HOW TUDOR BECAME THE WATCH OF CHOICE FOR MODERN ADVENTURES
Most people try and aim for that one perfect watch, and that makes sense for a lot of reasons. It enables you to get the moist wear and therefore value out of your timepiece, it marks deciding what watch to wear incredibly easy as you only have the one. It will be the watch that you will write your own history with and it would be able to tell a lifetime of stories. For the better part of the last 50 years almost everyone would point you straight towards Rolex and there’s no denying that it would be an excellent choice. However, in 2025 there has been a huge rise in popularity for choosing Tudor over Rolex and today we’re going to see why most adventurers and sports enthusiasts might enjoy a Tudor over a Rolex.
Tudor was founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the same visionary behind Rolex, with the intent of offering a more affordable watch that still retained the performance and reliability associated with its prestigious sibling. From the outset, Tudor watches were positioned as serious tools for professionals—used by naval forces, divers, and scientists.
Fast forward to today in 2025, and Tudor has recaptured that spirit with its modern lineup through the Black Bay and Pelagos ranges. For example, they are rooted in historical design cues from Tudor’s mid-century dive watches, yet reimagined for contemporary wearers. Snowflake hands, bold dial markings, and oversized crowns give these watches a rugged personality that speaks directly to adventurers who care about utility as much as aesthetics.
Tudor’s modern design language is a masterclass in restraint and purpose, they’ve spent years perfecting the idealistic tools that look and they’ve nailed it. Their watches don't scream luxury—it suggests capability and a go anywhere look. Matte finishes, brushed steel cases, and simple, legible dials are as much about functionality as they are about form. The aesthetic feels honest and intentional, not ornamental.
Source : Modern Gatward Jewellers
Source : Hodinkee
You could wear a Black Bay on a mountain trek or at a Michelin-starred dinner—and it would look just as at home in either setting. The use of aluminium over Rolex’s ceramic bezels help the watches absorb light rather than the reflect, essentially making Tudor’s more subtle on the wrist. With their smaller dimensions as well, they hide away on your wrist compared to a Rolex which can be seen more easily. Tudor’s embrace of vintage cues—like domed sapphire crystals and riveted bracelets—also helps create that tool watch aesthetic.
Products featured in the article
One of the biggest draws for modern watch enthusiasts is that Tudor provides true luxury watchmaking without the sticker shock. With in-house movements, COSC certification and even now METAS, and impeccable finishing, Tudor offers technical specs that often rival (or even exceed) more expensive Swiss brands. And yet, most Tudors cost a fraction of what you'd pay for a Rolex Submariner or Omega Seamaster. Of course we are not here to debate which is better as each watch is different and has different features to justify their respective price tags.
Source : Horbiter
However, it has to be said that Tudor does offer incredible value for money with their timepiece and this is a huge part of their appeal. Whether you're hiking across Patagonia or navigating the urban jungle, you want a watch you don’t have to baby—something robust enough to take a hit, waterproof enough to dive, and cool enough to wear every day. Tudor nails that balance, and does it in a way that feels attainable. There are many who will wear their Rolex and get it all scratched up and enjoy every moment of it, but there are also plenty of people who will want to protect it as scratching a 10,000 USD watch feels a bit more painful than a 4,000 USD watch.
Source : SJX
Modern adventurers value gear that earns its place through performance and Tudor watches are tested and worn by actual military divers (like the French Navy’s Marine Nationale), professional free divers, and global explorers. That real-world validation adds weight to the brand’s image and gives more confidence to the watch that's strapped to their wrist. In contrast to many high-end watches that feel too precious to wear in rough conditions, Tudors are meant to be used. Scratches become stories.
Dings become memories. It's a mindset that resonates deeply with the kind of people who would rather collect passport stamps than pristine safe queens. This is not to say Tudor is definitively the best watch for exploring with but it certainly makes a very strong case for itself. Its design language, proven history, price and availability all make for an incredibly strong case for Tudor.
Source : SJX
Source : Time & TIde
And there you have it, why most adventurers and sports enthusiasts might enjoy a Tudor over other watch brands. Their watches can really go anywhere and do anything and to take that look and feel to the next level why not use curved end ZEALANDE strap or even their single pass strap for a more tool watch look?
ZEALANDE design their straps to reflect the quality of your Tudor watches and it also gives you a chance to save your Tudor bracelet from scratches and wear and tear whilst enjoying a whole new look. Tudor is a brand that ZEALANDE have specialised in for many years and you can be sure they will have the perfect strap for you in a colour you’ll love wearing.
