How to Tell a Real Tudor Watch

In 1926 a Swiss watchmaking company registered the Tudor brand of watches. The Motres Tudor SA Company was established in 1946 and the company began to launch new lines, including the Tudor Oyster and the Tudor Oyster Prince. Tudor watches are available at high-end department stores and authorized retailers. They are very similar to Rolex watches and some Tudor watches are sold with Rolex bracelets and crowns. As with many luxury items, some manufacturers sell replica Tudors. A few tricks, however, can help distinguish an authentic Tudor from a replica.

Check the case back. Many Tudor watches have Rolex case backs and they may say “Original Oyster Case by Rolex Geneva” with the Rolex crown symbol. Other Tudor watches have a smooth case back with no engraving. Authentic Tudor watches do not have a clear case back that shows the inner workings of the watch.

Look at the links below the 6 o’clock position for a five-digit number and between the links above the 12 o’clock position for another five-digit number. These are the serial and registration numbers.

Check the hour markers on the watch face. There should be two bars at each hour that are very close in proximity and even in size and shape.

Examine the strap buckle. Authentic Tudor watches have the small Tudor crest symbol. The symbol has smooth, even lines and is centered on the buckle.

Purchase Tudor watches through authorized retailers or verified sellers to ensure that the product is an authentic Tudor watch. In addition, know your price point. Many Tudor watches cost $1,000 and more. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.