Known for everything from military-approved field watches (like the Tudor Ranger) and the ultra-elegant Tudor Royal, plus the lightweight and impossibly sleek Tudor Pelagos FXD, the watchmaker hadn’t yet entered the world of moonphase watches. But the timing proved especially apt, with the Mid-Autumn or Moon Festival set to spring to life in Eastern tradition on October 6th, as the watchmaker notes the moon itself “symbolizes togetherness and the unity of family.”

To toast the occasion, the company tapped multi-hyphenate and Tudor Ambassador Jay Chou, who’s dabbled in music, acting and directing across the decades. The result is a trio of elegant 39mm, 316L stainless steel timepieces with crisp, dressy looks to spare in spades. The Tudor 1926 Luna features three dial options (black, blue and champagne-hued), each with a contrasting moonphase indicator at 6-o’clock.

While the dial design is utterly beautiful, Tudor fashioned each timepiece with its chronometer-grade Swiss self-winding mechanical Calibre T607-9 movement within, bolstered by an indicator that tracks the moon. The seven-row satin-brushed steel bracelet finishes off each watch in illustrious fashion, complete with “some magic from Jay Chou,” the watchmaker noted.

On the precise and handsome dial, even-numbered Arabic hour markers contrast with arrow-shaped hour indicators, while its sword-shaped hands are part of an overall, vintage-inspired look that “creates a striking and intricate play of light,” while the dome-shaped crystal is another throwback-inspired touch.

That magic refers to the collection’s use of the Chou-approved champagne dial color, a particularly striking effect that just might make it the most eye-catching and covetable piece in the collection. As Tudor notes, “The moon phase indicator for each dial is distinct, and Jay’s vision for the champagne-color dial model has come to life in a truly fantastical way, with the phantom moonlight gold disc representing the moon hidden behind an inky black cutout that slowly disappears as the moon waxes and wanes.”

The watch also nods to the year Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf registered “The Tudor” name (1926, of course), with a bracelet design made to follow the curvature of one’s wrist. Each luxurious Tudor 1926 Luna watch is priced in rather agreeable fashion considering its tailored appeal: Find the newest watch from Tudor online now and at Tudor boutiques for about $2,650.

There’s already an almost staggering amount of variety in the Tudor lineup, from the sporty appeal of the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono to this spring’s Formula 1-inspired Black Bay debut, not to mention the military heritage of its “Zulu Time” GMT watch. But for those in search of something understated yet no less striking, the latest additions to the Tudor Royal range speak volumes in quietly luxurious fashion, particularly as worn by Tudor ambassador and Chinese actor Cheng Yi.

An exclusive blue dial model now joins the Tudor Royal collection, which dates back to the 1950s and boasts a decidedly retro-sized 28mm case diameter. Both stainless steel and a stainless-steel-meets-yellow-gold offering enter the rotation, now with diamonds studding the bezel and dial.

The revered Swiss watchmaker notes the Royal lineup boasts “an air of elegance that’s been refined for decades,” noting that the handsome diamond-dappled bezel adds “a distinctive touch of nobility to the already regal range.”

The refined watch fittingly bridges the gap between ultra-dressy and pleasantly sporty, the watchmaker notes, featuring sapphire crystal and a five-link integrated bracelet that pairs stylishly with the undersized case. A 3-o’clock date window offsets Roman numeral markings at 3-hour intervals, and a screwdown winding crown comes in one of two matching metals while boasting a diminutive Tudor logo in relief on the crown’s exterior.

The 25-jewel, self-winding mechanical T201 movement features a power reserve of 38 hours, as Tudor notes both variations deliver “first-class technical performance and a refined aesthetic,” all the while positioned at the “crossroads between classic and sports watches.” The Tudor Royal name, the horologist notes, emphasizes “the superior quality and exquisite designs of its watches,” a trend dating back to its introduction in the 1950s.

That kind of quality comes with a price tag: The latest additions to the Tudor Royal range retail for $4,225 (in 316L stainless steel) or $5,900 for its 316L stainless steel and yellow gold variation. But for tailored elegance meant to stand the test of time, it appears the latest Tudor family members are worth the investment.

The Swiss cyclist-turned-businessman, who retired from pro cycling in 2016, now leads Tudor Pro Cycling, and the 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist certainly has a fresh watch to match. Tudor entered the fast-paced sport in 2022 in an effort to “summit the top level of international cycling,” and the release of its latest rugged-yet-lightweight watch comes ahead of the Tour’s opening stage on July 5th (and Cancellara’s first run as Tudor team owner).

It’s a fitting new accessory for Cancellara, known among other riders as “Spartacus” for his toughness and grit. The Swiss rider won the opening stage of the sport’s most prestigious race five times, leading the race for 29 days total in his career. The new Tudor Pelagos FXD expertly blends technical specs with durable design and a dash of striking style via its yellow accents, a nod to the jersey color worn by the overall race leader.

Of the new watch and its ongoing partnership with brand ambassador Cancellara, Tudor noted that “his return to France this year as a team owner running a team that was simply an idea three years ago points to the powerful notion that progress doesn’t happen by accident.” Out of 300 limited-edition timepieces, Cancellara will wear number 7, his signature number, Tudor noted. Tudor has laid claim to its own stake in the world of Formula 1 racing with a similarly lightweight carbon chrono watch, and it appears the latest Pelagos FXD is road-ready.

Fittingly, the watch is packed with the sort of bells and whistles a rider or team owner might find handy, from its 60-second subdial to its 45-minute timer and a 6-o’clock date window within a durable 43mm carbon composite case. The cycling-focused timepiece rides on the tail of the May release of another riding-centric watch from Tudor, a pink version of the Pelagos FXD Chrono paying tribute to the Giro d’Italia.

Each timepiece is, of course, individually numbered on an engraved caseback, while its two yellow chronograph subdials and inner timer rings feature hits of Tour de France signature yellow. Ahead of the grueling race, the watch arrives on a sporty single-piece black fabric strap adorned with a middle yellow stripe.

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Indices on the hard-wearing $5,600 watch are finished with Grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova for maximum visibility, while a 41-jewel Manufacture Calibre MT5813 movement features a more-than-agreeable 70-hour-power reserve. Ahead of the race, Cancellara appears reflective but determined: “I have my memories of the Tour. They will be with me forever. Now it’s time for the (Tudor) team to make their own,” he said. Luckily, Tudor’s cycling outfit has at least one piece of the puzzle sorted with the new Pelagos FXD Chrono in Yellow.

The sleek new watch debuted at F1’s Miami Grand Prix, won by 24-year-old McLaren driver Oscar Piastri. Tudor’s latest auto-approved watch takes its cues from the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team, and with its ultra-lightweight carbon fiber build, “marks a long history of Tudor going wheel-to-wheel with racing teams,” the watchmaker noted.

The choice to use carbon fiber (an all-new material for the popular Black Bay line) was strategic, an homage to racing and the idea that less weight leads to more speed. As Tudor also rightly points out in the dangerous and high-voltage sport of auto racing, “every little bit of weight shed counts.”

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The timepiece, powered by Tudor’s Manufacture Calibre MT5813 chronograph function pairs smoothly with its one-piece tachymeter bezel, as the watchmaker notes that “carbon fiber is the ideal material for a racing chronograph because of its weight-saving advantages.” The carbon fiber case is also slimmer than the 316L stainless steel used for other editions of the Black Bay Chrono and its impressive line of Black Bay dive watches, Tudor points out.

Its chronograph sub-dials are done up in carbon fiber, and the material even makes up the end links of the hybrid strap. On the dial itself, blue and white intersect with crisp black in a nod to the Visa Cash App racing colors and livery. Grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova pairs with Tudor’s signature “snowflake” hands, while the chronograph movement within boasts “performance exceeding the standards set by this independent institute,” referring to the COSC, which certifies chronometers.

Just 2,025 editions of the luxe-yet-functional, 42mm racing-inspired watch are available through Tudor right now, and the impressively lightweight timepiece is priced according to its exclusivity at $7,575. As Tudor sagely says, “champions are made and lost in fractions of a second,” and when time counts, this streamlined new take on the Tudor Black Bay Chrono just might make a crucial difference for the Visa Cash App team this Formula 1 season.

“Companies tend to use bronze to make dive watches, a category that is overflowing with options made of steel, gold, titanium, and a whole host of other materials, meaning that there is a lot of competition,” Ganjei said. “Bronze also develops a distinctive patina giving cases a very weathered look that is not necessarily for everyone.” While a slew of new releases use bronze, the category is still a niche one on the secondary market, said Eugene Tutunikov, CEO of luxury watch resale site SwissWatchExpo.”When someone does go for a bronze watch — especially a Tudor, Panerai, or Bell & Ross — it’s usually because they love the bold, rugged aesthetic and the story that comes with the patina process,” Tutunikov said. He added that “well-maintained” Tudor or Panerai watches still command solid resale prices.

And while the SwissWatchExpo stock of bronze watches remains quite small, the impact of a carefully crafted bronze beauty is undeniable. “It’s not for everyone, but for those who love it, it’s a conversation starter every time they wear it,” Tutunikov said. To add a dash of panache and eye-catching style to your wrist game rotation, opt for one of our favorite bronze timepieces below.

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical in Bronze

Hamilton field watches are the stuff of legend when it comes to toughness and pedigree, and in this instance, the iconic American watchmaker notes that the “original soldier’s watch gets an original upgrade with Hamilton’s first-ever bronze case.” Sized in retro fashion at 38mm, this watch boasts a hand-wound movement and a sturdy case build, with the chops to develop its own unique patina over time. A bonus? It’s relatively affordable at just under $900. $895

Bulova MIL-SHIPS CORDURA Bronze Watch

Based on an archival U.S. Navy design, Bulova straddles the line between rugged and refined in expert fashion, using a vintage-inspired handset and a sandblast-finished CuSn8 bronze case sure to develop its own handsome patina over time. The company also looked to 19th-century copper diving helmets, but selected bronze for its toughness and reliability.

“Bronze, however, is much stronger than copper, making it the ideal metal for this timepiece,” the company said. The timepiece (also available in an elegant Deep Navy) perhaps looks most adventurous in a rich Army Green with a CORDURA and rubber strap in a matching shade. For a company known for its dress watches, it’s a remarkable show of field-ready timekeeping sensibility. $1,250

Shinola Bronze Monster 43mm Automatic

Shinola’s Monster line of watches lives up to its billing, and then some. These sturdy designs draw on a range of inspiration (in this case, rumrunners navigating the Prohibition-era waters of Lake Michigan). The Bronze Monster is an exceptional timepiece in matters of form and function, featuring an SW200-1 automatic movement and a 38-hour power reserve. And while the watch happens to looks debonair on a leather strap, an accompanying deep olive green fabric strap adds another hit of bronze hardware to a standout timepiece. $1,850

Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba GMT Bronze

Hamilton has doubled down on bronze watches with its latest handsome Khaki Field edition, a bronze-adorned update now retooled with GMT functionality. The result is a refined field watch with plenty of personality (especially on a striped NATO strap), one that wears well on the wrist while boasting 300 meters of water resistance. It’s an expert blend of sport design and style from the legendary field watch brand, one billed by the American watchmaker as “the ultimate traveler’s watch,” featuring a durable design fit for “modern mariners and salty sea dogs.” $1,545

Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze

If ever there were a watchmaker laying claim to a specific material in terms of watch design, it very well might be Tudor. “Tudor makes more bronze watches than anyone else right now in a few different styles and case sizes,” said Ganjei of European Watch Company, pointing to the success of the Black Bay 58 Bronze, which he says is “one of the most accessible ways to get into a bronze watch today.” The style will of course develop its own patina, somewhere between refined and rugged. $5,025

Norqain Freedom 60 GMT 40mm Bronze Anthracite

The 1960s have proven a wellspring of style inspiration over the years, and watches are no exception. Independent Swiss watchmaker Norqain mined the decade to deliver the fourth and final timepiece in its Freedom 60 series, this one boasting GMT functionality, an eye-catching two-tone interior 24-hour ring and a whopping 70-hour power reserve. Naturally, the star of the show is the sunray-finished, anthracite bronze dial. The ‘Norqain’ nameplate on the side of the case (which can be customized) is also an appreciated finishing touch. $4,490

Bremont Terra Nova 42.5mm Chronograph in Bronze

Bremont just debuted three new bronze watches, each meticulously designed and tested to rigorous standards by the famed British tool watch manufacturer. The chronograph might be the best of the bunch, although each are impressive in their own right. As the watchmaker says, “the unique properties of the bronze alloy will transform each of the three new Terra Nova Bronze iterations into highly personal timepieces,” while the option to select from a caramel or dark green gradient dial is a further distinctive touch. $6,150

Luminox Automatic Sport Timer Bronze

Luminox, makers of some of the most hard-wearing watches on the planet (ones tested and approved by the likes of Navy SEALs, no less) looked to the heritage and durability of bronze for its latest release, with pleasing results. This release “blends the brand’s signature rugged functionality with a refined, sophisticated material,” Marcoux said. Of this collector’s piece, Marcoux said the company was drawn to the corrosion resistance of the material, as well as the chance to blend “toughness with luxury” in this handsome timepiece. $1,745

Bell & Ross BR 03-92 Diver in Green Bronze

Ever purveyors of the unusual and the unexpected, with designs that lean heavily on engineering and old-school aircraft dashboards, it almost makes perfect sense that Bell & Ross delivers an exceptional tool watch in undeniably cool bronze. Of the top producers of bronze watches, Bell & Ross “does some striking bronze designs, particularly in their aviation-inspired pieces,” Tutunikov said. This one manages to be just a touch flashy, but certainly daring in every way. $3,875

Panerai Submersible Bronzo

What is it about bronze watches that conjures up the spirit of adventure? Is it the longstanding use of bronze in seafaring pursuits, from diving to shipbuilding? Perhaps, and it’s a history that Italian luxury watchmaker Panerai leans into wholeheartedly. “Panerai, with its nautical heritage, really owns the bronze space with the Luminor Submersible Bronzo, which has a serious cult following,” said Tutunikov of SwissWatchExpo. “If you’re looking at bronze, Tudor, Panerai, and Bell & Ross are the names that come up most often.” $18,600

Prices can fluctuate, and some examples might be available for less than others, so be sure to do your due diligence when shopping. And most important of all, only buy from retailers who offer an ironclad guaranty of authenticity. Here are some top picks in this price range from the likes of Rolex, Tudor, Breitling, Panerai, Omega and Cartier from Paul Altieri, renowned watch collector and founder of Bob’s Watches, a leading online vintage and pre-owned luxury watch retailer:

1. Tudor Pelagos

“The Tudor Pelagos watch collection exemplifies contemporary innovation in diving watches, boasting a lightweight titanium case and a remarkable 500m water resistance,” Altieri notes. “Its sophisticated helium escape valve and ceramic bezel highlight Tudor’s dedication to crafting professional diving tools, while the distinctive snowflake hands pay tribute to the brand’s esteemed diving legacy. And Tudor is, of course, owned by Rolex which gives it a big advantage over the competition.”

2. Cartier Tank Must

“The Cartier Tank Must embodies the pinnacle of dress watch aesthetics, continuing a heritage that extends over a hundred years,” Altieri says. “Its rectangular case and straightforward Roman numerals showcase an exquisite blend of artistry and practicality, while its elegant proportions render it the perfect accessory for formal wear. The Cartier Tank’s impact on watch design is monumental and it has been worn by many style icons over the years.”

3. Rolex Oyster Perpetual

“The Rolex Oyster Perpetual is regarded as the ideal all-purpose timepiece, encapsulating elegance and simplicity in its most authentic form,” Altieri notes—not to mention the significant prestige factor. “Its uncluttered dial and sturdy build make it an excellent match for any occasion.” At this price point the watch will likely be several years old, but nobody has to know you scored a Rolex for under five grand; and “its value will likely increase over time,” Altieri says.

4. Breitling Navitimer

“The Breitling Navitimer  is the ideal combination of tradition and modernity in aviation watches,” Altieri states. “The instantly-recognizable slide-rule bezel and detailed dial design celebrate decades of aviation history while ensuring contemporary functionality. Offered in several sizes, these chronographs transition effortlessly from professional environments to everyday use.”

5. Panerai Luminor

“Italian design flair meets Swiss precision engineering in the Panerai Luminor collection,” Altieri says. “The Luminor’s combination of important historical military heritage and modern manufacturing techniques results in a timepiece that perfectly balances bold aesthetics with reliable performance for the contemporary gentleman who wants to make a statement.”

6. Omega Seamaster

The official watch of James Bond, “This masterpiece combines legendary precision with contemporary aesthetics, featuring a ceramic bezel and dial that resist fading even in harsh marine environments,” Altieri says. “The Omega Seamaster’s heritage as a professional diving instrument is evident in every detail, from its highly legible display to its robust construction.”

7. Oris Divers Sixty-Five

“Vintage charm meets modern diving functionality in this Oris Divers Sixty-Five watch,” Altieri says of this underrated timepiece. “It captures the essence of classic dive watches while incorporating contemporary reliability and performance standards, making it an excellent choice for those seeking character in a watch, whether you’re actually going diving with it or not.”

Originally developed for the French Navy and built with hard-wearing specs to match, the new Tudor Pelagos GMT meets the needs of the department’s Aéronautique Navale branch, complete with fixed strap bars for added durability. Looks certainly aren’t sacrificed with bold touches like the orange GMT arrow hand, or a tasteful combination of tan markers on a black dial.

The launch joins the likes of the Tudor Black Bay dive watch line, and extends the appeal of the covetable Tudor Pelagos 39 dive watch with a few added bells and whistles. Outlets like Gear Patrol note that Tudor fans have clamored for the useful nature of a GMT update to the Pelagos lineup.

Suffice to say, this launch hits the mark, and then some. Grade 2 titanium for its case design works in tandem with an even tougher Grade 5 titanium caseback. A bi-directional bezel offers go-anywhere utility in spades. Durability, of course, remains the name of the game with tool watches from Tudor, the watchmaker favored by the likes of David Beckham (among others).

The build of the tough 42mm case is magnetic-resistant to the highest order (the watch has earned a Master Chronometer certification), while the watchmaker outfitted the timepiece with a Calibre MT5652-U automatic from Kenissi. The movement boasts a 65-hour power reserve, yet another prized feature among the best tool watches on the market.

Between the rugged case build, the thin yet precise movement and a versatile green fabric NATO strap, the new Tudor Pelagos GMT looks to be a downright steal at about $4,625 from Tudor. A new field watch is yours for the taking.

Last year’s Watches and Wonders saw the introduction of a silver and gold Black Bay GMT, and this year’s lineup raises the bar even higher: The offering is led by the more refined 37mm Tudor Black Bay 54.

Tudor calls the new design a ” purely modern expression” in an homage to the first-ever dive watch introduced by Tudor in 1954.

That particular watch (available online for $3,850 at Tudor) is waterproof to a whopping 660 feet and is outfitted with the company’s Manufacture Calibre MT5400 movement, boasting a 70-hour power reserve.

The Tudor Black Bay 54 also comes on a black rubber strap for a more sporty look and feel.

The newest Black Bay is joined by another souped-up take on the classic watch silhouette, including a Black Bay with a handsome burgundy bezel.

Tudor calls the newest version of the Black Bay a testament to the company’s “latest technical and aesthetic evolution,” one that distills the brand’s six-decade diving heritage down “into one truly iconic watch.”

The Tudor Black Bay 31/36/39/41 trio boasts a fixed bezel and a streamlined bracelet for a clean take on the style, while the Tudor rotation is further bolstered by a Black Bay GMT with a white opaline dial.

The Tudor Black Bay GMT in particular (available on a fabric strap, as well as a stainless steel and black leather editions) is an especially functional take on the already-tough, go-anywhere appeal of the Tudor Black Bay itself.

It’s difficult to improve upon an icon like the Black Bay, but consider Tudor to have hit the mark (and then some) with its latest slate of Watches and Wonders 2023 releases.

Striking the right balance between utilitarian performance and refined style is a pursuit best left to the pros, and it’s a pursuit achieved quite handily by Tudor with the company’s new Pelagos 39.

Built with grade 2 titanium and featuring truly sporting touches like a diver’s extension and a rapid adjustment clasp system (plus a complementary rubber strap), the Tudor Pelagos 39 is waterproof to 660 feet.

As Tudor says, the nicely sized watch “boasts cutting-edge watchmaking technology and a chic aesthetic” that works in the city or on the shore. Versatility iss further bolstered by the choice between the durable rubber strap and refined titanium links.

The watch joins other sporty and highly functional yet refined timepieces in the company’s lineup, like the recently introduced Tudor Ranger and a trio of watches introduced at Watches and Wonders 2022.

The Tudor Pelagos 39 also boasts plenty of reliable hardware within its durable case, highlighted by Tudor’s Calibre MT5400 movement—intended to up longevity and precision through variable inertia balance.

Luminescent hour markers complement the satin sunray dial, and the contrast between the matte black dial and its white markings is crisp, sporty and of course, highly legible.

The Tudor Pelagos 39, as the company notes, is made for a weekend’s worth of adventures, thanks to its 70-hour power reserve.

And although the Pelagos 39 is a splurge at $4,400, it’s almost like you’re getting two watches between the sleek titanium strap and the easy-on, easy-off rubber strap option for pursuits in water or on dry land.

Wherever you take the Tudor Pelagos 39, it’s a stunning investment that’s going to pay dividends in matters of sport and style.

When a watch has proven it can withstand the most extreme conditions imaginable while making history in the process, it’s probably a timepiece worth considering for your collection. And when it comes to the 2022 Tudor Ranger, something great just got even better.

Tudor has been plenty busy already this year, launching a trio of stunning watches at Watches & Wonders, and the Tudor Ranger is but the latest and greatest rugged-meets-surprisingly-refined watch to amp up your wrist game.

The newest addition to the Tudor line actually nods to the Tudor Oyster Prince watches worn 70 years ago by British scientists on a mission to study ice sheets in Greenland.

It’s that spirit of adventure that powers the 2022 Tudor Ranger, which also features a throwback-minded 39mm case diameter.

The Ranger look itself dates back to the 1960s, and the current model calls back to many of those same design details (including Arabic numerals at four different spots — 3, 6, 9 and 12’o-clock).

As with any Tudor watch, what powers the timepiece is as important as its looks, and Tudor has dialed in both precision and performance with the Calibre MT5402, featuring a variable-inertia balance.

It’s a design innovation that keeps the watch running smoothly with even less variation in time throughout the day than required by international standards.

In addition to razor-sharp timekeeping, Tudor hasn’t cut any corners with appealing aesthetics — take your pick between a satin-finished stainless steel bracelet, an intricately woven jacquard fabric strap, a natural rubber strap or a textured, fabric-like black leather strap.

As if those specs and style points weren’t enough, Tudor built the 2022 Ranger with a stunning 70-hour power reserve in a nod to the expedition-ready durability of the old-school Oyster Prince model (and the rest of its line).

The Tudor Ranger — for all its adventure-ready reliability — is a downright steal when it comes to price, with models ranging from $2,725 to $3,050.

When you get right down to it, you need this rugged adventure watch on your wrist for your next journey off the grid.