Talk me out of a Tudor...

Talk me out of a Tudor...

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OGR4M

Original Poster:

845 posts

152 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
For the past 8 months or so, I've been enjoying my first 'proper' watch - a Chris Ward C60 Pro, as below, in 38mm because I have a wrist circumference instantly recognisable to any insect.


However, I have a bit of money behind me combined with the insatiable itch to get something a bit more special. My old man has a no-date sub of which I'm a big fan, but the black-on-black just doesn't quite do it for me, so a quick email was sent off the the famous DomH enquiring about the 116610LV 'hulk'.

The reply contained (predictably) a number which I thought would buy me a nice car, and instantly quashed the idea. However, I have been reminded of Tudor, and their range of fairly stunning watches, the two to which I'm drawn, seen below are the black bay blue, and the Pelagos respectively:



They are 41, and 42mm and are likely to feel quite large to me - which would be a deal-breaker, and as a result must be tried on before consideration - but they aren't half making my wallet twitch!

Advice from the masses, if you please, any reviews or problems - or if you think I'm just compromising because I can't justify the excessive cost of a full-fat Rolex (thanks, Brexit).

SlimJim16v

5,617 posts

142 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Don't buy a Tudor.

OGR4M

Original Poster:

845 posts

152 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
SlimJim16v said:
Don't buy a Tudor.
hehe

Perfect, as per title and concisely delivered. Mods please delete thread.

grumbledoak

31,499 posts

232 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
If what you want is a Rolex, a Tudor puts you £2k further away from your goal.


Also, all the watches you mention are going to look so similar on the wrist it won't be worth rotating them!

sidicks

25,218 posts

220 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
OGR4M said:
They are 41, and 42mm and are likely to feel quite large to me - which would be a deal-breaker, and as a result must be tried on before consideration - but they aren't half making my wallet twitch!
I was having similar thought to you, but after trying on different watches, decided that the Pelagos looked absolutely fine on my wrist. I now have a few watches and that are 38-41mm, so a bit of variety is a good thing!

As someone has said, if what you are really after is a Rolex, then maybe you are better waiting and saving up and getting a Rolex.

For me, I don't buy watches as investments, so the fact that a Rolex would keep its value better isn't a consideration. To my eyes the Pelagos looks good and that's the priority!

Try one on, you might be surprised! Oh, speak to Dominic H, he'll sort one out for you!

Edited by sidicks on Thursday 23 February 07:22

benjijames28

1,702 posts

91 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
I think Tudors are brilliant watches, I wear m pelagos every day.

But

You have tiny wrists so unless you really want a Tudor black bay 36mm dress watch... Forget it.

The Tudor divers are chunky. Wear much bigger than a pre ceramic or ceramic submariner. Much much bigger.

13m

26,271 posts

221 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
OGR4M said:
For the past 8 months or so, I've been enjoying my first 'proper' watch - a Chris Ward C60 Pro, as below, in 38mm because I have a wrist circumference instantly recognisable to any insect.


However, I have a bit of money behind me combined with the insatiable itch to get something a bit more special. My old man has a no-date sub of which I'm a big fan, but the black-on-black just doesn't quite do it for me, so a quick email was sent off the the famous DomH enquiring about the 116610LV 'hulk'.

The reply contained (predictably) a number which I thought would buy me a nice car, and instantly quashed the idea. However, I have been reminded of Tudor, and their range of fairly stunning watches, the two to which I'm drawn, seen below are the black bay blue, and the Pelagos respectively:



They are 41, and 42mm and are likely to feel quite large to me - which would be a deal-breaker, and as a result must be tried on before consideration - but they aren't half making my wallet twitch!

Advice from the masses, if you please, any reviews or problems - or if you think I'm just compromising because I can't justify the excessive cost of a full-fat Rolex (thanks, Brexit).
You have insect wrists and yet you were considering a Hulk? You would probably look over-watched and lacking in finesse. Also, you would certainly drown if you fell into any significant body of water, as your new timepiece dragged you mercilessly to the bottom.

So what do we know? You want a Rolex and you are slight in build. Buying a watch that is not a Rolex will not change either of these facts. So you need to stop wasting time, money and mental capacity with the purchase of other watches or thinking about the same. You will only be temporarily satiated and will still want a Rolex.

So you need to enjoy your CW, whilst saving for a Rolex. But which one?

The sports Rolexes have grown over time and look, in my opinion, less elegant on even averagely built people, moreso on the "streamlined" physique.

In your sitution I would be looking at a pre-ceramic Sub or Sub Date, which will look fine on your wrist by dint of being a bit "finer" than the later ceramic watches. Orrrrrr..... and this would be my favourite; buy a Datejust with plain bezel on an Oyster bacelet.

The Datejust has the advantages of being an extremely cool watch, smaller than a Sub and it still looks sporty if it is on an Oyster bracelet with plain bezel (i.e. not the fluted one). It also has the advantage of being less expensive to buy than a Sub.

To summarise, then: You clearly really want a Rolex, so nothing else will saatisfy you really. Due to your build you should consider carefully which Rolex you buy. A pre-ceramic sports model or a Datejust in its sportiest guise would be my choice.

thebraketester

14,191 posts

137 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
I would never buy a Tudor simple based on the following line of questioning from uninformed friends.

"Is that a new watch"
"Yes"
"Is it a Rolex?"
"No, it's a Tudor... it's.... *insert mundane explanation here*"
"Ohh, so why didn't you buy a Rolex then"
Etc etc.

Save up and buy a Rolex.

mikeveal

4,557 posts

249 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
The Tudor is an excellent watch and very competitively priced.
If you're worried about what other people think, then buy a fake Rolex.
Or grow a backbone and buy something for yourself, you know something tat you might actually like rather than something to impress your mates. Yes Brakester, I am having a dig biggrin

sidicks

25,218 posts

220 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
thebraketester said:
I would never buy a Tudor simple based on the following line of questioning from uninformed friends.

"Is that a new watch"
"Yes"
"Is it a Rolex?"
"No, it's a Tudor... it's.... *insert mundane explanation here*"
"Ohh, so why didn't you buy a Rolex then"
Etc etc.

Save up and buy a Rolex.
Maybe you need more intelligent friends?

thebraketester

14,191 posts

137 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
I have lots of intelligent friends thank you. They wouldn't know what a Tudor watch was if it fell on their head.

I can't think of one reason why you would buy one, other than the fact you want a Rolex but can't afford one.

mikeveal

4,557 posts

249 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
thebraketester said:
I have lots of intelligent friends thank you. They wouldn't know what a Tudor watch was if it fell on their head.

I can't think of one reason why you would buy one, other than the fact you want a Rolex but can't afford one.
Let me explain that for you, try: because you like it.

thebraketester

14,191 posts

137 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Don't shoot the messenger. OP wants us to put him off not encourage him.

mikeveal

4,557 posts

249 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Yeah right. That's not going to happen in earnest on a watch forum.
Besides I'm anti the idea of encouraging people to be spineless. If you like something, you shouldn't deny yourself it because of what other people think.

If he really does want a Sub, the I agree, buying the Tudor will not scratch that itch. But if the OP likes the Tudor, then why not get it?
Oh yeah, because of his mate's opinions...

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

195 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
I've said it on here before and although plenty of other disagree, I think the Tudor and Christopher Ward are very evenly matched. Perhaps the Tudors have slightly better finished dials but that's about it.

I have skinny wrists and I found the Tudors just too big. It's a very close thing but my Sea Dweller wears fine (16600 model) but the Black Bay, particularly the even larger bronze version just looked like a comedy item. I won't go into the Pelagos except to say to my it felt extremely cheaply made. Others will disagree.

Onto Rolex, what is your budget?

As the poster above says, an Oyster or a Datejust on an oyster bracelet can be a sportier looking watch than you think especially with the correct dial. However, it sounds like what you really want is a sports model so I'd save up while you enjoy your Christopher Ward.

There are bargains to be had if you enjoy the chance to wheel and deal. I bought my mint 2004 Sea Dwelller last month for well under £4K, Explorers can be had for as little as £3k and if you like something a little more noticeable (sounds like you might if you fancy a hulk) how about a 16700 Pepsi GMT for around £4K?

Start searching C24 and you will find something in Italy/Spain/Europe that's worth taking a punt on or even eBay.

LaurasOtherHalf

21,429 posts

195 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/192080188596



This sold for £3300 last month on eBay, now I was watching it as I thought it might get me into the watch I wanted. I figured but that and put it immediately back up for sale for £4k, wear it and enjoy it and if it sold move onto the next one. You could enjoy a few nice watches while flipping them to eventually get you into what you want.

There are plenty more in Europe on C24 for even less (starting at £3k and that's without bargaining, ime you can receive at least 10% discount on C24 sellers).

So you really are starting to look at Tudor money, plus you get to own a few different nice watches along the way smile

sidicks

25,218 posts

220 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
thebraketester said:
I have lots of intelligent friends thank you. They wouldn't know what a Tudor watch was if it fell on their head.

I can't think of one reason why you would buy one, other than the fact you want a Rolex but can't afford one.
I bet they also say that people that buy the Porsche Cayman are only doing so because they can't afford a 911?

They'd be wrong there too.

The OP should buy what he likes - if that's a Tudor, then buy the Tudor. If he wants the Rolex then pay more and buy the Rolex.

paulguitar

23,104 posts

112 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Funnily enough, I went the other way, OP, after 15 odd years of wearing Rolex and Breitling, I sold my last Rolex, a 116200 Datejust, and bought a Ward Trident Pro. I have not regretted it for a moment, and to be honest feel a bit silly when I think of what my watches used to cost, although I always made money on them when I sold them, as I was buying in the states back when the exchange rates were very different.

ellroy

7,000 posts

224 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Got my son a Blue Tudor Black Bay for his 18th.

It's a very lovely thing. Although I've got a BLNR I covet his watch quite badly.

Try them both on though OP. I tried on the Black Pelagos and it didn't feel right, far too light for me. I'd also add that in the metal I'm not a huge fan of the blue Pelagos, not as nice at all as the Black Bay, the Blue looks a little cheap, almost plasticky.

Get what you want though, its you who will wear it after all.

Soov535

35,829 posts

270 months

Thursday 23rd February 2017
quotequote all
Oxford St Goldmsiths have a Black Bay Bronze.

Buy that - you can always sell it for more than you paid.