The problem with Tudor 

“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!

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 fanchap, here. Couldn’t agree more.

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...

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 🥂

hahah love that Big Lebowski quote, funny.

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.

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

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.

I just know that before RU-vid nobody was talking about Tudor 😅🤣😂

Tudor - the ultimate cover band

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

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.

Oh well, after 2 months of going around Tudor and Rolex ADs, I bought the BB58 GMT 39mm for my collection of GMTs, and it's going to be my watch to go when I have to travel to places where the Rolex would attract too much attention. And I love it, the gilt is great it's different from any other modern watch. It has its own reason to exist

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.

I love the new Tudor sub ❤

Great perspective on the Tudor/Rolex dynamic.

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.

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"..! ❤

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

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.

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. 😎

Been waiting for this! 👍

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

Great video!!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Great video. I feel you 100 %. My take-away after handing the Black Bay 58 GMT at a local dealer was wow! Thinner case, master certified movement and a strong retro nod to the original Black Bay 58 made for the perfect launch. I personally love it and will be purchasing one. I do believe they should in the near future release different color ways and even a no date function for the seemingly mass amount consumers who prefer a more sterile dial. It is also of my opinion that the majority of these opinions, be them negative or positive, come from non-consumers. By this I mean, individuals who have never interacted with this watch or the Tudor brand for that matter. A video or a photo of something can only capture so much. Thats my two and a half cents. ✌

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.

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

Amazing review as always 👏

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.

I am very happy with my Tudor Black Bay 58 🙂

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!

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

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).

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.

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.

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

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.🤔

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

All very valid points as usual.

Another great vid! I personally love what Tudor are doing and "giving the people what they want" - i have the opaline gmt and a blue 42 pelagos - love them - - - but then I also love Pink Floyd (seen them 8 times over 35 years) and only at the weekend saw The UK Pink Floyd Experience in Cambridge - - why? Because they bring alive Pink Floyd where the original is "impossible" - just like in watches how Rolex is "impossible" to many - Tudor brings the smiles again!

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

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.

Love this ! Thank you for sharing.

🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ You kill me with this one for sure 🤣🤣🤣 , Amazing editing and I love all the old movies brings back good memories 🍿, True here for sure 👌🏾

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.

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

Holy crap, Oisin and I agree on something! Cheers mate! I think the original FXD was a better release than Rolex has had in decades tbh

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

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

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! 😈😂

Hi I think it's a way that Rolex can test the market and then later refine their versions to the perfect watch so they get a winner every time. But I don't know how they got to the all gold deepsea. Maybe because the yacht-master 2 was so unpopular and over complicated they thought get a big heavy gold deepsea to replace it as it's a lot more popular. I own the black bay chronograph bi metal love it great watch gets as much wrist time as Rolex . good video thanks John.👍

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!)

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.

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

100% Agree

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Honesty is the best policy. Most brands are trying to save money by cheapening designs anyway. If people get mad then they just dont understand basic marketing so keep the harsh reviews coming Oisin!

Should have added.. Deeply refreshing to find a RU-vidr…. With his own opinion. Not mindlessly sucking the Tudor cool aid. I don’t always agree with everything he says, but at least he has original and thought out opinions, and is willing to engage in the conversation. Enjoyed this one, great analogy.

F’ng LOL!!!! Great video man. Couple of things. The BB54 is the small crown. The 58 is the 6538. The new GMT is fantastic. There are two things going on. Tudor is making those throw backs for today. The Pussy Galore GMT was the hit, the bang of this year hands down. They aren’t just giving us what we want they are saying we are continuing what Rolex used to be which you hit it on the nail. Lastly, Rolex is going after Patek. Slowly and methodical as we know Rolex to be. Tudor as you said is a man’s Rolex. This is true. Rolex is over priced and they are moving up as far as their customer base. They are going phased out entry level models soon I feel or at the very least make them from precious medals. There are plenty of things Tudor does that Rolex cannot and I agree with you on that 100% because they are moving. Greta video and keep them coming.

Great take on Tudor. Now I'm trying to figure out the name of the movies?? 😮

Be careful what you wish for lol. A/ Most people have zero design skills/taste/personal taste. B/ Most people saying they want something, are buying nothing. C/ Most people say the latest thing (dial colour, bracelet design etc.) is the best (see 'A' above).

Hilarious cut scenes! I have the Tudor GMT S&G and, like you, it gets more compliments than any of my Rolexes. A lot of fair points made. Rolex is definitely using Tudor to look back on references and cash in on that and I think that’s great. The watch market is somewhat of a bottomless pit where no one is ever satiated. Tudor is still at an achievable price point with budgeting and saving. The retort that the brand is not a “poor man’s Rolex”, but a Man’s Rolex is a good reply.

I have a bb58 blue , changed the strap to a Forstner didn’t like the faux rivets and it’s perfect it’s that comfortable don’t know it’s on the wrist !! can’t say that about my Rolex deepsea

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

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

I love that Tudor are making these watches. Who doesn’t love the old style. If Tudor won’t make them the Chinese will (do). 😂 Fairly sure all the people who say that Rolex won’t and Tudor shouldn’t make these watches it’s because it helps keep the prices of these old watches high. $80,000 for an old Rolex GMT. 😂 or Submariner. Are you kidding me! Scarcity apparently makes a watch more valuable. Actually it means look at something else if it’s not available. Thank God for Tudor. 😊

Maybe we just like vintage looking watches in a new jacket. Wearing "history" and having a converstation piece. They did a good job, you're talking about it, giving it the attention...comparing it with history. Good job, now I like Tudor even more ;-)

I detest the Tudor hour hand. Kills the watch.

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

Tudor tried being their own house but nobody was interested so they returned to aping Rolex and became successful again Remember that in the 70’s Tudor were 1 to 1 copies of Rolex only with ETA movements and were sold in Rolex ADs in the same window with the only difference being the price

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.

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.

I can’t disagree with anything you say, you’re right on all accounts… but i still love Tudor and will be buying many more 😁. Enjoyed the video!