The Tudor Pelagos Is Mighty! But I Still Have 3 Complaints...... 

I’ve had mine 6 years. Always wear it in spring mode. Daily wear and I actually pull on it all the time just because I like the feel. Watch has held up perfectly through many 5000km motorbike rides, light diving, countless camp fires and my five year old son who always steals it in the morning to play with. Looking forward to many more years.

San Martin would never have made these mistakes 😆

I'm a proud owner of the Pelagos LHD. Best swiss diver under 5000 can$ in the market.

Where you see over engineering I see innovation. That clasp is amazing

Not to be a nitpicker, but the QC on the hands could be a bit better. Check out that darkening out of the hands in the middle. The black base of the minute hand seems to be al smeared out. Or at least it seems so under macro and very noticeable at that.

There is a simple fix for the spring tension that it works for me. Get a thin plastic shirt or collar button, slightly expand the clasp springs and drop the button between the springs; changing the resting tension. You’re not permanently changing anything, the springs are slightly on top of it and hold it in, it’s completely hidden and with some experimentation with different buttons you can find the perfect sweet spot for you. I even managed to find a titanium colored button and you can remove it in seconds if desired. Good luck.

In terms of functionality alone, that clasp is arguably the best and should really be industry standard in the luxury space. Though I personally think a better exexution would be to have the spring loaded ability on the first link vs the clasp. That way you can have each micro adjust with the ability to expand and not just 3 fixed with the 4th expanding Re the dial text, lets be real. They could have probably taken the officially certified and rotor self winding lines out and still conveyed the important info

Nice watch but it's a shame that they had to print a half bible on the dial.

Agreed, way too much text on the dial. The clasp is gonna trap a lot of fine grit as well with that open groove. I reckon you will have to clean it out regularly or else it will effect the smooth operation of that complex mechanism.

I love my blue Pelagos. The Lume on the bezel is superb and makes seeing it in the dark really easy.

Re: the clasp...having the “window” on the clasp also will lead to more dirt and grime getting into the clasp further mucking up the spring loaded adjuster...

Not sure why but no one talks about the fact that the links are fully articulated. Every other oyster style bracelet I can think of only pivots between the bottom of the middle links and the top of the outer links but the Pelagos bracelet pivots between all links. Part of the reason the bracelet is super comfortable but the clasp gets all the credit.

The grail I don't know if I will ever pull the trigger on

They should have written case dimensions and movement designation on that dial too. Maybe power reserve and beat error tolerances also

Regarding the spring "self-adjusting" mechanism. It is used to keep the watch fitting correctly when worn over a neoprene dive suit, as neoprene compresses under pressure.

You’re correct about the bezel protruding slightly wider than the case. I believe it was in Adrian from Bark and Jack’s video who measured the case at 40.5mm and the bezel 42mm.

Finally an influential RU-vidr says it: the He-valve on the otherwise gorgeous Omega SM 300 Professionnal is damn ugly 🙈 thank you Jody! The Pelagos is a feast for the eyes. I like Tudor as a brand so much more than its sister mighty "R" But sadly it's a matter of time until these become similarly unavailable with the associated inevitable profiteering. Cheers Jody!

The older ETA model is pure dead brilliant with a cleaner dial.

Awesome Review Jody! Thank you! Very Interesting! I used to have the 2 liner and I loved it. After years of owning it, I sold it thinking I would pick up the newer one in blue with the in house movement and the 70 hour power reserve. That has yet to come to pass....But on the older one, the clasp never bothered me. It never got dirty or anything. In fact, I used to wear it with the spring adjustment engaged at all times. To me, that's just what felt the most comfortable. I absolutely loved that clasp (as well as the rest of the watch). The case was actually on the small side for what I usually wear (43-46mm on a diver), so I'm glad to see that the newer one is a little beefed up--at least in terms of thickness. If I had a complaint about the 2 liner, it's that it was too diminutive for my wrist. But the Pelagos really is a special watch and I look forward to landing that blue one in 2021.

The Pelagos seems like the road less taken when it comes to Tudor. Everyone's too focused on the Black Bay.

I like the text. It looks good, feels good. Always love it when there's a little more text, just feels right.

I absolutely love mine. I bought it for outdoor activities like hiking and sailing and for that, it shines. The center justified paragraph over the six bothered me at first but you get used to it. I have zero complaints about the bracelet or clasp. However, I think it’s a bit too big for daily wear. Luckily, I get out into the backcountry more than most so it sees use.

:o I didn’t expect for you to come for the sea master dial like that!

I've tried one on and it is such a beauty. I'd personally pick this over the SMP300. Just don't think I could live with the wave dial long term. Certainly can't go wrong with either! However, now that I have the BB58, I think I would be a bit turned off by the extra thickness on the Pelagos. I have a 7-inch wrist and the BB58 wears like a dream.

Well, Jody, I finally did it...sort of again... There was a time when I THOUGHT I had a seat at the adult table. I bought myself my first "grown up watch." It was a Tudor Black Bay 58. OR, well, no it wasn't. I tried to sneak my way to the adult table, and ended up buying a fake...the guy at the watch store told me later. The good news is that it was an inexpensive lesson, because I didn't pay alot for it. Life goes on... So last night, at 0300, I made my way to the big turkey and the stuffing the RIGHT way. I still can't buy a Rolex nor a Tudor at market price...so I bought myself a Hamilton! The problem is, I may have "Dreadnaught'd" my collection. Back in the day, the British were unchallenged on he sea, until they built the first Dreadnaught. It made all of their wooden ships Obsolete, and started the world fleet building race back at ZERO. Will all of my Steeldives, Paganis and Orients have to be replaced now, one by one? God, I hope not. News at 11.

Nice but 6 grand is a nice used car in my budget. Peasant class will stick with casio and citizen ⌚

Jody, first and foremost I hope that you and those residing in your household are safe and well. Secondly, welcome to a brand new year. And thirdly, thanks for your review of this absolutely gorgeous watch. No matter the price point of a watch you always keep it 100! Stay safe. Stay well, mate!!

Jody: "I'm one link short" Me: "I know the feeling..."

Tudor just hit you with that do nothing or like it marketing...next dial will have owners Manuel printed on🤣😂🤣...love the channel ❤

Best tool dive watch ever produced. Really surprised Tudor hasn't shown it much love over the past couple of years. Hear me Tudor :) .... Give us some other colorways and options

A glorious looking watch spoilt, imho, by what appears to be the opening credits of Star Wars on the dial, that would be overkill on a Casio. I agree the clasp is over engineered, but I like the ambition and concept, it just isn’t well delivered. Happy new year 🥳

I purchased one in August and absolutely love it. This is one of the best reviews I’ve seen on the Pelagos. 👏

I had a Pelagos LHD for a little over a year. The red pelagos on the dial helps with the text a little bit and i really loved the clasp more than anyother watch. The deal breaker was how easily the bracelet scuffed. I don't expect my watch to be perfect but it's scuffed so easy. I knew I would not be happy with how it looked in the long run.

Always liked the look of the Pelagos aside from the biography printed on the dial. Bit of a shocker seeing the paint on those hands. That's usually something you see in a knock off. I've seen that on some Rolex models as well.

Reminds me of that day in late 2014 when I came in to my AD with the express intent of taking home a Black Bay. I walked out with the Pelagos ETA version after i got a tip from the sales guy. Best decision I ever made. Still my daily. Thanks Jody.

I totally agree with you about all the text on the dial Jody. As for that clasp, I like the idea of it being spring loading and self-adjusting. But as you said, I think it needs some tweaking.

I agree with your three gripes. I own one of these in black. Had it about a year and a half. I love it to bits. I would also like the date window to have been abit bigger. Never used the rubber strap or used it to dive with. The ti dull finish is one of my favourite things along with that clasp. I’ve tried a couple of used Rolex subs recently but have come to the conclusion that the The only significant difference is the likelihood of getting a knife pulled on you in an alley. I would highly recommend the Tudor.

I like how the rubber strap buckle is in the shape of the Tudor logo. Nice touch.

The spring system on the clasp works very well with a wetsuit, on the surface you will have it very tight over the suit, as you go deeper the suit compresses and would otherwise cause the watch to go loose on the wrist at depth while you are working.

I notice your comment about the Omega 300M line, I too feel they become sort of comical looking at this point. Their other models in the seamaster line are just beautiful.

Kia ora, from NZ! Added the LHD to my collection for my 40th, this year. Love this bloody watch! The text is a unnecessary, but disappears from attention the more I wear it. The clasp function has worked perfectly for me, and don’t see it except when I’m adjusting it. As far as thickness goes, doesn’t seem anymore chunky than my Seiko Tuna, so no worries there. Definitely staying in my collection forever. Chur!

Pelagos: "I am not fat! I'm big boned".

Happy New Year Jody. Nice review. 👍 I like the idea and some design features of the clasp. Reminds me of my vintage Doxa Expandro BOR bracelet. (Sadly a previous owner butchered the lug covers/end links😱) Probably no need for a divers extension when you have that spring loaded movement which is how the the Doxa bracelet was designed. Definitely needs that slot covering up because sand and muck is going to get in there if you actually dive with it.

That clasp looks like an automatic gear shift console, diabolical design!

Thank you for doing this review - so helpful in my journey!

I have this model and love it. Great review but if I may address the criticisms as an owner. The thickness, sure it has a bit of thickness but nothing like an Omega PO, it is actually thinner than a 41mm Black Bay. In my opinion buying into a 500m rated professional diver brings the expectation of a little more thickness but at the end of the day, it wears super comfortably. The 5 lines kind of annoyed me when i first saw the in house models several years ago BUT I have grown used to it and now look at the ETA models and feel there is a little too much empty space. I actually prefer the more text now. The clasp is a work of art, sure it isn't super slick looking but as for as functionality is concerned, it is unsurpassed. There is an industrial toughness that suits this watch. After all, this is your go to watch for action and adventure on and in the water, not so much for wearing formally.What I do agree on is the rubber strap, a bit too stiff if you ask me too.

Fair review, Jody. I’ve had the LHD for 3 years now, and it’s been my daily. +-0 seconds a day when worn. I love the clasp, but I agree, there should be extra adjustment holes. Mine fits perfectly as is, but if you’re not as lucky as me it could be annoying, especially as Tudor doesn’t provide a half-link. I’ll push back on your criticism of the dive extension. There’s no way Tudor wouldn’t provide that on their technical diver. Also, the etchings on the steel clasp (the clasp is also steel) are helpful. It’s nice to quickly visually see where you are. I think it suits the nature of the watch.

Thanks Jody! You’ve helped me decide between the Seamaster 300 and the Pelagos. I’m a huge Omega fanboy but I also have the Black Bay and I love it.

My Pelagos LHD has been more or less my daily wear for going on two years now. Imo the best setup for the bracelet is sizing to your natural wrist size on the third micro adjust slot, so you can easily move into spring loaded when your wrist swells with the two smaller adjusts in the other direction if needed. But agreed another slot or two wouldn't kill them.

I like it. Thanks for popping open the crown and showing us how defined the setting positions are. Everything snicks and clicks like it should. I don't mind the text. The clasp seems a-ok to me, but yeah, a little on the thick side.

Happy new year Jody.Think you've described us watch geeks perfectly without realising it."One link short of a full bracelet"nearly dropped my coffee when you said that.

They forgot to write “pull and turn” on the crown.

Would definitely wear my blue one more if it wasn't so fat - think most of us would go for 300m water resistance and a thinner case. However, as you mentioned, the crown and bezle action are just beautiful to use.

Great shirt!!! We're over here in Portland Oregon, and we love your channel.

I think the points on the thickness at the bottom and number of lines are important points. Thanks for the in depth information

Sold it in black years ago, rebought it in blue because I always missed and never forgot the dial design and quality of the bezel and really the entire face of the watch. For those reasons I can overlook the flaws. I for one would prefer ten fixed notches of adjustment versus the spring system, which is too tight to expand and contract with my wrist comfortably (and it is really designed for wetsuit compression and extension).

I highly recommend a Crafterblue rubber strap for the Pelagos. I have the blue/red and black/red. They are extremely comfortable and look great too. Crafterblue make rubbers straps specific to brands and models.

Jody happy new year I wish you all the best , I love the Tudor , I owned one I bought around 1995 with the winder signed Rolex and the case back signed Rolex too the watch still work perfectly for the past 26 years .

I purchased the blue tudor pelagos six months ago , my first nice watch. I think the blue tone is mesmerizing . the Lum is wicked bright . it is so easy to read the dial/ time. it is a beauty & rugged . it is a great watch . ~ JDS/CT

Love the pelagos but I just managed to get my Harrods edition BB which is lovely!

Only review I’ve seen that doesn’t make excuses about the thickness.

Great watch and as always great review. I’ve had mine a week and really love it. I know the current trend is for smaller and thinner watches, but there are many of us out here with wrists at and larger than 8 inches which makes anything smaller than 43mm look like a kids watch. That said the thickness helps with the rather small case size and it wears nicely on my wrist, or at least that’s what I tell myself, as this is the smallest watch I own. Thanks again for all your reviews.

Just wanted to swing by and share that I got my brand new black Pelagos. I absolutely love it and thankfully the paint on the hands is even and well applied.

I’m currently turning cans from work into a Pelagos LHD 😂 things you’ll do when the missus is over you buying watches 😅

100% correct! I love your review, as an owner of this watch (blue), which I love, I totally agree with at least 2 of your complaints. The big text on the dial however I do like! But the length of the closing clasp really bugs me. It does catch on things write often particularly when your wrist is thin like mine which mean that the clasp will be protruding at the back. This is really poor. I also agree that the back thickness should have been reduced. The watch could have sat better on the wrist. However, that means that the crown would perhaps have been digging in your wrist...

The PElagos is my daily go to watch. So smooth on the wrist and easy to service...if one has generation 1 (2 liner) with the ETA. The original has a 3 oclock hour marker! which made the watch more symmetric (let alone more lume like you know you want to! LOL). So many detailing and firsts in the PElagos it is the best unknown watch in the world imho. (titanium, matte bezel, clasp or the rook inside the shield on the inside of the bracelet when it's closed. And the lume.... (Clasp and caseback are ss btw). The bezel sticking over de case is my biggest concern, I had mine come off when I just had it (I did fell down the stairs I must say...lol) PElagos...I luv it. ;-)

Friend of mine has the blue version. This colourway on titanium is amazing looking. Love it.

It's been a year in the making but got delivery of my bespoke sqn Pelogos (no 5 lines of text here) before Christmas leave, I haven't taken it off and really noticed I'm wearing it. The titanium is so much more comfy than my steely's, even doing DIY, painting and carpet laying...although I am inbetween links and the auto adjust. I would highly recommend this and the thickness hasn't been an issue at all. Dare I say it a better 007 watch as its stealthy and does the job without shouting about it.

Great video, informative and useful. Omega 300 v Pelagos. Now that’s something I’d love to see

Rolex Sub or Deepsea Sea Dweller was my grail, but given the impossibility of getting one, I looked elsewhere and have now found my grail, the Pelagos by Tudor. What an awesome Tool Diver!

Not in the same league as the Seamaster imho, lacks the refinement or attention to detail in the finish and the movement is on a different level.. Plus if I'm spending that much I'd want my watch to be a bit glamorous and not as anonymous as this. Having said that, I do like the Pelagos and certainly consider one used....a shame the BBs don't use these indices instead of the awful clashing sub wannabe ones they do. For me the favourite Tudor is the North Flag, coz it is their most original model. Cheers mate 👍🏻

The Black Bay’s bezel has resistance at 12 as well. For the longest time, I thought something was hung inbetween the case and bezel lol

Lovely watch. That clasp looks like a sand and salt magnet.

Love this watch. Totally agree with your suggested improvements. I wonder if Tudor will address any of these issues. This version is getting a little mature and is in need of a refresh, hopefully including a slimmer case and more elegant clasp aesthetic. I’ve been wanting to pick one up, but have been waiting for a refresh. Unfortunately I’m still waiting.

I’ve had my Pelagos since aug 2017. Used to run +10 per day for like 2 weeks. Hen it settled (or the AD adjusted it) a d it was 1-2 sec per day +. Ow -1.5 4 years later. Still COSC!

Fantastic review Jody! Some stunning videography there!

I like the protruding lower case, as it means the lugs are raised, when watch is worn, thereby leaning less against the knobbly knuckle on the outer upper part of my wrist

Glad you did this review. Your points are all excellent. This watch has always fascinated me but I don't lust it nearly as much as I once did. I love that the bezel has a detent at 12- very cool. I always wondered why no one had done that until now! However I agree with your observations- Thick and maybe too much spring flex and not enough adjustment in the clasp ....maybe just all around superfluous with the printing on the dial and demarkation of the clasp operation....even though it's engineering is just incredible and such an important part that is often overlooked if not mediocre at best by other brands.

What great review. I am thinking of going for one of these. This has really helped. 👍

Snowflake hands only work with the square indices, which is why this a better design than the black bay

Had the original which IMO is the better one purely for the cleaner dial. There's NO need to have 5 lines of text down there on the dial, it looks messy, it looks cheesy. The in-house movement is also more costly to service. The original had the ETA 2824-2 which I really liked and mine kept +1s a day regardless of usage or storage position. The only reason I sold it after 2 years was its size, at 42mm and quite thick end to end due to the way the lug has very little curvature, it just didn't sit great on my wrist size. The auto adjusting clasp was genius though and to this day no other watch bracelet has bested it.

Great review, Jody! Would be interesting if Tudor made a pelagos in the 58 size.

Always enjoy your reviews. Cannot afford these expensive brands but , I do now collect both Casios and Vostoks on your recommendation. This years xmas present was a Cassio Duro (still with the Marling on the back) and a lovely komandirskie - very pleased with both.

I’m more inclined to loudly applaud the engineering and thoughtfulness poured into that clasp.

Love it! Probably my grail watch....

I like the spring loaded clasp...reminds me of the Formex “suspension “ case philosophy?

I used to regret not getting the Pelagos instead of my BB back in 2015, but now I love my smily BB more than any other sports watch in my collection.

great review, I have the LHD model myself.

Great review thank you for spending time going through everything thoroughly, you should have 3 times the subs

Great video! I agree with your criticisms with the clasp.

Just picked up the LHD and it hasn’t left my wrist. Such a stunning timepiece I’d recommend to anyone 👌🏼

I bought the LHD version and it’s one of the few watches I really regret flipping. It is a proper luxury tool watch and I just love the legibility and engineering of it. Totally agree the 5 lines is ridiculous and zero need. The clasp I loved as it was the first ever on the fly I experienced. Also found it scratched easily and if Traska can treat its watches to a cost of scratch resistance Tudor can. Great watch overall.

Purchased my Pelagos LHD in the UK 2 years ago for £2,700. Love it and 5 line text less of an issue with the Pelagos text in red. Maybe could do with a thinner case but other than that it compares very well with the Sub. I had consider this against the Seamaster but decided to go for the Tudor and then purchased a Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich. Best of both worlds.

Great review as usual! What’s this about meeting during a pandemic! You super spreader event you! Great one J. Happy New Year mate!!

Fantastic review Jody 😊👍 I agree with you completely, I am very interested in the first gen Pelagos.

The new Pelagos FXD should resolve most of your issues :) Hope you get to review one of those. Really enjoy your content.

I tried one of these in the shop yesterday. It's a truly stunning watch. The thing is, if I buy it I'll only be able to wear it to my funeral if my wife finds out!

Strange seeing people say it's too large, I tried one on and was kind of surprised how much smaller it was than my turtle. Really want one though.

that clasp has just sold it for me, i've got to get me one of these :)

The spring extension is there to use along with the diving extension so the watch can adapt while diving (like the rubber strap curly part). You should do ok with 3 micro adjustments for a hot day, no?