What are your true thoughts on Tudor?
Discussion
Every time I see a pic of a Pelagos 39mm I'm smitten by it. I love the look of it, and can't find anything else out there like it. Fairly plain dial, no date, good water resistance, good movement / build quality etc. And most importantly, not glossy, very tool like. I don't have a dealer near me, so I haven't had a chance to try one on yet.
For me watches aren't an investment, it will be worn daily, get scratched etc.
But there is still something about the brand that has me thinking twice. Am I being stupid?
For me watches aren't an investment, it will be worn daily, get scratched etc.
But there is still something about the brand that has me thinking twice. Am I being stupid?
I know what you mean Bob, several Tudor's I like look of but my overall impression of them is "poor man's Rolex".
I shouldn't say that having had Maserati's in the past which of course are the "poor man's Ferrari" and having realised that Maz brings a lot to the party which Ferrari doesn't but it's a difficult feeling to shake for me on the Tudor while it was easier for me to shake on the Maserati.
If you'll be happy with it (they are good watches) and won't look at your wrist thinking "if only I'd put a bit more in and gotten a XXX" then go for it but the fact that you're questioning here makes me think there's probably something about the brand that doesn't sit quite right for you. It's a lot of money to spend on something that you won't be completely happy with.
I shouldn't say that having had Maserati's in the past which of course are the "poor man's Ferrari" and having realised that Maz brings a lot to the party which Ferrari doesn't but it's a difficult feeling to shake for me on the Tudor while it was easier for me to shake on the Maserati.
If you'll be happy with it (they are good watches) and won't look at your wrist thinking "if only I'd put a bit more in and gotten a XXX" then go for it but the fact that you're questioning here makes me think there's probably something about the brand that doesn't sit quite right for you. It's a lot of money to spend on something that you won't be completely happy with.
I think describing in one word I would use ‘underwhelming’.
I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
Soleith said:
I know what you mean Bob, several Tudor's I like look of but my overall impression of them is "poor man's Rolex".
I don't own any kind of watch, but this is exactly what I think. I can imagine wearing one and another non watch person asking "Is that a Rolex?" and replying "No, it's a Tudor" and then non watch person replying "Ah...."They are not exactly cheap, so at this point I would be thinking "Really wish I just paid the extra and got a Rolex".
I don't really understand why you would buy one, as I said, it's not as if they are cheap.
Mont Blanc said:
I just love everything about it. This may sound daft, but the thing I really like is that it isn't a Rolex. Unless you are into watches, you don't know what it is, which suits me just fine. I rarely wear a Rolex these days.
I think that's the thing as well for me about Rolex, most of my friends won't have a Rolex so in some way it sorts of separates us, plus generally those that have Rolex are increasingly seen as part of the Turkey Teeth group (love that expression) so although love the design of rolex but I'm increasingly looking towards tudor or omega or other for the next purchase.Watchdives / San Martin have done a 39mm Pelagos-a-like homage/copy/fake/knock-off/whatever in titanium:
https://watchdives.com/products/watchdives-x-san-m...
and in steel:
https://www.sanmartin.watch/products/watchdives-x-...
The quality seems very good (reviews on YouTube) and, arguably, all you'd need for a 'tool watch' that you actually use and batter about a bit.
https://watchdives.com/products/watchdives-x-san-m...
and in steel:
https://www.sanmartin.watch/products/watchdives-x-...
The quality seems very good (reviews on YouTube) and, arguably, all you'd need for a 'tool watch' that you actually use and batter about a bit.
I thought my BB Chrono with opaline dial was lovely, well finished and the equal of any Omega/Cartier/Rolex/Panerai/Zenith I'd had in terms of look and feel to hold in your hands/wear on your wrist but I would also say the same for my Longines Zulu time and Montblanc 1858.
I don't like the rivet bracelet though mine was on a strap and the deployant clasp felt nice to use and again a quality item.
I bought a BB GMT a couple of years ago - love it, as other posters have said its perhaps a little slab-sided but quality etc seem very good.
It's currently on a brown leather strap which gives it a different look.
At the end of the day though, don't buy one if you really want a Rolex as it's not the same.
It's currently on a brown leather strap which gives it a different look.
At the end of the day though, don't buy one if you really want a Rolex as it's not the same.
I bought a blue Pelagos about 5 years ago as I really liked the look of it and thinks it’s quite robust for most day to day use. Earlier this year I sold a DateJust I’d had for more than 30 years and bought a Black Bay Chronograph (white face) with the proceeds as these were becoming much easier to obtain from dealers. Again I think it’s well made and fairly robust to use every day.
In comparison to Rolex I’ve sold all mine apart from a Daytona and a Submariner which I now very rarely wear as I no longer like the apparent image they project to others. I’d much rather wear something that’s perceived to be a cheap, uninspired poor relative as that the image I feel suits my persona these days.
In comparison to Rolex I’ve sold all mine apart from a Daytona and a Submariner which I now very rarely wear as I no longer like the apparent image they project to others. I’d much rather wear something that’s perceived to be a cheap, uninspired poor relative as that the image I feel suits my persona these days.
RSTurboPaul said:
Watchdives / San Martin have done a 39mm Pelagos-a-like homage/copy/fake/knock-off/whatever in titanium:
https://watchdives.com/products/watchdives-x-san-m...
and in steel:
https://www.sanmartin.watch/products/watchdives-x-...
The quality seems very good (reviews on YouTube) and, arguably, all you'd need for a 'tool watch' that you actually use and batter about a bit.
Good review here from Barchettaman in the £200 watch thread https://watchdives.com/products/watchdives-x-san-m...
and in steel:
https://www.sanmartin.watch/products/watchdives-x-...
The quality seems very good (reviews on YouTube) and, arguably, all you'd need for a 'tool watch' that you actually use and batter about a bit.
Barchettaman said:
Seestern Titanium dive watch review
At 39mm x 12.5mm this is a bit smaller and thicker than my preferred Glycine Combat Sub, but it seems to wear just as nicely.
It comes in one of those oft-used black Pelican plastic cases with a screwdriver for the bracelet links and lots of other stuff that I didn’t bother looking at.
It’s titanium, so weighs (sized) around 100g on the bracelet vs. 150g for a stainless steel watch. You have to remind yourself that it’s not a crappy 1980s Quartz Seiko with a pressed clasp and hollow bracelet links, it’s so light. It’s got a solid, fully milled clasp and is a bit sharp on its link edges but nothing really to worry about. It’s really super light on the wrist. Screwed links, as I mentioned, not push pins. I have no experience with screwlink bracelets so cannot comment if they’ll come undone. I have Loctite thread locker at home if they do. There was just one spare link once I had sized it to my 7” wrist (not one for Bobberoo with his gorilla-like arms, then). Could you get extra links from Seestern? No idea.
There’s no fancy micro adjust sliding thingy on the clasp but I got an excellent fit. The clasp could sit slightly closer to the bracelet at its opening, I suppose. This clasp problem was worse on the early ones but has been rectified on the newer models (of which this one is).
The bracelet tapers down quite a bit, Rolex style, which isn’t my preference. Less taper is a good thing for me. Also Rolex-esque is the plain caseback. Not a problem for me; I never look at the caseback.
The blue lume (BGW9 I think) is excellent. This thing glows like a torch. Unlike the Tudor the hour hand is fully lumed all the way to the pinion. There’s a nice contrast between the three hands, but they compliment each other well (if that makes any sense at all). No complaints.
The applied indices are solid lume I think and are super crisply done. Top work. There is no dust or debris under the crystal, it’s perfect. I quite like the Tudor style hands, I certainly prefer them to the Rolex ‘Mercedes’ handset. The face is black but with a subtle sunburst finish, and it can go to a dark grey/almost umber, walnut shade. It’s really effective.
It’s a no-date watch and Seestern have gone with the no-date Seiko NH movement, the NH38. This example seems to be at about -4 seconds per day. Accuracy isn’t particularly useful to me but it’s nice when a cheap movement performs well. The crown stem tube is alright (when you screw/unscrew the stem into the case) but it’s nowhere near as smooth and buttery as in my Seiko Samurai. The Chinese manufacturers never seem to get this as good as the original Japanese manufacturers can. It doesn’t hand wind as smoothly as my Seiko, either.
The sapphire crystal is flat, it seems to have a decent AR coating underneath. I’m not an expert.
Case finishing is really good. It’s not blingy, it has a real tool-watch, Sinn aesthetic. There is a bit of contrast on the chamfered case edges. It’s nicely done.
The ceramic fully-lumed bezel is absolutely superb. The coin edge is lovely to grip, it’s got a light but positive action (120 click) and a delightful radial brushing, like the Tudor original, which works beautifully. This ‘sunray’ brushing is one of the nicest things about it, it’s bloody gorgeous. It’s dark grey in most conditions but switches to a lighter grey/white when the light catches it. Beautiful. The effect is a bit like an aged Rolex Submariner ‘ghost’ bezel, if you’ve seen those.
Apparently titanium is a difficult material to use for a bezel but this is top-notch (pun intended)
The titanium case and bracelet might mark up and scuff over time, I’m not too bothered if it does. It has a coating (apparently).
In short: it’s bloody lovely. I’m seriously impressed. It’s a keeper (no laughing at the back please, I know I’ve said that before and sold on).
Recommended.
Crumpet said:
I think describing in one word I would use ‘underwhelming’.
I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
I agree. They look quite nice in the window, but turning one over in my hand I got the impression of cheapness. Not sure if it was a lack of weight/substantial feel or the poor quality of the bracelet but the one I looked at left me cold. I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
All good points everyone, thanks.
And perfect description Mont Blanc, thanks.
Omega is the watch brand I admire the most, so what I really want is an Omega that looks exactly like the Pelagos 39!
I've tried on Seamasters and Planet Oceans etc. but nothing ticks all the boxes like the P39. So even though the Omegas are really nice, I can't find anything in their range that I like. The 39.5 PO is twice as heavy and quite a bit thicker.
P.S. For those with or had BB58's, this is where I think the P39 design has moved things along. No rivets, better clasp, square hours markers now match the hands, lumed bezel, etc. Just a bunch of small things that make the design more cohesive in my eyes. I actually really wanted a BB58 until this came along. And it's smaller and thinner than most comparable Omegas.
And perfect description Mont Blanc, thanks.
Soleith said:
I know what you mean Bob, several Tudor's I like look of but my overall impression of them is "poor man's Rolex".
grumbledoak said:
"Buy a Pagani and keep saving for the Rolex you actually want."
JimmyD78 said:
At the end of the day though, don't buy one if you really want a Rolex as it's not the same.
The funny thing is, most Rolex watches don't appeal to me at all. The only one I like is the Explorer, and even that is a bit too blingy for me for an every day tool watch that I don't have to worry about. So I have no intention of ever buying a Rolex.Omega is the watch brand I admire the most, so what I really want is an Omega that looks exactly like the Pelagos 39!
I've tried on Seamasters and Planet Oceans etc. but nothing ticks all the boxes like the P39. So even though the Omegas are really nice, I can't find anything in their range that I like. The 39.5 PO is twice as heavy and quite a bit thicker.Mont Blanc said:
100%
If you want a Rolex, buy a Rolex, otherwise you will never be satisfied, and you will have wasted your money.
Buy a Tudor Pelagos because you really like that exact watch, irrespective of what others you own or want to own.
I think this is it, I want a Tudor P39, as it ticks every box I want from a watch. I don't want a Rolex, at all. (Not to dismiss Rolex fans on here, they are wonderful watches) But something bothers me about the fact that everyone will assume I wanted a Rolex lol. I know I shouldn't care what anyone else thinks, but I don't want to explain it every time. I think the difference for me is this watch will get beat up, and I see a Rolex more like fine jewelry, I don't see the point of wearing fine jewelry when working.If you want a Rolex, buy a Rolex, otherwise you will never be satisfied, and you will have wasted your money.
Buy a Tudor Pelagos because you really like that exact watch, irrespective of what others you own or want to own.
P.S. For those with or had BB58's, this is where I think the P39 design has moved things along. No rivets, better clasp, square hours markers now match the hands, lumed bezel, etc. Just a bunch of small things that make the design more cohesive in my eyes. I actually really wanted a BB58 until this came along. And it's smaller and thinner than most comparable Omegas.
FarmyardPants said:
Crumpet said:
I think describing in one word I would use ‘underwhelming’.
I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
I agree. They look quite nice in the window, but turning one over in my hand I got the impression of cheapness. Not sure if it was a lack of weight/substantial feel or the poor quality of the bracelet but the one I looked at left me cold. I can’t quite put my finger on why because the BB58 I had was nicely made, looked good on any strap and was very comfortable.
Maybe it’s the nasty rivets on the bracelets or the cheap clasp. I know they’ve improved it on some models so not sure that’s a valid point now. Or it could be because of the naff, fake vintage styling. Or, most likely, it’s the horrendous snowflake hands!
I’d rather go for something from Sinn or Damasko for less money or pay more and get an Omega or Rolex. They sort of sit in a strange bracket for me; not special enough or a strong enough brand to be a 40th birthday treat but not cheap enough or interesting enough to be indulging as part of a collection.
Bob_Defly said:
I think this is it, I want a Tudor P39, as it ticks every box I want from a watch. I don't want a Rolex, at all. (Not to dismiss Rolex fans on here, they are wonderful watches) But something bothers me about the fact that everyone will assume I wanted a Rolex lol. I know I shouldn't care what anyone else thinks, but I don't want to explain it every time. I think the difference for me is this watch will get beat up, and I see a Rolex more like fine jewelry, I don't see the point of wearing fine jewelry when working.
I've had my P39 for nearly a year now. Bought it not long after launch in late 2022, as I saw it in early reviews and was hooked. I have not had one person say negative or make any kind of "couldn't afford a Rolex" joke/comment. To be honest, the sort of pillock who would make a "couldn't afford a Rolex" comment is probably someone who has no clue who Tudor are anyway. I have had a few watch enthusiast types ask about it and ask to have a look at it, as they just wanted to see one in person after all the all the fuss and praise from Hodinkee, Monochrome, etc. It's been all positive.Not that I would give a toss anyway if anyone made a negative comment. As far as I'm concerned that is very clearly a 'them' problem, not a 'me' problem. I'm not buying my watches for other people to enjoy. The fact that I prefer to wear the Tudor over a Rolex speaks for itself.
Bob_Defly said:
P.S. For those with or had BB58's, this is where I think the P39 design has moved things along. No rivets, better clasp, square hours markers now match the hands, lumed bezel, etc. Just a bunch of small things that make the design more cohesive in my eyes. I actually really wanted a BB58 until this came along. And it's smaller and thinner than most comparable Omegas.
Agreed. As I mentioned above, they have moved the game on notably with the P39. The, dare I say it, 'Rolex' touches such as the sunburst effect on the ceramic bezel and dial have really lifted it up.
Cross an Omega and the P39..guess the closest I've seen is the Nekton..a no date 300M..
Or maybe a NTTD on rubber..
I like Tudor, I have a couple, and the P39 bracelet makes it more attractive to me than a 14060M. Is it a poor man's Rolex? There will always be people who will say/think that...if your ego would be bruised by that then avoid.
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