The Long Return, Part II: Restoring The Tudor That Took A Bullet In Vietnam

Last September, we brought you the story of 1st Lieutenant Barry Jones, Corpsman Lorrie McLaughlin, and a very special Tudor Submariner that was able to reconnect the veterans some 50 years after the battlefield in Vietnam sought to tear them apart. If you haven't watched the original video, please take a moment to learn the story of how this severely damaged Tudor came to be and how it was returned to 1st Lt. Jones in the exact same condition in which it left Da Nang in 1968.
So where does the story go from here? Well, what if we told you that, after having the watch returned to him its battle-damaged state, 1st Lt. Jones had hopes of seeing his storied Tudor restored and ready for another tour on wrist.
Watch The Long Return, Part I: • The Tudor Watch That T...
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[@MrRmacattack1]

Tudor PR completely on point. This has gained them more respect and appraisal as a company in my eyes.

[@cream8701]

My eyes bleed

[@srh3trinity]

They should have brought his combat buddy a Tudor Sub to reward him for curating his old friend's watch

[@vandalf7337]

@@srh3trinity Yes

[@speedwolf5212]

Aye, agreed. Like Rolex, I’d written off Tudor as a cold, impersonal luxury brand as well. This changes my outlook of Tudor.

[@bsodmike]

@@speedwolf5212 That's exactly what it was designed to do. And it was completely engineered too. That's how cold calculating companies engineer good will to increase their bottom line.

[@Adam-vc1xl]

The fact that tudor did this for him makes me want to buy a tudor to support future projects like that

[@VectorPowers]

Ikr

[@johnclinton4534]

Great pr work by Tudor

[@bsodmike]

Good PR stunt for sure.

[@ayoungtricknamedjim5498]

Hodinkee paid them to do it. It was probably north of $10k for this job (it costs around $1k just to have Grand Seiko polish my watch). It was enormous publicity for both Hodinkee and Tudor. That's why they did it.

[@thomaschristopherwhite9043]

Same.

[@hlad11]

This is Hodinkee back at their best. The gimmicky "Lifestyle" stuff doesn't work so good, but this... pure magic. Well done.

[@VectorPowers]

Different strokes for different folks

[@nv00021]

Absolutely bang on with that comment!!

[@cecedabo]

10/10

[@confuciusfromwuhan8623]

Yes, genocide is what watches should all be about.

[@maddsci]

The gimmicky "Lifestyle" watch cleaning stuff doesn't work so good when you realize this is a purely standard refurbishing and cleaning.

[@ducho4700]

Holy cow, this is truly one of the best video Hodinkee have done ever

[@jasperhoek8304]

It’s the best video HODINKEE has ever done..... 👍

[@MrRmacattack1]

@@jasperhoek8304 Easy now, Moki, mayer et al?

[@jasperhoek8304]

r-mac this one definitely was a lot better then any of the talking watches episodes.

[@rushabhshinde5209]

This video demonstrates a deeper bond one can share with an as timeless object as that of a simple timepiece ......

[@ducho4700]

I almost cried lol.

[@JP-lf6zl]

Tudor Watch HQ folks - please be aware that I purchased a Tudor BB58 specifically because of the manner in which you treated my fellow veterans with the utmost respect and consideration of their sacrifice and appreciation for your product.

[@joshuavong4827]

This was Hodinkee and Tudor’s finest hour.

[@King_Harrold]

I hope the Medic was gifted a nice Tudor for his troubles. Great story

[@VectorPowers]

Wish they gave him a bb58 on camers

[@yangyuncong]

On Ep 98 of HODINKEE Radio the crew talked about "The Long Return". Mr McLaughlin was gifted a nice BB58 (no surprise lol), which he liked a lot:)

[@davesouthwood1545]

i think he was rewarded with a friend for life, which is better? great watch or great soul friend?

[@Hornsvinet]

@@davesouthwood1545 Is it too much to ask for both? ;) But good point Dave.

[@backtoids]

give 👏lorrie👏his own👏tudor👏

[@magpiemorris4054]

They did

[@yangyuncong]

I think Tudor did:) A BB58

[@pw7900]

That’s it - I’m off to buy myself a Tudor! Bravo to the folks at Tudor doing the right thing. You don’t see people do this much anymore.

[@sultanabran1]

the swiss watch industry don't operate, at least with my experience, like usual corporate companies. they do the right things properly.

[@pasquale78]

I think it's good marketing too, so it works both ways.

[@jmfrank7034]

Please bring back stories like this Hodinkee. Stories like this are why we love this animate object so much.

[@carlosrueda3912]

This is absolutely, without a shadow of a doubt, the best video HODINKEE has created. Chapeau, HODINKEE.

[@Theultimateclimber]

This is still the best watch video on the internet

[@mannylora]

This has to be the greatest Hodinkee video ever. Gave me goosebumps

[@robertp5123]

A touching story on how we can reconnect with a watch and its history.

[@OLDGUYSK8R]

The connection he has with this time piece is priceless.

[@TheReaper5125]

Please gift Lorrie with a Tudor as well, he was the one that took the initiative to make most of this happen. Plus, he's definitely going to be an ambassador and spokesperson for veterans alongside Barry.

[@_traveller88]

Apparently he got a Black Bay 58 from Tudor ;)

[@stevenplayford8223]

Bravo Tudor. Wearing my black bay with a little more pride having watched that.

[@stevenplayford8223]

I also love the whole restoration approach.

[@jackotanify]

They should do something to Moki Martin too, I think he deserves the gold Tudor/Rolex he talked about

[@nikhilmathur6042]

Yes definitely HODINKEE Please push for that his story was amazing and he deserves it.

[@davidstevenson5787]

And this is why I wear a Tudor .well done to everyone involved in doing this meaningful thing.touched my heart

[@maxwellpinilis878]

Did anyone else cry when he put the watch back on his wrist?

[@tamlansaoudi]

Makes me proud to wear a Tudor.

[@batteries.not.included]

This has to be one of the if not the best story to come out of Hodinkee.

[@mahlanguism]

Sweet, unassuming humble heroes. This is the story the brand should be telling.

[@humblebragging7267]

this story makes me proud as one of Tudor owner.. it’s not just a timepiece, it’s a heritage of horology in its highest values.

[@nachovalenti]

Me too.👍

[@bigKRIPLA203]

Wow...an unbelievable story. Faith in humanity is restored!

[@nathanrowalnd3375]

One of the best Hodinkee videos out there

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Im also a proud Tudor owner and stories like this make me appreciate my watch all the more

[@rynhooligan]

This is why they’re the best watch Chanel around. Yes hodinkee!!!!!!

[@johnjenin3279]

Glad that he decides to leave the scars on the lug as it is, that 's what makes the watch special

[@baklushky]

I think this has to be the best video of 2020.

[@kingjgregory]

Hodinkee and Tudor at their best, for sure. One of the most inspired pieces of watch related content I've seen yet.

[@quickaswink]

I don't live in a country that participated in the Vietnam wars, but this video was so powerful. Who would've thought I'd shed a tear over a watch video. This whole thing has been put together with so much care. I loved the look on the face of Barry, especially when he pulled in Lorrie to have a better look at the restored watch. This video really put a smile on my face

[@MrM3-8888]

Great story.. unbelievable how Tudor brought this watch back to life..

[@kongmw]

Would make a heck of an ad campaign for Tudor.

[@erickm6134]

Incredible!!!! Restoration!!! Thank You for your service. I myself was a U.S. Navy Senior Chief Corpsman!!!👍🙏🏻

[@pasquale78]

Very cool that they kept it original. Even the dial and hands!

[@maverick4177]

Gotta love Tudor for their superb way they dealt with this restoration 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 great story

[@sigma02chi]

Agree 100% this is one of if not THE best Hodinkee video yet. Puts Tudor solidly on the map in my mind as an independent, strong watch company. Will never see them as Rolex's little brother again 👍

[@ruben619448]

I have my Tudor submariner coming in (actually a BB58) and this video makes me proud that I went with them

[@luigiwastaken]

I've been very seriously debating what my next watch was going to be. Hours and hours of searching, researching, looking at pictures, etc and Tudor won that spot in my collection in just under 14 minutes.

[@vincentchan1377]

I find myself coming back to this video a lot. I'd watch it and watch it again in 2 weeks time, from the start to finish every time without failure. For me, this video captures the very essence of the magic that watch community has to offer. The story, the friendships and most importantly, the watch. To be able to see the journey through to the end is just absolutely wonderful, the look on the veterans face when they see the watch again speaks volume. Thank you Hodinkee.

[@kevinngomez5451]

Tudor, Ben, Hodinkee, you’re doing gods work.

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

I sincerely hope that the medic was awarded a Tudor watch also for his part in this fantastic story

[@Totemparadox]

I heard he got a BB 58.

[@stevesmith7997]

This Brought a lump to my throat !Brave American Soldiers! Well done Tudor!

[@Ar1Goldstein]

steve smith what about the brave Vietnamese?

[@RuffestChune]

Thank you all for your service.

[@christopherliang6879]

One of if not the best videos Hodinkee. Pleased to see such a genuine connection to the watch.

[@frazierriver]

this is why we love watches. excellent video and a beautiful story...

[@superfast30]

Incredible story. The best Hodinkee episodes to date!

[@billymania11]

A great story about the watch and the brave gentleman.

[@jacobelx5841]

Absolutely magnificent. The watch is beyond priceless. Salute to men and women in both military and Rolex/Tudor services.

[@ericbouza854]

Awesome story, awesome watch. I'm sure Tudor did not charge him to restore the watch. And just as well, the PR they got was worth it. 😊👍

[@galvinwong9784]

Next project: Moki Martin visits Tudor to build his solid gold watch!

[@pavdimi9665]

YES! Was thinking that the entire time!

[@RhezaMaulana]

I'm looking forward for this!

[@nikhilmathur6042]

Yes please we need to push for that his story was very touching. HODINKEE if your reading this please make it happen he deserves it

[@AhmadSleeq]

indeed, i hope it happens !!!

[@ryanrabe7184]

Now i know where the tudor bb58 gold came from....

[@jpr7915]

Uplifting story thx Hodinkee and Tudor. Give that medic a black bay!

[@rho16710]

from the podcast, Lorrie received a BB58

[@georgeclarke1183]

Great story and the history behind this watch and of course thanks to tudor for doing this amazing work and keep the originality of this timepiece and it back in service after 50 years

[@pensforgts]

That watchmaker is really respecting the watch what a man.

[@Feller1219]

This was beautifully done. Great job to the Hodinkee crew, and much respect to Tudor who clearly saw the importance of this project.

[@krunkasaurus05]

What an incredible story. Well done Hodinkee and Tudor!

[@christospapaspyrou945]

This is what hodinkee is all about.. Great stories about great tool watches rather than consumerism. Nice watch after a long day. Thanks hodinkee!

[@Patrick_B687-3]

Salute to you Gentleman, thank you for all you gave, and to everyone involved in making this happen.

[@Damage_Inc]

This is what makes me happy about Tudor. You've got a lifelong customer in me.

[@Turb0wned]

HODINKEE should do more of these.

[@michaelkerber2852]

Just purchased a black bay 36 yesterday. Hope I can keep it as long as this man.

[@davidoleary6631]

Best watch story ever.

[@Karsonbarnes11]

Phenomenal story. As a watchmaker this is the kinda stuff we live for. I love it.

[@AllecZB]

This is the Hodinkee we all want to see, great job! Love it.

[@eco8gator]

Amazing story. More of these videos please vs interviewing rich people. A macho watch that was used on the field of battle by one of the USAs finest; thanks for your service and thanks to Tudor bringing this time piece back to life.

[@emendoz1]

What an amazing story, and an amazing watch. My 1962 Rolex/Tudor 7928 doesn’t have quite a history but it is in my view an equally amazing time piece.

[@phagraphy]

Thanks hodinkee for sharing this wonderfull story

[@horologybrothers5156]

Definitely the best video Hodinkee ever made

[@mst7806]

Beautiful. Watches tell so many stories.

[@dooks85]

how in the sam hell does this only have 68 thousand views? This is incredible.

[@Jefdawson]

Really thought the medic deserved a BB58 at least! I kept waiting for him to get his watch....missed opportunity.

[@wyrdstrangeness]

I was thinking the same, that would've been a beautiful for gift for him. Too bad they didn't think of this. It would've been basically free advertising for their Tudor Sub-alike as well. Otherwise, a really great and emotional video. Props to Tudor/Rolex for the result.

[@perolito83]

Me too! Imagine them customizing a BB58 to give an aged dial and make it look like Barry's, it would have been awesome.

[@galvinwong9784]

Tudor gifted Lorrie a BB58 on leather strap, according to one of the Hodinkee guys!

[@Tone_Jammer]

Superb. Makes me respect watchmakers even more. And the best thing for that vet is the watch is now worth 10x more! Not that he'd sell it of course, but it's great to see him wearing and using something that would almost certainly otherwise just be sat in some collectors safe.

[@nicksss1843]

Incredible, beautiful work from Tudor. I’m still on the fence about removing this pieces history and restoring it, but the process and result has swayed me somewhat to agree with what they achieved. Awesome story!

[@MrBTDhimself]

That watch belongs in a museum! Piece of history, beautiful rebuild! Tudor did good!

[@Audisebas21]

Favorite Hodinkee video and story by far, lovely and great job team Rolex/ Tudor for this amazing restoration and story shared with the rest of the world ❤

[@jet198100]

best thing I have seen in a long time... makes me love my Tudor even more

[@88Sigsauer]

Same thought

[@Sestorema]

Same thought

[@Sestorema]

Phenomenal Story... ...and great Tudor 👍❤️

[@elefantrising]

Thank you Hodinkee and Tudor for doing the right thing. Amazing story sometimes a watch is more then a watch.

[@briandd27]

This is so great. A big thanks to Tudor for repairing this gentleman's watch. Respect to both the veterans on this video.

[@sydneyman1972]

Best Hodinkee episode ever!

[@just4stringsnme]

Man, I cried at this.

[@jameshsu2558]

If selling a few travel clocks can help Hodinkee keep producing contents like this, I am all for it.

[@time_to_lume232]

I had goosebumps watching this. The emotional bonds and stories we form with watches as we grow old are what make them special. A salute to Tudor for doing this, and thanks to Hodinkee for presenting it in a class manner.

[@stevestevensky]

Just watched this documentary and loved it. (9/7/23)

[@christopher.96]

Just bought a BB58 Blue yesterday. Wow, did Tudor just make me feel good about my purchase!

[@miguelolive1655]

And for the two fine Gentleman THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@jons_collectibles_13]

Welcome home gentlemen. God bless you!

[@supremegalacticcommander2783]

Wow, touching. Great story, and very well produced. Thank you, and thank those fine gentlemen for their service.

[@Cracker130]

Fanbloodytastic! Well done James and the gang!what a watch to hand down through the generations x

[@TheChadWork2001]

I love Christophe and Tudor and Hoodinkee for doing this. I'm going to buy a Tudor watch now because of this. Thank you folks!

[@TheChadWork2001]

I kept my word. I got a Tudor Pelagos. I love Tudor. The unpretentious Rolex. It's running -1/day. Thank you Tudor.

[@freedomd333]

wants buy a tudor now, incredible story !!!

[@tylermonkovic570]

Probably the best watch story I ever heard

[@JaimeHammett]

Really really good restoration. The watch dont lose the strong personality in the process. Love my two Tudor watches maybe more than ever because of this nice history.

[@ydawg01]

Hats off to Hodinkee and Tudor for this classy gesture.

[@alanmentzer8756]

Remarkable story.

[@hlacadie]

The story is of course wonderful, no doubt about it. But I can't believe the great quality of the video presentation by Hodinkee. These guys are pros and great story tellers.

[@SuperAJ360]

Great great great! No words can describe!

[@JValek]

From an Iraq veteran this is such a great video. Your life is forever changed when you serve. It also shows how great a Tudor watch is.

[@LeonXOV]

This video just proved that there's no such things that can't be repaired. It's just depending on the cost you're willing to pay, and whether it's worth it or not. Also it makes me officially respect Tudor as a brand.