David Beckham has spent the past few weeks wearing Tudor's greatest hits. As the brand's global ambassador, he's rarely seen without a Black Bay or Pelagos strapped to his wrist. But in Tudor's latest campaign, he's opted for something much less predictable: the Royal.
It's an interesting move—since it is one of the brand's most polarising watches.
While the Black Bay has become a modern classic, the Royal has always sat slightly oddly in Tudor's catalogue. Its integrated bracelet, notched bezel, and dressier styling have divided enthusiasts, many of whom have struggled to see where it fits alongside the brand's more rugged, all-purpose tool watches.
This year's update may change that. Rather than simply refreshing the collection, Tudor gave the Royal a thorough overhaul. The line now comes in 30mm, 36mm, and 40mm sizes, with redesigned bracelet links, a T-Fit micro-adjust clasp and, for the first time, manufacture automatic movements across the range. Even the smallest model gets an in-house calibre—an unusually ambitious move at this end of the market.
The watch Beckham is wearing is the 30mm steel-and-gold version, whose integrated bracelet and fluted bezel give it a distinctly retro, 1970s feel. So, this model isn't trying to be another Black Bay. Instead, see it as Tudor's answer to the everyday luxury sports watch.
The Royal may never become the cult favourite that the Black Bay has. But if Tudor wanted collectors to take another look at one of its most debated models, there are few better people to make that introduction than Becks.
