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There have been a few threads in the last several days asking questions about Tudors, which to me highlighted the lack of information available, especially on the current models. I had the same problem recently, and thought I'd share a few opinions and photos of the Tudor I settled on.
I was shopping for a watch with particular qualities and features. I wanted a good quality mechanical watch, approximately 40mm in diameter, with a good bracelet, date function, and a usable bi-directional elapsed time bezel. Not so easy to find as you might imagine. I looked at the Rolex TOG, but since the minute markers on the bezel are not blacked out it's very difficult to read in low light. So, that choice was out. I broadened my search to the Tudor line, and had more success. I ended up finding the 41mm Sport line, and specifically the Reference 20020. It looked like it would serve my purposes, but there is a dearth of specific information available to those of us in the US, and virtually no pictures on the internet, at least that I could find. I found a couple of reviews on the Hydronaut, and that watch is close enough to the 20020 that I decided to take the plunge. After a couple of days on the wrist, I can honestly say that I’m very glad I did. So, this review, if it can really be called that, is an effort to show a few pictures and share some opinions on a watch that doesn’t receive a lot of attention in the US.
Size: I measured the case at just shy of 41mm. Bear in mind that my cheap caliper is not precise by any definition of the word, and that all numbers are approximate, but pretty close. From lug to lug it’s approximately 46mm. Thickness came in at about 10.5mm, thanks to the flat chrystal. By my measure it looks to be 21mm between the lugs, and the bracelet tapers down to about 18mm at the clasp.
Build quality is outstanding. It looks very robust and solid without being massive. The lugs are wider than I maybe would have liked, but the way they are tapered they don’t appear blocky.
The dial on my watch is the mat black, and is very clean and uncluttered. The minute markers are clear and defined. The date window is a little small for my taste, but I can live with it. The hands are of the stick variety, and I find them very easy to see. There are just enough red highlights on the dial to make it interesting.
The bezel is a non-ratcheting bi-directional unit, which appears to function very much like the bezel on the TOG. It turns fairly easily when moved on purpose, but I haven’t had any problem with it moving when bumped. Of course, I’ve only worn it a couple of days and it’s still new. We’ll see how that one plays out.
The case itself has curved lines, and is really very attractive. If you’re concerned about scratches and scuffs this might not be the watch for you though, because the entire case is highly polished, and it does get marked up fairly easily. I’ve got an ample supply of diamond paste, so that particular eventuality doesn’t concern me. The case is fairly flat on the bottom, and rides the wrist well. Combined with the substantial bracelet, it stays put really well. Another thoughtful touch was to bevel the crown guards up away from the bottom of the case. I wear my watch on my left wrist, and have had no problem with the crown guards or crown digging into the back of my hand. The crown is large and easy to get a hold of.
The bracelet is nothing short of outstanding. It’s of the jubilee variety, and the links are solid. It does have polished center portions, but for some reason that doesn't bother me as much on a jubilee style bracelet as it does on an oyster style. There are 5 removable links, utilizing threaded pins. The clasp has 7 micro adjustment holes. I have about a 7 ˝” wrist, and I took out two links and have the micro adjust pin in the second hole. I’m guessing that this bracelet will accommodate an 8” wrist with room to spare if all links and micro adjust holes were used. You can't really see it in the photos, but the bottom sides of the links are beveled on the ends, which keeps them from digging in to the wrist. Nice detail.
I am really impressed with this watch so far, and hope you’ve enjoyed the read.
Mark
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