The Tudor Clair de Rose has been completely reworked with respect to the 2013 version that had some interesting design touches, such as the rose forming the continuous seconds indicator (instead of a seconds hand) and the quirky crown protector. In the new 2017 Clair de Rose, Tudor have returned to a more classical design, with Roman numerals, blued hands, and a blue spinel set into the crown.
The 2013 and the new 2017 versions of Tudor’s Clair de Rose
Textured dial
The design detail of the dial is excellent. The central area of radial guilloché corresponds to the seconds subdivisions, and likewise the most external ring of Clou de Paris relief decoration just outside the Roman numerals. Tudor have gone in a different direction with respect to most brands: instead of venturing into colour, they have returned to a very sober design with silvered dial and stainless steel case.
Impermeable case
The watch is available in three case sizes, 34, 30 or 26 mm. They all have screw-down crowns and a stainless steel caseback, and, as they proudly say, the watch is waterproof (not simply water-resistant) to 100 metres. This was an essential part of founder Hans Wilsdorf’s approach back in the day – watches that are truly impermeable to water and dust – and it remains an important “unique selling point” still today.
All models have self-winding mechanical movements
Equally commendable is the fact that all three sizes are powered by mechanical movements. These are ETA-supplied, calibre 2824 for the 34 mm model, or calibre 2671 for the two smaller versions. Both movements are self-winding with a power reserve of about 38 hours.
Comfortable bracelet
The watches have the characteristic three-lug attachment, with a steel “grains of rice” bracelet that is supple and comfortable to wear. Alternatively, there is a fabric strap with buckle and steel attachments, and a leather strap.
Attractive pricing
One of the nicest things about the new Tudor Clair de Rose is its pricing. Prices have remained virtually the same as they were in 2013, from 1,800 Swiss francs for the 26 mm model with fabric strap, through to 2,200 Swiss francs for the 34 mm version with steel bracelet. If you want eight diamonds on the dial as hour markers, there is a supplement of 500 Swiss francs, which, as they say at Tudor, are possibly the best-value diamonds you’ll ever buy. The watches will be available from September 2017.
Prices and references
The 34mm version of Tudor Clair de Rose is reference 35800, price 2,200 Swiss francs with steel bracelet, 2,000 Swiss francs on fabric strap.
The 30mm version of Tudor Clair de Rose is reference 35500, price 2,100 Swiss francs with steel bracelet, 1,900 Swiss francs on fabric strap.
The 26mm version of Tudor Clair de Rose is reference 35200, price 2,000 Swiss francs with steel bracelet, 1,800 Swiss francs on fabric strap.
Read more on the Tudor website.
