Comparing Two Great Divers From Rolex and Tudor

Every watch collector remembers their first “real” watch—the one that made them feel like they’d stepped into a whole new world of watch collecting. For me, that watch was the Tudor Pelagos. It wasn’t just a purchase; it was a decision shaped by countless hours of research, videos, and a budget that—let’s be honest—wouldn’t stretch to some of my other dream pieces. But what I got was more than enough to spark a lifelong passion.

I did my homework. I weighed the options, considered both new and pre-owned pieces, and landed on the Pelagos. There was just something about its flat black dial, purposeful design, and that helium escape valve—it was the icing on the cake that sealed the deal.

And let me tell you, this watch has not let me down for even a moment. The specs are stellar, the size fits me well—though it’s undeniably substantial—and the clasp with its quick-adjust system completely spoiled me. It’s hard to go back to other watches without this feature once you’ve experienced it.

If my budget had been higher, what else might have made the list? I’ll never truly know. But if the Pelagos had a “rich cousin,” it would probably be the modern Submariner. While the specs are similar, the wearing experience and handling of these two watches set them apart. To the untrained eye, they might both just look like black-dialed dive watches. But if you’re reading this, chances are you know better.

Andrew’s Submariner wasn’t just a loaner—it was a chance to understand why this watch is so revered. Every detail, from the glossy ceramic bezel to the perfectly balanced weight on the wrist, exudes refinement. And yet, wearing it day-to-day made me realize something surprising: as iconic as it is, the Submariner isn’t infallible. The Pelagos, with its bold titanium case and matte-finished bezel, holds its own in ways I didn’t expect.

Tudor and Rolex may be sister companies, but their watches have distinct personalities. The Pelagos, in my opinion, doesn’t get nearly enough accolades. The Submariner, on the other hand, is a classic for a reason. There’s a Sub for everyone—whether it’s the modern lineup or a vintage favorite. Personally, I can’t help but gravitate toward the 5512/5513 as OG icons, but the 14060M has always called to me as a possible first Sub.

This leads me to a broader observation I’ve made before: the watchfam is simply the best. Who else hands over a prized possession worth thousands of dollars and says, “Here, take it for a spin”? No one does that with their new car, yet it’s somehow commonplace in the watch community. The generosity and trust are truly incredible.

Speaking of the watchfam, I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. Over the past few months, I’ve been in conversation with James and Conor, the dynamic duo behind The Timist podcast. They’ve graciously invited me to join them, and so far, we’ve recorded an intro episode where I share a bit about myself. More episodes are on the way, and I can’t wait to dive deeper into all things watches with them. If you’re like me, there’s no such thing as too many watch podcasts—but I’d love to hear from you. What keeps you coming back to your favorites?

This past year has been nothing short of incredible. I recently hit the one-year mark on my watch-focused Instagram page, connecting with so many of you along the way. The journey has opened doors I never expected, from writing for aBlogtoWatch to exciting conversations with another fantastic publication. And with Watches and Wonders fast approaching, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

On a personal note, I’m in the midst of a major career transition. My current field is, let’s just say, politically charged, and I’ve been feeling the need for a change of scenery. In March, I’ll be starting a new role that promises less stress, a healthier work-life balance, and, ultimately, a happier me.

The Pelagos was my gateway into the higher-end world of watch collecting, and it still holds a special place in my collection. But more importantly, it’s been the spark for so many amazing connections—both with the watchfam and within myself. With a new podcast, exciting writing opportunities, and a fresh career chapter on the horizon, I can’t wait to see what’s next.

Thanks for being part of the journey!