2024 in Review | Rolex Omega Tudor | Winners Losers and Disasters!!

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Omega had a BANNER great year! You’re off the mark Mate!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Just my POV, and I'm glad you found some gems of interest from them!

[@JARRODLEE-f8w]

Dig all the omega releases only watch brand for me.especially on the grey

[@JARRODLEE-f8w]

Rolex do make a gold sub as well..deep seas just bigger bro ?

[@eahmhelmoa]

I have to agree, omega did well...rolex did nothing but a lazy iteration of the deep sea in full gold to increase their margins....no innovation at all. Atleast omega tried hard as you said. And this is coming from a die hard rolex fanboy

[@dean5346]

Mark I thought my phone was going off. Then realised you have Dinosaurs. 😂. You done well on subs for only been running this channel for 1 year. Keep up the content. Thanks.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Yes we have lots of ancestors of the dinosaurs in our garden here. We're also going to a dinosaur exhibition tomorrow! Thanks for the feedback. I'm very happy with the way the channel has shaped up this 1st year. Looking forward to seeing where it goes next year.

[@leeroyjenkins7141]

What sort of bird is that in the background? Beautiful sound!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Hello that's a native bird species called a Tui. Beautiful birds with a wide range of calls.

[@leeroyjenkins7141]

@TheRandomWatchDude stunning! Thanks 👍 all the best for 2025

[@THX-C]

@@TheRandomWatchDudegood move filming videos outdoors. The Tui sounds are awesome!

[@nickmills9265]

Loving listening to the Tuis’, not that I’m not listening intently to yourself Sir.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

They are particularly vocal at the moment as all the flax plants are flowering so they have plenty of nectar

[@THX-C]

I hate the Cube-itus; Thierry Stern took an old Genta design and blocked it up and patted himself on the back. Stern’s family didn’t save Patek just so he could be a dumb nepo baby. Love the bird in the background. Happy New Year.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Couldn't have put it better myself! HNY!

[@Mrr.London]

Hope you had a lovely Xmas 🎄, keep up the good work Mark!👍🏽

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Thanks mate, had a good one thanks, and I hope you did too with the fam!

[@KK-qi6mt]

I think the Swatch-group brings in the younger generation to the moonwatch who otherwise would not have understood what it was. It is a good marketing tool.

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi in one way I agree with you but at what cost.it seems good to encourage new people into luxury watches but by releasing a plastic copy of a famous watch is devaluing the brand to the watch enthusiast and making it a gimmick.(And omega cashing in and keeping the shareholders happy) It doesn't seem to be working very well for their new watch sales now as they have been to greedy on price increases in the watch bubble. probably still selling lots of the cheap plastic watches to the kids as a fashion accessory.thanks John

[@KK-qi6mt]

@ From my perspective and I haven’t been following watches for a long time. As long as recognisable watches go, the average person on the street, recognises the Omega Speedmaster ( outside of Rolex sphere). I am not saying that is due to Swatch but they have helped elevate interest in the Speedmaster. I believe that people who can’t afford the real Speedmaster and have the Swatch version aspire to get the real thing at some stage. It don’t see it as going backwards or cheapening the brand. Contrast this with the Seamaster that struggles to get traction.

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Thanks for your reply omega have not been doing very well in the last few years they seem to be throwing out lots of different versions of their watches to see if any take off (comes across as being disorganised and desperate) don't get me wrong I'm a big fan of omega they do make some great quality watches but I think they have dropped the ball in the past five years.this has greatly helped Tudor take a bigger share of the market . omega have lost their core buyers buy increasing their prices so high they have lost their core market.(3k-8k which Tudor have taken advantage of) They have tried to get into the Rolex pricing market and it has not worked not because the watches are not as good quality but because the brand structure is completely different (omega shareholders and profits Rolex foundation charity brand aware over profits) this is why omega can't compete with Rolex as customers will always have more confidence with value retention in the brand. Sorry for going on a bit thanks John.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Good point

[@scollyutube]

Agree with most of that. White Speedy was a nice addition, Seamaster losing a date and ceramic bezal was a bit strange yes. I bought the FXD GMT so something worked for me 😄 Happy New Years and Tuis going strong down here too....

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

How do you like the FXD GMT? I was hoping to see one in the flesh soon, and have a good look

[@scollyutube]

@TheRandomWatchDude I was hesitant after seeing the initial videos as was hoping for a straight black and white Pelegos GMT of any size, as I really like the snow flake with the square indicies. I wanted a GMT specifically to use as a holiday watch, so wanted titanium as I ski with a watch on. Tried to find it in Auckland the week it came out and no luck. Came back home and went a week later by chance into my AD, so asked if they got one, could he let me know. He smiled and said well....... So tried it on, I knew it would fit as I bought a Tactical frog as a trial for the FXD sizing, and use it as a beater at home vs wearing Swiss options. The GMTs strap is thin, so works fine but I like the adjustibility of the velcro and it has no metal to catch on clothing. So, the indicies and hands colour are actually pretty nice and it looked even better outside in real light. So pulled the trigger, and also got them to order a Tudor velcro strap too, the green with red stipe. One tip with the FXDs though, is the Garmin ultrafit velcro bands are super comfortable, and let you wear the watch without any fabric under the cashback. You can be super cheap and get 2 copies for $34 off Aliexpress too........

[@jaredstephenson6468]

I 100% agree with the brands chosen for each category, but not the particular details, oddly. Even so, I was surprised that I agreed with all the brands chosen. You pretty much nailed it.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Glad I'm not totally off with my opinions! It's a very subjective topic and one which is likely to inflame the fanboys of one brand or another!

[@garydoherty600]

Enjoyed the video with one but. Tudor had a good year - the black bay chrono in blue was gorgeous and deserves a mention. Omega were a bit all over the place but some of their watches were brilliant eg the white dial and pilots Speedys and I actually liked the black no date seamaster but should have been 40mm. But Rolex amazing just because they brought out a solid gold dive watch ? If one interesting watch gets you good then omega should get amazing too !

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I totally see the logic there. If anything Rolex were quite dull this year apart from the Deepsea, but that watch blew my socks off. I'm such a magpie!

[@johnrb9397]

Deep sea do it do it dooo it!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I think I might tentatively enquire as to the wait time for one. I would need to sell my entire collection to get it though...

[@AK_1971]

Completely agree with you, Omega tried very hard! Very controversial releases with ridiculous prices which accentuated their errors. Swatch Group needs to calm down and rethink their strategies, but they are so greedy, but so greedy, that I believe we are witnessing a slow motion crash. I don't think they know the disaster they are creating at some point in the near future if they continue in the same path.

[@vianouche1]

Which errors from Omega, if I may ask?

[@AK_1971]

@@vianouche1 Offering too many variations of the Speedmaster and diluting the model with the Moonswatch just the milk the most out of it; releasing a "new" Seamaster 300 with an aluminum bezel, no date, but charging more for it. There's no innovation or real improvements, they are just a "one-trick pony" company.

[@vianouche1]

@@AK_1971 I understand your point and thank you for your answer. In my opinion your analysis is true to what is, at core, the brand Omega. I find that this year, they did better than the other years as the speedmaster (special models) are quite nice and the Seamaster is Ok. They are at such a high-level as it would be difficult to innovate more, again, in my humble opinion.

[@dunderhay9169]

You are spot on about Patek, they are a classy brand that many aspire to own and he has ruined the dream for many by being gauche. Rolex Deepsea in gold it's amazing anyone would buy one, sorry 😁

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@@dunderhay9169 and a 14% price increase to come shortly if the leaks are correct!

[@dunderhay9169]

@TheRandomWatchDude 😮

[@FadeToBlack2181]

I agree with you on Patek. I'm not a dress watch person but if I were to ever buy one it would be one of those. Their Cubitus is even more hideous than their other sports watches.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@@FadeToBlack2181 The aquanaut and nautilus are more than enough of that type of design. Feels like the Cubitus is a desperate attempt to put a new spin on the old tried and tested designs, but it failed

[@blackice4867]

Yeah, Chuda chewed it up!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@blackice4867 Chewed it up and spat it out! I gather that Rolex has a bunch of steel sports new releases in April...

[@satai]

A Little Bit of Rant-Em Watch Dude ;)

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Yes a jolly good rant! It wasn't a very exciting year for new watch releases imo

[@Barney1883]

Peter Griffin ruined it for me. I have ceased to desire a Patek. And will continue to quote what he said to friends and family who wish to own a Patek too

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

I had to Google that guy, and I totally think I will never unsee that similarity now!

[@daveclarke1335]

More like miserable random watch dude😂happy new year

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Hehe grumpy middle aged watch dude!! Just having some fun 😆 HNY!!

[@JohnBowman-ut4dz]

Hi Mark great video totally agree with most of what you are saying in this video on patek I'm not really a fan of there watches mainly as having large wrist size they seem to small. But there new watch is the right size but still wouldn't buy one as they haven't released a new watch in so many years and this is the best they can come up with????? . when you watch the KZbin video of patek making their double faced master masterpiece perpetual calendar engraved solid gold watch costing millions of pounds you appreciate how good a watchmaker patek is . What happened thanks John.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Hi John, totally agree, they are a top top watchmaker, absolutely exquisite. Being run by a moron! He visited New Zealand recently, all the way from Europe in his own private jet. OMG!!

[@mgapagnolo1819]

I don't agree with you on the Rolex, I think it is a dud. A big heavy anchor of a so called dive watch. I also think you are wrong about Omega. The new Aqua Terra Black dial is excellent The new Seamasters and Speedmasters are very nice. I kept thinking that at the end of your video you would say "JUST KIDDING".

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

This is why I was clear about it just being my POV. It's a very subjective topic and just a bit of fun. Mainly dependent upon our personal tastes in watches I suppose.

[@nikolastojanov8749]

Funny how tastes differ. There are several Omega which I would buy over any Rolex or Tudor from this year. I adore the rocket small seconds hand on Dark Side Of The Moon. This watch was already niche and not for everyone, and this is for me a way more tasteful way to do a gimmick than most other brands do. Tudor made a great job with the new thin gmt movement but Tudor has what I consider the worst fauxtina in the a̶n̶i̶m̶a̶l̶ k̶i̶n̶g̶d̶o̶m̶ watch world, so I will never buy either of the two new models. I am sure they will make one I like in a year or two. And for Rolex, if these were the only releases of any other brand, they would be long forgotten and not even worth mentioning. They did nothing for the whole year in the grand scheme of things. And they can afford years like this, they will sell everything they produce anyway, so why not slow down from time to time. If you like the gold deepsea, you should try other smaller full gold divers, if you didnt already. Maybe you would like those even more...

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Thank you sir, and I agree with you on the fauxtina. It's had its day in my opinion, which is quite ironic isn't it! The fauxtina on the new Speedmaster is next level bad! You know what, a full gold sub might be just the ticket!!

[@sickgit66]

What, no mention of the Tag Heuer x Kith, they make moonswatch and the Blancplastic 50 look like classy bargains. Sell every watch you've not worn in the last 6 months and pony up for the gold Deepsea, what's the worst that could happen? Keep up the good work and happy new year.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

You know what the KITH is up there in my opinion but not as ugly as the Swatch which seems to be never ending. I can genuinely see those KITHs as being good investments too, unlike the Swatches. Have been thinking lately of flogging off one or two watches for something in solid gold... hmmmm HNY and thanks for the feedback

[@robynsjp]

Ahhhh 2024 is a transition year. Solid decrease in value and demand, but I expect the market to decline more, which is good for true collectors. As for new releases, the only notable release I noted is the Cubitus. I don't like it, because like the Nautilus and Aquanaut, it today epitomizes even in a bigger way the loud showoff type of piece that will be worn by shallow celebrities, criminals, rappers, drugdealers, Russian oligarchs, Premier League soccer players, etc. Like it or not, this unsavory crowd is today's Patek new "elite". I am afraid I haven't seen any new release where I thought "yes, this one I want". I still consider the MoonSwatch release as the most notable watch industry event in years, even if I don't have one.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@@robynsjp I think the market will reflect what happens in the US markets in Trumps first 6 months. A lot of people seem to be predicting a meltdown, but I suspect the markets will react favorably to his ultra-patriotic policies! Time will tell i suppose

[@leeharding8306]

Omega keep try to make new watches with old parts and watches they already have lying around in a different colour. They keep raising the prices though for these old thick watches with out of date proportions and movements with bezels that feel like a Turkish market stall fake watch but worse🤦🏻‍♂️ hopefully they are using up the parts they have because they have a new thinner 41mm Seamaster in the works because they are making a huge mess of things at the moment. I know the Swatch thing was good for Swatch and I know Omega sold a few more Speedmasters for a while but from the standpoint of a watch enthusiasts this collaboration has devalued Omega and the perception of the brand in a big way.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@leeharding8306 that's exactly how I see it. A short term boost in sales followed by a long term devaluation of the product

[@heisenbergguy7772]

Patek Cubitus is a WINNER WINNER chicken dinner! Worse video you ever made to date. I’m a subscriber. Real men wear Panerai.

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

Hahaha Patek is the next Chav's brand for the wealthy! Get your Panerai out, like a real man!

[@steveb2042]

Glad to see your channel going from strength to strength and that you got a grail submariner this year. I agree with most of the Good, Bad and Ugly, in that I think Tudor have had several strong years in a row and offer a lot of quality for the money (especially if bought used in good condition). Omega had a reasonable year with new Speedmaster dials and the FOIS but the Seamaster has been a lost opportunity, with a bit of tinkering around the existing case and movement, instead of a brand new 40mm thinner case and 70 hour power reserve. Completely agree re the Swatch stuff and Stern's Cubitus hubris...... and love how you make it sound like a nasty rash that needs an ointment! The only one I can't personally agree with is the Deepsea, I think it is a horror made to look even worse with a titanium HEV stuck on the side of a gold case.... Looking forward to 2025's enthusiastic yet also light hearted content!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

@steveb2042 thanks for the feedback 👍 I think 2025 is going to be a big year for sports watches. My Rolex hyperbole will be going into overdrive 😂

[@TonySmithyman]

Irrespective of price the Cubitus is a bloody awful looking watch, just awful!

[@TheRandomWatchDude]

But the designer is so naturally gifted!