Every so often, a brand makes a move that feels both unexpected and strangely inevitable. Tudor, usually associated with its robust Black Bay line and tool-watch image, has now introduced the 1926 Luna. Yes, a moon phase watch from Tudor. You might raise an eyebrow at first, because moon phases are usually the playground of dressier brands like Longines, Frederique Constant, or Baume & Mercier. Still, Tudor is stepping into this arena with a quiet confidence, and that alone makes it worth a closer look.
The Foundation of the 1926 Collection
To understand the Luna, we need to go back to the 1926 collection, introduced in 2018. The 1926 line is Tudor's most affordable dress watch offering, sitting below models like the Royal and far away from the adventure-driven Black Bay. Starting at just over two thousand dollars, the collection has always been about refined simplicity. The Luna builds directly on this base, but with one key addition that transforms it into something more poetic: a moon phase display at six o'clock.
Case and Proportions
The new 39mm polished stainless steel case is slim at just over 10mm. That dimension alone makes the watch versatile, slipping easily under a cuff but not disappearing on the wrist. It features a sapphire crystal, a screw-down crown, and water resistance to 100 meters. For a dress-oriented moon phase, that is more than respectable. I would even say practical, since most moon phase watches are not really designed for daily wear in all conditions. Tudor clearly wanted to keep the Luna aligned with its broader DNA of robustness.
The case comes attached to the familiar seven-link 1926 bracelet, mixing polished and brushed surfaces. It has a short folding clasp without micro-adjust, which might disappoint some, but at this price point it is in line with expectations. The alternating finishing on the outer links gives it a slightly less formal look, which in practice makes it easier to wear day to day.
Dial Choices
Tudor offers three versions:
Blue with silver accents
Champagne gold with black accents
Black with gold accents
Among these, the champagne-and-black version immediately stands out. The darkened hands and markers pop against the dial in a way that feels sharp, modern, and yes, just a bit daring. All three dials feature a domed sunray finish, with a mix of arrow and Arabic numeral hour markers. The feuille hands enhance the elegant vibe, while the moon phase aperture at six blends seamlessly into the design.
One detail I particularly appreciate: the date wheel is color-matched on the gold and black dials, using a black base with gold numerals. That small decision shows someone at Tudor cared about coherence. It is often in these minor touches where a watch earns its character.
The Moon Phase Itself
Moon phase complications carry a certain romance. They serve no pressing functional need in 2025, but they connect us to a cycle older than any calendar. The Luna’s moon disc and cover are color-matched to each dial. On the champagne dial, for instance, a phantom moonlight gold disc emerges gradually, hidden behind a black cutout, waxing and waning as the real moon does.
This kind of detail matters. You might think, why bother with such accuracy when everyone can check a lunar calendar on their phone? But after all, that is not the point. Owning a moon phase is about appreciating the slow rhythm of time beyond the 24-hour cycle. It is a reminder that timekeeping is not only about precision, but also about perspective.
Movement and Expectations
Inside, Tudor uses a Swiss automatic caliber derived from a Sellita base. It delivers the moon phase complication with a 41-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It is adjusted to chronometer standards, though not officially COSC certified. Some will frown at the absence of an in-house caliber, since Tudor has emphasized that in other collections. But here is the truth: without this decision, the Luna would not be priced under three thousand dollars.
At $2,800 USD, it becomes one of the most accessible ways to own a Tudor while getting a mechanical moon phase. Yes, the Raymond Weil Millesime offers essentially the same complication for about $400 less, and Frederique Constant has moon phase models in this price bracket too. But brand recognition is powerful. Put “Tudor” on the dial, and for many buyers, that alone tips the balance.
Position in the Market
The entry-level moon phase segment is more crowded than you might expect. Raymond Weil, Frederique Constant, Baume & Mercier, Christopher Ward, and Longines all have strong contenders. Some are less expensive, some are pricier but with more luxurious finishing. The Tudor 1926 Luna slides right into the middle of this group.
The real competition, however, may not be mechanical. At this price, a buyer might also consider a simpler Tudor Black Bay or Ranger. That raises a tricky question: is a moon phase complication in this context attractive enough to pull attention away from the sportier, more “Tudor-like” options? Time will tell, but I suspect the brand is aiming at a slightly different audience here.
Aesthetics vs Identity
I will admit something: I have never been fully convinced by the 1926 line. It feels somewhat out of step with Tudor’s rugged identity. I associate the brand with icy dive waters, mountain expeditions, or even the urban grit of a Black Bay Fifty-Eight. The 1926 collection, on the other hand, whispers in a softer tone. But perhaps that is the whole point.
Adding a moon phase pushes the 1926 further into elegance, giving it a clearer reason to exist. Instead of trying to compete with the Black Bay, it becomes a platform for refinement. You might not “Born to Dare” with a Luna, but you might find yourself wearing it to dinner, to work, or to a family gathering where a full-on tool watch feels a bit out of place.
Tudor’s choice of “Luna” is not accidental. In Roman mythology, Luna was the goddess who personified the moon’s beauty and mystery. The moon has always stood as a symbol of unity, guiding calendars, celebrations, and rituals. Involving Jay Chou, a musician and actor with a wide creative reach, reinforces the connection between art and watchmaking. Whether you find this collaboration inspiring or merely a marketing angle is up to you, but it does add a cultural layer.
Final Thoughts
The Tudor 1926 Luna is not perfect. It is not the most technically exciting moon phase watch on the market, nor is it the most daring. But it is honest about what it offers: a well-proportioned, nicely finished, automatic moon phase watch from a respected brand, at a price point many collectors can justify.
For the enthusiast who always associates Tudor with the Black Bay, the Luna may feel unusual. Still, for someone looking for a refined everyday dress watch that connects tradition, design, and the quiet poetry of the lunar cycle, this is a compelling proposition. After all, how often does a brand like Tudor give us a brand-new complication at this price?