Tudor has unveiled a surprising addition to its collection with the 1926 Luna, a dress watch featuring a refined moonphase complication. Blending timeless aesthetics with mechanical elegance, this model signals Tudor’s ambition to expand its repertoire beyond sports-driven designs into more traditional horology.
Tudor’s Classic Side Comes Forward
Founded in 1926, Tudor has long been recognized as Rolex’s sister brand, often providing more accessible alternatives without compromising on reliability or craftsmanship. While recent years have seen the brand strengthen its identity with tool-oriented models such as the Black Bay and Pelagos, the 1926 collection remains its quiet classic line. With the introduction of the Luna, Tudor underscores that its expertise extends not only to robust dive watches but also to more poetic complications, often reserved for higher price brackets.
Technical Foundation and Mechanical Details
The Tudor 1926 Luna comes in a 39 mm stainless steel case, a balanced size that suits modern tastes while remaining versatile for different wrists. At just 10.65 mm thick, it wears comfortably under a cuff, emphasizing its role as an everyday dress watch. Powering the watch is the automatic Sellita SW288, a reliable Swiss caliber offering a moonphase indication at six o’clock alongside central hours, minutes, and seconds. The movement has been carefully adapted to deliver both functionality and dependability, with a power reserve of 38 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz. Sapphire crystal, a polished bezel, and 100 meters of water resistance round out the technical package, providing durability that complements its elegant demeanor.
A Refined Aesthetic with a Lunar Touch
Visually, the 1926 Luna exudes understated charm. The silvered dial is decorated with delicate embossed patterns that create texture without overwhelming the display. Applied rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and faceted indices ensure excellent readability, while the blued central hand adds a subtle but striking accent. The moonphase disc itself, rendered in a deep blue with a golden moon and stars, lends the watch a sense of romantic sophistication. This combination of clean design and traditional complication makes the Luna well-suited to collectors who appreciate classic watchmaking but prefer a modern case size and robust construction.
Who Is This Watch For?
The Tudor 1926 Luna speaks to a different audience than the brand’s typical tool-watch clientele. It will appeal to those who desire a refined daily wearer that balances Swiss pedigree, discreet luxury, and affordability. Whether paired with a business suit or worn more casually, the Luna offers versatility without slipping into ostentation. Its moonphase complication positions it as a thoughtful gift or a first mechanical complication for enthusiasts eager to explore beyond three-hand models. In many ways, it bridges the gap between the utilitarian codes of Tudor and the poetic traditions of classic horology.
Pricing, Availability, and Final Thoughts
Tudor has priced the 1926 Luna at $2,800 USD, positioning it attractively within the market for mechanical moonphase watches. It will be available across the brand’s global network of authorized retailers starting this fall. From my perspective, the Luna is a refreshing move by Tudor—proof that the brand can deliver more than rugged sports watches, while staying true to its ethos of quality and accessibility. For collectors seeking an elegant complication backed by a respected name, this release is genuinely worth a closer look. And if you are looking for something with a sportier look, check out Tudor’s Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue !
