Occasionally I come across a watch that makes me stop in my tracks. Very rarely, however, am I left speechless. It was the latter scenario that occurred when I met up with the proud owner of one of the recently released Tudor Black Bays specially commissioned by the London Metropolitan Police Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit. The watch was incredible — no doubt. But it was also fascinating to talk to the man whose idea the project was; the man who project managed the whole process from beginning to end. Oh, he also has number 1/75!(Replica Rolex Submariner )

Tudor and Rolex very rarely collaborate with third parties, especially when it entails customising their watches. Back in the 1960s and 70s it was quite common for companies to work with the brand to have their corporate logo printed on the dial. That started to phase out in the 1980s and it’s been a rare sight since. But then Tudor has always been the daring younger sibling…

The Royalty and Panerai Replica Specialist Protection Unit comprises elite officers who are tasked with protecting the Royal Family, parliamentary and government officials, as well as visiting diplomats. The unit is also responsible for armed protection of Royal Residences in London, Windsor and Scotland. The unit relies on the ultimate discretion of its officers and a stealthy approach to undertaking all duties. What could be stealthier than a Tudor? Understated class — the unit and the watches.

The panerai luminor submersible replica on Ross' wrist (© Ross Povey)

The RaSP have an unofficial motto of being the “The Shield that protects the Crown”. This signifies not only the role of the unit but there is also some correlation with the fact that their insignia encompasses a crown and a Tudor rose logo…in the same way that Tudor watches are also intrinsically linked to the shield and the Tudor rose. Put that together with the Royal family’s descent from The House of Tudor and you can see it was meant to be.