega De Ville Prestige 41 | ~$5,200 | In-house 8800 | 30m | Co-Axial escapement |
The 1926’s clearest advantage over direct rivals is the combination of in-house manufacture movement and 100m water resistance at a sub-$3,000 price. The Longines Master Collection is thinner and more dress-pure, but offers only 30m water resistance and relies on an ETA ébauche. The Omega De Ville matches on movement quality but costs double.
For a full brand comparison, see our Tudor vs. Omega guide and the Tudor vs. Rolex value breakdown.
Price, Value & Where to Buy
Tudor sells exclusively through authorized dealers — there is no official secondhand program. Current RRPs for the steel-only variants range from approximately $1,750 (28mm) to $2,650 (41mm). Two-tone variants run $2,350–$5,050 depending on size.
On the grey market, the 1926 typically trades at or just below retail — unlike the Black Bay, it hasn’t developed a significant premium. This makes it excellent value at authorized dealer prices, and a potential deal at grey-market discounts. Authorized dealers in the US include Tourneau and independent jewelers listed on Tudor’s site.
If you’re also exploring other Tudor dress pieces, the Tudor Monarch sits above the 1926 in the lineup and uses a similar in-house movement with a rectangular case. For budget-conscious buyers, our Best Tudor Watches Under $4,000 guide contextualizes where the 1926 fits in the full lineup.
For buyers who want to compare before committing, here are two top-rated reference books for watch collecting decisions:
- The Complete Watch Guide for Collectors & Connoisseurs — comprehensive coverage of dress watch heritage brands
- Watches Reference Book — authoritative pricing and reference data for Swiss watches
Who Should Buy the Tudor 1926?
Buy the Tudor 1926 if: you want a genuinely versatile dress watch with manufacture movement credibility under $3,000, appreciate understated aesthetics over bold tool-watch styling, or need something that works at a formal dinner and a casual weekend in equal measure.
Look elsewhere if: you need serious dive capability (see the Tudor Ranger or Black Bay), prioritize resale value above all, or want the cachet of a Rolex at this budget — in which case the gap to an entry Rolex may be worth bridging.
The 39mm and 41mm references are the sweet spot for most wrists — they wear slim enough to pass under a shirt cuff and the integrated bracelet gives a cohesive, finished look that rivals watches costing twice as much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the Tudor 1926 is one of the best dress watches under $3,000. It combines an in-house manufacture movement, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance, and refined dial finishing at a price point where most rivals use outsourced ébauches and offer only 30m WR.
The Tudor 1926 uses the Tudor Calibre T601, an in-house movement manufactured at Tudor’s Le Locle facility. It beats at 28,800 vph, has a 38-hour power reserve, and features a silicon hairspring on updated variants for improved magnetic resistance.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual offers a more refined in-house movement (Cal. 3230 with 70-hour power reserve) and significantly higher resale value, but costs more than twice as much at ~$6,150. The Tudor 1926 delivers comparable aesthetics and an in-house movement at $2,650 — a compelling value proposition for buyers not prioritizing resale.
The 39mm (M91550) is ideal for most wrists — it wears classic and balanced. The 41mm (M91650) suits larger wrists or those who prefer a more contemporary proportioned dress watch. The 36mm is a true vintage-inspired size, excellent for smaller wrists. The 28mm is sized for women’s wear.
Yes. The Tudor 1926 has 100m (330ft) water resistance with a screw-down crown, making it suitable for swimming and snorkelling. It is not rated for scuba diving — for that, look to the Tudor Pelagos or Black Bay Fifty-Eight.
No — as of September 2026, the Tudor 1926 is a current, actively produced collection. It remains available through Tudor authorized dealers worldwide. Tudor has not announced any discontinuation of the 1926 line.
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