I plan to get my first Swiss-made watch. I have 16cm wrist circumference with 5.5cm width, so more towards the smaller end.
I specifically want a diver watch and have narrowed it down to Tudor Pelagos 39, Tudor Black Bay 58, or (used) Omega Planet Ocean 600m 39.5.
I’m aware that Tudor has a lot of similar design features to Rolex Submariner, but Rolex is out of my price range and too commonly used so I’d like to get a non-Rolex, at least for now.
I’m also aware that Omega is above Tudor. My budget only allows me to get a used, grey market sourced Omega Planet Ocean 39.5, which is actually my first choice. I specifically love the exhibition back case and prefer the hand styling to Tudor’s snowflake hands.
Hoping to get other people’s opinions on these three watches and how they compare to each other.
My dream watch right now is the Planet Ocean 75th anniversary edition (39.5mm). I’m planning to sell 6 other watches to get it.
It looks amazing. May I ask what is your wrist size?
6 and a half…maybe a little over.
Might also be worth looking at the midsize (36mm) Omega Seamaster 300m - I have one and I love it. Only thing is you’d have to buy used as they don’t make them any more.
36mm seems too small, but will check this out. I really like the dial of Omega Sea Master Dive 300, but the size is too large.
Personally, I find the Pelagos 39 to be one of the best daily watches in that price range. The design and colours are so safe, so boring that it goes well with anything and everything. I own one and I love it, allows me to explore more interesting and unorthodox pieces knowing that I’ll always have something safe to come back to.
I do like the lightness and matte finish of Pelagos 39. Just not sold on the hand styles of Tudor. Agree with your observation that P39 is very versatile style-wise.
What prices are you looking at? BB58 can be had in mid-2000s pre-owned. Pelagos 39 costs much more, but it’s a newer model, so that’s to be expected.
Personally, I find the Pelagos to be a more distinctive watch. BB58 is more of a throwback, less modern, but also less distinct. It’s far more Rolex-esque, whether that’s a plus or minus is up to you. The Pelagos stands on its own. I far prefer the original for that reason, and the better proportions, but that aesthetic still carries over to the 39.
In other words, an homage of the Pelagos is obviously an homage. You couldn’t mistake it for anything else. An homage to the BB58 could be mistaken for a general retro diver. There are also alternatives, like the Oris 65, which while not quite as high end, are really close and styled better.
If you really want the Omega, then better to wait for it or seek out a good deal, because that’s what you really want.
Thanks for the insights.
My budget is AUD8k (USD5k). I prefer a style that can stand on its own, not Rolex-esque, and Pelagos does meet these criteria. The reason I am sticking to 39mm is due to my small wrist. I tried 41mm Black Bay and I think I could pull off the 39mm better.
You’re right about waiting for the Omega, will give this some more thoughts and not rush buying.