Tactical Frog FX Diver Full review

[@t2sugars393]

V4 has a 60 click bezel, action is improved over previous version as far as i can tel, resistance is uniform, zero backplay, tho a little rough but somewhat smoother after a drop of watch oil. Ill try a report back after a few months with an update, but so far very happy. Really is a nice watch, dial is sharpe, and yes its a torch in the dark.

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

Think I'll have to pick one of these up myself, they look really good and those close ups have made me want it even more!

[@EscapeWheel]

"for the channel" Right, Jason? 🤪

[@JasonTheWatchGuy]

@@EscapeWheel exactly what I'll tell her 😎😎😎

[@SteveFWatches]

That intro 🔥🔥🔥 half and half wow. And 0:57 wowowow your b-roll is on another level

[@EscapeWheel]

That half and half shot, getting the transition to the next video was tough...spent way too much time in that....lol. but thanks!

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

@@EscapeWheel It's appreciated. I can see why you did it!

[@ccw5886]

I have this watch. Its just so comfortable and readable and practical. Mine is running at plus 1 per day, which is astounding. I must have got a good one!

[@joevergnetti767]

Received mine black/black a few weeks ago, can’t take it off! The lume is NUCLEAR, you can see it glowing during the day. The nato strap is well done, and fits perfectly on my 7.5 wrist. Titanium is light and the NH35 is reliable and love the 21,600vph hand sweep. Makes me want the Pelagos FXD, but I saved 5 grand!!!

[@EscapeWheel]

Hahaha, my thoughts exactly. Thanks for watching!

[@RJ-cq8dd]

V4 no bezel play. 100% awesome. They reduced the size of the seconds hand a bit which is great as well. I had to open my V2 once and the seconds hand got stuck. Won't happen with the V4.

[@EscapeWheel]

Oh interesting. Thanks for the info

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

PS. Steve I'm glad you could get Watchdives to give a discount code! That, 5 day FedEx shipping and a 3yr worldwide warranty is a classy combo.

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, it's a pretty sweet deal 👌. Thanks for watching!

[@tactofu]

The 39mm pelagos homage with traditional lugs will be coming down the pipeline sooner or later. I think I'll wait for that. Still a sweet watch!

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

This one is for those of us with a milsub itch to scratch. 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

I hope to see it too.

[@chriseichman]

I’m going to give this a shot for a trial run on fixed lugs before seriously considering the FXD proper.

[@wadebolderman3250]

I’ll be waiting to hear you opinions on it. I own the Tudor FXD Pelagos and it’s great. However I wish they made it in other color combos like a black dial with a green bezel.

[@austinlawrence8477]

Just got the all blue date v4 over the weekend and I am very surprised by it. For $200 this watch is awesome, no complaints!

[@Zotrax1946]

Got mine today. Extremely satisfied and happy! Really surprised me for how many positives it has. The bezel- well….🤷🏼‍♂️. It works very well, does not move accidentally at all, yet it easy to use.. The strap is a strong positive. Well built, looks awesome, SO comfortable on the wrist. Doesn’t hide under any clothing 😉.

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, I e heard the latest versions are better than this one is, so it sounds like they are trying to fix it as best they can. Enjoy it, man. 👊

[@JumpingWatermelons]

man, I wish this had a good bezel. It's such a nice looking homage that I'd buy it even though I prefer the normal, non fixed lug models. If they update it with a good bezel, I'd probably buy it

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

After the mishaps on their first release, TF have come back strong. This is really nice. Good job Tactical Frog

[@EscapeWheel]

I'm digging this new brand. Looking forward to new releases

[@tuber6382]

The red one I had to go back and look at a few times. I love it the red dial literally pops!!!

[@PocketUau]

All this needs is a stiff, smooth sliding bezel and it’s golden.

[@EscapeWheel]

That's what I am thinking. I may try and mod it myself one day

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

That's what she said. (That said, thanks for the detail in the review; hopefully we get a larger group of people reporting on bezel performance, in case TF improve during production).

[@lassejupin6684]

Very nice watch. I don’t care about the bezel as long as it aligns… I have the Tudor black bay 58 and I have just purchased the Tudor black bay heritage 41 mm. Still I really like these Tudor homage watches… by the way very good review as always 🙂

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for watching Lasse. I most agree about the bezel....would still prefer a nice tight smooth bezel, though

[@charliealva4833]

Thanks for your video! I received mine two days ago and I’m super happy with it. I went for the (more classic) all blue version and it looks fantastic! I’m impressed on how much effort they put into the design to make it look like the one watch it’s an homage to.

[@EscapeWheel]

Awesome, glad you like it!

[@wadebolderman3250]

Not even close to the real thing.

[@mindfulawareness1]

I have this, and it's so good in almost every aspect that the loose bezel play - still useable - can be forgiven.

[@blaight87]

It is fairly obvious that you know a lot about watches, you had so many terms I miss with other reviewers. Ghost date, crown tube and so on. I will pick one up. Best from Germany

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you sir. When I get into a subject I tend to go all the way in. 🤪

[@antonyreyn]

Good video, do you think the indices ( not 3 6 9) are slightly bigger than the original? Or optical illusion? Still looks good though. Cheers

[@EscapeWheel]

I think they are... At least proportionally. Just a tiny bit

[@WesWatchRoom]

I was looking forward to this but that lug to lug is a bit too much sadly. Hopefully they'll drop that new 39mm Pelagos homage soon, then that would be something way more appealing. Great work with the review mate

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, this is definitely not for the small wrist club. A 39mm on titanium bracelet would be awesome.

[@ngolobo]

Everything's awesome except the bezel. I've worn mine for 5 days straight and I'm amazed by how good of a watch this is for the price. The lume is great on the dial, and bezel insert. The strap is way better than I thought it was gonna be. My only complaint is the bezel. Its awful. I can only turn it counter clockwise. It won't turn anymore than 10 clicks clockwise. Even with the bezel I'm happy. I never thought a $190.00 watch would be one of my favorites.

[@EscapeWheel]

try squirting some silicone spray between the bezel and case...maybe warm running water as well. I haven't had the issue on this watch, but I've had bezels in the past get locked up and one of those solutions has always fixed me right up.

[@eddieg849]

I just got the black one ...version 4 the bezel action is smooth.😁

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, sounds like they fixed some of the issues with it in V4 👍

[@marcuscarlgren6994]

Damn, that's one legible dial! Looks good 😊

[@EscapeWheel]

Love the dial on this thing. I'm a sucker for black dials and super legible hands and indices

[@waltwearswatches3056]

I keep hearing reviewers say the case back is titanium. I am surprised by this, as I had always heard that titanium has a tendency to fuse to itself over time, which is why titanium watches generally use steel case backs…

[@EscapeWheel]

Titanium Galling really isn't an issue unless you are constantly screwing and unscrewing the caseback. Galling happens over time where 2 titanium parts experience friction....not something a case and caseback experience.

[@waltwearswatches3056]

@@EscapeWheel thanks for the clarification. I thought the galling was the reason Tudor uses a stainless steel case back on the real FXD rather than a titanium one. I couldn’t imagine it was a cost cutting measure.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@waltwearswatches3056 I mean, I'm just a guy that did some research on the internet, they have real paid engineers....lol. I'm sure they had their reasoning...maybe had to do with something else....strength, magnetic properties, skin allergies? Who knows. FWIW my Sea-ghost, after nearly 2 years, had no issues with the caseback fuzing to the case, and it had seen plenty of water.

[@waltwearswatches3056]

@@EscapeWheel I wasn’t questioning you, just processing out loud :-). I’m sure you’ve forgotten more than I currently know about watches!

[@LaithFaouri]

I ordered one a couple of days ago just after i watched your video, thank you so much!

[@EscapeWheel]

You are welcome! Enjoy it! Did you try my discount code?

[@RJ-cq8dd]

Actually the numerals on the bezel insert are not just printed. They are filled so fully that they are smooth to the surface. I prefer it this way as it does not wear off because of a sleeve rubbing against it.

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Steve, love this honest review! Very informative, like the ~98 click bezel, 0.5mm play, and your use of white gloves. Your advice on the bezel is especially useful. The printed BGW9 on the ceramic insert is notable. Countdown bezel info is useful too. Practical dad timer! Your video quality is top notch. Detail amazing (showing how close the seconds hand is to the chapter ring).

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you for all the compliments! It means a lot. Glad my hard work is appreciated

[@fishlanding]

I just received, love and currently wear my T Frog... tho I'm supposed to have a version 2 the racheting ambi bezel, still has crunchy movement. Good value, still made in the PRC..... oh mine came w. two bands !

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, V2 isn't great at all. The watch is fantastic, but the bezel is just bad.

[@anthonyjarrad141]

Appreciate the in depth review of this particular piece, haven't bought any watches from Ali Express for over a year, just a lot of super small items and the value proposition waning with so many Seikos and microbrands going on sale... But this titanium no date piece is right up my alley, but I'm always wary of any piece on Ali over $120....just me

[@EscapeWheel]

Man, that $120-$200 range is the sweet spot IMO. Matic, Heimdallr, seestern, sugess, RMALTI. All excellent

[@barryvercueil2346]

Great review. The black face and bezel is brilliant choice. Looks better with other Straps.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks, and thanks for watching!

[@paullee9160]

love it.. i got a tutor pelagos and also san matin homage.. i was really surprise about san martin.. i am going to pick up a fx

[@kapooktu]

Great review. Since Tudor just released the 39 mm version, I look forward to see a smaller version too.

[@EscapeWheel]

Indeed. Smaller would be awesome.

[@daynevickers1079]

Your "B-Roll's" are always fantastic, but this one was on a whole other level. I really appreciate the thought and effort you put into your reviews. Ok, so now my 2 cents worth on this watch. Love it all but the size. I'd love to see them produce this one in a 38-39mm size with less than 48mm lug to lug for us guys with normal sized wrists (7" or below). Do that, and I'd order one today! Thanks for the great review!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks Dayne. Some watches are more fun to do the B-Roll for, and this was one of them. Agree on the size...wonder if we'll ever get to a point where these Chinese OEMs will produce 2 sizes of the same watch. 38mm and 41mm

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

Likewise, my black V4 FXD homage from the Aliversary Sale arrived today. The bezel action js OK! V4 looks identical (*if it's a V4*) to your V2. I've got it on a CNS sharktooth strap, and liked it on the black OEM strap and a CNS paratrooper strap. Thanks as always for your thoughts, macro detail and strap shows. The FXD V4 is a good 'un!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for sharing... Was curious about the latest version

[@bensynewsshoedown4999]

@@EscapeWheel The bezel has a lot less play than your V2, has clicks but the sensation feels like rocks on rocks.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Great review. This watch looks fantastic! The next watch on my to buy list.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you!

[@greggusan]

Boy I really like this. Love the matte bezel (so rare in these budget homage watches...they always seem to go with glossy). And that textured dial and applied indices look fabulous. But just a bit big for my wrist. Would snap this up in a second if they made a 39mm version. A seriously nice piece.

[@EscapeWheel]

I'm hoping they make on now that the Pelagos 39 is a thing 🤞

[@peachlandtaxi919]

For aging folks ( like me ) it's an ideal dial layout ⌚ big markers & no date Super light watch ✓ bezel action needs a V3 I wear it on a gray NATO strap

[@sinjinadams2862]

Well they just came out with version 4 of this watch so I just bought it during the current sale. They say they have fixed the bezel issues. I guess I will find out.

[@EscapeWheel]

Yeah, I hope so. New case factory, so maybe. I've heard good things about it

[@Echpochmak88]

Now I need a titanium watch for my collection. But I'm not sure about this bezel, I would like unidirectional 120 clicks. Thanks for review 👍

[@EscapeWheel]

It's a bit of a let-down...but it's still one of, if not the best titanium diver on Ali

[@uaziz7]

Nice review! I'm going to get one. (would have preferred elapsed time bezel, but OK).

[@EscapeWheel]

thanks! I use this bezel so much, I don't think I want an more elapse time bezels...lol

[@mikeg6008]

That looks like a nice watch! Thanks for the review.

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks for watching! I'm really enjoying the watch still 👍

[@JessicaKStark]

Kinda surprised they haven't gone for the NH38 to remove the ghost date by the V4.

[@edteach3r]

Excellent video, thank you. I don’t want to be ‘one of those’ people, but I really wish this was a 38-40mm watch.

[@EscapeWheel]

I think a lot of people want that....me included.

[@iainramsay1537]

I think my reply got deleted as I put a link to an insta account, apologies for that! Great review, love the history behind the watch this homages. Blue version is a must buy for me. Cheers!

[@EscapeWheel]

hmm, interesting. anyway, thanks for watching, and for sure, the purpose of the original is quite interesting indeed.

[@ayudaporfavor]

Which is better: this one or the new San Martin sn004?

[@EscapeWheel]

They are very different watches IMO. But the NS004 is the better overall watch. But it just can't compare to this light weight tool watch with torch like lume...same way the Frog can compete with the smaller cased, braceleted dive watch with incredible finishing.

[@roamready9732]

IMO loose the gloves. Your hands allow us to see true-er colors and skin tones create some great contrast. Great video, and I wasn't dead set on purchasing the Tudor I'd get one in a heartbeat.

[@EscapeWheel]

Probably could have ditched the gloves for this one, but anything with polished surfaces I gotta have those gloves. Can't stand fingerprints on polished surfaces.

[@WC_Watch_Collector_Club]

Looks great!!! Very Cool!!

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you for watching!

[@JustWatches1]

This intro is 🔥🔥🔥

[@EscapeWheel]

Thanks! It was fun to shoot!

[@Gui34567r]

Great Review! Is it just me or is the chapter ring misaligned with the 12 O’clock marker?

[@EscapeWheel]

In person it's perfect... Or damn close. Showing alignment on camera is tricky...lol

[@Gui34567r]

@@EscapeWheel Nice, just ordered one, can't wait.

[@tharakatimes]

Thanks for the very detailed good review 💯

[@EscapeWheel]

Glad you found it helpful

[@mustafakiranawala4635]

they should do a normal lug type with this it would be killer..or on a bracelt

[@EscapeWheel]

I wouldn't be opposed to it

[@seventyandone]

Hi Steve, looks like Tactical Frog are really on a very good way. I'm waiting for the 39mm version on a bracelet 😉

[@iainramsay1537]

The bracelet wont happen pal, this is an homage to the FXD, fixed bezel version of the Pel_gos. Plenty of homage versions of the normal one with a bracelet out there!

[@antonyreyn]

Maybe a homage of the new Pelagos which is 39mm and bracelet cheers

[@charleshailey4461]

Looks to me like it's a 40 mm watch with a 42 mm bezel. Probably not a whole lot different from the new pelagos 39 mm

[@iainramsay1537]

@@antonyreyn Ahh, right Gotcha!

[@EscapeWheel]

they'll have my money if they make it...lol

[@KK-71]

I'm really interested in this one. I really like the no date dial. Not too keen on the strap though. How long before the unexposed part of the loop part is covered in fluff. They should have gone for a French marine type.

[@EscapeWheel]

Unexposed part is the soft part, so it shouldn't collect fluff. A MN strap would be tough because you need 1 end of the strap without a buckle to slip through...Cheapestnatostraps (or whatever it's called now) has something that would work. Or just traditional NATO straps in the MN material.

[@AlexanderB.]

This is a very interesting homage watch. Recent events suggest they released this at a right time as the watch that this pays tribute to my get increased attention on the watch market. Other than the bezel play the branding is my biggest issue. Neither is it witty not is it fitting in any way. It unnecessarily cheapens this thing. Are the crown guards maybe a little sweked? Loved it on the orange strap though!

[@EscapeWheel]

"tactical frog" is a tribute to the frogmen of the British military...or at least that's what I've heard. Makes sense for these divers. I don't put too much into Branding. This is at least pronounceable...lol. as for the crown guards, everything looks fine IRL. Thanks for watching, Andrew!

[@stevenmccarthy112]

I really like it except for the built in lug bars. I prefer to have a watch sit as flat as possible on the wrist.

[@EscapeWheel]

This just isn't for you then

[@Rorskhach]

A fixed lug watch. Now that's a watch I'll take to adventures.

[@EscapeWheel]

I always worry about my springbars when going into the water.....problem fixed. Thanks for watching!

[@watchmewithwatches]

Fix the bezel action and I'm in!

[@EscapeWheel]

I think we can fix it ourselves. I've seen your skills 👍

[@watchmewithwatches]

@@EscapeWheel have you tried a squirt of silicone spray? That can really help sort some issues out.

[@EscapeWheel]

@@watchmewithwatches I'll have to give it a shot. Thanks!

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

Love the watch - looks good on you - wondering if it would look too big on me though.

[@EscapeWheel]

It isn't small. 6.75 is probably max of wear it on

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

@@EscapeWheel My wrist is 7" so maybe I could pull it off? Trying to imagine how fume dial options might look... Thanks for the enthusiastic review!

[@EscapeWheel]

@@nathanaelsmith3553 yeah, I think you'd be OK. Wears true to size, so of you've done 42 in the past. Just the weight makes it ultra comfy

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

@@EscapeWheel I guess I could always get one of those grip exercisers to bulk my wrist up! I was torn between the blue and black model but now you say there's going to be a gradient dial version? Oh the agony of choice!

[@EscapeWheel]

@@nathanaelsmith3553 😂😂😂

[@danielsavadel2151]

I have been wearing this watch for a few days. It's a great fit for my 7.5 inch wrist but if your wrist is under 7" I think the lug to lug is too long. The crown operation, winding, setting time, feels just like my other NH35's. Screws down nicely. Watch face, case, lume are all fantastic. The bezel actually has two good features - the lume and the coin edge. The bezel is completely functional (I use my watch bezel almost every night when I cook) but it feels like crap. The worst feeling bezel in my collection. Because of the strap and the 100% titanium case it is the most comfortable watch I own. I can't think of how you could make a watch more comfortable. I have a flight coming up with a long layover. It's going to be a long day and I know this is the watch I will be wearing..

[@HAL-xy3om]

Beautiful, I want one!!!

[@EscapeWheel]

Haha, tempting isn't it?

[@riorosario1]

Tudor Pelages FXD rip off. Bezel was crap but I think they fixed that. Looks good for a copy.

[@jeremysmith9696]

Guess I'm not gonna need to save for the Tudor Pelagos FXD...

[@EscapeWheel]

lol

[@jamlove2020]

lovely B roll

[@EscapeWheel]

Thank you!

[@dunderhay9169]

Great photography 👍. I think the lugs would be too limiting for me to buy it, but I am a big fan of hook and loop straps.

[@EscapeWheel]

I want some more!

[@bifflee3603]

Looks great but too big for wrists smaller than 7" I'd say

[@EscapeWheel]

I was thinking 6.75" but yeah, she ain't small

[@billsomerset238]

Not shipping to Massachusetts

[@EscapeWheel]

That's weird... I'm in Florida and had no issues

[@mayorofrlyeh8042]

If this is V2, what is the difference to V1?

[@EscapeWheel]

Even WORSE bezel action

[@mayorofrlyeh8042]

@@EscapeWheel Should have watched to the end before asking.🙈😄 Ordered mine during the sale on Ali, we will see if it is a v1 or v2. Apart from that great review - keep them coming!

[@hillbillyluxury2691]

I would buy it if it had traditional lugs

[@EscapeWheel]

That's part of the beauty of the watch....but I agree. Maybe they'll make that 39mm pelagos

[@nuancepill8066]

Fix the bezel… take my money. V3 please.

[@EscapeWheel]

Hahaha. For sure

[@YodasKitchen]

This is nice... knock off of the Pelagos non-springbar model... but honest

[@nickdsnik1675]

Not sure that the link is right.

[@UGA.D]

Agreed

[@EscapeWheel]

yup, thanks for the heads up. link updated.

[@EscapeWheel]

yup, it was wrong. link updated.

[@UGA.D]

@@EscapeWheel The watch that WAS linked was nice, too, though. HAHA

[@letsgobrandon33]

Green nylon strap 💯

[@EscapeWheel]

"army green" on a black diver will always look good 👍. Thanks for watching!

[@johnhowzeiv1856]

That's nice

[@dannymurzea]

I don't get the redundant water resistant plus depth rating. Too much text.

[@EscapeWheel]

Don't look at the retail Tudor, then 😂

[@butnugit]

I really don't understand how something other than a 60 or 120 click bezel would work? That bezel action is horrible, regardless. I know it's titanium, but damn, that's just too much play.

[@EscapeWheel]

I'd definitely prefer the smooth bezel

[@wadebolderman3250]

If they can’t get the bezel right and it’s on plain sight, what else is hidden underneath that we can’t see. Never buy a pig when you really want a prince!

[@CACOPHONIE]

wish i have

[@EscapeWheel]

go get it then! $10 off with code Escape10

[@papa_ethan]

NO DAY AND DATE???

[@EscapeWheel]

Nope, nice and clean

[@victornorbertoduban8932]

I buy one soon lol....

[@SenerS10]

Looks pretty low quality in macro shots.

[@EscapeWheel]

the titanium case will look that way for sure, but I think the dial and hands are nicely done

[@PeepingTime]

👀

[@Faradiddle]

Limited to One strap type is a deal breaker

[@mehdibb4186]

It reminds me of those guys who lie about being navy seals 😅

[@Tangylives]

If they can't even get the number of clicks right they don't deserve any of my money. In the words of Ariana Grande, thank you, next.

[@EscapeWheel]

yeah, it's so weird.

[@JinKee]

Holy shit it's a povertygos

[@EscapeWheel]

😂

[@UGA.D]

HA!

[@AnyoxB.D.]

Buy why with this horrible name and logo?

[@EDHBlvd]

Grotesque robbery of Tudor. 👎

[@EscapeWheel]

I appreciate you watching, though...lol