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Potentially—but the evidence shows a wider value gap, not a proven wave of Tudor buyers switching to Formex. WatchCharts reported that Tudor retail prices rose 7.4% on average in January 2026 across five key markets. Formex, meanwhile, lists several Essence ThirtyNine variants at CHF 1,470–1,570. That makes Formex worth a closer look for some buyers, but those figures are not a like-for-like local price comparison, and there is no evidence here measuring migration between the brands.
What Tudor’s January 2026 price increase tells us
WatchCharts’ January 2026 update reported a 7.4% average increase in Tudor retail prices across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Hong Kong and Japan. The figure is a simple average of price changes across those markets in its comparison of eight major Swiss brands—not a single global increase or a guarantee that every Tudor reference rose by that amount. In the same comparison, Rolex averaged 6.2%.
Another report illustrates why estimates need to be kept distinct: WatchPro USA reported average Tudor increases of 5.6% in the United States and 5.8% in the United Kingdom for January 2026. These figures use a different source and geographic framing, so they should not be combined with WatchCharts’ five-market average.
A higher list price can make alternatives more appealing to a buyer who has a fixed budget. But an increase by itself says nothing about how many customers reconsidered a Tudor, which watch they chose instead, or whether Formex gained sales as a result.
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- Round watch featuring corrugated unidirectional bezel, luminous hands/markers, and magnified date window at 3 o'clock
- 40 mm, Length: 210mm, 23k gold-plated stainless steel case with mineral dial window. Movement Caliber: NH35A
- Japanese automatic movement with analog display
- Gold & Stainless steel tone bracelet with foldover clasp with safety closure
- Water resistant to 200 m (660 ft): In general, suitable for professional marine activity and serious surface water sports, but not scuba diving.
Where Formex fits on price and specifications
Formex’s official catalog lists several Essence ThirtyNine variants at CHF 1,470–1,570. These are displayed Swiss-franc prices in Formex’s catalog, not a matched comparison with a Tudor’s current authorized-retail price in a particular country. Local taxes, currency conversion, the exact Tudor reference and what is included in each configuration all affect the real comparison.
For a concrete point of reference, Formex lists the Essence ThirtyNine Space Glacier with a 39 mm case, 10 mm height, 45 mm lug-to-lug, 100 m water resistance and a stated 41-hour power reserve. The product page specifies a COSC-certified Sellita SW200-1 automatic movement, quick-release strap system and adjustable clasp. These are manufacturer specifications; Formex also describes its own post-assembly rate testing, which is a brand statement rather than an independent test result.
Rank #2
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
- Automatic movement means that this timeless watch powers a quality Japanese-automatic movement with the simple movement of your arm.
That makes the Essence ThirtyNine a credible candidate for someone who values a relatively slim, versatile automatic watch with published specifications and wants to spend less than some established-brand options. It does not establish that it is better than a Tudor: the two watches may differ in purpose, finish, bracelet or strap configuration, movement, service access and brand appeal. Tudor’s official press room lists the Black Bay 58 among its collections, but the reviewed material does not provide a stable local price or a matched technical sheet. A fair comparison therefore starts with exact references and local prices, not brand names alone.
How to decide whether the price gap matters to you
- Choose the exact watches first. Compare a specific Tudor reference with the specific Formex variant you would actually buy. “Tudor versus Formex” is too broad: Formex’s catalog spans Essence, Reef, Leggera, Field, Ceramica, Stratos and Aria lines.
- Compare prices in one market and on equal terms. Check current authorized-retail prices in your country, including taxes and the supplied bracelet or strap. Keep list price separate from any discount or second-hand transaction price.
- Check fit and daily-use features. Compare case diameter, thickness, lug-to-lug length, weight, clasp adjustment and strap changes, as well as water resistance, bezel or timing functions and legibility. The Essence ThirtyNine’s published 39 mm diameter and 45 mm lug-to-lug are useful measurements, but wrist comfort depends on more than diameter alone.
- Understand the movement claims. Verify the exact movement and stated power reserve for each reference. COSC certification is a defined chronometer certification; it should not be treated as proof that every aspect of a watch is superior or as equivalent to a different certification without checking its scope.
- Weigh ownership and brand preference. Check warranty terms, service route, local availability and how readily you can obtain support. Decide how much value you place on an established name versus buying from an independent maker.
Do higher Tudor prices mean stronger resale?
No. A retail increase is not evidence that a watch has appreciated on the secondary market. WatchCharts’ January 2026 analysis said average value retention among the major brands it tracks was lower than two years earlier, and that the latest price increases lowered retention figures for most brands in its sample. Those figures describe an index or sample-based market analysis, not every Tudor model or transaction. Use current model-specific resale data if resale value is important to your decision.
Rank #3
- Stainless steel case 42mm diameter x 14.2mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 142 grams
- Stainless steel band, 215mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black and green top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
What the wider Swiss market can—and cannot—show
The broader market figures provide context, not proof of demand for either brand. The Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry reported that exports rose 9.2% year over year to CHF 2.2 billion in February 2026, with a positive base effect contributing alongside growth in three major markets. Watches in the export-price category above CHF 3,000 rose 8.4% in units and 8.9% in value that month; those are export-price categories, not consumer retail brackets.
Separately, WatchPro USA reported that Switzerland exported 14.6 million watches in 2025, down 4.8% in volume year over year, while export value fell 1.7% to CHF 25.6 billion. Industry-wide export totals do not establish brand-level sales, much less a shift from Tudor to Formex.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Stainless steel case 42mm diameter x 14.2mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 142 grams
- Stainless steel band, 215mm L x 22mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Uni-directional stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Rank #4
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel case 40mm diameter x 14mm thick; Exhibition case back; Black dial; Luminous hands and hour markers
- NH35A Japanese Automatic movement, 24 jewel; Assembled in Malaysia; Watch weight: 152 grams
- Steel and gold tone stainless steel band, 205mm L x 20mm W; Band is adjustable by adding/removing links; Fold over safety clasp
- Mineral crystal; Screw-down crown; Unidirectional coin edge stainless steel bezel with black top bezel ring; 200 meter water resistant: Suitable for professional marine activity and surface water sports. Suitable for diving.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
