Mention TUDOR, and you instantly think of precision, craftsmanship, and a timeless appeal that never goes out of style. But there’s so much more to its iconic watches. Behind every TUDOR lies a story of innovation, now perfectly embodied in the new TUDOR Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland. The manufacture’s first-ever dedicated facility in its illustrious 100-year history marks a bold new chapter, honouring its rich legacy, while revolutionising the future of luxury watchmaking. Completed in 2021 after three years of construction, this new manufacture reflects TUDOR’s unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and heritage.
The Heart of TUDOR: Le Locle
With a rich horological history dating back to the 17th century, this UNESCO World Heritage site serves as the perfect backdrop for TUDOR’s new horological haven. Nestled within the picturesque landscape of the Jura Mountains, it is a place where the past and present of horology coexist beautifully. TUDOR’s decision to build its new manufacture here pays tribute to centuries of craftsmanship and innovation.
The manufacture’s design is a symphony of functionality and aesthetics. Spanning across four levels totalling 5,500 square metres and dressed in the brand’s signature red, the building is a true visual spectacle. It’s also adjacent to the Kenissi Manufacture, a proximity that is not just geographic, but symbolic of TUDOR’s integrated approach to watchmaking. Established in 2016, Kenissi is the powerhouse behind TUDOR’s high-performance mechanical calibres, ensuring that every tick from the brand’s watches exceeds the high standards expected of Swiss watchmaking.
Sustainable and Thoughtful Design
Innovation doesn’t stop at the architecture; the TUDOR Manufacture is an ecosystem. From its energy-efficient Sage Glass windows that regulate light transmission to the solar panels adorning its roof, sustainability is at the core of this impressive structure. Even the surrounding landscape is a carefully curated blend of endemic plants, reflecting a commitment to preserving the local biodiversity.
Inside, the aesthetic continuity is palpable. The interiors echo the external colour palette of red, black, and grey, creating a harmonious environment that speaks of the brand’s meticulous attention to detail. The ergonomic design of watchmakers’ benches is a nod to TUDOR’s dedication to the well-being of its artisans, who breathe life into TUDOR watches with the utmost care and precision.
Crafting the Future: The Human Touch in High-Tech
With a focus on precision, reliability, and endurance, it’s undeniable that TUDOR’s approach to watchmaking is obsessive in the best possible way. After all, TUDOR watches are meant to be loyal companions for life and are renowned for their reliability and robustness. This is no accident, but the result of stringent quality control, tests, and meticulous craftsmanship.
Walking through the TUDOR Manufacture, you’ll be struck by the blend of high technology and traditional craftsmanship. An epitome of micro-precision, each watch is expertly assembled and tested to the minutest detail. From the movement’s aesthetics to its performance, every component is designed to withstand the rigours of time. Oh, did we mention that each TUDOR watch – not just random samples – is submitted to strict waterproofness tests?
METAS Certification: A New Standard of Excellence
Not satisfied with making stunning timepieces, TUDOR takes precision and endurance to a whole new level, ensuring their watches perform flawlessly under pressure, no matter what. That’s why the manufacture has gone the extra mile to achieve METAS certification for several of its models, including the Black Bay Ceramic, Black Bay, and the new Black Bay 58 GMT.
What exactly is METAS certification? The Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) certifies watches as Master Chronometers after they pass a series of rigorous tests. These tests cover the main functional characteristics of a watch, including precision, resistance to magnetic fields, waterproofness, and power reserve.
To earn this METAS certification, a watch must meet incredibly high standards. For instance, it must function within a 5-second range of variation each day (0 +5), which is more stringent than the standards set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Additionally, the watch must perform accurately at two different temperatures, in six different positions, and at two different levels of power reserve: 100% and 33%. TUDOR’s METAS-certified watches are also tested for magnetic resistance, ensuring they can withstand exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss, while maintaining precision. Waterproofness is tested up to 200 metres, and the power reserve is confirmed to be either 65 or 70 hours, depending on the model.
Find your perfect TUDOR watch
As TUDOR sets new standards for the world of luxury watchmaking with its new home, delve into the brand’s iconic timepieces that define TUDOR’s legacy. The go-to watches of the boldest adventurers on land, underwater and ice, the Black Bay Pro, Ranger, and Pelagos all reflect TUDOR’s rich heritage, technical prowess and innovative spirit, making them cherished companions for generations to come. Find your perfect TUDOR watch here.