How are Tudor watches manufactured? The production process from raw materials to METAS testing.
Editor's Note: This article is based on footage and descriptions shared by the Teddy Baldassare team during a detailed factory visit to Tudor's production supply chain. The content reinterprets the production flow shown in the video within an explanatory and editorial framework.
Today, Tudor is no longer simply referred to as "Rolex's sister brand." Having established its own identity more strongly in recent years, the brand is now seen as part of a much more serious production infrastructure, with its movement manufacturing, case craftsmanship, dial details, and testing processes all contributing to its overall success. So, how does a Tudor watch come into being, from raw metal to the final product worn on the wrist?
The answer to this question lies in a highly organized chain that begins in Le Locle, Switzerland, and extends to Kenissi, EMP, Kenitec, and various other production partners. The process shown in the video reveals Tudor's manufacturing approach step by step, from the processing of movement components to the silicon spring, from case production to dial painting, from COSC and METAS testing to final assembly.
In this article, we examine the Tudor production process in a simple yet technically accurate way, thanks to the Teddy Baldassarre Tudor YouTube video.
Video:
This article is based on information Teddy Baldassarre gathered during a visit to the manufacturing facility.
Where does Tudor production begin?
The video's first stop is the EMP facility, part of Kenissi. This is the starting point of production, the raw material stage. Brass coils are first cut, then separated into forms that will create the basic parts of the mechanism. What is noteworthy here is that a significant portion of the mechanism parts used by Tudor are not like standard components purchased from outside; they are shaped in a controlled and organized production line from the very beginning of the process.
This shows that Tudor has established a structure that is not just an assembly brand in watchmaking, but one that directly permeates the core parts of the process.
How are the mechanism components manufactured?
The cut brass pieces then feed into CNC machines. At this stage, the main plate, gear bridges, and other critical components of the mechanism are machined. In mechanical watchmaking, the geometric accuracy of these parts is extremely important because the efficient operation of the gear system, energy flow, and long-term stability directly depend on these tolerances.
What stands out about Tudor is that this production philosophy has been further integrated through Kenissi. While many brands in the watch world modify and reuse their calibers, here a deeper level of production control is evident. This is one of the key factors explaining why Tudor has been perceived as a more serious technical brand in recent years.
Why are post-CNC finishing and quality control important?
CNC-shaped parts are not assembled directly. First, they undergo a quality control process. Then, laser engraving takes place. Patterns and text are added to the bridges, while a unique serial number is engraved on the main plate.
However, in modern watchmaking, mechanical precision alone is not enough. One of the most striking details in the video is that some parts still undergo final hand-finishing. The chamfering process, particularly with diamond-tipped tools, gives the piece a more refined look in terms of both aesthetics and surface quality.
Next comes rhodium plating. This plating gives the mechanism components that familiar metallic gray-silver look while also providing surface protection.
What happens to the jewelry and during the pre-assembly phase?
Ruby stones and various pins are set into the plated parts using high-precision machinery. These synthetic rubies, used in mechanical watches, are critical for reducing friction and ensuring more stable operation of moving parts.
The most impressive aspect of this work is that the tolerances are at the micron level. In other words, what appears to be a simple assembly is actually an extremely precise piece of engineering that determines the overall performance of the mechanism.
Why does Tudor use silicone hairspray?
Another stop on the production chain is the Kenitec facility. Here, the production of traditional wire springs is demonstrated; however, it is specifically noted that Tudor uses silicon wire springs in its modern MT calibers.
This choice is important because silicone wire springs are among the solutions that are more resistant to magnetism, less affected by temperature changes, and generally offer more consistent performance. Of course, traditional wire springs have a romantic and classic side; however, Tudor prioritizes technical stability here.
After the silicon bristle springs are mounted on the balance wheels, the oscillator system is complete, and these modules are sent back to Kenissi.
How are Tudor safes manufactured?
The case, the part of the watch we see from the outside, is one of the most impressive parts of the video. Case production takes place at the Joseph Baume facility, where different manufacturing methods are used depending on the material.
Cold forging is preferred for stainless steel cases, while hot forging is used for titanium and bronze cases. Steel parts are softened by annealing before pressing. The purpose of this is to prevent cracking and improve machinability. In the case of titanium, much higher temperatures and greater strength are involved.
The case components are then CNC machined to create their internal cavities, crown teeth, bezel seating surfaces, and other technical features. What is produced here is not just a metal body, but a multi-layered structure designed for water resistance, alignment, tolerance, and longevity.
How does the case finishing process define Tudor's character?
One of the most striking aspects of case craftsmanship is the multi-stage surface finishing process. First, pre-polishing is applied using a machine. Then, some surfaces are hand-polished to a near-mirror shine. Finally, while certain areas are preserved, Tudor's signature brushed finishes are created.
The spiral brushing, particularly visible on the lugs, clearly reflects the character the brand has given to the case. Such finishing details are important for watch enthusiasts because the sense of quality a watch conveys in daily use is often judged by its surface craftsmanship before its technical specifications.
When are the bezel, crystal, and crown added?
The crystal glass and bezel are carefully placed into the finished case. Alignment is critical here. Even a few degrees of error are easily noticeable, especially in models with rotating bezels. Therefore, assembly is not only a mechanical process but also a stage where visual accuracy is tested.
Once the crown is in place, the case reaches a fully waterproof form and is ready to accept the mechanism.
How are Tudor bracelets and clasps made?
The video also shows the production of bracelets and clasps. Raw steel bars are processed on CNC machines to create clasp components. These components are then re-machined for symmetry, smoothness, and fit.
The importance of this section lies in the fact that while watch users often focus on the movement, one of the biggest factors determining daily comfort is the quality of the bracelet and clasp. Tudor's dedication of serious production discipline to this section shows that the brand doesn't consider the user experience solely in terms of case and movement.
How are Tudor dials made?
The dial production process is one of the most visually striking and distinctive parts of the video. Brass strips are first transformed into round dial blanks. Then, holes are drilled for the sub-dial spaces, date windows, and index feet.
Next comes the color application. Particularly noteworthy is the hand-applied airbrushing of shades other than black and white, such as flamingo pink or Tudor blue. This points to a controlled balance between craft and machine, rather than a purely serial and soulless line of painting.
Chronograph dials employ an interesting technique: the sub-counters are re-etched after painting, creating a recessed, three-dimensional appearance on the surface. This detail elevates the dial from a flat surface to one with visual depth.
How are sunray finishing, pad printing, and index assembly performed?
On some dials, the sunburst effect is created using semi-automatic machines and rotating brushes. This finishing makes the dial look much more vibrant under light.
Next, the logo and text are applied using the pad printing method. Here, a silicone pad picks up the ink from the engraved metal plates and transfers it to the dial surface. This method makes it possible to print even small typographic details with high accuracy.
The hour markers are still placed by hand. Thanks to their microscopic feet, these indices can only fit into the correct holes and are then secured from the back. This section perfectly illustrates why the human hand remains indispensable, even in high-volume production.
Why is Super-LumiNova still applied manually?
Applying lume to the hour markers and wrists is one of the most common steps in the video. Super-LumiNova powder is mixed with a special binder and microscopically injected using a fine-tipped syringe.
The reason this process is done manually is clear: the fill level of each index and arm space, the risk of overflow, the surface smoothness, and the final appearance all depend directly on the skill of the craftsman. In other words, the machine alone is not sufficient; the aesthetic balance of the watch, as well as its visibility at night, is determined by human hands.
How is the final mechanism assembly progressing?
Upon returning to Kenissi, the parts are now ready for final mechanism assembly. The components are transported to stations on RFID-tagged trays. Here, the mechanisms are assembled in their basic form, excluding the automatic rotor, and then sent for COSC testing.
This is an important detail because COSC certification evaluates the timekeeping performance of the mechanism under an independent standard. The final rotor is fitted to the calibers that have passed the test, making the mechanism ready to be inserted into the watch.
When is the Tudor watch placed in the case?
The next stage is the cleanroom environment at the Tudor facility. Here, the dial and hands are attached to the mechanism, and then the entire structure is placed inside the case. Even environmental factors such as dust, temperature, and light must be kept under control, demonstrating the precision of this assembly.
The dial and hand assembly, in particular, is where the watch's final aesthetic identity is formed. Because it's worked with not just millimeter precision, but often much smaller tolerances, this stage is considered one of the most critical parts of watchmaking.
What tests do Tudor watches undergo?
The production of a Tudor watch doesn't end with assembly. On the contrary, the real reliability test begins afterward. The video shows the METAS test floor, where watches are transported to test stations by autonomous robots.
At this stage, comprehensive checks are carried out on aspects such as water resistance, accuracy, anti-magnetism, and power reserve. This shows us that Tudor strives to produce watches that not only look good but are also validated against measurable performance targets.
This is very important for the modern watch enthusiast. Because today, the perception of a luxury watch is shaped not only by the brand name but also by tested technical reliability.
What does the production process tell us about Tudor?
The clearest conclusion from this video is this: Tudor's manufacturing structure elevates the brand beyond being just an ordinary mid-range alternative. The Kenissi infrastructure for the movement, the meticulous craftsmanship in the case and dial, the controlled environments during final assembly, and the subsequent rigorous testing clearly explain why Tudor has been taken much more seriously in recent years.
The real issue here isn't just how the parts are made. The real issue is Tudor's ability to present industrial production alongside traces of craftsmanship. In other words, the brand doesn't claim to be entirely handcrafted, but it also doesn't succumb to the perception of completely anonymous mass production. The balance that makes Tudor interesting in contemporary watchmaking lies precisely here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tudor watches manufactured entirely in Switzerland?
The process shown in the video encompasses the production and assembly steps carried out at different facilities in Switzerland. Key parts of the mechanism, case, dial, and testing processes are demonstrated on the Swiss-based production line.
Does Tudor manufacture its own mechanisms?
Tudor's modern MT calibers are based on a production infrastructure closely linked to Kenissi. This structure provides the brand with a more integrated and controlled movement development/production model.
Why does Tudor use silicone hairspray?
Silicon brush springs offer advantages such as resistance to magnetism, temperature stability, and more consistent performance. Therefore, they stand out as a technically strong choice in modern calibers.
What tests do Tudor watches undergo?
The video shows tests for water resistance, sensitivity, anti-magnetism, and power reserve. It also mentions that the mechanism was submitted for COSC certification at a specific stage.
Do Tudor safes feature handcrafted details?
Yes. Although the production process is heavily machine-assisted, human hands are significantly involved in some stages, such as chamfering, surface finishing, index placement, and lume application.
