The underrated “sport-chic” watch that deserves more of your attention.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade or so, you’re probably already well-acquainted with Tudor’s wildly popular tool watches, which have dominated the brand’s mindshare among its watch lovers. However, as much as we admire the Black Bay and the Pelagos, we reckon it’s a shame that one collection in Tudor’s current offerings has been unjustifiably overlooked – the Royal.

While we cannot claim to be marketing experts, for what it’s worth, we posit that one of the reasons for the Royal’s lacklustre popularity could be its somewhat muddled messaging. Although its name conjures images of imperialism, it’s quite the egalitarian watch collection, offering accessible mid-luxury timepieces of a superior build at attractive prices starting from just above S$3,000. And despite Tudor labelling it as a “sport-chic” range, we think it’s more dressy than sporty and wouldn’t look out of place in a corporate or formal setting.

In addition, the Royal exudes a retro-luxe vibe and is replete with instantly recognisable design elements that are sure to make you stand out. Chief of which is the notched bezel with alternating polished surface and cut grooves that catch and reflect light with every movement of the wrist. Then, there is the integrated metal bracelet, characterised by its three wide satin-brushed links set between two slimmer polished links, that is expertly constructed and finished for optimal wearing comfort.

A versatile watch that can fit into virtually any lifestyle, there are currently more than 50 references of the Royal available, in four sizes – 41, 38, 34 or 28mm – with various dial executions, in 316L steel or 316L steel and 18K yellow gold, and with or without diamonds. Here are three of our top picks for discerning modern watch enthusiasts.

For Young Upstarts

An excellent starter piece for up-and-comers who also enjoy a bit of flexing in their lives, the Ref. M28600-0005 (S$3,440) asserts its presence on the wrist with its 41mm steel case. The distinctive notched bezel frames a stylish sunray-finished blue dial with day-date indicators. Driven by the self-winding Calibre T603 with a 38-hour power reserve, it will garner double takes from the boardroom to the beach club.

For Consummate Professionals

You’ve made it when you genuinely believe you have nothing to prove. Discreet luxury is the name of the game for seasoned pros, and the Ref. M28500-0003 (S$3,370 ) is a shoo-in with its subdued black dial hosting classic applied Roman numeral markers. Sensibly sized at 38mm, a great fit for most wrists, its steel case houses the self-winding Calibre T601 with a 38-hour power reserve.

For Leading Ladies

It’s your movie, and we’re just guest-starring in it, so a froufrou fashion watch with a quartz movement won’t cut it. Launched less than a year ago, the Ref. M28323-0001 (S$7,450 ) is an exquisite combination of steel, yellow gold, and a sprinkling of diamonds on its bezel and dial. Underneath its iridescent mother-of-pearl mien beats the self-winding Calibre T201, that’s chronometer-certified by the COSC. 

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