What was even more, was it came (and still does come) with a multi-colored nylon strap. One might think that including a strap like this isn't a big deal - after all you can buy NATOs online for under $10 - but what this strap represented was the first time that it was abundantly clear that a major watch company was paying attention to what real collectors were doing, and what they really wanted. And to include this little piece of nylon in with the awesome Oyster bracelet was pushing something that was something of a cult item (I'd venture to say 90% of people you meet on the street have never seen a watch on a NATO strap before) to the masses, but in their own way - the Tudor nylon strap is not a NATO at all, it's a single piece that is not meant to be folded over with two sewn in spring bar loops, made at a legendary mill in France that also produces straps and ribbons for everyone from Chanel to the Vatican.

The Heritage Chrono's announcement electrified the world's watch forums, and all of a sudden, the most seasoned watch collectors in the world were dying to own a $4000 eta-based Tudor - a testament to what great vision and great design can do for a brand that up until that point was, in my own very humble opinion, a truly secondary player in the consumer watch market. I do credit two men - Tudor managing director Philippe Peverelli - on board since 2009 - and creative director Davide Cerrato - since 2007 - with this marked change in direction for Tudor world-wide, and having gotten to know them both a little bit over the past two years, I can say they are two who really "get it". They listen, they pay attention, and they build watches that are respectful of the amazing history Rolex and Tudor share, while pushing things forward.

For more perspective, here is a quick chronology of important Tudor dates: