I probably shouldn’t have said it. I think I was displaying my own bias as I just don’t find modern Tudor interesting. This is probably because there are so many other interesting options in their price range and because I can’t seem to keep any in my collection. They look and sound good, but on my wrist…blah. I have the same relationship with Grand Seiko, FYI.
I have never thought about the 2018 peak of Tudor, but fear I have to admit that I can follow that reasoning - past release have not necessarily been overwhelming.
I've seen the Burgundy in person and have to say I thought it was somewhat gaudy personally. I'm not attracted and would not buy one. I own a blue bezel Smiley BB 79220 purchased pre owned several years ago. Love that watch. Pass on the Burgundy.
Very informative and entertaining piece. I was largely unaware of the culture surrounding the original 58, and didn’t realize that the 2010s “were the era of hipsters, heritage, vintage, specifically vintage Rolex.” I thought that was the 1970s!
yes! there's this cottage industry of people doing cool visuals for Demuro's DougScores, I discovered while formulating this. Great potential use for AI...
Would you consider adding a poll under every section to assess how your score compares with readers' opinions? Or do you think your argument underpinning each score would be too suggestive to ever have readers' responses deviate significantly from yours?
I think wearing a red/ burgundy watch shows you value boldness, projects confidence, and signals a strong personality. My dad only ever salivated over red cars when I was a kid. It was Pavlovian.
But, it’s this particular shade of burgundy that I am not a fan of. Deeper/ less saturated reds are subdued enough that it opens up more acceptable occasions to wear. This is “ a bit much”. But that comes from an orange guy. Hahaha
Great to read article, no question. Love the Doug, um, Unpolished Score, I mean Index. Personally, I like Tudor, as a brand. It's just that their dive watches just can't win me over. I had a Pelagos and Black Bay, but I always felt like that I am only getting hallf of a Submariner so for me the score would be super low. But that is entirely personal. There is no doubt that these are good watches. I, however, would would get some of their offerings that seem more unique.
Great question. All the ones that are not popular, like the North Flag, the Hydronaut or even (also not my first choice) the Fast Rider Black Shield. Don’t get me wrong, I am totally aware that none of them were successful. But that is what I feel is the challenge for Tudor. Hans Wilsdorf set them up to be a more affordable Rolex. I mean, in the beginning, they used Rolex cases, crowns, bracelets and even hands. So it seems that every time they try to step out of that, no one wants that, and everyone just prefers them to be ‘half’ a Rolex, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. That is what Tudor is meant to be, and as I said, they are great watches. I, however, appreciate brands that have their own identity more.
Not crazy about Tudor shifting to jubilee on sports or sports adjacent watches. I also don't like shiny. I've about given up on modern and gone all in on vintage at this point, I think that's just who I am. I do like my BB58 blue for when I need a waterproof no fuss watch
Love the watches and respect that Tudor went all in on the burgundy. Having said that, this is the type of watch that I would get tired of after a couple of years.
Great article and kudos on the index; I may need to start applying it to my collection!
I remember several years ago, Doug DeMuro briefly revamped his format and downplayed the Doug Score, only mentioning the total score at the end and not going through his reasoning. He quickly reversed that change after what must have been a ton of feedback. It's a fun exercise.
Would be interesting to see how the crowd would score these as well. I think YT and IG have poll features that would allow for this.
especially for head-to-heads like this, that'd be fun
Super interesting. That said, other than G, I’m pretty sure most of your readers have moved beyond collecting/being interested in Modern Tudor?
what makes you say that
I probably shouldn’t have said it. I think I was displaying my own bias as I just don’t find modern Tudor interesting. This is probably because there are so many other interesting options in their price range and because I can’t seem to keep any in my collection. They look and sound good, but on my wrist…blah. I have the same relationship with Grand Seiko, FYI.
Hey we can agree on GS :)
I do agree that Tudor kind of “peaked” around 2018 and seems to have lost some of the magic since. Looking for its next hit…
I have never thought about the 2018 peak of Tudor, but fear I have to admit that I can follow that reasoning - past release have not necessarily been overwhelming.
I've seen the Burgundy in person and have to say I thought it was somewhat gaudy personally. I'm not attracted and would not buy one. I own a blue bezel Smiley BB 79220 purchased pre owned several years ago. Love that watch. Pass on the Burgundy.
Very informative and entertaining piece. I was largely unaware of the culture surrounding the original 58, and didn’t realize that the 2010s “were the era of hipsters, heritage, vintage, specifically vintage Rolex.” I thought that was the 1970s!
lol i'll take your word!
This scoring system looks promising. Looking forward to the YT videos.
Great article. Might want to do a spider chart for the daily and collection scores.
Yep. Would be a good way for the watch vs watch as it shows you in an image deficits and strengths.
yes! there's this cottage industry of people doing cool visuals for Demuro's DougScores, I discovered while formulating this. Great potential use for AI...
+1 for the steel reef “on the fly” extension link. Huge upgrade for my BB58 Blue stock bracelet.
https://steelreef.com/products/black-bay-fifty-eight
this comes up whenever i mention my 58 - okay fine, i’ll try it!
Would you consider adding a poll under every section to assess how your score compares with readers' opinions? Or do you think your argument underpinning each score would be too suggestive to ever have readers' responses deviate significantly from yours?
the unpolished index is unassailable
and if we don't like the statistics, we'll fire whoever's in charge of putting them out!
Fun article!
I think wearing a red/ burgundy watch shows you value boldness, projects confidence, and signals a strong personality. My dad only ever salivated over red cars when I was a kid. It was Pavlovian.
But, it’s this particular shade of burgundy that I am not a fan of. Deeper/ less saturated reds are subdued enough that it opens up more acceptable occasions to wear. This is “ a bit much”. But that comes from an orange guy. Hahaha
i agree...even the burgundy on the bezel of previous black bays seems more subdued than this
Great to read article, no question. Love the Doug, um, Unpolished Score, I mean Index. Personally, I like Tudor, as a brand. It's just that their dive watches just can't win me over. I had a Pelagos and Black Bay, but I always felt like that I am only getting hallf of a Submariner so for me the score would be super low. But that is entirely personal. There is no doubt that these are good watches. I, however, would would get some of their offerings that seem more unique.
What’s a more unique Tudor to you?
Great question. All the ones that are not popular, like the North Flag, the Hydronaut or even (also not my first choice) the Fast Rider Black Shield. Don’t get me wrong, I am totally aware that none of them were successful. But that is what I feel is the challenge for Tudor. Hans Wilsdorf set them up to be a more affordable Rolex. I mean, in the beginning, they used Rolex cases, crowns, bracelets and even hands. So it seems that every time they try to step out of that, no one wants that, and everyone just prefers them to be ‘half’ a Rolex, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. That is what Tudor is meant to be, and as I said, they are great watches. I, however, appreciate brands that have their own identity more.
The North Flag was ahead of its time!
Couldn't agree more.
This is great. These reviews will be a big deal with proper nurturing and you know how to nurture. An entertaining first review!
I can’t wait for you to tackle a Grand Seiko …stir the pot!
The classic pitchfork Jet “Shine On” review
🤣
Not crazy about Tudor shifting to jubilee on sports or sports adjacent watches. I also don't like shiny. I've about given up on modern and gone all in on vintage at this point, I think that's just who I am. I do like my BB58 blue for when I need a waterproof no fuss watch
the death of the sports watch 😭
and yes for sure I’m mostly vintage but always a place for a modern tudor
I'm not sure. It feels like they are moving away from the smaller vintage-y models like Pelagos 39 and BB54 and going all in on FXD collabs
Love the watches and respect that Tudor went all in on the burgundy. Having said that, this is the type of watch that I would get tired of after a couple of years.
Great article and kudos on the index; I may need to start applying it to my collection!
the bb58 is like an op or dj for me, faultless but bland. even in burgundy. the bb chrono may have faults but is much more interesting.
70 is a fair score, fine start to the unpolished index ™️
I remember several years ago, Doug DeMuro briefly revamped his format and downplayed the Doug Score, only mentioning the total score at the end and not going through his reasoning. He quickly reversed that change after what must have been a ton of feedback. It's a fun exercise.
i like the way he positions it, or perhaps it's just his goofy persona--it's serious but doesn't take itself too seriously