Tudor has revisited its feminine Clair de Rose collection and revamped it with its signature blue dial look.
The Clair de Rose is one of Tudor’s more classic collections. Its name refers to both Claire de Lune (“moonlight” in French) and Tudor’s historical logo. Tudor’s Clair de Rose collection already consists of a white opaline model with contrasting navy blue Arabic hour indices and hands. The current model is offered with either normal Arabic hour indices or diamonds set at 1,2,4,5,7,8,10, and 11 hour markers.
This Clair de Rose collection has a history that dates back to the art-deco era in the early 1930s. During this time, the brand was mostly known for creating delicate, cutting-edge jewellery watches with a wealth of details. Details such as decorative case engravings, subtle dial ornaments, and precious bracelets.
“A modern take on that heritage, the Clair de Rose line presents a style that is both delicate and bold, making aesthetic reference to lines with evocative names such as Princess, Glamour or Miss TUDOR. It was from the latter collection that one of the most recognisable Clair de Rose elements was taken: the winding crown adorned with a precious spinel cabochon.”
Tudor on the Clair de Rose line.
Tudor’s blue dial is a signature design feature that the brand has used throughout many of their collections over the years. The first time the blue dial was introduced into one of Tudor’s timepieces was in 1969 when the brand incorporated this dial colour into their Submariner model. The blue isn’t restricted to a particular shade of blue, either. It’s more the “ideology” that sits behind the use of the colour that is closely associated with the brand and has been used frequently throughout the different collections.
Now, as part of Tudor’s Watches & Wonders 2024 releases, they are marrying the signature blue dial with a historic collection. Like the existing Clair de Rose line, the new watches are presented in three different sizes: 26mm, 30mm or 34mm. This is then split into two variants: a blue dial with or without diamonds.
There are subtle varying dial details between the different case sizes. The date feature, for example, on the 26mm is present next to a partial 3 o’clock hour marker. The 30mm model gets a full 3 o’clock hour index, with the date window pushed more into the centre of the dial. However, for the largest model in the collection, the 3 o’clock hour marker has been removed completely, with the date window now taking its place. This, for me, is certainly an odd design choice. The 36mm model looks much more balanced with the date window replacing the hour marker, whereas, on the 30mm model, the date feels kind of out of place.
Tudor has used two separate movements for this latest Clari de Rose line. The smaller size variations (26mm and 30mm) get the brand’s T201 movement, while the 34mm variants come with the T601 movement. The Tudor T201 movement is based on the ETA 2671 movement. It operates at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) while giving out a power reserve of 38 hours. The T601 movement has the same specs; however, it is based on the ETA 2824-2 movement.
All six timepieces come with the iconic 5-link stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet design. This bracelet design has beautifully engineered links that make it super easy to bend, giving a more comfortable and tight fit on the wrist. At the same time, its polished finishes bring a sophisticated shine to the wrist.
Final Thoughts
Tudor’s signature blue dial finally joins a historic collection. The blue complements the feminine Clair de Rose line very nicely, making the collection more lively than the existing white models. I personally think this blue edition is a great update (bar mechanical upgrades), as now not only do the dials stand out beautifully, but they also contrast nicely against the diamonds, the white Arabic hour markers, and the hands.
References: M35200-0009 (26mm), M35500-0009 (30mm) and M35800-0009 (34mm)
Specification:
- Size: 26mm, 30mm & 34mm
- Case: Steel
- Dial: Blue opaline with Arabic hour indices and date window at 3 o’clock.
- Movement: T201 for 26mm and 30mm models, T601 for 34mm model.
- Power reserve: 38 hrs
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap: 5-link stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet with folding clasp and safety catch steel attachments
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: $3,720 AUD (26mm), $3,870 AUD (30mm) and $4,030 AUD (34mm).
Availability: Available for purchase now through Tudor boutiques or authorised dealers. For more information, head to Tudor.com
References: M35200-0010 (26mm – Diamonds), M35500-0010 (30mm-Diamonds) and M35800-0010 (34mm-Diamonds)
Specification:
- Size: 26mm, 30mm & 34mm
- Case: Steel
- Dial: Blue opaline with Arabic hour indices and date window at 3 o’clock. Diamonds set at 1,2,4,5,7,8,10, and 11 hour markers.
- Movement: T201 for 26mm and 30mm models, T601 for 34mm model.
- Power reserve: 38 hrs
- Water resistance: 10 bar (100 meters)
- Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Strap: 5-link stainless steel “beads of rice” bracelet with folding clasp and safety catch steel attachments