The affordable brand of Rolex, Tudor, has been selling watches for many years — but they have not been doing business in the US for quite some time. That all changed when they announced their intent to bring the brand to the US just last month. And now, with Baselworld 2013 in full swing we can report that they will be bringing not only their existing line, which is already quite impressive, but also a number of very well executed new models.
Overall, the brand will be entering the US with a strong selection of timepieces; timepieces with quality that is hard to compete against considering the manufacturing prowess of Tudor and its parent company Rolex. The new Tudor Fastrider Black Shield is a collection that exemplifies these capabilities — particularly with its monobloc matte black ceramic case.
The Black Shield case measures 42 mm and has a bead blasted matte black ceramic monobloc middle case, with a fixed matte black ceramic bezel with an engraved tachymetric scale. The chronograph pushers, located on the side of the case at 2 and 4 o’clock, are in black PVD treated steel. The movement is a caliber 7753 which runs at 28,800 vph (4Hz) with a power reserve of 46-hours.
There is a rapid date corrector on the side of the case at 9 o’clock with a PVD shield motif designed in the shape of the Ducati logo, which highlights the relationship Tudor has with Ducati. Additionally, Ducati created a customized one-of-a-kind Diavel Carbon model with a matte black finish on the whole motorcycle and signature red accent details. A screw-down crown with double gaskets ensures water-resistant to 150 meters. The dial is protected by a glare-proofed sapphire crystal and the case back is solid.
For a high quality ceramic case, with such a well executed design, from a respected watch brand, you might expect to pay eight or ten grand. But surprisingly, the price is actually quite reasonable at just 4,700 CHF. There are two variations, one with red colored accents and one with bronze colored accents. The red version comes on either a black leather strap with red stitching or a black rubber strap. The bronze version comes on either a beige Alcantara® leather with black stitching or a black rubber strap.
Available in the US from September 2013. (Ref. 42000CR, 42000CN)
