Hey guys, thanks for watching as always. This idea of Tudor being simply the inferior Rolex copycat is something I have seen people stating and wanted to share my take on the matter. I think there can be some good conversation in the comments on this one. Keep it civil haha.
Great video! I feel like Tudor has more pressure than Rolex to come up with great stuff. Rolex could release a rock with a banana peel for a strap and it would sell above msrp
I’m just very recently getting into the watch world and I imagine it can get snobby seeing how I live in NYC and the watch stores in Manhattan look down on anyone walking in without a suit on but is it really that bad here on RUclips too?
Tudor's core issue as in the saying goes, "Its Greatest Strength is its Greatest Weakness" as a "Double Edge Sword" for Tudor. Do correct me if I am wrong that had it not been for Hans Wilsdorf original official mission statement for Tudor, compounded with its history approach in norms practices, Tudor's value and future reputation would be different than current. Yet Tudor's history of, "Old habits are hard to end" only enforces their known common stigma as, "Poor man's Rolex" as this reflects in Tudor's products history as you have mentioned, Teddy. Compounded further by our perceivements of Tudor's reputation, who could blame us for such thoughts when Hans Wilsdorf himself had set Tudor's principle foundations as such, regardless of Tudor's attempts and efforts in rejuvenating its brand prestige value reputation. Whether we liked it or otherwise, Tudor's resale retention value reflects on the brand's prestige and arguments over Rolex - Tudor comparisons are unlikely to end anytime soon, which is true for most watch geographic markets.
The thing I love most about Tudor compared to Rolex (among many arguments) is that I can walk around with it without everyone noticing at first sight that I'm wearing an expensive luxury watch on my wrist.
This! I’ve always cited this as being a kind of counterintuitive negative of Rolexes, is that because everyone knows it, now it attracts attention. Good AND Bad. And sometimes annoying. It’s all good when watch enthusiasts ask you about it but when someone targets you cause they noticed it then it’s trouble lol. And the I guess annoying when people ask if it’s fake all the time 😂
As a Rolex owner though I buy what I like without giving a damn what anyone thinks. I say whether it’s Tudor or a Rolex buy what you like without regard to what some co worker or stranger thinks.
@@BFit25 I am not a fan of this statement. In reality we all care about what people think. If not, then I am not sure I would have picked up the habit of showering back in my youth.
TBH only watch ppl would notice (unless you go some some ridiculous rapper-style iced out crap) . Like i came across someone wearing a platinum daytona last weekend, while i was being star-struck my frd didn't even know that person was wearing a watch
It’s interesting that people seem happy to state that a Tudor is just a poor man’s Rolex, but fewer state that Rolex is just an overpriced Tudor. Personally, I think they are both solid brands aiming at different markets; some will like both, one or neither and that’s fine because we’re all individuals with different preferences.
And yet Tudor is a higher grade than Longines and Tag Heuer. But when people praise Longines as a best watch, seems they forgetting that Tudor is a better craft than Longines.
If you see a Tudor, then you know they are a "watch" person. I would not "assume" others are trying to be "flashy" with Rolex. No one else will recognize Tudor as a quality timepiece. If you are looking for others to recognize your watch and maybe start a friendly conversation on watches, there is no substitute for Rolex. I do LOVE Tudor though.
@@silveriojohan Rolexes are great watches. I especially love the Milgauss and the vintage Air Kings, and the explorers. But you just see them so often, you know that most of the time they don't really care about watches, they just want people to know they can afford a Rolex. Tudors have more of an interesting design language to me and their in house movements as well as their collaboration with Breitling for their chronographs is just really cool to me.
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a tudor and a rolex. I don't view Tudor as a replacement for Rolex and I don't view Rolex as a replacement for Tudor. As you point out they both have their own unique designs that stand on their own and both are awesome.
@@Lychegsye-nc6td You know I'm going Neumann. HA! Edit: But that's because I know I like the sound of the Neumann more. But in reality...if I didn't run a mic review channel, I probably would have never moved on from the SM7b that I got 9 years ago.
The watch that started my 50+yrs passion of collecting was a Tudor Submariner that was issued to me in the military. Within 3 months I bought a Rolex Submariner 5513 ( 1969) in the OX in Da Nang, Vietnam. I never looked back . I still have both watches to this day but have acquired several more Rolex's as well as Tudors. I own 2 different Rolex GMT masters but about a year ago I bought a Tudor BB GMT. I absolutely love that watch and it definitely has its own DNA quite separate from my Rolex's. I've heard people say that very comment of Tudor especially being a watch that people buy because they couldn't afford a Rolex. In my opinion, those are people that just need to do their homework a bit more . Anyway, that's my experience and being blessed to own both , I love them both . Cheers watch fans !!!
can someone dig into the history of how rolex came to pitch at the US military market back in the day, not simply official mil issue equipment but directly targeting GI Joe on deployment? Interesting marketing tactic.
@@glennrainey1227 Back when I bought my first Rolex I'm not sure it was a deliberate strategy to target military personnel anymore than any other brand . In the PX they had Seiko , Bulova, Timex , Hamilton and a few others . Everybody in the unit I was in had bought themselves Rolex Submariners. At that time I paid about $250 . Boy have things certainly changed.
@@calebsmith9534 In a perfect situation I would buy Rolex over Tudor. But the value Tudor brings + Rolex has crazy waitlists for most popular models brings me to buy more Tudor in real life.
Why am I not buying a Rolex 🤷♂️ well it’s probably because the reality is you know Rolex pricing has become a bit of a joke and Tudor has become a great brand when it comes to build quality and realistic price point 👍
@@deansusec8745 Tudor does things with their designs that Rolex would never dream of and mechanically speaking, they offer pretty much the best value of any watch on the market in their price range.
Rolex is like the brother that wears a suit and drives a Porsche 911. Tudor is the little brother that wears a leather jacket with leather boots and rides his Triumph Street Triple. It really depends on what your style is, both are great brands.
Agree 100% with the addition that the Rolex brother is desperate that everyone know's how much money they have. And before you jump on me, I have bother Rolex and Tudor and I dont wear the Rolex when I want to fly under the radar.
Rolex dude is the guy who goes into posh restaurant with his mistress while Tudor dude is the one who snorts coke off his side chicks ass in privacy of a hotel room rented under his uncles name :D
Or like that one friend that bought a Golf GTI 20 years ago and keeps buying new ones whenever he needs a car and never looked at anything else because the GTI just does everything good at a reasonable price.
Winner, winner! This is the best thread of the day! LOL I make a nice living and have cash to spare, but even then I have a hard time justifying spending over about $600 on an out-dated piece of technology. There is no reasonable justification other than, "but I want it!". :)
@@MikeSmith-er1qs you want it. I want it. Good enough reason. My wife has lots of jewelry. Just need a couple nice watches for my wrists. Nothing crazy
@@MikeSmith-er1qs It's nice to have nice things and everyone should have at least a few. The funny thing is that if you look after it in twenty years' time your nice mechanical watch will still be nice, functional, possibly still a status symbol and so on but most if not all of the up-to-date technology you buy today will likely be long gone or at least a lot less functional and worn out.
As a guy that wears a lot of flannel shirts, the only Rolex I could picture my wrists is an Explorer 1, not that I don't like the brand but it would just feel wrong. On the other hand Tudor is right down my alley. I love so many of there models.
Excellent video, Teddy. Here's my take: I wanted a Rolex Submariner for years but could not afford one. When I was finally able to afford one, they had changed to the maxi case and I no longer wanted one. So I will soon be purchasing a Tudor BB58, which I think looks far better than a modern Sub.
Which exciting releases? The black bay ceramic, the black bay gold, the black bay silver, the black bay 36 silver dial, the black bay chrono? Wow, much creative.
Great video, Teddy! Here’s my take…. I personally am fortunate to own a pretty nice collection. I have 3 Rolex, an Omega, and even watches from Patek, ALS, JLC, Cartier, Breguet, and Sinn. Every day I wake up and face a decision of what piece to wear. Well, the watch that gets virtually all my wrist time is…..drum roll please…. My Tudor BB58 blue! It is just that special! Moral of the story - Tudor stands on it’s own as a Manufacturer. It punches way above it’s weight class and is truly an amazing brand. Those who think it’s merely a watch you ‘settle’ for when you’re looking for a Rolex either don’t know watches or have been brainwashed by the media hype.
Your statement is the best, I have the same struggle everyday and I keep choosing my Tudor Black Bay 58 with the blue bezel, this watch is so smooth and I avoid people looking at me like if I was a glorified rapper with no personality
Buys a Tudor, “Hamilton is just a poor man’s Tudor.” Buys a Rolex, “Tudor is just a poor man’s Rolex.” Buys a Big 3, “Rolex is just a poor man’s Big 3.” Buys a Richard Mille, “Do you know who I am?”
when i was going for my first ever luxury watch i said to myself: why would i buy a tudor when there is rolex. but then, when i went to my AD and saw the blackbay 58 i was sold. now im a proud owner of a tudor and a rolex :)
I think the majority of watch enthusiasts now recognise Tudor as its own quality brand, rather than some kind of cheaper Rolex. They make some beautiful watches! I have the Black Bay 36 with a black dial and I just adore its understated beauty.
Just got my BB58 39mm in leather strap few days ago. Colleagues & relative did not spot my new watch. On the other hand, I've been admiring it on my wrist ever since I walked out of the AD.
These days I much prefer Tudor over Rolex. Tudor seem to be like Rolex used to be about 20 years ago before they got way way WAY too far up their own ass.
Female perspective: I always wanted a Rolex for the sense of prestige and when I was finally able to afford one - I didn't like any. I have small wrists and they just looked too big. I went for the Tudor Clair De Rose instead and love it! The design is flawless and it's so different to the watches most people in my circle wear. Lots of women in my professional network have the Rolex Oyster Perpetual/Date Just or Cartier Tank so it's nice to actually have something different. After doing more research into the brand too, I love the Born to Dare manifesto and fits with my actual personality and lifestyle more so than a Rolex would.
I never owned a “Dive watch.” I like how they look, just not on me. I own Rolex but they are the basic OPs and a Milgauss. Submariners are not for me. After saying all this, I bought the blue Black Bay 58 and love it! The less “toothy” bezel gave it a look I really like. Tudor, for me, is a stand out.
I’m always lost on how much money watches are and the snobbery in this hobby.A watch should reflect you and never be pushed by hype .I work long hours and can never own a Rolex but there’s better watches at better prices and rich don’t mean taste
I think the fact that Tudor is viewed as the lesser brand just makes it more attractive to me. I do like Rolex, but they just seem like the brand everyone buys cause they don't know how good other brands are, also Tudor is the type of brand that can leave someone who doesn't know them, open-mouthed. I'd tip my hat at someone wearing a Tudor, like "I see you, watch enthusiast, I see you know your watches"
This is absolutely heart breaking. I’ve bought 2 tudors to fill my void of not being able to get Rolex at retail. It’s sad when you finally reach a financial level where you can buy a Rolex but can’t get one at retail. I refuse to pay gray market prices. Someday I’ll have my Rolex
I think many watch fans, myself included, have a nostalgic longing for the elegant practicality and accessibility of Rolex sports watches. Rolex has become something else. Despite coming up short in many cases, Tudor scratches that itch for what Rolex once was.
Tudor are at the prices that a Rolex (if we remove the fancy metals they migh make some of their caess in) is really worth, so you dont lose out on too much.
Tudor has a movement that has 70 hours of power reserve, COSC certification, METAS certification. Pretty impressive. Pelagos, Black Bay, Black Bay GMT, Black Bay Chrono, all great offerings. Tudor has offerings that stand on their own.
to each own, every timepiece is different & unique to itself.. and true that even u walk on a street and ask stranger a watch brand name they will say rolex even they are a non watch lover/ collectors. Just buy/keep/wear what u like.. doesn't matter what other think.
People who make the claim that Tudor is a compromise to Rolex would say that about Omega, or Grand Seiko, or …. as well because to them Rolex is a superior watch to ALL other watches = myopia
The problem is that as someone who owns a watch from all these brands + AP, Patek, panerai etc...- Rolex IS superior. They’re just built better than anyone else.
@@TheRausing1 a guy put his Rolex up against 3 other cheaper watches (one was a Hamilton) on a Michigan winter sub-zero day and Rolex was the first to stop working - the others ran fine. The sweep of a Grand Seiko is definitely better, too.
@@Kr0nicridah I bought a 15450st six months ago, and it feels like a delicate piece of jewellery compared to my explorer, sea-dweller and day-dates. It is beautifully made, but in my experience, nothing feels as solid and well built as a Rolex. Rolex isn’t even my favourite brand- Lange’s are by far my favourite watches, but obviously I wouldn’t wear my saxonia to a beach. But I’m just telling you my opinion, as someone who owns many watches, that in the hand, Rolex watches feel the best and most well built for the price.
Personal Experience: I went with a BB36 simply because the Explorer was not at 36mm at the time , but more importantly because I preferred a new watch to a 15 year old Rolex. in other words, trying like many people to scratch the Rolex itch with it. I was mostly satisfied. a year later I have both a 214270 and the 925 and for me there is no ranking or hierarchy there anymore. I appreciate them both the same and do not look as either as a superior watch...or brand. Great episode.
I have a Tudor Pelagos because I loved them from the minute they were released. I do not have that passion for any Rolex luckily. What Tudor have achieved in the last decade is pretty phenomenal. Rolex is an iconic brand but the very fact these conversations are being had shows the progress of the last decade.
I like Tudor for their sense of adventure in their design and the incredible value proposition. With the black bay line, they really starts to build an identity of their own. Pretty much like you said, they descends from the same heritage, but now are playing different games, catering different tastes. Tudor happened to be cheaper, but so what?
Generally speaking Rolex make $3,000-$4,000 watches selling for $8,000+ because of a huge advertising, marketing and Authorised Distributor bill, and Tudor make $3,000-$4,000 watches, that are prices at $3,000-$4,000. The difference between the two is all hype and hot air.
The materials Rolex uses and the extra little details they have over Tudor do make them feel more premium. Whether you think it's worth it is up to you. I can *just about* stomach Rolex's prices at RRP for it's SS models - but obviously most people cannot get them - but I'd never pay the crazy premiums the second hand market wants.
@@willemdeleeuw8094 Totally agree on the second hand market, however the value aspect at retail is very debatable. It's really a false perception created by clever marketing. Rolexes are mostly automated mass produced products, not the individual hand made craftsmanship they sell to us. It's all fake, you can't hand make a million watches a year. Some luxury Swiss watches have a truly impressive hand made component, as has Grand Seiko for example. Rolex, is an expensive fashion watch, just at higher level than most. It is sold and marketed in the same way as expensive perfumes and clothes. The brand name is aspirational, the product, not so much. I'm not criticising their branding and marketing, they are exceptionally good at selling pretty good watches and making a huge profit margin. It's probably where Apple got the idea. Often a watch feels better because if the owner pays a ton of money, he wants it to feel better. Successful companies profit from tapping into this psychology.
I have been a Rolex owner and I am just now getting into Tudor! I absolutely love the BB more so then a Rolex Submariner. I’m so excited to grow my collection with Tudor. In the past it’s only been about Rolex, AP & Patek but this has definitely changed in the past few days.
I'd imagine when buying and finally wearing the Rolex, you'll be thinking "Why didn't I just buy the Tudor...and the other 2 watches I've had my eyes on?" 😂
Wonderful job. I have been watching your channel ( no pun intended) for years and have witnessed your growth both as an expert in horology and your ability to project that expertise on your evolving format. I think this format is the best yet, and reflects your maturity in the field and on the screen. Keep up the good work!
Rolex history is the only reason to go modern Tudor over Omega. Omega has much better finishing and more high tech movements than Tudor. I have Rolex and Omega and the omegas are getting much more wrist time lately.
I just got my first “higher end” watch and went with seamaster white dial. For the price I don’t think I could get a better watch, movement, finishing, reputation, history, and looks!
It depends on asthetic design as well. For me I have 2 Tudors and 2 omegas. I don't like the smp300 at all. I love the aqua Terra and Speedmaster. But for dive style I much prefer the black bay 58 and for gmt I went with Tudor gmt over the planet ocean. I think there is room for both brands. Love the movement finishing on my omegas, but Tudors feel like tanks and have never let me down.
@@drockkelly I agree there definitely is room for both brands. My point was that Omega’s products hit much closer to Rolex than Tudor. Tudor wants to compete with Omega, while Omega is truly a competitor towards the Crown. The Planet Ocean GMT is much more expensive than the BB GMT with quite a bit more features. I think that the BB GMT is awesome but the clasp, resistance to magnetism, metas certification and movement finishing puts most Omega products in another ballpark. Whether they are features you want or appreciate they put Omega a step above the current offerings of Tudor. (PS I believe you made the right choice bc the Planet Ocean GMT is thick as a brick)
Tudor all the way for me, IMHO. And, By the way, congratz on adding BALL Watches to your roster! You have great prices. I might even get to "activate" my trigger finger on one of them 😉 Thanks for sharing.
Before my wife Samantha passed away last August of her diabetes. She'd been sick for a long time. We used to watch videos on watch reviews and such. And she told me if I ever have a chance to get a really nice watch to get a Rolex. And please pretend that it came from her. That she loved me and wished she could get one for me. I didn't realize at the time that she would pass away less than twelve hours later
Was gifted a Big Block (79180) in 1990 when I graduated HS. Got a promotion in 2001 and bought a Submariner (16610). I love both - having said that: I wear the Big Block more. Great video
I too own both Tudor and Rolex. I did buy my Tudors first since price did come into play, as I feel uncomfortable wearing anything north of €5K (my Rolex is an OP 36 mm). I would however still go for my BB58 blue dial any time over a Rolex submariner smurf anyway! The pics of the watch in your video made me realize how much I love that watch. Both brands are close to my heart.
I bought a Tudor GMT Pepsi a couple of months ago and love it. I didn’t buy it because I couldn’t afford a Rolex. I simply liked how it looked on my wrist and I know Tudor is an excellent brand. Also, like another post said, I like the fact that I can wear a luxury watch without most people knowing I’m wearing a luxury watch. Only those really into watches would know the beauty draped over my wrist 😬.
Hi I recently entered the world of Tudor because they released a lovely chronograph. No doubt it reminded me of the Daytonas of old but I bought one for various specific reasons. It had a great spec, it was easy to read the time It had a date display and most importantly I loved it lol. I am lucky enough to own several Rolex watches and have been an avid WIS for 30 years now. I love that Tudor go their own way and are innovative bold and seemingly have stepped up recently with offering materials movements and styles that I can admire. I am proud to own a Tudor. Thats quite a statement and I think best shows the effect they have had on me this year.
Teddy, another well thought out position!! I’d like to say Tudor holds a position that is welcomed by those of us who can afford Rolex, but who simply don’t align with the Rolex culture of ‘baller, rich, bling bling.’ Tudor isn’t only for those who can’t afford a Rolex, but also for those who can but don’t want the Rolex cultural baggage. The overwhelming majority of Rolex wearers want to be seen. It’s for this reason that I’ll spend Rolex money on a Grand Seiko any day of the week. Keep the great content coming. Thanks.
I am considering a Tudor for two reasons. It's unpretentiousness and the price. It is not that I can not afford the Rolex, it is that I don't WANT to spend that much on a watch, But I would say that the unpretentiousness is far and away the biggest reason. Rolex people are generally NOT watch people! (I know that is a massive generalization) and the vast majority of people that I know who own Rolex's only wear it to flex on people.
“Poor Man’s Rolex” is not only insulting to watch enthusiasts, it’s completely tone deaf, an actual poor person would find this comparison detestable. If anything should be cancelled it’s the snobbery of the watch world. I’m saying this as a person with 4 rolex’s, bb58, seamaster, baltic, seiko’s, alpina’s etc etc. This hobby should be about love and enthusiasm, not comparing bank statements.
I agree but to then oh so casually mention "as a person with 4 rolex's" probably makes your point ring just a little bit hollow to say an actual poor person.
@@davidr2802 The fact that you focus on the comment 'as a person with 4 rolex's' seems that you are a bit jealous... I also own 4 rolex's, an AP, and a Tudor and watch collection is my hobby. In these days, we don't really need watches to tell time, if you spend any money on watches above $100, you will come across having more money than sense to some people, but so what? On the contrary, Rolex is for a poor man's brand to other people. It's all relative whatever makes one happy.
Being relatively new to watch collecting, so maybe my viewpoint is a bit different from long-term collectors. I've looked at the Tudor and Rolex websites to see what they're all about and I can see the stark differences in the overall design and style of their watch collections. To be honest, I like more of the Tudor designs more. They both have overly gaudy watches (anything covered in gemstones is an instant deal-breaker for me. Ugg!), but Tudor seems to lean a little less in that direction.
I view them as two separate brands. Aside from the incremental flair that Tudor brings, I also feel the value proposition that Tudor brings is exceptional and therefore, being an excellent overall watch option (all things considered: price, style, dependability, function, history, etc).
The only thing holding me back is the snowflake hands... With Tudor, everyone I talk to is either in the love it or hate it category, yet to find someone in between. When it comes an expensive piece, I feel like I almost have the right to be picky. Hard earned cash, shouldn't compromise or I will feel like I spent a lot and would never be 100% happy with it
I hate the snowflake hands. I also hate the Mercedes hand of the rolex sub. I am starting to think that the only reason I remotely like Cellini and OP lines is because they eschew using those ridiculous hands
Love them both for their different designs, I do love Rolex for the history as well. I think the 58 is 1000x more attractive than a modern Sub. Also prefer the BB36 over the Explorer. But I adore the OP and DJ and YM. I find Tudor’s movements, in house and non, to be extremely accurate.
I also prefer the BB36 over the Explorer and it's like a 1/4 the price at this point. I do love the OP36, it's probably the one Rolex I'd buy. But it's so expensive for what it is. I prefer most Tudor designs over Rolex versions and they are much cheaper.
I like how you said that those who like Rolex like tudor as well. I just got a panda chrono 2 weeks ago and I’m so happy with it. I would’ve gotten a Ceramic Daytona but I already have a 90s two tone Daytona in my collection. I also liked the fact that the Tudor has a unique design to it and although it isn’t as coveted as the Ceramic Daytona I felt the need to add a different watch to the collection. That’s why I ended up deciding on getting a black sky dweller to make sure I have a unique collection. I totally agree with you in saying that Rolex and Tudor may have the same DNA but are going in different directions. And I think the thought of seeing Tudor as the cheaper Rolex shouldn’t be thought of at all.
Is it a bad thing even if a tudor is just a more affordable rolex? A toyota is just a more affordable lexus but it's still a darn good car. I am considering tudor.. but would never consider rolex ( can't afford it )
I love both brands. I bought a Tudor Black Bay 41mm last Thursday, which I prefer over the Submariner. I was looking at the Tudor GMT but I think I'll wait for the Rolex in that category.
I might be the odd man out, but I have for a long time preferred Tudor to Rolex. I expect few will agree with me on this, but I feel like Rolex is a Dad’s watch. It feels old school in too many ways and some of their models are laughably garish. Not to mention over valued.
The other difference that you didn’t mention is that today, you can actually get a Tudor if you want one. I actually bought a Tudor “Pepsi” a year ago because it was affordable, looks a lot like the Rolex and my AD could get me one easily. I’m now thinking about getting the Tudor Chronograph since it really looks a lot like a Daytona and it is reasonably priced and I will likely be able to get my hands on one. Oh and most importantly, I think the quality of Tudor today is on par with Rolex.
This is so true. I just got a Seiko SRPE51 and I wear it everywhere because it looks good and if it's lost or stolen or breaks, i'll just get another one without any worries. I might upgrade to a BB41 someday but I'd use it the same way. If I bought a Rolex Explorer, I'd be afraid to wear it in a lot of situations so it becomes just a watch you flex with from time to time vs one that you wear everywhere.
I used to think Tudor was a poor mans Rolex……until I bought a Tudor (Black Bay Bronze Bucherer Blue). This was to use as an every day work watch to save my Rolex Submariner. Both are great watches and I now can appreciate them both for their individual merits and design. The developing patina in the Tudor gives it a great vintage look especially when the nato strap is swapped out for the vintage leather. Great video Teddy, as always. Your review guided me to the Tudor…….but you have reignited my interest in collecting!!
"poor man's rolex". When someone parrots that or refers to tudor as that, then i know I found the a**hole in the room and someone i don't want to be in the same company with.
Hiya Teddy! New subscriber (hello from New Zealand!), and relatively new to this part of the rabbit hole that is watches, although I've loved watches as long as I can remember. Anyway, love and appreciate the content, and the perspective a brief history lesson can give. Thanks so much! I'll be looking forward to future videos!
Teddy Baldassarre, this is a masterpiece. It should be shown by every Tudor boutique and AD. It's not Tudor or Rolex, they arent in competition with each other. Enjoy them each for what they do. For my money, Tudor offers some of the best value for money in luxury watches out there.
Really interesting video Teddy. The thought that occurs to me now is 'if there was no connection between Rolex and Tudor, would i still consider buying a Tudor over another brand (ie zenith/Breitling etc)?
@@EricOnRUclips my retirement will happen fall of 2026, I got some time ;-) I'll save and likely trade a watch or two to mitigate cost. I'll make sure it's the watches that would likely lose significant wrist time to the Lange 1 anyway. Wouldn't think of touching TSP money for it, though I'm not really counting on TSP money to live off anyway.
I am a proud owner of the very controversial Tudor Black Bay PO1. I have received more admiring appreciation and conversations about this watch than any in my collection. Tudor are carving out a very successful piece of the watchmaking world. Good on them.
As I see it Tudor and Rolex have very different images (this may vary depending on where you are in the world I guess).. I love my Tudor, but don't see myself ever bying a Rolex
@@lindblomdan when you see an extra 6-7 zeros in your bank account. You will eventually reward yourself with a Rolex. It’s a normal thing. Never say never.
I’m a Tudor fan. Have a Black Bay 36mm and 58 Blue and a 1968 7016. Looking to get Pelagos LHM next. Was fortunate to get a 116000 blue dial before prices got ridiculous. Tudor in my eyes stands on its own also you can find them in your AD, may a short wait on popular models. Got my Black Bay 36 when you could get them for under retail, now secondary market is charging over retail on used ones. Waited and only paid retail for 58 Blue. Would love a sub 14060 mid 2000 model but prices are crazy. Great video
Well I look at it politically and economically. Tudor is cheaper and the quality is almost exact to Rolex, so then we are paying for the name and heritage. Now philosophically and politically I'm a bit of an iconoclast...I like to argue for underdogs or public enemies. It helps shake things up and keep them moving.
3:00. Teddy look at the vintage Rolex sub on the right, then look at a bb58 black. The similarities speak for themselves. Many people like the Tudor Snowflake hands, but to me they aren't aesthetically complimentary to the round indices on the bb, bb58 or bbchrono. Each to their own. Tudor has grown very quickly since 2010, but has missed opportunities to take forward the Rose in its modern designs. The Shield has its place, but has become far too ubiquitous in their sport/tool watches for my taste, leaving virtually no product differentiation. A modern reinterpretation of the Ranger is perhaps the first obvious place to turn that around.
"Why am I not getting a Rolex?" Because if you live in any major city in 2021, it's simply not safe to be wearing a $10,000 thing on your wrist. Tudor at least has some level of subtlety, and if you get mugged for your watch, yes you lose 3 or 4k, but ya don't lose 10+.
I wear a $7,000 thing on my wrist daily in New York City, and I don't think twice about it. I've worn it in the South Bronx. Does that count? And I haven't thought for a second about getting mugged in a couple of decades. I wouldn't think twice about wearing a Rolex.
@@brandonnickerson8934 dude, you're being naive. I'm no better, I wear my Pepsi all day every day, but at least I know the risk. I live in Brooklyn, take the train twice a day with it on...I get it. It doesn't own me. But to think there's no risk in that, or that it's "weak" to understand the risk of wearing a $10k piece of jewelry, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard. Check out the RUclips channel Active Self Protection, and see what people are capable of. A couple weeks ago, a dude walked up behind another dude and shot him in the back of the head, execution style, for what? HIS CELLPHONE. You think that can't happen to you for ten thousand dollars if it can happen to a dude for 500 bucks? Use your head, man.
Great video, Teddy. Reading the comments here I think that model availability was not a considered factor in the Rolex-Tudor 'comparison' but is certainly pivotal for many enthusiasts looking to buy a luxury sports watch between the two brands. I've been saving for a Fifty-Eight or Pelagos for a while now; I was lucky enough to get my hands on a 214270 Explorer at an AD years ago and am on a futile waitlist with them for a Daytona but these fantastic Tudor models remain high on my radar.
I think Tudor can get rid of their “baby Rolex brother” image by bringing out daring and new types of watches. The Black Bays are awesome but getting boring now
@@fabriziopizzanelli7035 you are right. But nobody remembers Tudor for their other watches. They are the Black Bay company so to say. That’s gotta change
I went to look at a Tudor BB58 Blue , I was sold as soon as I held It. Quality, well put together watch with outstanding value for money with the 5 year warranty and 10 year service time, that’s a lot of watch and history for your buck.
Completely agree with your view. I bought my Tudor Black Bay GMT in Bahrain, of which there are 3 dedicated Tudor dealers. I had the last steel bracelet version available in Bahrain - it had sold out fairly quickly. Discussing the brand with the shop owner, he said that he simply cant get enough Tudor watches in. Apart from the design and individuality argument you have presented, one of the reasons why Tudor is becoming so successful is because they make a real effort to get their brand name out there. Bahrain is heavily reliant on Saudi's to keep their economy buoyant and the shop owner made the point that the Saudi trend at the moment was for Tudor. In the middle east advertising is important and Tudor advertisement billboards are in a lot of places. It was a stroke of genius for Tudor to use David Beckham as a brand ambassador and emphasize that in the middle east. Arabs know who he is and that he was a footballer and as a race that loves the game but aren't very good at it means its a great way to sell the products. If they could engage Mo Saleh their sales would go off the charts!
I wholeheartedly agree as people who want a tudor also want a rolex and vice versa. Since I, personally, am someone who hopes to own both brands in my collection one day. As always, great video Teddy! Keep up the good work!!
Tudor are making great watches and making their own impact but they definitely benefited from their relationship to Rolex. These days Rolex is considered more an investment in jewellery than a watch. Tudor are making in-house luxury pieces for daily wear.
Well presented. This household has 5 (2 Rolex and 3 Tudor). Mid-century Oysters, one from each. Ladies late-century Tudor. A rose gold Cellini and a Black Bay Bronze Bucherer Blue. Love both brands...clearly their outlier models (either by vintage or production volume). They anchor a collection of far cheaper stuff, but also give you a reference to appreciate how much you actually get in the low, low prices of the NH35 San Martins and such.
Hey guys, thanks for watching as always. This idea of Tudor being simply the inferior Rolex copycat is something I have seen people stating and wanted to share my take on the matter. I think there can be some good conversation in the comments on this one. Keep it civil haha.
Great video! I feel like Tudor has more pressure than Rolex to come up with great stuff. Rolex could release a rock with a banana peel for a strap and it would sell above msrp
@@PYGolf haha. This⬆️
Great video and 100% agree. Please review the 2018 36 mm Tudor Prince date-day. These are offered exclusively in Asia and can be bought on Chrono24.
I’m just very recently getting into the watch world and I imagine it can get snobby seeing how I live in NYC and the watch stores in Manhattan look down on anyone walking in without a suit on but is it really that bad here on RUclips too?
Tudor's core issue as in the saying goes, "Its Greatest Strength is its Greatest Weakness" as a "Double Edge Sword" for Tudor.
Do correct me if I am wrong that had it not been for Hans Wilsdorf original official mission statement for Tudor, compounded with its history approach in norms practices, Tudor's value and future reputation would be different than current.
Yet Tudor's history of, "Old habits are hard to end" only enforces their known common stigma as, "Poor man's Rolex" as this reflects in Tudor's products history as you have mentioned, Teddy.
Compounded further by our perceivements of Tudor's reputation, who could blame us for such thoughts when Hans Wilsdorf himself had set Tudor's principle foundations as such, regardless of Tudor's attempts and efforts in rejuvenating its brand prestige value reputation.
Whether we liked it or otherwise, Tudor's resale retention value reflects on the brand's prestige and arguments over Rolex - Tudor comparisons are unlikely to end anytime soon, which is true for most watch geographic markets.
The thing I love most about Tudor compared to Rolex (among many arguments) is that I can walk around with it without everyone noticing at first sight that I'm wearing an expensive luxury watch on my wrist.
This! I’ve always cited this as being a kind of counterintuitive negative of Rolexes, is that because everyone knows it, now it attracts attention. Good AND Bad. And sometimes annoying. It’s all good when watch enthusiasts ask you about it but when someone targets you cause they noticed it then it’s trouble lol. And the I guess annoying when people ask if it’s fake all the time 😂
Agreed! I love wearing my Black Bay 36 without worrying about getting jacked or people thinking I'm wearing a fake Rolex.
As a Rolex owner though I buy what I like without giving a damn what anyone thinks. I say whether it’s Tudor or a Rolex buy what you like without regard to what some co worker or stranger thinks.
@@BFit25 I am not a fan of this statement. In reality we all care about what people think. If not, then I am not sure I would have picked up the habit of showering back in my youth.
TBH only watch ppl would notice (unless you go some some ridiculous rapper-style iced out crap) . Like i came across someone wearing a platinum daytona last weekend, while i was being star-struck my frd didn't even know that person was wearing a watch
It’s interesting that people seem happy to state that a Tudor is just a poor man’s Rolex, but fewer state that Rolex is just an overpriced Tudor.
Personally, I think they are both solid brands aiming at different markets; some will like both, one or neither and that’s fine because we’re all individuals with different preferences.
Well said! 🙌🏻
And yet Tudor is a higher grade than Longines and Tag Heuer. But when people praise Longines as a best watch, seems they forgetting that Tudor is a better craft than Longines.
I get excited when I see a Tudor in a way that doesn't happen when I see yet another person trying to be flashy with their Rolex.
If you see a Tudor, then you know they are a "watch" person. I would not "assume" others are trying to be "flashy" with Rolex. No one else will recognize Tudor as a quality timepiece. If you are looking for others to recognize your watch and maybe start a friendly conversation on watches, there is no substitute for Rolex. I do LOVE Tudor though.
I checked Tudor prices & has decided to stay with watches under $1,000.00, way under. I have other things my money needs to go towards.
Yep, plus every second “businessman” here in Tokyo has a Rolex (usually a Submariner). Nothing against the watch, it’s amazing.
Real statement Seth, Tudor is a real watch and Rolex are just for people who brags about their banks acct
@@silveriojohan Rolexes are great watches. I especially love the Milgauss and the vintage Air Kings, and the explorers. But you just see them so often, you know that most of the time they don't really care about watches, they just want people to know they can afford a Rolex. Tudors have more of an interesting design language to me and their in house movements as well as their collaboration with Breitling for their chronographs is just really cool to me.
I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a tudor and a rolex. I don't view Tudor as a replacement for Rolex and I don't view Rolex as a replacement for Tudor. As you point out they both have their own unique designs that stand on their own and both are awesome.
Agreed
Never expected to see you here
to add on that, ''why am I not getting a Rolex??" because it's triple the money in the best scenario maybe??
if smn lets u choose between Neumann u87 vs WA87, both r good but what would u choose bro.
@@Lychegsye-nc6td You know I'm going Neumann. HA!
Edit: But that's because I know I like the sound of the Neumann more. But in reality...if I didn't run a mic review channel, I probably would have never moved on from the SM7b that I got 9 years ago.
The watch that started my 50+yrs passion of collecting was a Tudor Submariner that was issued to me in the military. Within 3 months I bought a Rolex Submariner 5513 ( 1969) in the OX in Da Nang, Vietnam. I never looked back . I still have both watches to this day but have acquired several more Rolex's as well as Tudors. I own 2 different Rolex GMT masters but about a year ago I bought a Tudor BB GMT. I absolutely love that watch and it definitely has its own DNA quite separate from my Rolex's. I've heard people say that very comment of Tudor especially being a watch that people buy because they couldn't afford a Rolex. In my opinion, those are people that just need to do their homework a bit more . Anyway, that's my experience and being blessed to own both , I love them both . Cheers watch fans !!!
Fantastic story and comment, Tim. Thanks for sharing this!
can someone dig into the history of how rolex came to pitch at the US military market back in the day, not simply official mil issue equipment but directly targeting GI Joe on deployment? Interesting marketing tactic.
@@glennrainey1227 Back when I bought my first Rolex I'm not sure it was a deliberate strategy to target military personnel anymore than any other brand . In the PX they had Seiko , Bulova, Timex , Hamilton and a few others . Everybody in the unit I was in had bought themselves Rolex Submariners. At that time I paid about $250 . Boy have things certainly changed.
It’s funny, bcuz most people that say “Tudor is a broke man’s Rolex”, couldn’t afford a Tudor either….
@@calebsmith9534 In a perfect situation I would buy Rolex over Tudor. But the value Tudor brings + Rolex has crazy waitlists for most popular models brings me to buy more Tudor in real life.
Why am I not buying a Rolex 🤷♂️ well it’s probably because the reality is you know Rolex pricing has become a bit of a joke and Tudor has become a great brand when it comes to build quality and realistic price point 👍
Tudor IMO is even more off the ball on price. They are still a Rolex homage.
@@deansusec8745 Tudor does things with their designs that Rolex would never dream of and mechanically speaking, they offer pretty much the best value of any watch on the market in their price range.
@@j2dlyc reissuing vintage Rolex designs? So offering a few different colours? Whoopi
...AND, they (Tudor) are attainable. Something Rolex are not, these days.
Rolex is like the brother that wears a suit and drives a Porsche 911. Tudor is the little brother that wears a leather jacket with leather boots and rides his Triumph Street Triple. It really depends on what your style is, both are great brands.
Agree 100% with the addition that the Rolex brother is desperate that everyone know's how much money they have. And before you jump on me, I have bother Rolex and Tudor and I dont wear the Rolex when I want to fly under the radar.
Rolex dude is the guy who goes into posh restaurant with his mistress while Tudor dude is the one who snorts coke off his side chicks ass in privacy of a hotel room rented under his uncles name :D
@@debelipacov hHahahahha best comment
Or like that one friend that bought a Golf GTI 20 years ago and keeps buying new ones whenever he needs a car and never looked at anything else because the GTI just does everything good at a reasonable price.
@@debelipacov lol
I own a Hamilton because I can’t afford a Tudor because I can’t afford a Rolex 😉
My Hamilton khaki field keeps amazing time and has the most satisfying wind, I’m well satisfied
I own a paper circle cut out because I can't afford a casio.....
Winner, winner! This is the best thread of the day! LOL I make a nice living and have cash to spare, but even then I have a hard time justifying spending over about $600 on an out-dated piece of technology. There is no reasonable justification other than, "but I want it!". :)
@@MikeSmith-er1qs you want it. I want it. Good enough reason. My wife has lots of jewelry. Just need a couple nice watches for my wrists. Nothing crazy
@@MikeSmith-er1qs It's nice to have nice things and everyone should have at least a few. The funny thing is that if you look after it in twenty years' time your nice mechanical watch will still be nice, functional, possibly still a status symbol and so on but most if not all of the up-to-date technology you buy today will likely be long gone or at least a lot less functional and worn out.
As a guy that wears a lot of flannel shirts, the only Rolex I could picture my wrists is an Explorer 1, not that I don't like the brand but it would just feel wrong. On the other hand Tudor is right down my alley. I love so many of there models.
Sums it up for me, it's why I have an Explorer and two BB58s. Even the Submariner has gotten blingy.
Hahaha, like different clothes for different folks on different feelings.
Excellent video, Teddy. Here's my take: I wanted a Rolex Submariner for years but could not afford one. When I was finally able to afford one, they had changed to the maxi case and I no longer wanted one. So I will soon be purchasing a Tudor BB58, which I think looks far better than a modern Sub.
The problem I have with Timex is…I’m always thinking, why am I not getting a Citizen.
Tudor has made some exciting releases this year....right there, different from Rolex.
With all basing their designs on older Rolex models in one way or the other.
Let me guess more black bays
@@oliverfasola19 no, and its pretty easy to find out what releases they are.
Which exciting releases? The black bay ceramic, the black bay gold, the black bay silver, the black bay 36 silver dial, the black bay chrono?
Wow, much creative.
@NM D. and Breitling with that Pistachio chrono. Love it!
Great video, Teddy! Here’s my take…. I personally am fortunate to own a pretty nice collection. I have 3 Rolex, an Omega, and even watches from Patek, ALS, JLC, Cartier, Breguet, and Sinn. Every day I wake up and face a decision of what piece to wear. Well, the watch that gets virtually all my wrist time is…..drum roll please…. My Tudor BB58 blue! It is just that special!
Moral of the story - Tudor stands on it’s own as a Manufacturer. It punches way above it’s weight class and is truly an amazing brand. Those who think it’s merely a watch you ‘settle’ for when you’re looking for a Rolex either don’t know watches or have been brainwashed by the media hype.
My BB58 blue is my favourite watch in my collection and could be my only watch, maybe one day.
Your statement is the best, I have the same struggle everyday and I keep choosing my Tudor Black Bay 58 with the blue bezel, this watch is so smooth and I avoid people looking at me like if I was a glorified rapper with no personality
Buys a Tudor, “Hamilton is just a poor man’s Tudor.” Buys a Rolex, “Tudor is just a poor man’s Rolex.” Buys a Big 3, “Rolex is just a poor man’s Big 3.” Buys a Richard Mille, “Do you know who I am?”
No, no, it's "Don't you know who I am?"
Why buy a Richard mille, when you can buy a JLC Quad?
Richard Mille? So many nicer watches above that one... George Daniels, Atelier de Chronométrie etc.
Best comment
Buys a Richard Mille and says…. This looks like a Casio. And the cycle repeats…..
Hammering out content lately, Teddy. Appreciate your hard work!
Appreciate you for noticing, James!
Yeah, quite the tempo... keep it up!
Well, Rolex don't have available steel sports watches in their ADs, so decision is simple.
Exactly! How am I suppose to decide on which watch to buy if I am not able to compare them.
I‘ve always wondered how much Rolex are paying their ADs to waste large amounts of their display space on empty promises.
At my local Rolex AD, there isn't a single men's watch to be found. Last week there were 5 watches in their case, all women's models. Ridiculous.
Yes they have, just not for you.
when i was going for my first ever luxury watch i said to myself: why would i buy a tudor when there is rolex. but then, when i went to my AD and saw the blackbay 58 i was sold. now im a proud owner of a tudor and a rolex :)
you said it yourself...."and a Rolex"
hahaha yeah.. the rolex is my second watch. a gift from my mother :)
@@rowlandpanjaitan4227 mom got taste
I think the majority of watch enthusiasts now recognise Tudor as its own quality brand, rather than some kind of cheaper Rolex. They make some beautiful watches! I have the Black Bay 36 with a black dial and I just adore its understated beauty.
Tudor is the quiet, introvert sibling of Rolex. Love that about it!
Just got my BB58 39mm in leather strap few days ago. Colleagues & relative did not spot my new watch. On the other hand, I've been admiring it on my wrist ever since I walked out of the AD.
@@jacky748 That's exactly what I mean! 😂
These days I much prefer Tudor over Rolex. Tudor seem to be like Rolex used to be about 20 years ago before they got way way WAY too far up their own ass.
lol
Absolutely agree
Seems that Rolex has been using Tudor’s position to push the price of Rolex pieces. I feel like it’s a marketing gimmick more than it’s own thing.
But it’s literally the same company up its own ass!
@@alansmith4395 Not quite. But whatever.
Female perspective: I always wanted a Rolex for the sense of prestige and when I was finally able to afford one - I didn't like any. I have small wrists and they just looked too big. I went for the Tudor Clair De Rose instead and love it! The design is flawless and it's so different to the watches most people in my circle wear. Lots of women in my professional network have the Rolex Oyster Perpetual/Date Just or Cartier Tank so it's nice to actually have something different. After doing more research into the brand too, I love the Born to Dare manifesto and fits with my actual personality and lifestyle more so than a Rolex would.
I never owned a “Dive watch.” I like how they look, just not on me. I own Rolex but they are the basic OPs and a Milgauss. Submariners are not for me. After saying all this, I bought the blue Black Bay 58 and love it! The less “toothy” bezel gave it a look I really like. Tudor, for me, is a stand out.
cool to see you are expanding your style to other types of watches
I’m always lost on how much money watches are and the snobbery in this hobby.A watch should reflect you and never be pushed by hype .I work long hours and can never own a Rolex but there’s better watches at better prices and rich don’t mean taste
Pst, have you heard about Vostok? lol
Hahaha, different strokes for different folks by different yokes.
Well said.
I think the fact that Tudor is viewed as the lesser brand just makes it more attractive to me. I do like Rolex, but they just seem like the brand everyone buys cause they don't know how good other brands are, also Tudor is the type of brand that can leave someone who doesn't know them, open-mouthed. I'd tip my hat at someone wearing a Tudor, like "I see you, watch enthusiast, I see you know your watches"
This is absolutely heart breaking. I’ve bought 2 tudors to fill my void of not being able to get Rolex at retail. It’s sad when you finally reach a financial level where you can buy a Rolex but can’t get one at retail. I refuse to pay gray market prices. Someday I’ll have my Rolex
I think many watch fans, myself included, have a nostalgic longing for the elegant practicality and accessibility of Rolex sports watches. Rolex has become something else. Despite coming up short in many cases, Tudor scratches that itch for what Rolex once was.
Well said. Couldnt agree more
Seiko does the same.
12 months in with a Pelagos; the components, price point, and overall functionality epitomizes the distinction Wilsdorf made almost 100 years ago
Well, I can't walk into a Rolex AD and get the watch I want, so there's that. Tudor all the way for me. Great watch at half the price. Thanks, Teddy.
Tudor are at the prices that a Rolex (if we remove the fancy metals they migh make some of their caess in) is really worth, so you dont lose out on too much.
Tudor has a movement that has 70 hours of power reserve, COSC certification, METAS certification.
Pretty impressive.
Pelagos, Black Bay, Black Bay GMT, Black Bay Chrono, all great offerings.
Tudor has offerings that stand on their own.
to each own, every timepiece is different & unique to itself.. and true that even u walk on a street and ask stranger a watch brand name they will say rolex even they are a non watch lover/ collectors. Just buy/keep/wear what u like.. doesn't matter what other think.
People who make the claim that Tudor is a compromise to Rolex would say that about Omega, or Grand Seiko, or …. as well because to them Rolex is a superior watch to ALL other watches = myopia
The problem is that as someone who owns a watch from all these brands + AP, Patek, panerai etc...- Rolex IS superior. They’re just built better than anyone else.
@@TheRausing1 a guy put his Rolex up against 3 other cheaper watches (one was a Hamilton) on a Michigan winter sub-zero day and Rolex was the first to stop working - the others ran fine. The sweep of a Grand Seiko is definitely better, too.
@@TheRausing1 You find the quality of a Rolex better than an AP’s? In what aspects?
@@TheRausing1 don't lie. Compared to the watches in my collections i always feel the Rolex is overpriced and not well built.
@@Kr0nicridah I bought a 15450st six months ago, and it feels like a delicate piece of jewellery compared to my explorer, sea-dweller and day-dates. It is beautifully made, but in my experience, nothing feels as solid and well built as a Rolex. Rolex isn’t even my favourite brand- Lange’s are by far my favourite watches, but obviously I wouldn’t wear my saxonia to a beach. But I’m just telling you my opinion, as someone who owns many watches, that in the hand, Rolex watches feel the best and most well built for the price.
I like snowflake hands and no date, I don’t like Mercedes’ hands and cyclops
I hate the mercedes hands, love the snowflake and cyclops.
I don't like the snowflake - love the Mercedes hands and the cyclops. I want to like Tudor more but just can't get past the snowflake hands.
Hahaha, different strokes for different folks by differed fonds.
Personal Experience: I went with a BB36 simply because the Explorer was not at 36mm at the time , but more importantly because I preferred a new watch to a 15 year old Rolex. in other words, trying like many people to scratch the Rolex itch with it. I was mostly satisfied. a year later I have both a 214270 and the 925 and for me there is no ranking or hierarchy there anymore. I appreciate them both the same and do not look as either as a superior watch...or brand. Great episode.
I have a Tudor Pelagos because I loved them from the minute they were released. I do not have that passion for any Rolex luckily. What Tudor have achieved in the last decade is pretty phenomenal. Rolex is an iconic brand but the very fact these conversations are being had shows the progress of the last decade.
I like Tudor for their sense of adventure in their design and the incredible value proposition. With the black bay line, they really starts to build an identity of their own. Pretty much like you said, they descends from the same heritage, but now are playing different games, catering different tastes. Tudor happened to be cheaper, but so what?
lmao, they look just like an old Rolex still, just like a homage, no new design.
Generally speaking Rolex make $3,000-$4,000 watches selling for $8,000+ because of a huge advertising, marketing and Authorised Distributor bill, and Tudor make $3,000-$4,000 watches, that are prices at $3,000-$4,000. The difference between the two is all hype and hot air.
The materials Rolex uses and the extra little details they have over Tudor do make them feel more premium. Whether you think it's worth it is up to you. I can *just about* stomach Rolex's prices at RRP for it's SS models - but obviously most people cannot get them - but I'd never pay the crazy premiums the second hand market wants.
@@willemdeleeuw8094 Totally agree on the second hand market, however the value aspect at retail is very debatable. It's really a false perception created by clever marketing. Rolexes are mostly automated mass produced products, not the individual hand made craftsmanship they sell to us. It's all fake, you can't hand make a million watches a year. Some luxury Swiss watches have a truly impressive hand made component, as has Grand Seiko for example. Rolex, is an expensive fashion watch, just at higher level than most. It is sold and marketed in the same way as expensive perfumes and clothes. The brand name is aspirational, the product, not so much. I'm not criticising their branding and marketing, they are exceptionally good at selling pretty good watches and making a huge profit margin. It's probably where Apple got the idea. Often a watch feels better because if the owner pays a ton of money, he wants it to feel better. Successful companies profit from tapping into this psychology.
I have been a Rolex owner and I am just now getting into Tudor!
I absolutely love the BB more so then a Rolex Submariner. I’m so excited to grow my collection with Tudor. In the past it’s only been about Rolex, AP & Patek but this has definitely changed in the past few days.
Good honest opinion here. It's obvious you like the style of Tudor. Good taste.
I'd imagine when buying and finally wearing the Rolex, you'll be thinking "Why didn't I just buy the Tudor...and the other 2 watches I've had my eyes on?"
😂
I own two Tudor and two Rolex. Definitely not the case.
Hahaha, different strokes for different folks by different yokes on differed fonds.
Wonderful job. I have been watching your channel ( no pun intended) for years and have witnessed your growth both as an expert in horology and your ability to project that expertise on your evolving format. I think this format is the best yet, and reflects your maturity in the field and on the screen. Keep up the good work!
Rolex history is the only reason to go modern Tudor over Omega. Omega has much better finishing and more high tech movements than Tudor. I have Rolex and Omega and the omegas are getting much more wrist time lately.
I just got my first “higher end” watch and went with seamaster white dial. For the price I don’t think I could get a better watch, movement, finishing, reputation, history, and looks!
It depends on asthetic design as well. For me I have 2 Tudors and 2 omegas. I don't like the smp300 at all. I love the aqua Terra and Speedmaster. But for dive style I much prefer the black bay 58 and for gmt I went with Tudor gmt over the planet ocean. I think there is room for both brands. Love the movement finishing on my omegas, but Tudors feel like tanks and have never let me down.
Tudor over Omega ... any time !
@@drockkelly I agree there definitely is room for both brands. My point was that Omega’s products hit much closer to Rolex than Tudor.
Tudor wants to compete with Omega, while Omega is truly a competitor towards the Crown.
The Planet Ocean GMT is much more expensive than the BB GMT with quite a bit more features. I think that the BB GMT is awesome but the clasp, resistance to magnetism, metas certification and movement finishing puts most Omega products in another ballpark. Whether they are features you want or appreciate they put Omega a step above the current offerings of Tudor.
(PS I believe you made the right choice bc the Planet Ocean GMT is thick as a brick)
Tudor all the way for me, IMHO.
And, By the way, congratz on adding BALL Watches to your roster! You have great prices.
I might even get to "activate" my trigger finger on one of them 😉
Thanks for sharing.
I’m a Tudor owner. I fully agree with you. Different watches, different approach even though companies are related.
Agreed, different strokes for different folks by differed fonds.
Before my wife Samantha passed away last August of her diabetes. She'd been sick for a long time. We used to watch videos on watch reviews and such. And she told me if I ever have a chance to get a really nice watch to get a Rolex. And please pretend that it came from her. That she loved me and wished she could get one for me. I didn't realize at the time that she would pass away less than twelve hours later
Because people are fed up with Rolex....
Was gifted a Big Block (79180) in 1990 when I graduated HS. Got a promotion in 2001 and bought a Submariner (16610). I love both - having said that: I wear the Big Block more. Great video
Either Tudor or Rolex: two gorgeous watches👌🏻
I too own both Tudor and Rolex. I did buy my Tudors first since price did come into play, as I feel uncomfortable wearing anything north of €5K (my Rolex is an OP 36 mm). I would however still go for my BB58 blue dial any time over a Rolex submariner smurf anyway! The pics of the watch in your video made me realize how much I love that watch. Both brands are close to my heart.
"The problem with Rolex is, why am I not getting a Tudor instead?"
That's how people are starting to think.
I bought a Tudor GMT Pepsi a couple of months ago and love it. I didn’t buy it because I couldn’t afford a Rolex. I simply liked how it looked on my wrist and I know Tudor is an excellent brand. Also, like another post said, I like the fact that I can wear a luxury watch without most people knowing I’m wearing a luxury watch. Only those really into watches would know the beauty draped over my wrist 😬.
I still feel Tudor is a testbed for Rolex, allowing the parent company to experiment new ideas without hurting brand value
I think there is truth there. Much of what they are testing though I could never see being adopted by Rolex.
Open casebacks, new unconventional materials, METAS - could these be Rolex's future plans... well only time will tell..
@@TeddyBaldassarre Plus people know who is the parent brand, consequently there could be negative effects anyway.
Strongly disagree! I have yet to see anything that released by Tudor to come into Rolex.
Totally agree. Sterling silver and bronze? Definitely rare, less proven materials used in luxury watches
Hi I recently entered the world of Tudor because they released a lovely chronograph. No doubt it reminded me of the Daytonas of old but I bought one for various specific reasons. It had a great spec, it was easy to read the time It had a date display and most importantly I loved it lol. I am lucky enough to own several Rolex watches and have been an avid WIS for 30 years now. I love that Tudor go their own way and are innovative bold and seemingly have stepped up recently with offering materials movements and styles that I can admire. I am proud to own a Tudor. Thats quite a statement and I think best shows the effect they have had on me this year.
I own a Rolex submariner 116610 and a black bay 58 blue, love both of them!
I have 114060 and black bay 58 black
It is really tough decision which to wear every morning
@@antonioau_gb89 that’s awesome! And I agree, it’s difficult for me too!
Hey teddy what is the ref number and year model for the no date sub @4:10
"Watch enthusiasts are never civil'
WHAT DO YOU MEAN, WE'RE NOT CIVIL!!!!!????
LOL
(Love the channel, Teddy. Keep up the great work)
:)
Haha Appreciate you, Fred.
@@TeddyBaldassarre Likewise, man. Have a great weekend!
The only thing worse is an airline pilot forum. Lol
Teddy, another well thought out position!! I’d like to say Tudor holds a position that is welcomed by those of us who can afford Rolex, but who simply don’t align with the Rolex culture of ‘baller, rich, bling bling.’ Tudor isn’t only for those who can’t afford a Rolex, but also for those who can but don’t want the Rolex cultural baggage. The overwhelming majority of Rolex wearers want to be seen. It’s for this reason that I’ll spend Rolex money on a Grand Seiko any day of the week. Keep the great content coming. Thanks.
The answer to this problem is simple.
Buy Omega.
Longines imo are the best value for money. Such an underrated watch brand.
Better still a JDM Casio !
@@WH-hi5ew I own a couple of casios, great watches.
Omega...LOL. Any watch that loses value the moment it's bought is not coming anywhere near me or my family.
@@stewester that's silly, you buy the watch you like, if it increases in value over time then it's a bonus but I tend to keep my watches.
I am considering a Tudor for two reasons. It's unpretentiousness and the price. It is not that I can not afford the Rolex, it is that I don't WANT to spend that much on a watch, But I would say that the unpretentiousness is far and away the biggest reason. Rolex people are generally NOT watch people! (I know that is a massive generalization) and the vast majority of people that I know who own Rolex's only wear it to flex on people.
!!
“Poor Man’s Rolex” is not only insulting to watch enthusiasts, it’s completely tone deaf, an actual poor person would find this comparison detestable. If anything should be cancelled it’s the snobbery of the watch world. I’m saying this as a person with 4 rolex’s, bb58, seamaster, baltic, seiko’s, alpina’s etc etc. This hobby should be about love and enthusiasm, not comparing bank statements.
I agree but to then oh so casually mention "as a person with 4 rolex's" probably makes your point ring just a little bit hollow to say an actual poor person.
@@davidr2802 The fact that you focus on the comment 'as a person with 4 rolex's' seems that you are a bit jealous... I also own 4 rolex's, an AP, and a Tudor and watch collection is my hobby. In these days, we don't really need watches to tell time, if you spend any money on watches above $100, you will come across having more money than sense to some people, but so what? On the contrary, Rolex is for a poor man's brand to other people. It's all relative whatever makes one happy.
Being relatively new to watch collecting, so maybe my viewpoint is a bit different from long-term collectors. I've looked at the Tudor and Rolex websites to see what they're all about and I can see the stark differences in the overall design and style of their watch collections. To be honest, I like more of the Tudor designs more. They both have overly gaudy watches (anything covered in gemstones is an instant deal-breaker for me. Ugg!), but Tudor seems to lean a little less in that direction.
Honestly happy to see you churning out content! Looking forward to the review of the Tudor 1926 if its coming.
I will cover soon. Don't want to go Tudor crazy as I also am working on a video regarding the black ceramic Black Bay.
@@TeddyBaldassarre Music to my ears.... Can't want to see more informative content... Thanks and keep it up as you're one of the best out there.
Hey Teddy, where can I get a authentic watch shown @8:20
This is such an insightful video, great video Teddy!!
Thank you, my friend!
I view them as two separate brands. Aside from the incremental flair that Tudor brings, I also feel the value proposition that Tudor brings is exceptional and therefore, being an excellent overall watch option (all things considered: price, style, dependability, function, history, etc).
The only thing holding me back is the snowflake hands... With Tudor, everyone I talk to is either in the love it or hate it category, yet to find someone in between. When it comes an expensive piece, I feel like I almost have the right to be picky. Hard earned cash, shouldn't compromise or I will feel like I spent a lot and would never be 100% happy with it
I hate the snowflake hands. I also hate the Mercedes hand of the rolex sub. I am starting to think that the only reason I remotely like Cellini and OP lines is because they eschew using those ridiculous hands
Hahaha, best to buy something else or keep your money for Christmas :-)
Why would other people's opinion about the snowflake hands affect whether if you want to buy it...
5:37. What is the name of the Model? Tudor....?
Ok. Found out. Tudor north flag
Love them both for their different designs, I do love Rolex for the history as well. I think the 58 is 1000x more attractive than a modern Sub. Also prefer the BB36 over the Explorer. But I adore the OP and DJ and YM. I find Tudor’s movements, in house and non, to be extremely accurate.
I also prefer the BB36 over the Explorer and it's like a 1/4 the price at this point. I do love the OP36, it's probably the one Rolex I'd buy. But it's so expensive for what it is. I prefer most Tudor designs over Rolex versions and they are much cheaper.
I like how you said that those who like Rolex like tudor as well. I just got a panda chrono 2 weeks ago and I’m so happy with it. I would’ve gotten a Ceramic Daytona but I already have a 90s two tone Daytona in my collection. I also liked the fact that the Tudor has a unique design to it and although it isn’t as coveted as the Ceramic Daytona I felt the need to add a different watch to the collection. That’s why I ended up deciding on getting a black sky dweller to make sure I have a unique collection.
I totally agree with you in saying that Rolex and Tudor may have the same DNA but are going in different directions. And I think the thought of seeing Tudor as the cheaper Rolex shouldn’t be thought of at all.
Is it a bad thing even if a tudor is just a more affordable rolex? A toyota is just a more affordable lexus but it's still a darn good car. I am considering tudor.. but would never consider rolex ( can't afford it )
A Toyota is a terrible car. Every time I sit in my Toyota I would think, damn I wish I had a Lexus. That sums up this whole discussion.
I love both brands. I bought a Tudor Black Bay 41mm last Thursday, which I prefer over the Submariner. I was looking at the Tudor GMT but I think I'll wait for the Rolex in that category.
I might be the odd man out, but I have for a long time preferred Tudor to Rolex. I expect few will agree with me on this, but I feel like Rolex is a Dad’s watch. It feels old school in too many ways and some of their models are laughably garish. Not to mention over valued.
The other difference that you didn’t mention is that today, you can actually get a Tudor if you want one. I actually bought a Tudor “Pepsi” a year ago because it was affordable, looks a lot like the Rolex and my AD could get me one easily. I’m now thinking about getting the Tudor Chronograph since it really looks a lot like a Daytona and it is reasonably priced and I will likely be able to get my hands on one. Oh and most importantly, I think the quality of Tudor today is on par with Rolex.
I buy a Tudor to wear it. I buy a Rolex to talk about it.
This is so true. I just got a Seiko SRPE51 and I wear it everywhere because it looks good and if it's lost or stolen or breaks, i'll just get another one without any worries. I might upgrade to a BB41 someday but I'd use it the same way. If I bought a Rolex Explorer, I'd be afraid to wear it in a lot of situations so it becomes just a watch you flex with from time to time vs one that you wear everywhere.
I used to think Tudor was a poor mans Rolex……until I bought a Tudor (Black Bay Bronze Bucherer Blue).
This was to use as an every day work watch to save my Rolex Submariner.
Both are great watches and I now can appreciate them both for their individual merits and design.
The developing patina in the Tudor gives it a great vintage look especially when the nato strap is swapped out for the vintage leather.
Great video Teddy, as always. Your review guided me to the Tudor…….but you have reignited my interest in collecting!!
"poor man's rolex".
When someone parrots that or refers to tudor as that, then i know
I found the a**hole in the room and someone i don't want to be in the same company with.
Hiya Teddy! New subscriber (hello from New Zealand!), and relatively new to this part of the rabbit hole that is watches, although I've loved watches as long as I can remember. Anyway, love and appreciate the content, and the perspective a brief history lesson can give. Thanks so much! I'll be looking forward to future videos!
welcome to the hobby !
The question that I am always asking...why am I not just getting a Filipino Lorreta watch?
Spaghetti scametti- with CEO
Charles Ponzi
Did you know they cut out the middle man? I’ve heard their watches are Rolex level quality for $200!
@@michaelrimmer338 spaghetti scametti all the way. Revolutionary watches for the revolutionary price of just £897.
Teddy Baldassarre, this is a masterpiece. It should be shown by every Tudor boutique and AD. It's not Tudor or Rolex, they arent in competition with each other. Enjoy them each for what they do. For my money, Tudor offers some of the best value for money in luxury watches out there.
Really interesting video Teddy. The thought that occurs to me now is 'if there was no connection between Rolex and Tudor, would i still consider buying a Tudor over another brand (ie zenith/Breitling etc)?
Great video Teddy, I think the days of Tudor being any sort of compromise choice is well and truly over.
I am not interested in Rolex. I do want a Tudor, though. But my grail is still the Lange 1.
Lange 1 will be my last watch purchase. My retirement gift from my wife and me to me ;-)
@@jimlittle5769 yeah, I can’t afford it right now. It will have to wait for when I can access my 401k. Lol
@@EricOnRUclips my retirement will happen fall of 2026, I got some time ;-) I'll save and likely trade a watch or two to mitigate cost. I'll make sure it's the watches that would likely lose significant wrist time to the Lange 1 anyway. Wouldn't think of touching TSP money for it, though I'm not really counting on TSP money to live off anyway.
I am a proud owner of the very controversial Tudor Black Bay PO1. I have received more admiring appreciation and conversations about this watch than any in my collection. Tudor are carving out a very successful piece of the watchmaking world. Good on them.
Because Tudor is like buying your 1st home and Rolex is to be your 2nd actual dream home
As I see it Tudor and Rolex have very different images (this may vary depending on where you are in the world I guess).. I love my Tudor, but don't see myself ever bying a Rolex
@@lindblomdan when you see an extra 6-7 zeros in your bank account. You will eventually reward yourself with a Rolex. It’s a normal thing. Never say never.
I’m a Tudor fan. Have a Black Bay 36mm and 58 Blue and a 1968 7016. Looking to get Pelagos LHM next. Was fortunate to get a 116000 blue dial before prices got ridiculous. Tudor in my eyes stands on its own also you can find them in your AD, may a short wait on popular models. Got my Black Bay 36 when you could get them for under retail, now secondary market is charging over retail on used ones. Waited and only paid retail for 58 Blue. Would love a sub 14060 mid 2000 model but prices are crazy. Great video
Well I look at it politically and economically. Tudor is cheaper and the quality is almost exact to Rolex, so then we are paying for the name and heritage. Now philosophically and politically I'm a bit of an iconoclast...I like to argue for underdogs or public enemies. It helps shake things up and keep them moving.
5:48 what model is that? It's gorgeous...
I say: "Why not both?"
3:00. Teddy look at the vintage Rolex sub on the right, then look at a bb58 black. The similarities speak for themselves.
Many people like the Tudor Snowflake hands, but to me they aren't aesthetically complimentary to the round indices on the bb, bb58 or bbchrono. Each to their own.
Tudor has grown very quickly since 2010, but has missed opportunities to take forward the Rose in its modern designs. The Shield has its place, but has become far too ubiquitous in their sport/tool watches for my taste, leaving virtually no product differentiation. A modern reinterpretation of the Ranger is perhaps the first obvious place to turn that around.
"Why am I not getting a Rolex?"
Because if you live in any major city in 2021, it's simply not safe to be wearing a $10,000 thing on your wrist.
Tudor at least has some level of subtlety, and if you get mugged for your watch, yes you lose 3 or 4k, but ya don't lose 10+.
I wear a $7,000 thing on my wrist daily in New York City, and I don't think twice about it. I've worn it in the South Bronx. Does that count? And I haven't thought for a second about getting mugged in a couple of decades. I wouldn't think twice about wearing a Rolex.
@@WeibenWang same but we're naive
I wear my Subs everywhere, any time.
Own the watch, don't let it own you.
Living in fear is so weak.
@@brandonnickerson8934 dude, you're being naive. I'm no better, I wear my Pepsi all day every day, but at least I know the risk. I live in Brooklyn, take the train twice a day with it on...I get it. It doesn't own me. But to think there's no risk in that, or that it's "weak" to understand the risk of wearing a $10k piece of jewelry, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.
Check out the RUclips channel Active Self Protection, and see what people are capable of. A couple weeks ago, a dude walked up behind another dude and shot him in the back of the head, execution style, for what? HIS CELLPHONE. You think that can't happen to you for ten thousand dollars if it can happen to a dude for 500 bucks? Use your head, man.
@@brandonnickerson8934 or just watch almost any video on Paul Thorpe's channel about this stuff.
Great video, Teddy. Reading the comments here I think that model availability was not a considered factor in the Rolex-Tudor 'comparison' but is certainly pivotal for many enthusiasts looking to buy a luxury sports watch between the two brands. I've been saving for a Fifty-Eight or Pelagos for a while now; I was lucky enough to get my hands on a 214270 Explorer at an AD years ago and am on a futile waitlist with them for a Daytona but these fantastic Tudor models remain high on my radar.
I think Tudor can get rid of their “baby Rolex brother” image by bringing out daring and new types of watches. The Black Bays are awesome but getting boring now
I mean they make other wathes but no one buys them...
@@fabriziopizzanelli7035 you are right. But nobody remembers Tudor for their other watches. They are the Black Bay company so to say. That’s gotta change
A sub isn’t boring then
@@markp9416 I’m not defending Rolex here haha
I went to look at a Tudor BB58 Blue , I was sold as soon as I held It. Quality, well put together watch with outstanding value for money with the 5 year warranty and 10 year service time, that’s a lot of watch and history for your buck.
“Watch enthusiasts are never civil”. Me: silently laughing in my petrolhead mind.
exactly!
What do you mean that we are not civil?, Listen, whatever you have to say about Rolex, say it face to face, let's go outside.
@@japd7897 haha lol.
Only relatively much civil forums are the Whiskey forums. No, there’s no pun here!
Completely agree with your view. I bought my Tudor Black Bay GMT in Bahrain, of which there are 3 dedicated Tudor dealers. I had the last steel bracelet version available in Bahrain - it had sold out fairly quickly. Discussing the brand with the shop owner, he said that he simply cant get enough Tudor watches in. Apart from the design and individuality argument you have presented, one of the reasons why Tudor is becoming so successful is because they make a real effort to get their brand name out there. Bahrain is heavily reliant on Saudi's to keep their economy buoyant and the shop owner made the point that the Saudi trend at the moment was for Tudor. In the middle east advertising is important and Tudor advertisement billboards are in a lot of places. It was a stroke of genius for Tudor to use David Beckham as a brand ambassador and emphasize that in the middle east. Arabs know who he is and that he was a footballer and as a race that loves the game but aren't very good at it means its a great way to sell the products. If they could engage Mo Saleh their sales would go off the charts!
For the money, Longines make the best watches.
Me with my battered old Casio WorldTime: 😳 **
I wholeheartedly agree as people who want a tudor also want a rolex and vice versa. Since I, personally, am someone who hopes to own both brands in my collection one day. As always, great video Teddy! Keep up the good work!!
Or….if you just can’t spend these kind of dollars, get one of the best Homage watches I’ve seen….San Martin SN004G for slightly over $200.
Tudor are making great watches and making their own impact but they definitely benefited from their relationship to Rolex.
These days Rolex is considered more an investment in jewellery than a watch. Tudor are making in-house luxury pieces for daily wear.
I think unfortuantely most people who own a Rolex dont even know Tudor exists lol.
I’ve met multiple proud rolex owners who’ve never heard of tudor 😂.
Well presented. This household has 5 (2 Rolex and 3 Tudor). Mid-century Oysters, one from each. Ladies late-century Tudor. A rose gold Cellini and a Black Bay Bronze Bucherer Blue. Love both brands...clearly their outlier models (either by vintage or production volume). They anchor a collection of far cheaper stuff, but also give you a reference to appreciate how much you actually get in the low, low prices of the NH35 San Martins and such.