My Tudor rant...
Firstly, I hope everyone is - whether you celebrate Christmas or otherwise - having a safe and joyous end of year holidays!
Secondly, I am - as nerdy as it may sound - enjoying the Christmas vibe with my Burgundy Tudor Black Bay 41 MK3 METAS in 5-link bracelet!
Now, the rant... only because - I promised myself I would resist until - I have seen three strikes dismissing Tudor in real life/social media predominantly agitating Rolex.
See, in my PERSONAL view, if your SOLE purpose of purchasing a watch is to SHOW (or make some kind of statement to) the people [not watch enthusiasts but the general public], then, yes, perhaps you should just buy a Rolex (not a Tudor).
I will be 100% transparent and put my hand up, guilty as charged, 🙋🏻♂️ and say that when I first heard of Montres Tudor SA back in late 2000s, when I didn't own any Tudor timepieces, my opinion was dismissive of the brand as a "Rolex wannabe". Ignorance really.
Middle of this year, however, I came across Adrian Barker's videos about Tudor (tour of Tudor's manufacturing place) and what got me hooked was his review of the Black Bay Chrono 🐼.
It was the latter video that completely changed me and I decided to give Tudor
a fair go with the Chrono for my birthday!
I went in 100% being privy of the chunky case but the fact that the movement was a derivative of B01 from my other beloved brand - Breitling - together with the unbelievable price point for what you get blew away any criticism of the timepiece including the faux rivets and lack of T-Fit clasp etc.. just evaporated.
I can confidently say that, after actually having owned Tudor watches, almost always I now gravitate towards my Tudor timepieces whether it's the BB41 or BBC (lol) over Rolex because I know that Tudor makes excellent timepieces that are as good as Rolex (if not better in some instances).
Yes, the price point is lower than Rolex watches but it is FAR from - quality perspective wise - the origin of its label a "poor man's Rolex" or a wannabe because it truly has its own distinct personality (really makes wearing a watch more eventful and fun) and feels more rugged and sturdier than a Rolex!
People who have - thus far - been skeptical of Tudor timepieces, I invite you to try out a Tudor timepiece, especially those of you who already have Rolex watches! You will, I think, be genuinely surprised and impressed!
Commenced watch collecting in late 2022 when I began looking for an "accomplishment" timepiece. I am quickly realising how dangerous this hobby is as it can be very addictive!
Fully agree that there should not be any stigma attached to the Tudor models of today; they have so much going for them whether with in-house movements or no.
However it bears mentioning that my next grail is a Rolex, in spite of being the owner of 3 Tudor watches. As far as I am concerned, each watch occupies a unique niche unto themselves.
Fully agree that there should not be any stigma attached to the Tudor models of today; they have so much going for them whether with in-house movements or no.
However it bears mentioning that my next grail is a Rolex, in spite of being the owner of 3 Tudor watches. As far as I am concerned, each watch occupies a unique niche unto themselves.
Would love to hear your views of your Tudor timepieces after you have gotten your Rolex and had some time with them. What changes (if any) etc 🤗
Fully agree that there should not be any stigma attached to the Tudor models of today; they have so much going for them whether with in-house movements or no.
However it bears mentioning that my next grail is a Rolex, in spite of being the owner of 3 Tudor watches. As far as I am concerned, each watch occupies a unique niche unto themselves.
“However it bears mentioning that my next grail is a Rolex…”
“However it bears mentioning that my next grail is a Rolex…”
Well, I’m willing to learn, if you’re willing to teach 👍
Would love to hear your views of your Tudor timepieces after you have gotten your Rolex and had some time with them. What changes (if any) etc 🤗
I can understand where you’re coming from. FYI the grail of which I speak is the Explorer II 226570. Not exactly a flashy watch by the standards of Rolex’s contemporary offerings at large. To me, it would be more representative of a career milestone achievement rather than a form of status signalling.
I can understand where you’re coming from. FYI the grail of which I speak is the Explorer II 226570. Not exactly a flashy watch by the standards of Rolex’s contemporary offerings at large. To me, it would be more representative of a career milestone achievement rather than a form of status signalling.
Perfectly understand the reasoning behind the anticipated purchase of your Explorer II. Wish you nothing but only the best of luck with your career milestone and happy shopping! 🤗 Explorer II is a stunning piece especially the orange time marker!
I bought a Tudor BBPro at the end of last year. Loved it initially and loved wearing it almost daily. I have since added a Cartier and Rolex and to be honest, the Tudor has sat in its box ever since.
Tudor on their own are strong watches but they just lack that feeling of, I don’t know what the correct word is here, beauty and finesse? Or maybe prestige? I dunno.
Anyway I’m not knocking Tudor as a brand, but they are in a tier below Rolex/Cartier/Omega etc. and I don’t think that’s deniable, no matter what people think of these other brands.
They can't say Tudor is a Rolex wannabe. Rolex would have had to give permission and approval to build those pieces. Rolex wanted to tap that inner person in us who likes the look but not the cost so they built it.
If you look past this, you would buy the watch. Take for example my reasoning of the BB54. I got the BB58 because it reminded me of the vintage Submariner and there was no way that I could afford it.
When the BB54 launched, it answered all that I'd need from Tudor and looked much closer to the original. Again it would have been a pain to get the vintage Submariner and fix it. So why not simply get a new watch where you know you'd have the parts for it.
Fyi haven't got the BB54 yet, but slowly getting there!
I bought a Tudor BBPro at the end of last year. Loved it initially and loved wearing it almost daily. I have since added a Cartier and Rolex and to be honest, the Tudor has sat in its box ever since.
Tudor on their own are strong watches but they just lack that feeling of, I don’t know what the correct word is here, beauty and finesse? Or maybe prestige? I dunno.
Anyway I’m not knocking Tudor as a brand, but they are in a tier below Rolex/Cartier/Omega etc. and I don’t think that’s deniable, no matter what people think of these other brands.
Congrats with the Cartier and Rolex! Also, there is no issue with me relaying the fact that Tudor is not sitting shoulder to shoulder to Rolex or Cartier etc. In short, all I am saying is Tudor - at least the modern day range - is (1) no longer that "poor man's Rolex" brand in my personal view especially having regard to the technology and quality it brings and (2) the brand has deviated sufficiently away from Rolex to stand on its own.
They can't say Tudor is a Rolex wannabe. Rolex would have had to give permission and approval to build those pieces. Rolex wanted to tap that inner person in us who likes the look but not the cost so they built it.
If you look past this, you would buy the watch. Take for example my reasoning of the BB54. I got the BB58 because it reminded me of the vintage Submariner and there was no way that I could afford it.
When the BB54 launched, it answered all that I'd need from Tudor and looked much closer to the original. Again it would have been a pain to get the vintage Submariner and fix it. So why not simply get a new watch where you know you'd have the parts for it.
Fyi haven't got the BB54 yet, but slowly getting there!
I haven't even been able to see a BB54 in person yet where I am... but, I hear what you are saying and agree! 🤝🏻
Agreed 10000%
I have a soft spot for a Tudor. Love them.
I've said this before (and no doubt I'll say it again):
Tudor is the Škoda of the watch world.
They're competant, well-engineered and inoffensively-styled. The safe choice.
It's like enjoying eating potatoes. Absolutely nothing wrong with them and sometimes exactly what you want; but hardly the imaginitive or creative choice.
I've said this before (and no doubt I'll say it again):
Tudor is the Škoda of the watch world.
They're competant, well-engineered and inoffensively-styled. The safe choice.
It's like enjoying eating potatoes. Absolutely nothing wrong with them and sometimes exactly what you want; but hardly the imaginitive or creative choice.
Skoda? I'm sorry, I try to be positive but this is ridiculous.
I've said this before (and no doubt I'll say it again):
Tudor is the Škoda of the watch world.
They're competant, well-engineered and inoffensively-styled. The safe choice.
It's like enjoying eating potatoes. Absolutely nothing wrong with them and sometimes exactly what you want; but hardly the imaginitive or creative choice.
Considering that Tudor is recognised as "entry level luxury" or as it calls itself as "premium" brand I would have thought maybe it is at an entry level Audi or mainstream VW or Cupra...? 😅
Great topic and rants are healthy.😉
I agree with just about everything you said about Tudor. There is one caveat, however. That Snowflake hand... I just don't like it and can't get over it. Everything else about their watches sings to me, but that hand is background noise I can't seem to remove.
IDGuy did an outstanding video on this exact thing and he is spot on in describing this dilemma for folks like myself.
https://youtu.be/QgI3-HbYp2A?si=XMKPLb8ErDuRl0c0
I actually saw this and really appreciate the analysis and deep dive by IDGuy! Fantastic share!!
Best brand overall IMO. I love everything Tudor make. They have the best EDC/aspirational watches for sure. The only other watches I’d personally place alongside them are the Speedmaster, the JLC Polaris, and the Rolex Yacht-Master/Sky-Dweller/GMT-Master. All of the ones I mentioned are anywhere from three to six times more valuable than something like the BB58. The BB58 and the old BB41 are legendary though (biased perspective 😬).
Killed it with that photo! 👌🏻
Doesn’t this Invicta look like the Tudor instead of the Rolex?
Neither to be honest…🤷♂
Tudor Rocks!!
Tudor for me is what vintage Rolex was.....a well made tool watch that was relatively affordable if you just save up some money or have a decent living
To be fair, dismissing a Tudor for a Rolex was easy in the early 2000s when a Sub was attainable by most working people and would come with a discount.
Tudor has filled the spot Rolex once held in my opinion, quality watches for the working professionals. Depending on your age or profession, wearing a Rolex now comes with a lot of stigma (people thinking it's nepotism, it's fake, clients thinking they're overpaying for your work, etc). My buddy told me this a while back and it stuck with me but Rolex now gives the vibe of "the asshole banker", which is really unfortunate since their watches are still amazing.
You've rightly pointed out the evolving perception surrounding Rolex ownership. If any, your comment made me reflect on how certain timepieces, like Tudor, can quietly signify a true appreciation for watches among enthusiasts.
Only after I bought my Tudor I came across the term “poor man’s Rolex” or “Rolex wannabe”. It’s kinda strange statements as Tudor is owned by Rolex. It was known since 1926 (the year not the fantastic watch) that those companies have to co-exist together.
Love my two Tudor’s my Pelagos 42mm in blue is my most worn watch it fits my life style perfectly Toughen, rugged but smart when in need to be from building sites to boredroom never looks out of place then there’s my Tudor Royal day date 41mm Silver face I got it to be my party watch but I’ve found myself wearing it more often with it being very comfortable to wear
It's a beautiful watch for its pricepoint
I would love to re-visit this whole concept of perception middle/late next year when Rolex will be easily available and Tudors are going for 30/40% discount.
Fact of the matter is Tudor surged on the back of Rolex market BS. To the point there were even wait lists for Tudors… mental behaviour.
That’s no longer the case in the U.K. at least.
Anyone who can pay £3/4k for Tudor won’t blink at financing a Rolex on 0% WHEN they can get one easily again.
The retailers have to keep 0% on offer or they are totally DEAD at the sub 10k level of the market.
Just look at the discounts on offer from WOS, Fraser Hart already for the Boxing Day sales…
Grand Seiko 30% off, Omega 300m 30% off.
Normality is returning. 2024 will be interesting!
I would love to re-visit this whole concept of perception middle/late next year when Rolex will be easily available and Tudors are going for 30/40% discount.
Fact of the matter is Tudor surged on the back of Rolex market BS. To the point there were even wait lists for Tudors… mental behaviour.
That’s no longer the case in the U.K. at least.
Anyone who can pay £3/4k for Tudor won’t blink at financing a Rolex on 0% WHEN they can get one easily again.
The retailers have to keep 0% on offer or they are totally DEAD at the sub 10k level of the market.
Just look at the discounts on offer from WOS, Fraser Hart already for the Boxing Day sales…
Grand Seiko 30% off, Omega 300m 30% off.
Normality is returning. 2024 will be interesting!
If Rolex timepieces become easily attainable, that would be absolutely amazing! I would absolutely love to get a Sky-Dweller and GMT... I really hope that becomes a reality 😅
But, as for Rolex/Tudor discussion, I think if Rolex becomes easily attainable, I think Tudor timepieces may dip in sales but those who know would still buy Tudor because of the reasons I've stated above...
I have tudor and they are beautiful, would like to expand that to not being skeptical of any watch brand as long as u like it and u enjoy wearing it!
I own a BB36, and whilst it's OK it it isn't anything particularly special. The case finishing on my three San Martin watches is probably better
I own a BB36, and whilst it's OK it it isn't anything particularly special. The case finishing on my three San Martin watches is probably better
I haven't had an opportunity to experience a BB36 but I can confirm that the Burgundy Black Bay MK3 METAS on Tudor's new 5-link bracelet has exceptional finish and quality that is capable of matching Rolex timepiece!