TUDOR surprised everyone who had previously associated the brand with rugged sports watches with the introduction of the TUDOR 1926 Luna. It is the first TUDOR watch with a moon display, housed in the elegant 1926 line. The result is a watch that combines symbolism, sophistication and classic mechanics in an affordable package.
TUDOR didn't choose the moon just for its visual appeal. The inspiration comes from Eastern symbolism, where the moon has always meant togetherness and family warmth. The timing of the launch coincided with the autumn holiday dedicated to observing the full moon. This is a smart move, as it appeals to an audience outside of Europe, while also breathing new life into the 1926 collection. This is TUDOR 1926 Moon.
This line has long been a kind of still life part of TUDOR's offering – classic, calm, often overlooked in the shadow of sports icons. But now it is the one that brings the moon to the catalog for the first time. A paradox? Perhaps. But also proof that a brand can move out of its comfort zone without losing its recognizability.
A design that stays on earth but dreams of heaven
At first glance, the 1926 Luna is a very understated watch. Its 39mm stainless steel case is completely classic, without excess, polished to just the right elegance. But when your gaze slides across the slightly convex sapphire crystal to the dial, it becomes clear that the story is a bit more poetic.
Available in three colorways – black, blue and champagne – all with a distinctive sunburst finish that catches the light and gently diffuses it across the surface. Sword-shaped hands and applied indexes continue the simple aesthetic, with the added bonus of no luminescent materials; the Luna is a watch that doesn’t want to scream in the dark, but rather remains committed to the intimacy of a formal dinner.
The most beautiful element, of course, lies at six. The moon disk, placed at the bottom of the dial, brings just the right dose of romance that the 1926 collection perhaps needed. It is a detail that does not try to be overly realistic or ornate, but rather offers symbolism – a view of the sky, compressed into a circle of small mechanics.
Mechanics: reliability before spectacle
The heart of the new Luna is the automatic caliber T607-9, based on the proven Sellita SW280-1 platform. This means a frequency of 4 Hz, 41 hours of power reserve and reliability that TUDOR regulates almost to the level of a chronometer. It is not the in-house Kenissi movement that we are used to in their sports watches, but the choice is logical. It offers a balance between price and quality, without unnecessary prestige that would elevate the watch beyond the reach of a wider circle of buyers.
Some purists may find the lack of official COSC certification a bit of a bummer, but realistically, that's a minor quibble. What's more important is that this is a reliable and proven machine that will easily carry its moon for decades to come.
Price and importance: favorable for the TUDOR brand
Priced at around $2,800 (€2,600), the 1926 Luna is positioned as an elegant entry into the world of complications. It doesn't aim to compete with the astronomical masterpieces of Patek Philippe or Jaeger-LeCoultre, nor does it compare itself to the sportier offerings of Rolex. It's a watch that offers symbolism and aesthetics, packaged in a robust yet accessible form.
This is precisely its significance: TUDOR is not just the “little sister of Rolex”, but a brand that knows how to thoughtfully build its identity. And although Luna is actually a rather subdued watch, its significance in the catalog is great – the first step into a new symbolic space.
Conclusion: TUDOR 1926 Luna
TUDOR 1926 Luna is not an industry-changing watch. It is not a spectacle and it is not a fireworks display. But it is a watch that carries within it the idea that even a brand known for its diving and robust models can look up, to the sky. In this sense, Luna is more than just a complication – it is a reminder that even the most rational mechanisms can sometimes allow room for dreams.
