The 1926 Luna: a very first Moonphase for Tudor

The 1926 collection

With the dressy watch from Tudor, the 1926 is available in multiple sizes, starting with the 28mm 1926 in steel and two-tone with multiple options on the dial: silver, white, black and optional diamonds as hour-markers. This small-sized 1926 is the perfect ladies-watch, especially on the comfortable 7-link bracelet (which is totally different compared to the jubilee-style bracelet from Tudor. The mid-size measures 36mm, the larger 39, and the biggest one so far measures 41mm. These watches all feature a smooth bezel in steel or gold, a screw-down crown and Tudor’s in-house caliber T601 with a power-reserve of around 38 hours.

The latest addition to the family

The latest addition in the Tudor catalog is the 1926 Luna. What’s in the name: a moonphase complication added to the watch, which looks cool to be honest, but there is something off on the watch. Let me tell you all about that: the 1926 is a three-hander with a date on 3 o’clock. Which multiple brands do, so that’s no news. The thing that bothers me a bit is the fact that Tudor released a 39mm 1926, while they already offer a 36 and 41mm option. The 36 is the perfect mid-size watch (has been for ages already) and the 39mm is basically only available for the bigger wrists, so you’re skipping a large group of buyers with that 39mm introduction.

The case is made of steel, which is always nice, but they should have added gold to it. A moonphase watch should be at least gold-plated. Furthermore, the dial options are blue, champagne or black. Again, no surprise on this, but the hour-markers on the champagne version are black. And that’s just such a shame, making the watch look a bit trashy to be honest. While the black one features gold indices and hands, the blue version features silver ones, which looks the best of the 3 newly released versions on the 1926. Prices of the Luna start at €2.630, which is a steal, and will be available below marketprice within the next couple of weeks (especially on Wristler).

The other thing that really bothers me, is the fact that the date function still is placed at 3. They should’ve added this within the moon-phase indicator, so that the dial will be loads cleaner. And get rid of the regular numerals at 2, 4, 8 and 10. But that’s just my humble opinion.

Comparing the 1926

There are multiple other options in the market, when shopping for a luxury dress watch with a moon-phase indicator. One of these options is the Frederique Constant, which has the moonphase and date together, Roman numerals and a clean looking dial. It’s a bit too big with 42mm, but it features smaller lugs, so it should wear the same as the 39mm Tudor. Priced at €2.500, prices are around the same.

Another option is the Longines Heritage Moonphase automatic, in 36mm (yep, the right size). This watch is even cleaner, features an automatic movement as well and is priced at €2.750. I mean, if you can opt for one of these three, this would be the best option, right? This has all you want on a classic looking dress-watch (except some touches of gold).

Verdict

As you might have noticed, I do love a complication, and I’ve bought a (vintage) moonphase myself a couple of weeks ago. But, the newest addition to the Tudor catalog isn’t my new favorite, and to be honest, I’m a huge Tudor fan. I’d rather opt for the Longines. What would your verdict be? Let me know.