A musing.
I had a thought today. I has become quite apparent that many #watchenthusiasts are either disenchanted or disillusioned by the Rolex and Tudor relationship of the modern era. Many seem to wish for the Tudor watches and sizes of yesteryear, while simultaneously wanting Tudor to deliver life for like quality and capability of its Rolex counterpart. For example, the Tudor 54 was released, providing pretty much the closest thing possible to an original Tudor Submariner, and yet it still receives unwarranted derision and pleas for the dial to have the word Submariner on it. This reasoning confuses me. Tudor is and was never destined to “copy” Rolex. It was intended to provide a high quality timepiece at a lower price point. That is it. The fact that it did sometimes blur the nomenclature it used early on might lead one to believe that Tudor was a “copy” of Rolex, but the fact remains - it isn’t.
Here is an interesting proposal. What if Rolex discontinued ALL of its watches that were not either precious metal or complicated. Meaning no more Submariner, Explorer, or Air King. The Date Just, Sky-Dweller, The Daytona, GMT- Master II, Oyster Perpetual, Day- Date, and 1908 remain in precious metal only. Tudor on the other had become the tool watch, stainless, less expensive arm of the family. They drop the Royale, Glamour, and precious metal versions of their offerings to only offer the Black Bay 54 & 58 with a date/no date option, the Tudor Chrono ( preferably in a Big Block iteration), the GMT and GMT Pro ( as is but no S&G), the Ranger, and the Pelagos in all its iterations. Simply put, Tudor should become the tool watch side of the house and Rolex could establish itself as pure luxury. This would elevate both brands. Tudor would indeed become the Rolex of yesteryear. Rolex would be positioned to further its approach to high horology. With the see-through case backs, traditional styling of the 1908, and the decisions to pursue some of the more eclectic nuances as we have seen in the recent past, Rolex is already leaning that way. With Tudor’s positioning of itself to be vertically integrated, there is no reason it cannot complete its occupation of Rolex’s previously held positions. I am sure this would disrupt and upset many, but I think it would clear up some confusion and blurriness between the two brands, position both higher marketability wise, bring more attention to both brands, and satisfy everyone when it comes to availability and attainability. If you want a no date, dive watch, then there are many Tudor offerings to choose from from heritage inspired to ultra modern. If you want a statement piece or a celebratory piece, or even, as it advances in time, high horology or complications choose Rolex. With fewer people in search of or capable to buy higher end pieces, Rolex would not need to battle the demand issue as much. Tudor on the other hand could easily take up the slack in the demand for their pieces. As I said in the beginning, just a thought that I found a bit amusing. Be well.
Husband and father trying to make the world a better place. Aeronaut | Aquatic Adventurer | Watch Enthusiast | Magnum PI Maniac | Fleming/Bond Fanatic | Top Gun “quotist”
I can see your point. I don't have any issue with Rolex or Tudor treating me well. I have and will only use one AD, and they have always treated me wonderfully. I have been to other ADs and have never been treated poorly. Not being able to walk in and buy what you wanted is weird, granted, but it is what it is!
Frankly, the story of Rolex superiority is often overblown. With many (all?) Tudor models moving toward METAS, I'll argue several Tudor models will actually be better buys than Rolex unless you're specifically trying to buy brand recognition.
Titanium METAS watches? Awesome.
316L is more rugged than 904L, just rinse your watch off when you're done swimming with the jellyfish. And it's METAS? Awesome.
All at a lower price point than Rolex. Awesome.
Get rid of the snowflake hands and you might even get me to buy one (but not this year, because I promised all of you I'm not buying this year).
I just want a date window on the 58 lol. That’s not to much to ask for is it?
Frankly, the story of Rolex superiority is often overblown. With many (all?) Tudor models moving toward METAS, I'll argue several Tudor models will actually be better buys than Rolex unless you're specifically trying to buy brand recognition.
Titanium METAS watches? Awesome.
316L is more rugged than 904L, just rinse your watch off when you're done swimming with the jellyfish. And it's METAS? Awesome.
All at a lower price point than Rolex. Awesome.
Get rid of the snowflake hands and you might even get me to buy one (but not this year, because I promised all of you I'm not buying this year).
I completely agree with you. Hence, if you want a TOOL watch...go Tudor. They should expand and build on that. If you want a more "socially sophisticated" (derision and snobbishness aside, Rolex will ALWAYS be considered superior) go with a more polished offering from the Crown! Go dive with a Tudor, go to the Opera with a Rolex!
I can appreciate Rolex's actual watches, their history and significance in the watch world. But what I cannot and will not stand for is their AD's being so awfully managed. I mean, if I'm prepared to spend thousands on a watch and the exact watch that I want to purchase is right there in the shelf, who are they to tell me that I "can't" purchase it, and that I need to be put on a "waitlist?" Ridiculous. If I have the money and you have the product, is it not your job as the seller to, oh, I don't know, sell me the product? Tudor is absolutely above Rolex, in my mind. Saying that it's just a "poor man's Rolex", especially today, is absolute nonsense.
I can appreciate Rolex's actual watches, their history and significance in the watch world. But what I cannot and will not stand for is their AD's being so awfully managed. I mean, if I'm prepared to spend thousands on a watch and the exact watch that I want to purchase is right there in the shelf, who are they to tell me that I "can't" purchase it, and that I need to be put on a "waitlist?" Ridiculous. If I have the money and you have the product, is it not your job as the seller to, oh, I don't know, sell me the product? Tudor is absolutely above Rolex, in my mind. Saying that it's just a "poor man's Rolex", especially today, is absolute nonsense.
I completely understand.....it is analogous to walking into Ferrari and asking for their new car....and they say no, not without prior history with the brand. Or you will have to wait. Different level but same concept. It frustrated many. The only difference is 16k watch vs 300k car. You can buy an Alfa (Tudor) though. In all seriousness, I asked my AD from whom I have bought all my Tudors and my Rolex. After buying my Rolex, they let me know that the demand is high and the list is long. The list is up to the AD as to whether it is satisfied sequentially. Rolex wants its customers....."chosen" apparently. And that is a tough pill to swallow. It was for me for a very long time. But it is the truth. And their prerogative. I'm just very happy Tudor is doing what they are doing. And your comment further supports my theory that all would be happier if Rolex/Tudor went the way I described.
Small problem with the plan...Rolex has already established "itself as pure luxury." So that's moot. Switching to only precious metals wouldn't move the needle on Rolex being "luxury" a micrometer.
Heck, even Tudor is pure luxury, cuz let's face it - nobody needs either. I have both, so speaking from experience here 😜.
Small problem with the plan...Rolex has already established "itself as pure luxury." So that's moot. Switching to only precious metals wouldn't move the needle on Rolex being "luxury" a micrometer.
Heck, even Tudor is pure luxury, cuz let's face it - nobody needs either. I have both, so speaking from experience here 😜.
The point of the plan is to reduce overlap in the catalog. Get rid of the Rolex Sub vs Tudor Sub( BB/Pelagos) and Day-Date vs Glamour Date-Day. Agree completely they are both unnecessary and completely luxury. It would just provide more definition between the two brands. 🤔 Maybe 😂
The point of the plan is to reduce overlap in the catalog. Get rid of the Rolex Sub vs Tudor Sub( BB/Pelagos) and Day-Date vs Glamour Date-Day. Agree completely they are both unnecessary and completely luxury. It would just provide more definition between the two brands. 🤔 Maybe 😂
Never happen, the folks running Rolex and Tudor are not about to kill the goose that's laying them golden eggs! Heck, they're busy ramping up production capacity.
Never happen, the folks running Rolex and Tudor are not about to kill the goose that's laying them golden eggs! Heck, they're busy ramping up production capacity.
I agree with you... Don't think it would either...was just me musing.
From what I've read Tudor already makes watches as good if not better quality than Rolex. Both are mass produced watches with independent design and manufacturing plants and Tudor are probably as independent as Omega is from Swatch. If anything I think Rolex will put the breaks on Tudor if their production meets demand because I think the profit margin is much higher and Tudor could genuinely take sales away.
From what I've read Tudor already makes watches as good if not better quality than Rolex. Both are mass produced watches with independent design and manufacturing plants and Tudor are probably as independent as Omega is from Swatch. If anything I think Rolex will put the breaks on Tudor if their production meets demand because I think the profit margin is much higher and Tudor could genuinely take sales away.
Own four Tudors and a Rolex. Tudor does NOT exceed Rolex quality. It isn't as well finished. The sophistication of the Rolex is subdued but defined. Tudors far exceed anyone's NEED in a timepiece though.
Own four Tudors and a Rolex. Tudor does NOT exceed Rolex quality. It isn't as well finished. The sophistication of the Rolex is subdued but defined. Tudors far exceed anyone's NEED in a timepiece though.
I was just quoting Adrian Barker as I don't own any Tudor watches.
I was just quoting Adrian Barker as I don't own any Tudor watches.
Adrian has a great channel and I enjoy watching him. He owns both. I guarantee he would never say his Tudor is as polished as his Explorer. And if he did it would be tongue in cheek.
Adrian has a great channel and I enjoy watching him. He owns both. I guarantee he would never say his Tudor is as polished as his Explorer. And if he did it would be tongue in cheek.
https://youtu.be/led0SGEuc6A?si=PWStaUD_2_UTU18z
Don't really have an interest anymore in a Rolex. Pair or Triptych of FXD's will probably happen at some point.
For me and my uses the whole concept of the FXD is exactly what I want in a "luxury" timepiece. (If they made them dual elapsed/countdown and LHD that'd be the cherry on top)
Still searching for that all welcoming elusive AD so many on here find TBH. Been to several, spanning multiple states, at various points in my career. Didn't even mind the wait list after I learned the first time. Still got the snub, or was ignored, or blown off. Sometimes it was even post deployment/reenlistment, and trust me any good salesman/woman should be able to smell the "I'm ready to spend some money cuz I made it home" vibe.... YMMV of course. 😉
Nah. Nice thought? I don’t know, all I know is I don’t like it. I think Tudor and Rolex know who they are, they are not confused and neither am I.
Why change a winning formula ?
Ypu should right to Rolex. If I was CEO and read that, I'd be pulling up my CFO and COO the next day reading it too see how quickly this could be done.
It would however, defiantly upset the used Rolex market, can you imagine what would happen to the discontinued Rolex tools when they are no longer available as a Rolex. But for the company this is a great move for both Roles and Tudor
Rolex = Jewelry
Tudor = Tool (in most cases)
Take the crown and the name away and all you’ve got is a beautiful watch.
(In the case of Tudor, for me at least, you’d basically have to take everything away that makes them a Tudor to make it „beautiful“, but that’s another story…)
I always thought there were plenty of (vintage) Tudor Submariners with the word ‘Submariner’ on the dial. As well as that, quite a few people want to see the square indices to provide more congruency withe snowflake hand.
We have to remember the Black Bay line is it’s own thing that happens to take some cues from the previous Tudor subs