Tudor 1926 vs Tudor Royal
Ref. M91650-0001 vs Ref. M28500-0003
The Tudor 1926 and Tudor Royal both carry the Tudor name but serve different purposes — the Tudor 1926 as a dress watch and the Tudor Royal as a everyday watch. At $2,475 and $2,800 respectively, the question isn't which is better — it's which better fits your collection and investment goals.
Price Comparison
Tudor
1926
Tudor
Royal
At retail, the Tudor 1926 is listed at $2,475 while the Tudor Royal comes in at $2,800. The two watches are priced within $325 of each other, making this a near-even matchup in terms of cost. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Tudor 1926 trades around $1,980 and the Tudor Royal around $2,500, a difference of $520 favoring the Tudor 1926. Available at 20% below retail and trending downward, this represents a buying opportunity for those comfortable with the current market position. The Tudor Royal commands an even stronger market premium of -10.7%, though currently trending downward. Both watches score equally on flip potential at 2/10, making neither a clear investment winner over the other.
Specifications
| Specification | Tudor 1926 | Tudor Royal |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 41mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 10.5mm | 11mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Stainless steel, polished with ridge detail | Stainless steel with knurled edge |
| Crystal | Sapphire crystal | Sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 100m / 330ft | 100m / 330ft |
| Movement | Tudor Calibre T601 | Tudor Calibre T601 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours | 38 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Stainless steel integrated bracelet |
| Clasp | Folding clasp with safety catch | Folding clasp with safety catch |
| Lug Width | 22mm | Integrated bracelet |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: the Tudor 1926 features 10.5mm for case thickness compared to the Tudor Royal's 11mm. With 2 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Tudor 1926 costs $48 versus $61 for the Tudor Royal. For water resistance, the Tudor 1926 delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Tudor 1926 offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Tudor 1926 if you value a lower entry price. Go with the Tudor Royal if you prioritize better value retention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Tudor 1926 or the Tudor Royal?
The Tudor 1926 is more accessible, priced at $2,475 compared to $2,800.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Tudor Royal currently trades at 10.7% below retail, indicating moderate value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Tudor 1926 and Tudor Royal compare in size?
The Tudor 1926 measures 41mm in diameter and 10.5mm thick, while the Tudor Royal is 41mm by 11mm.