Move Away Rolex! TUDOR is the Cool New "Rolex" in Town (Maybe Vintage)
In Watches & Wonders 2022, Tudor just released a new lineup with the BLACK BAY PRO and BLACK BAY GMT S&G. These watches are uncannily resembles the Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 and the "Root-beer" GMT Master II respectively.
Some people love the more affordable entry level time pieces, while other hate that Tudor is copying the iconic Rolex. However, these has undoubtedly been a part of the Tudor DNA: creating a more affordable Rolex.
Currently, Tudor is its own brand that have been re-creating their identity with their characteristic "snowflake" hands and in-house movements. While taking aspects of Rolex vintage design, they still produces quality pieces that are more fun and attainable than the inaccessible Rolex nowadays.
I say they are the new and cooler "Rolex" in town and I will be following their progression closely!
What do you guys think?
🇮🇩🇭🇰 New watch enthusiast & accuracy snob from Indonesia! Want to learn more about horology with fellow enthusiast! Proud owner of Seiko SARB033 & Casio GW-M5610
The indices on the Pro should not be overlooked. If they made a black on black no date diver with them it would be amazing.
The indices on the Pro should not be overlooked. If they made a black on black no date diver with them it would be amazing.
For sure, they are similar to Vertex's watches with thick 3D-like indices.
Tudor makes a great Rolex homage.
For me, the standout from Tudor was the BB Pro. The root beer - even the original Rolex - was never my cup of tea. The BB Chrono new flavors just don’t do it for me, just a bit too much gold/warm tones and I think this model reads stronger with cooler tones (imo). The BB36/39 models are a bit intriguing as they appear to have new, jubilee-styled bracelets... but actually think they may look great on some leather straps.
I think seeing these all in the metal will be needed for sure. 🤙
I actually like the Tudor more than the Rolex. 😁
While it is easy to compare everything to Rolex, I think we need to recognise Tudor (and other brands) for at least attempting to make watches that are different.
Some may say that the reason Rolex got to #1 in sales is because they don't change things and this makes their products timeless. I think for an organisation that is many times larger than any other watch brand, their spend on innovation is only a fraction of what it could be. And that's the frustrating part and why I feel so let down each year - Rolex could do so much more, but doesn't.
Don't get me wrong, they make a solid, reliable watch. And their products are mass appeal rather than focused on a particular archetype or market. But for too long, they've relied on the strength of their brand and their cultural cachet to sell units and relied very little (or at least very slowly) on their watchmaking prowess.
Perhaps they do have a 'skunkworks' operation working on the next advance in movements, case materials, bracelet design etc. I wouldn't be surprised. But let's pay credit to those watch brands that take risks, with far more to lose, realtively speaking, than Rolex.
I feel like this began as early as the BB in 2012, but certainly when the release of the 58 coincided with the Rolex hype a couple of years ago.
I'm a little "meh" on this round of releases, although I really like the FXD.