We weren’t sure what Geneva Watch Days would deliver, but as it turns out, we got a trio of great new sport watches from some of our favorite brands – Doxa, Tudor, and Oris. In this episode, Jason and James chat at length about the new steel Doxa Army, the Pelagos 39, and the first Divers Sixty-Five from Oris to feature the brand’s Caliber 400 movement, the 12H.
Hey TGN Crew, just a heads up that there appears to be some sort of delay in the feed on Apple Podcast that is holding up EP206. The show is in the feed and operating as normal for Google, Spotify, and even clients like Pocketcasts, but it's not showing in Apple. I am working to resolve this as soon as possible. Please note: this does not affect those using the Supporter Feed.
Really enjoyed this episode. It was great to hear James and Jason’s different thoughts on the pelagos and some honest back and forth. Great stuff.
For what it’s worth, I’m probably with Jason on this one. I was very excited when they announced it but didn’t feel anything for it when I saw one in the shop. It felt unlike other pelagos watches, more generic dive watch. Lost some of the charm. I have a pelagos FXD which I love, it still makes me smile when I put it on. For me, it retains the tool vibe of the original, with a slimmer profile to give a great balance. So for me, that’s the Pelagos of choice.
All of the things I want in a go-anywhere, do-anything watch: light on the bracelet, quality rubber strap, dive bezel, moderate size, splash of color, COSC, 50+year life span.
Elimination of the things I don't want or need: date, HEV, 500m rating, Rolex sparkle.
... but I still love a Red or Double Red Rolex dive watch.
I've gone back and forth about posting this as I'm sure many would think it's heretical to compare the Tudor Pelagos to the new Citizen Fujitsubo as the Tudor is a luxury watch and the Citizen isn't, and both occupy different sections of the market, but removing knowledge of the brand and price tag and looking at specs alone you have two titanium divers roughly the same size with 200m water resistance, in house movements running at 28,800vph. One has a 70 hour power reserve and the other has a 42 hour power reserve. Both seem to have killer lume, but only one has a date. When looking at them without any branding or knowledge of cost they aren't that dissimilar. I've read reviews of the Fujitsubo in which some say it's a SPB143 killer and other that say that it's not up to Citizen's usual standards and I don't think anyone would say it is one par with the Tudor but it is a fun thought exercise!
Great show, gents! The new Pelagos 39 is definitely interesting. The proportions are great as is the overall look/vibe of the watch. There are a few things I would have preferred (matte dial and bezel) but overall I think they nailed it. However, I don't think this surpasses the BB58 for me. I own a BB58 and it is the most comfortable and versatile watch I own. Other than the T-fit clasp, the Pelagos 39 is no more capable than the BB58 (same movement and WR) and the BB58 is much more versatile when it comes to straps and attire. I think I'll be sticking with the BB58 for now. Just my $0.02 :)
I have a question for James. Why do you prefer Tudor Pelagos over Seiko SPB143? I understand that the Tudor has a more accurate movement and a better build quality, but Seiko. as a tool, is doing the same job at quarter of the price. SPB143 is similar in size, appearance and has the same water resistant. Tudor is obviously a luxury item. Why Pelagos over SPB143 Prospex that you already have? Hype? Brand prestige? A new toy factor? I’m really puzzled.
Nice rundown on the new watch drops. Two thoughts:
First, I have to say I agree with James on the bronze / green Doxa Army. This is a re-issue of a classic military watch, so spiffing it up with non-issue colors and metals just doesn't do it for me either.
Second, I think that the new Pelagos really stands alone as an <40mm Titanium dive watch. I went looking and I cannot find another modern automatic titanium dive watch under 40mm at practically any price. What am I missing?
The original Pelagos was not something I looked at a few years ago, but I’ve warmed up to it with time. Especially the rehaut wasn’t really for me. And also the size was bigger than what I prefer. The FXD is in my opinion by far the coolest looking Pelagos! Love the full gradient bezel! But that didn’t wear as I like. A mashup of the 39 dimensions and the FXD look and color would be killer!
I’ve not seen the 39 in person yet, but I’m getting this for sure. I’m sorry Jason, but I think I’m jumping ship with my white Seamaster 300M.
Nice episode guys. I enjoyed the discussion of the new watches. Will have to go back and re-listen to better digest, but I don’t think you mentioned the 21mm lug width o. The Pelagos 39 which might be a concern for some. The Pelagos is something I’ve had my eye for a while and the new one will be something else to consider. The 21mm is a bit disappointing. Not sure if it is a deal breaker but gives me a little pause. Of course I’ll have plenty of time to decided because I’m sure there will be long lists at most AD’s.
I’ve been a Pelagos owner for the last 5-years. I bought it chasing my favourite vintage Tudor 9411. I’ve got a 17cm wrist and believe it or not the clasp doesn’t work for me. Only in summer when my wrist is swollen does it fit well. I’m in between links so the majority of the year it wears looser than is ideal. Have given it a good run 2-3 times over the years but taking a link out and loosening to the spring setting sits too tight leaving me with a nice shield imprint every time I take it off.
With the look of the Pelagos I was actually chasing the 9411, it was the closest thing aesthetically. The original Pelagos was always a bigger beast, HEV, 42mm etc. I feel this was more of a sea dweller release based on the original snowflake sub look but with beefier spec.
Since this release I think it’s hit the original 9411 Submariner fit to a T! This is honestly something I never thought I’d see as I thought it would be too much of a Rolex Sub killer!
I think they’ve hit it out of the park. Instead of being sad they stripped back the Pelagos spec sheet, I’m happy they have released a modern, versatile, wear-everyday Pelagos that reminds me of a truely modern 9411/0, which to my eye is the perfect of all tool watches!
Bravo Tudor, I’ll be trading in my 2017 black Pelagos the minute my name gets called out of the waitlist hat!
I also agree with James, try and get physical with the watch before you pass judgement. I was fortunate to try one on at my AD and you really do need time to digest this new format!
I've been looking forward to this one. I've wanted a Rolex Sub or GMT for 15 years. (I was excited briefly for the Seiko GMT but wish the GMT hand worked differently.)
I was never interested in Tudor, it always felt like an official Rolex knock-off in a way. But then the blue Pelagos came out with an in-house movement. (Kenissi I guess, maybe a separate discussion?)
At regular prices there's no way I'm grabbing a Rolex Sub or GMT with two kids just out of college and one still in. And that's ignoring the current situation of 2 year waits and massive secondary market prices. So I've been looking at the Pelagos and Pelagos FXD. I really like both. LOVE the blue dials and crisp white indicators and hands. And I love the fixed lugs of the FXD.
I do have an SPB151 that I love. But d*mn that blue Pelagos looks so good (not the 39, I'm not sure that's for me). I could see it being close to making me a one watch guy.
// Apple Podcast Outage For Main Feed //
Hey TGN Crew, just a heads up that there appears to be some sort of delay in the feed on Apple Podcast that is holding up EP206. The show is in the feed and operating as normal for Google, Spotify, and even clients like Pocketcasts, but it's not showing in Apple. I am working to resolve this as soon as possible. Please note: this does not affect those using the Supporter Feed.
James
Really enjoyed this episode. It was great to hear James and Jason’s different thoughts on the pelagos and some honest back and forth. Great stuff.
For what it’s worth, I’m probably with Jason on this one. I was very excited when they announced it but didn’t feel anything for it when I saw one in the shop. It felt unlike other pelagos watches, more generic dive watch. Lost some of the charm. I have a pelagos FXD which I love, it still makes me smile when I put it on. For me, it retains the tool vibe of the original, with a slimmer profile to give a great balance. So for me, that’s the Pelagos of choice.
TGN Ep. 250:
The Pelagos, part 2.
Hands on LHD vs. 39
Looking forward to it!
Head over heels for the new Pelagos 39!
All of the things I want in a go-anywhere, do-anything watch: light on the bracelet, quality rubber strap, dive bezel, moderate size, splash of color, COSC, 50+year life span.
Elimination of the things I don't want or need: date, HEV, 500m rating, Rolex sparkle.
... but I still love a Red or Double Red Rolex dive watch.
Cheers!
I've gone back and forth about posting this as I'm sure many would think it's heretical to compare the Tudor Pelagos to the new Citizen Fujitsubo as the Tudor is a luxury watch and the Citizen isn't, and both occupy different sections of the market, but removing knowledge of the brand and price tag and looking at specs alone you have two titanium divers roughly the same size with 200m water resistance, in house movements running at 28,800vph. One has a 70 hour power reserve and the other has a 42 hour power reserve. Both seem to have killer lume, but only one has a date. When looking at them without any branding or knowledge of cost they aren't that dissimilar. I've read reviews of the Fujitsubo in which some say it's a SPB143 killer and other that say that it's not up to Citizen's usual standards and I don't think anyone would say it is one par with the Tudor but it is a fun thought exercise!
Another great episode, thanks guys!
Great show, gents! The new Pelagos 39 is definitely interesting. The proportions are great as is the overall look/vibe of the watch. There are a few things I would have preferred (matte dial and bezel) but overall I think they nailed it. However, I don't think this surpasses the BB58 for me. I own a BB58 and it is the most comfortable and versatile watch I own. Other than the T-fit clasp, the Pelagos 39 is no more capable than the BB58 (same movement and WR) and the BB58 is much more versatile when it comes to straps and attire. I think I'll be sticking with the BB58 for now. Just my $0.02 :)
I’m very much with Jason on the Pelagos: I really wish they’d just shrunk it but kept the same aesthetic. Ah well.
This has got me back looking at Scurfa, though the big domed sapphire kinda puts me off.
I have a question for James. Why do you prefer Tudor Pelagos over Seiko SPB143? I understand that the Tudor has a more accurate movement and a better build quality, but Seiko. as a tool, is doing the same job at quarter of the price. SPB143 is similar in size, appearance and has the same water resistant. Tudor is obviously a luxury item. Why Pelagos over SPB143 Prospex that you already have? Hype? Brand prestige? A new toy factor? I’m really puzzled.
Nice rundown on the new watch drops. Two thoughts:
First, I have to say I agree with James on the bronze / green Doxa Army. This is a re-issue of a classic military watch, so spiffing it up with non-issue colors and metals just doesn't do it for me either.
Second, I think that the new Pelagos really stands alone as an <40mm Titanium dive watch. I went looking and I cannot find another modern automatic titanium dive watch under 40mm at practically any price. What am I missing?
The original Pelagos was not something I looked at a few years ago, but I’ve warmed up to it with time. Especially the rehaut wasn’t really for me. And also the size was bigger than what I prefer. The FXD is in my opinion by far the coolest looking Pelagos! Love the full gradient bezel! But that didn’t wear as I like. A mashup of the 39 dimensions and the FXD look and color would be killer!
I’ve not seen the 39 in person yet, but I’m getting this for sure. I’m sorry Jason, but I think I’m jumping ship with my white Seamaster 300M.
Nice episode guys. I enjoyed the discussion of the new watches. Will have to go back and re-listen to better digest, but I don’t think you mentioned the 21mm lug width o. The Pelagos 39 which might be a concern for some. The Pelagos is something I’ve had my eye for a while and the new one will be something else to consider. The 21mm is a bit disappointing. Not sure if it is a deal breaker but gives me a little pause. Of course I’ll have plenty of time to decided because I’m sure there will be long lists at most AD’s.
Cheers
I’ve been a Pelagos owner for the last 5-years. I bought it chasing my favourite vintage Tudor 9411. I’ve got a 17cm wrist and believe it or not the clasp doesn’t work for me. Only in summer when my wrist is swollen does it fit well. I’m in between links so the majority of the year it wears looser than is ideal. Have given it a good run 2-3 times over the years but taking a link out and loosening to the spring setting sits too tight leaving me with a nice shield imprint every time I take it off.
With the look of the Pelagos I was actually chasing the 9411, it was the closest thing aesthetically. The original Pelagos was always a bigger beast, HEV, 42mm etc. I feel this was more of a sea dweller release based on the original snowflake sub look but with beefier spec.
Since this release I think it’s hit the original 9411 Submariner fit to a T! This is honestly something I never thought I’d see as I thought it would be too much of a Rolex Sub killer!
I think they’ve hit it out of the park. Instead of being sad they stripped back the Pelagos spec sheet, I’m happy they have released a modern, versatile, wear-everyday Pelagos that reminds me of a truely modern 9411/0, which to my eye is the perfect of all tool watches!
Bravo Tudor, I’ll be trading in my 2017 black Pelagos the minute my name gets called out of the waitlist hat!
I also agree with James, try and get physical with the watch before you pass judgement. I was fortunate to try one on at my AD and you really do need time to digest this new format!
I've been looking forward to this one. I've wanted a Rolex Sub or GMT for 15 years. (I was excited briefly for the Seiko GMT but wish the GMT hand worked differently.)
I was never interested in Tudor, it always felt like an official Rolex knock-off in a way. But then the blue Pelagos came out with an in-house movement. (Kenissi I guess, maybe a separate discussion?)
At regular prices there's no way I'm grabbing a Rolex Sub or GMT with two kids just out of college and one still in. And that's ignoring the current situation of 2 year waits and massive secondary market prices. So I've been looking at the Pelagos and Pelagos FXD. I really like both. LOVE the blue dials and crisp white indicators and hands. And I love the fixed lugs of the FXD.
I do have an SPB151 that I love. But d*mn that blue Pelagos looks so good (not the 39, I'm not sure that's for me). I could see it being close to making me a one watch guy.