The TUDOR 1926 LUNA has arrived with a quiet confidence that reflects tradition and modern refinement. This timepiece is the first of its kind for the brand, as it incorporates a moon phase complication into the 1926 collection.
The watch debuted just before the Mid-Autumn Festival, a symbolic celebration of unity and togetherness under the brightest moon. To highlight this connection, TUDOR collaborated with Jay Chou, a musician and longtime friend of the brand who contributed his creative vision to the champagne-colored version of the model. His vision transformed the moon phase into something quietly dramatic: a phantom gold disc hidden beneath a black cutout that reveals itself as the cycle progresses.
The 1926 collection foundation
TUDOR deliberately chose its 1926 line for this lunar debut. Named after the year “The Tudor” was first registered by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf, the collection embodies the brand’s founding philosophy of beauty and value. The 1926 models represent Hans Wilsdorf’s original vision of creating technically perfect watches at accessible prices.
The line maintains TUDOR’s commitment to producing “the best possible watches at the best possible price,” a mission that is as bold today as it was nearly a century ago. The 39mm stainless steel cases exemplify this commitment; they are constructed from robust 316L steel and are water-resistant up to 100 meters.
Jay Chou’s artistic vision
While collaborating with TUDOR’s designers, Jay Chou influenced the aesthetic development of the TUDOR 1926 LUNA, especially the champagne-colored dial variant. TUDOR describes his vision for this model as fantastical, featuring a phantom moonlight gold disc representing the moon behind an inky black cutout that changes as the lunar phases progress.
The watch is available with dials in three colors: black, blue, and the champagne color inspired by Jay. The moon phase indicator differs for each dial color. The champagne version has the most dramatic visual effect as the gold disc appears and disappears throughout the lunar cycle.
Moon phase complication explained
This feature tracks the 29.5-day lunar cycle and displays the current phase through a rotating disc beneath the dial. In Roman mythology, Luna was the goddess of divine beauty and magical mystery, making the lunar complication particularly poetic for watch enthusiasts.
Most years have 12 full moons, though some years have 13 due to calendar variations. The TUDOR 1926 LUNA precisely measures both our 24-hour days while simultaneously tracking the completely different lunar cycle, creating a fascinating dual timepiece.
The moon phase indicator appears at 6 o’clock on the dial and is framed by a perfectly polished bevel. This placement maintains the watch’s classical proportions while adding astronomical functionality to the timepiece.
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Movement and manufacturing
The TUDOR 1926 LUNA houses the chronometer-grade Swiss Calibre T607-9 with an integrated moon phase indicator. This self-winding mechanical movement represents the finest in Swiss watchmaking expertise, adjusted to the industry’s highest chronometry standards.
TUDOR assembles and tests the movement at its manufacturing facility in Le Locle, Switzerland. This state-of-the-art facility, completed in 2021 after three years of construction, spans four levels and totals 5,500 square meters. It connects physically and visually to the neighboring Kenissi facility, where TUDOR produces its mechanical calibers.
Despite remaining hidden beneath the dial, the movement receives fine decoration, reflecting TUDOR’s attention to detail throughout the watchmaking process. Crafting the hands and embossed dials requires the most meticulous professionals in horology.
Design elements and details
The dials showcase TUDOR’s thorough attention to detail, and their domed construction provides a vintage touch. Applied even-numbered Arabic numerals sit between faceted, arrow-shaped hour markers, creating an intricate interplay of light that complements the sword-shaped hands.
The metal bracelet demonstrates TUDOR’s longstanding expertise in bracelet design and manufacturing. Composed of seven links of varying sizes, the bracelet follows the natural curve of the wrist. The outer links have a satin-brushed finish, and the center links are polished, creating visual variety that enhances the watch’s elegant appearance.
The TUDOR 1926 LUNA has a Swiss retail price of CHF 2,400 (approximately $3,015 USD), including VAT. This reflects TUDOR’s commitment to offering quality Swiss watchmaking at an accessible price.
TUDOR provides a five-year, transferable warranty on all its products that requires no registration or periodic maintenance checks. The brand recommends servicing the watch approximately every 10 years, depending on usage patterns and model specifications.
