“People used to say that Tudor is a poor man’s Rolex to which I always say remove poor, it’s the man’s Rolex.” “Perhaps Rolex is just the overpriced Tudor.” Pure gold Oisin!

Am I the only one who sees huge similarities between the watch world and the guitar world? At this point I see Rolex as being like Gibson and Tudor is like Epiphone. Musicians will understand, hopefully.

@markwright2140

Ай бұрын

And Paul McCartney played an Epiphone…nuff said!

@Imw101

Ай бұрын

Squire V Custom Shop

@frankieroberts3444

Ай бұрын

Depends how you rock it

@swampscott2670

Ай бұрын

Disagree. Tudor is not made in China by slave labor. And Tudor is in fact the secondary brand that focuses on the classic designs for enthusiasts- more like the Gibson custom shop. I’m looking to get the new 58 GMT - so much nicer than the current Rolex GMTs and more like a vintage model.

@sfstoltenberg

Ай бұрын

I have a Mexican made Baja tele that is, in my opinion, outstanding. It cost me about $900 7 years ago. I see no reason to upgrade to an American made or a Custom Shop guitar. The Baja is definitely the Tudor to the Custom Shop's Rolex.

Henry Ford famously said Never ask the customers what they want, My customers wanted a faster horse.

Purchased a Tudor style 38mm a year and a half ago. I love it and only wear it on special occasions. Very happy with my purchase as it was only slightly out of my budget.

I look at it through the lens of the record business: I don't mind Tudor being Rolex's reissue label, putting out official, remastered, high-quality versions of old Rolex releases rather than leaving it up to bootlegs and cover versions. You can buy an original, mint copy of Coltrane's Sound on Atlantic for $300 dollars or you could buy the Rhino reissue for $30 that isn't as collectable but is pressed and packaged to higher standards than Atlantic's albums from 1960s, but you have that Rhino logo on the label. I see Tudor the same way-a new Black Bay 54 costs a fraction of the vintage Rolex (or even the vintage Tudor) it's based on, yet it's objectively a more durable, higher quality product. The only problem with Tudor is that they refuse to be honest about who they are with the whole "Born To Dare" branding. Nothing is less "daring" than recreating the most desirable references from Rolex's past, no matter who Tudor pays to flog them.

@AH-sn9sl

4 күн бұрын

They do take chances, people just don’t buy them in the same way they do the black bay line

@MeestroDavid

4 күн бұрын

@@AH-sn9sl I can't think of a Tudor that did anything really interesting since they killed the North Flag off. The new cycling-themed chrono maybe?

VERY TRUE!! But isnt that the Hans Wilsdorfs wish?? Rolex’s with different movements at a modest price point?? Call it a cover band but it is what it is.

@witoldkramarz2500

Ай бұрын

They follow Wilfdorfs wish indeed but it means no brand identity and let us call it like that

@Geniusclicks

Ай бұрын

@@witoldkramarz2500 in essense they are all brand Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. The materials ceramic, bronz, carbon fiber, silver. They are a extention of the Hans brand at different price points

Awesome, cheeky vid Oisin.. I love both Rolex and Tudor.. I own both, but wear my Tudors daily

@erf-3

Ай бұрын

My BB58 gets too much time on my wrist - the explore, sub and datejust are jealous. BB58 is so easy to tell time on a quick glance. Submariner no-date not as easy to read on a quick glance.

I personally love that Tudor are making the classics available at an attainable price and with modern quality. As a brand though, their catalogue feels like a mess. Black bay everything (genuinely what is the common link in the line?), ranger is another vintage inspired piece, royal is a dud. Pelagos is the one modern piece that’s interesting.

There is nothing wrong looking like your own family. Rolex and Tudor are cut from the same cloth. Great Job Tudor

I've no doubt you're right about the brand and its current products. But whether that matters depends on why you buy the watch. I know next to nothing about vintage Rolex, or indeed Tudor itself, but I bought my BB58 simply because I liked it - as a modern watch. Five years on, I feel exactly the same way.

Tudor is the sister to Rolex. Always will be. In the military world being retired Army after 21 years of service, we wore Tudor, as the shield protects the realm. Tudor is a military persons watch for sure. I love and will always wear my Tudor Pelagos FXD with pride.

There are a few special Tudor designs as well: I wear a Tudor North Flag, with a very unique tool watch design and bracelet. It's the most masculine watch I own.

Like the take on it .... but - why does tudor have to gilt everything up? And with the gold black bay they finally removed the rivets (hopefully they extend that to all the models)

@mariog7213

Ай бұрын

I share your sentiment. I quite despise the entire gilt/fauxtina phase the industry is going through and can’t wait for it to be over

Spot on Oisín, per usual. As for my view, I thank the gods that Rolex has a sister brand platform where they can resurrect classic old Rolex models. Because the alternative, is that those great watch designs would end up as nothing more than museum pieces, viewed through a glass case. And those designs are too good for that; they deserve to live and be enjoyed on the wrist. The fact that they're doing that at a price point that more men can afford (than if it were Rolex) is icing on the cake.

Tudor fanchap, here. Couldn’t agree more.

Perfect pitch and, as always, very entertaining. Thanks Oisin.

I loved Tudor when they were 'the poor man's Rolex'. You could take it out and jackhammer the streets of Geneva, according to the ads. When they went their own way, you got the butt-ugly North Flag. Now they're back, making classy and refined versions of the overblown, pretentious and overpriced Rolex GMTs and Submariners. A welcome development. Just cause some people like it, doesn't mean it's bad.

@brent54321

Ай бұрын

I like the North Flag! 😂

@vintagewriting

Ай бұрын

@@brent54321 and I’ll defend to the death your right to say that 🤢

@defenestratedone

Ай бұрын

Indeed, beyond poor man’s Rolex, they’re just just what Rolex used to be a couple of decades ago. Rolex will just continue to push upmarket into there luxury fashion space, where everything is hype and scarcity.

Love this video Oisin. Your points thrown up against the movies clips was fantastic and funny. Love this channel because you don't give us what we are expecting. Keep it going. Hats of to you from Co. DOWN.

Honestly couldn't agree more, which is why I really like Tudor for what they are. (You could look into using a small wind shield to reduce your mic sibilance)

Tudor - the ultimate cover band

@edk2221

8 күн бұрын

If a cover band were to be created and controlled by the original band. Not a good comparison

I just know that before KZread nobody was talking about Tudor 😅🤣😂

@Yzyenthusiast

Ай бұрын

well before KZread Tudor had left the us market so I struggle to see your point

The Tudor guy: - Triumph Motorcycle - 5 o’clock Shadow - Cowboy Boots - Ripped Jeans - Tobacco Breath - Bigger 🍆 - Oisin in a previous video. 💪🏽

@Sirkelsag666

Ай бұрын

And then there is me: Toyota Yaris Full beard Brouge boots P44 USMC trousers Bad breath Small 🍆

@PanSearedRibeye68

Ай бұрын

That’s what makes it the perfect watch. Classy enough for the board room and casual enough for those weekends hanging out with the bros.

@duck853

Ай бұрын

🤣Close... -Ducati -scruffy Asian man goatee -RM Williams Chelseas -Coffee breath mixed with cigar breath -average eggplant Owns it.

@raymeehan-wk6oq

Ай бұрын

Triumph Bike..Yes, 5 o' clock shadow..Yes. Cowboy Boots. Ok ish. At least it's Pair Boots. Mmm Ripped Jeans, Ah that be a No No & A NO ( Hamster, Sorry HIPSTER ). Tobacco Breath Defo. As for a Bigger Vegetable..! Now that Just down right Offensive & Sexist..im Offended.😅😅😅😅

@verynormalman

Ай бұрын

6 times "no"! Your source is suspect.

After resisting for a few years I am surprised how much I like my black Pelagos 500m. It is the best legible watch under any light conditions.

Hence I have a black Pelagos 42 plus I don't like faux rivets.

I loved tudor sometime ago,but now its a little like a hit song you heard all the time everywhere,and at the end they finish to make you hate the song you were loved so much...

Very well said. Personally agree that they are hashing out old discontinued Rolex greats. I’ve owned two Tudors, still have my BB58. But, there hasn’t been much innovation from the brand. I don’t like the change of the seconds hand with these new releases- now the lineup is mixed snowflake and lollipop.

I am 48 and I can say I got to see Pink Floyd live in 1994 at foxboro stadium . It was awesome . Saucerful of secrets is my top . Great video Cin Cin 🥂

@josephferris76

Ай бұрын

I was at that very same concert, high school graduation gift/trip LOL

@Walterliquori

Ай бұрын

@@josephferris76 same here class of 94

@phillygrappler

Ай бұрын

I was at that show too when I was 24. Never woulda thought that 30 years I’d be into watches let alone watching a show on the Internet about watches!😂

Been waiting for this! 👍

Great perspective on the Tudor/Rolex dynamic.

Fun video with the movie snippets. I do like your analogy that Tudor is a top notch tribute band.

hahah love that Big Lebowski quote, funny.

My friend and I had the same thoughts about Tudor recently too. We both enjoyed the BB58 Navy and the BB58 925, but year after year it’s seems Tudor just kept releasing pieces that we would like Rolex to release, but never did. They miss the mark just by one or two details that my Tudors didn’t become keepers in the collection. I think their Pelagos FXD is one of the few in their product lines that actually stand out. The Marine Nationale or even the new FXD cyclist version are so unique that they are enticing me to get back to the brand after letting go of their BBPro, Pepsi BB GMT, black Pelagos - all thick and top heavy in the end.

Nice appraisal with some sublime movie clips to illustrate your arguments. Made me chuckle over my morning coffee. It's the Pelagos that I keep coming back to! You pointed it out as an exception to the "apparent" Tudor "tribute brand" rule!

I steeled myself to hate this, thinking maybe you were being contrary just because you enjoy it. But no, you weren't; it was a considered opinion, well thought out and well made and you played with the viewer with the clips echoing the sentiment you knew we might have. Enjoyed this take.

Love this ! Thank you for sharing.

I couldn’t agree more. I owned the Tudor GMT when it first came out and while I liked the watch, I never fell in love because it was a copy of the Rolex model which I really wanted. I wish they would come out with more original designs. I’m one of the few that like the north flag it seems and I was a fan of the P01. The Pelagos is the watch that gets my attention the most because it’s far more original in design. What kills me the most about the brand is having so many watches under the black bay name plate. I find it extremely lazy to have 9 separate models under it and a few of them have sub model variants. Saying all of that they are great watches and I’m sure I’ll add another to my collection but they need to do something different to make me want to spend my money and not look at the other options in the $4-6k range.

Good video .. Oisin what do you think of Oris?

Great video!!

Great video excellent editing! The way a watch video should be shot.Thank you Oisin 👍

The FXD is the best Tudor that's all Tudor design

Thank U Oisín, Yes indeed, When I Grow Up I Will Sell My entire Watch Collection & Buy my "Man's Watch" MY GRAIL "Tudor Watch"..! ❤

This sank in. But you’re actually right. I’ll now think of that when looking at Tudor. Then again - as you said - they’re a beautiful way to own a classic for a better price and have a more durable version. Nothing wrong with that. 😎

These are all the words I wanted to say in an order that makes perfect sense

Great video. This is why I like the Black Bay with burgundy bezel, the all blue and gilt Black bay 58 and the FXD. They are Tudor with credibility with their own character.

This idea of Tudor watches being a poor man’s Rolex, was over 25 years ago. The same example then was that Porsche boxster was the poor man’s Porsche. It was the 911 that every one wanted. I bought the poor man’s Porsche boxster that cost me 30k. I was very happy being in the poor man’s bracket of Porsche. Because it was far better than a fiesta, or ford escort. Now the poor man’s Porsche boxster are £ 55k up to £125k. Is that still classed as being a poor man’s Porsche. Anyway if you like the Tudor watch forget what other people think or say about the watch. They are not the ones wearing it. Just go with your own instincts. I own Rolex, Tudor watches. I’m just as happy wearing my Casio world time watch as much as the other brands.

@coffeeboyclips1973

Ай бұрын

Bad analogy, a Porsche is still a Porsche, it's like buying a 3 series instead of the M5. Tudor is crap and you either buy a Rolex or an alternative like omega, iwc etc not a Tudor

You said it right once, Tudor is the Rolex nostalgia room and I’m entirely ok with that. Owning also a few Rolex icons from the early ‘00, I feel more comfortable wearing Tudor on daily basis, but I stick to Heritage models only - Monte Carlo, black Smiley, Ranger (avoided the BB54 for price and size reasons) - the remaining standard models aren’t my cup of tea, especially since they started using in house movements pushing their pricing beyond what I still consider their league in MHO.

I love the new Tudor sub ❤

@Sirkelsag666

Ай бұрын

You mean the pelagos 39?

@janein26

Ай бұрын

@@Sirkelsag666 No, the Tudor Black Bay METAS, Ref. M7941A1A0NU

Amazing review as always 👏

I got you and agree with your perception. We all have been noticing it for a while and pointing out the similarities with previous Rolex models. Oisin, I would love to hear what Lenny has to say about this year’s Watches and Wonders releases. I miss him so much. Please, let the beast out!

I’ve tried hard to love Tudor but there’s always something that holds me back. The closest I got was the S&G Blackbay on leather which had something about it. The new Blackbays iron out some wrinkles such as the thick looks and METAS plus T-Fit are all welcome so maybe one day something will call to me, just not yet.

@verynormalman

Ай бұрын

If you model yourself on David Dickinson, your never going to like Tudor are you?

Love your videos. I am travelling to Venice soon and wanted to ask your opinion on wearing a nice watch while exploring the city. What do you think? Thanks

I own the panda Chrono, and love it. Also I am a big fan of the brand. I do agree, that Tudor does give it's fans more of what they want. I personally like the 42mm Pelagos and would love to see an update to that model. Also like the Opaline GMT.

100% agree with this analysis, though my conclusion is a bit different. There's no question that Tudor are replaying Rolex's old hits, but it's because Rolex's old hits happen to be so popular and desirable just at the minute. So Tudor is going where there is a strong market, because Rolex certainly aren't going to. I do think Tudor has the capacity to do original stuff (the Pelagos springs to mind), and perhaps they will expand more of that in the future, too. But for the moment, I have no issues with brand new movements and metallurgy wrapped up in the designs of Rolex's past, with a very high level of fit and finish (something homage companies can't match).

I just attended a Tudor event and the BB58 GMT is absolutely gorgeous!

For me it was down to : I can buy the Tudor at dealer. Can’t find a steel Rolex at an AD. Also, frankly, I’m worried about wearing my Rolex in SF, Chicago, LA or London. I don’t think twice about wearing the Tudor.

All very valid points as usual.

Bang on I’d say..great take on current Tudor/Rolex shenanigans… I wear my Tudors to beat them up and wear my Rolex for flash..so that kinda makes what your saying stack up for me at least.

I believe Rolex is trying to move Tudor up and make it the Rolex of a few years ago. The professional toolwatch, the watch you get as a graduation gift, a special anniversary or as a retirement gift. That's why they make watches the public is looking for. Rolex themselve is becoming more exclusive and doesn't want the average Joe as a client anymore. They want to be seen as highly exclusive. That's why they release a ridiculous 18k Deepsea and diamond studded Daytonas.

This coke gmt is not my cup of tea. And I think San Martin made it about a year ago..., or was it Pagani? 😅 I'm sure it's a great watch. Just not my cup of tea.

@scollyutube

Ай бұрын

San Martin has made most of the Tudors people want.....we are just waiting for Tudor to do it too 😄

Agree. I bought the Pelagos. Wouldn’t buy any others. But I guess if you want a vintage Rolex look for a fraction of the price, maybe.

@Julian_O91

Ай бұрын

Pelagos the best independet Model Series Tudor!

Until recently it was Tudor leading the way with innovation. Experimenting with different materials like 925 silver, titanium, and ceramic.

Just to chuck my two ha’ pence worth in - I’m really not bothered if Tudor go searching back through the Rolex back catalogue and then produce a watch that harks back to one that their sister company made many years ago; if Tudor make a watch that I like, that I can afford and is available for me to buy, then I will buy it.

@Geniusclicks

2 ай бұрын

Its what Tudor has been doing all along 🤷‍♂️

Once again (agree or not) you sum this (watch) crap up in a professional, thoughtful way. I mostly agree with your ideas here (though I would not have been able to come up with it as nicely as you do) Yes your Site is more than "watches" - but you still have something to offer the hobby.

100% Agree

I am very happy with my Tudor Black Bay 58 🙂

Being from the States, I see a comparison to cars, for example GM. Rolex is the Cadillac. A bit more chromed out and more of a status symbol. Tudor is like GMC or maybe Chevy. Similar design and often the same engines and frames. You get fewer features as you move down in price and the vehicles are more obtainable. Think an Escalade compared to a Yukon compared to a Suburban. (All are huge gas guzzling SUVs that are likely not practical in Europe. Sorry, they’re what comes to mind at the moment.) They are different points on the status/bling and price continuum. It is choice for the consumer. It’s a good thing in my humble opinion.

And he's back! Great vid thoughtful thought provoking and superb production as we've come to expect. Personally speaking I like indie watches bespoke watches mass produced watches expensive watches and homages. This hobby is so inclusive it's cool if you're wearing a Rolex sub a Tudor homage or San Martin homage. Buy what you like

My god what a great video! The finale tied it all up so so well and the clips from movies are perfect. And the chrono Tudor is a very man’s man watch

Always fun hearing people vent when Rolex don't give them 'what they want'. Luxury brands don't give a damn what people want - generally, they decide for you - "tastemakers, not followers" is pretty much the basis of value in any luxury brand, and Rolex is no exception. Love the Pelagos range, but the BB leave me feeling a bit 'meh' (I do like that Chrono you have, but two-tone makes me look like a gangster!)

Die Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT ist eine hervorragend gelungene Uhr, auch wegen der Alu Lynette! Die Macht die Uhr erst so richtig geil!

2024 was clearly a nostalgia release year for Tudor, so I'm hoping 2025 will head in a different direction. Maybe Tudor's in-house column wheel chrono will arrive as an entirely new product line.

Rolex release watches through Tudor to see the appetite for that specific style. Next year a Sub on jubilee will come out and a few years later we will get the Coke back.

Ай бұрын

Interesting.

@jamesjohnson1866

Ай бұрын

Agreed. Possibly a full yellow gold Hulk as well.

Agree. Very cool to be in Venice and watching this!

Awesome video Mr Oisin.

Tudor has maintained that tool watch appearance with retro vibes and I’m sure is a test bed for Rolex, the BB 54 testing how popular smaller sized dive watches are etc.

I own a BB panda chrono and love the watch and I do agree with your statements.

I wholeheartedly agree with you. Also am Tudor chrono gold owner here.

Ive had 4 Tudors in the past 24 months, both of the Chronos in Panda and reverse panda configurations, the GMT and the BB Pro. I can say from experience that their in house movements are no joke in terms of accuracy. They’re as good as any Rolex or Omega movements, good stuff! Oisin raised an interesting point though, is Tudor painting themselves up too much as Rolex’ tribute band? As much as I love Tudors, I dont think I could argue with that assessment. *writing this while wearing my 16570

You hit the head on the nail and that's why I wear an Explorer II and play a Rickenbacker 4003. Can't fake the funk!

I agree with your criticisms. Every time i bring it up I get roasted by the fan boys but it's fine. The watches are good quality for the price but a strong majority of their product line shows they are basically an homage brand.

I haven't seen the new 58 GMT in the metal yet but i am keen to. For me this isn't about fan service, its more finally getting the design and proportions right of the GMT as the old ones just had too much heft to them and that was in all likelihood holding back sales. I for one looked at the old model and nearly pulled the trigger but the thickness stopped me. I don't see that as grounds to be disappointed.

I don’t disagree & yet I still love my BB! It’s just a fantastic watch that doesn’t project anything I don’t want to communicate - my workplace doesn’t have a “flex” culture and wearing my BB doesn’t get the attention that a Sub would- that works for me. I also have the blue FXD & think it’s one of the most fun watches fo wear due to its uniqueness - (countdown, fully indexed bezel/fixed lugs). Additionally, Tudor is a brand that watch geeks can enjoy without spending so much money or waiting so long on a list. I have a Rolex too and love it for different reasons. Which is to say- the brands have definitely moved in terms of the roles they play in the market, and it seems at this point that they’re being really successful at it. However, I do understand how that might leave you a little cold - so very interesting points Oisin!

Bang on as always. Few too many movie clips though😆

An excellent and insightful video. I personally have no connection with or passion for Rolex so enjoy Tudor at face value, but having watched this I can see why a Rolex connoisseur (so to speak) would object to some of Tudor’s releases. That was also a cracking selection of clips to punctuate your points! Very entertaining.

So if you buy the Tudor and mod the dial to rolex is it really a fake? Or just a bit of a fake?

Oisin that’s my exact sentiment. Tudor is more alternative version of Rolex House. Not as flashy a nice everyday watch without the nonsense waiting list and affordable price. I have Rootbeer Tudor, Chronograph S&G like yours and Panda Chronograph.🤔

recently purchased a tudor hydronaut 1......... when tudor had their own designs

As a bloke who owns both (and the blue BB58 bought after owning a number of Rolex), I think you make some great, interesting and entertaining points. I wonder if the marketing people over at Rolex ever tune in? If so, I'd love to be a fly on the wall...;)

*Rolex is a smart, successful marketer and Tudor demonstrates it.*

Excellent review. Spot on. Great cover band analogy. Well done. Cheers.

Thank You ! I think exactly like You ! And I wear a BB Chrono reverse panda, too (steel one) ❤

I love my BB Chrono Panda. Also leaning to new BB 58 GMT. Great watch with rubber strap.

PERFECT TAKE ON TUDOR. I keep looking at them and they have copied the best features of the vintage rolex. Great prices and great looking. But I still only buy the actual real vintage rolex instead, or do without. If I want an homage, I'd buy an Invicta or a really good copy. But I like know that what's on my wrist is the real thing. And it says Rolex or Patek or Omega etc. Just my opinion. But yeah.. Tudor are great looking and probably just fine.

Thank you once again for an acute analysis and a thoroughly reasoned opinion. While not disagreeing, I would offer balancing considerations. The HW foundation has a narrow path to walk and they seem able to strike a great balance between experimenting on Tudor and staying conservative on Rolex. They may want to develop Tudor without damaging Rolex. Simultaneously, the heritage of HW's mindset is strongly respected. It results in a primadonna Rolex, loved/hated and going it's own path & a daring Tudor experimenting with nostalgia but also with excellent own designs like 1926, Pelagos, Clair de Rose and Royal... all that luxury at reasonable price. We are talking top quality luxury items here, so please correctly compare competitors: Omega, not Longines. That's loyal to HW's mission, waiting lists are just part of the difference in affordability. Allow me to digress: how many beautiful own collections does (great) Omega have? Do we agree that PP is the master of "ugly yet expensive" watches? How do the collections of AP or VC compare to the Rolex/Tudor conglomerate? I can't help but congratulate the foundation for the many great watches they deliver every year and hope they'll be able to refine a strategy that keeps the myth alive, which is everything else but trivial. A wise man once said "they lead, and we follow" - I don't love all their watches, but I surely love their attitude.

I detest the Tudor hour hand. Kills the watch.

@verynormalman

Ай бұрын

I detest the shininess of Rolex, and their ugly mercedes hour hand. But the worst thing is, their safe watches, as in watches that live in a safe. And there's nothing as sad as that. Owner's quote: "my Rolex is too special to wear. I keep it in the safe, wrapped in a protective cloth".

@Julian_O91

Ай бұрын

@@verynormalman 💯 & i like the Snowflake Hands!

True True True, someone actually said it.

The main difference between Rolex, Tudor, and other brands..... is the feel. Every time you pick one up, put it on, take it off, unscrew Trip Lock™, wind, set, wind some more, screw in Trip Lock™, put back down, is a true joy ; ) Have not worn a Tudor in ages, but that 'Real Mans Watch' comment made my wrist swell a quarter of an inch, and I will dig something chunky out right now! 😈😂

@skivailfast

Ай бұрын

You contradicted yourself in the 3rd sentence. Go try a Tudor

@wristopia4101

Ай бұрын

@@skivailfast I don't see how so.

Spot on. I thought the same.

You're not wrong, but you're not right either. But, it's a good point to chew on.

Design element and trends are always reused in fashion and design. There is nothing wrong with that it actually validates it's importance. I love what Tudor is doing I'm sure they will sell well