This year marks the 50th anniversary of the first TUDOR chronograph. Launched in 1970, this robust, functional watch offered a unique design, paving the way for 50 years of TUDOR chronographs.

The first TUDOR chronograph was named ‘the Oysterdate’. Featuring a manually-wound mechanical calibre 7734 movement and 39 mm case, it was more imposing than many standards of the time, with its pronounced lugs and its well-honed lines. The very graphic style of its dial was also something that hadn’t been seen before.

There were three different variations of this first sporty TUDOR chronograph. Two were produced in large numbers, while the third was never commercialised. The TUDOR Oysterdate, reference 7031/0, was one of the first two chronographs that TUDOR produced. Its 39 mm case is waterproof to a depth of 50 metres and houses the mechanical 7734 movement with a power reserve of more than 45 hours. The two prominent counters of its black and grey dial, located at 3 and 9 o’clock, indicate the seconds of the permanent display and the elapsed minutes of the chronograph function.

The second variation, reference 7032/0, shares most of the same characteristics except that it is equipped with a satin-finished steel bezel with a 500-unit tachymetric scale. Like the previous model, it also has a 39m steel case and houses a 7734 movement and also shares the same Rolex Oyster-type bracelet with folding links. Its characteristic dial with two counters and the date at 6 o’clock is in every way similar to that of its sister reference.

The last version of the Oysterdate chronograph was released a year later in 1971, reference 7033/0. This model was never commercialised. Sharing many features with the two commercialised models, its main difference is its exceptional bidirectional rotatable bezel with a 12-unit graduated black aluminium insert.

Looking at how these classic pieces have influenced the modern day designs, both the Black Bay Chrono and the Heritage Chrono possess features inspired by the original generation of TUDOR chronographs. The Black Bay Chrono features a steel case fitted with pushers alongside a fixed bezel with an engraved tachymeter finishing off this modern classic. The Heritage Chrono also takes inspiration from the celebrated TUDOR Oysterdate Chronograph of the early 1970s. In an effort to keep the history of their chronographs alive, the Heritage Chrono has been created with the expert craftsmanship of the racing cars of age in mind, taking real inspiration from the beautiful contours of the motoring world.

After 50 years of TUDOR chronographs, it is clear to see that the experience and expertise of TUDOR keeps going from strength to strength year after year.

Here at W. Bruford, we have a wide selection of TUDOR watches. Browse the collection online at https://wbruford.com/collections/all-tudor-watches or visit us in store and speak to our expert TUDOR team.