Historically, TUDOR has achieved a more affordable price point than replica Rolex by using third-party movements rather than in-house movements, as its parent company does. In fact, many early Tudor watches were made using Rolex cases and common movements; however, this has changed in recent years and Tudor’s entire catalog now has its own unique design language, using cases and external components that are entirely exclusive to the brand.
Although TUDOR now produces watches with its own in-house movements, there are still many TUDOR models are powered by third-party movements (or modified versions of off-the-shelf movement designs). One example of this is the Tudor T401 movement within the Heritage Chrono Blue, which is essentially an ETA 2892 movement with a Dubois Depraz chronograph module bolted to the top of the dial side. A particularly nice touch is that while Tudor’s T401 movement is a modular chronograph, the pushers on the Heritage Chrono Blue are aligned with its winding crown, which helps maintain visual symmetry when looking at the side of the case. 
Since the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue’s caliber T401 is based on the ETA 2892 movement, it has a frequency of 28,800 BHP (4Hz) and provides users with a 42-hour power reserve. However, TUDOR has modified the standard Dubois Depraz chronograph module by adding a 45-minute counter (instead of a 30-minute counter) and abandoning the hour sub-dial altogether in favor of a more streamlined two-dial layout. Unlike the in-house movement in the Black Bay Chrono, the T401 movement in the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue is not chronometer-certified. However, since TUDOR modifies, refines, and assembles these movements in-house, it can be assumed that the chronometric performance is in line with what you would expect from the TUDOR brand, regardless of whether it is actually chronometer-certified or not.
Although the TUDOR Heritage Chrono Blue has been in production since 2013 (the Heritage Chrono itself has been in production since 2010), TUDOR still lists the replica watch as an option on its website. The Heritage Chrono collection currently includes six models – spanning three dial colors (blue, black, and gray) – each available with either a stainless steel strap or a striped fabric strap. While the hands and dial of the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue differ slightly from the black and gray, the retail price is the same for all colors, with the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue priced at $4,200 for the strap and $4,525 for the strap-equipped version.
Like most Tudor watches, the Heritage Chrono Blue has held its value very well on the secondary market, trading close to its original new retail price even for a used watch from a few years ago. Generally speaking, Tudor watches do not appreciate in value as immediately as Rolex replica watches, and only a few models have long waiting lists at the retail level. This means you can find a small discount by buying on the pre-owned market, although even the most affordable pre-owned Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue watches will cost around $4k.
Of the three different dial color options available in the Tudor Heritage Chrono collection, the blue version is often considered the most desired by collectors. While all three variants have a small amount of bright orange, the different styles of hands and hour markers on the Heritage Chrono Blue add to its refined look and work with the model’s bright blue accents to create a truly striking and cohesive overall package.
One of the main reasons people love the fake Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona watch is its funky dial, which exudes an inherent vintage appeal. While the Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue is distinctly different from the vintage Rolex Daytona, it does meet similar aesthetic requirements – and at an entirely affordable price. While the vintage Paul Newman Daytona will set you back at least six figures, the TUDOR Heritage Chrono Blue is under $5k and offers a wonderfully fun and playful aesthetic from the golden ear of mechanical sports watches.
