Tactical Frog FXD review and comparison to the Tudor FXD. Is Tactical Frog Hot Garbage?

[@Bluborder]

I have the Tactical Frog FX Dive Watch V4 and the bezel action is much improved (less reflex) albeit 48 clicks per revolution, bi-directional.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

Nice comparison review thanks. The case back opener size is different with the Tactical Frog being smaller. I am on the fence for a Tudor FXD and was never a NATO lover but lately it's got my interst up so I'd like to try out the Tactical Frog first. Now the question, should I get black or blue?

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

Depends on if you want the copy of the marine national or the seals version. Difference is in the bezel one uni-directional and one is bi-directional.

[@24hourgmtchannel64]

@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri blue being the marine national correct?

[@AnsonChiu]

Agreed… the V2 bezel on mine. That being said, I had my mind set on the Tudor FXD when they launched a couple years ago- but they were sold out and I was tired of waiting around to source one, so I went Tactical Frog.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

Very cool. Sounds like you need a Tudor now 😂. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ctromanus]

I get it but, at 1/20th the cost of all you have to complain. About is the bezel play and a less sophisticated l, but bombproof movement, I think there is no contest: the TF is a winner. Got one inbound. Not sure on version.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

I see where you’re coming from, but I’d disagree. While the Tudor Pelagos is significantly more expensive than the Tactical Frog (TF), the difference in quality, craftsmanship, and heritage justifies the price for many. The Pelagos offers a superior titanium case, a more refined in-house movement with a longer power reserve, and a professional-grade finish that sets it apart from homages. The bezel play and movement in the TF might be “good enough” for the price, but they don’t come close to the Pelagos’ precision and functionality-especially for serious divers or collectors who value reliability and pedigree. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re prioritizing: value for money or the complete package that Tudor delivers. For me, the Pelagos wins hands down.

[@jamesmartin3004]

Have a tactical frog, brought it to see how I get on with fixed lugs. It’s a great watch and now not sure I need the Tudor

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

I will stick with my Tudor. Thanks for watching and commenting. Spending 21 years in the Army where is everything is built by the lowest bidder, including our weapon and gear, there is a reason you see so many guys never using their issued gear other than our weapon cause we had too lol.

[@markdrum2392]

ictical Frog FXD. i've got a V4 TF coming in. I'll let you know if the bezel on the latest revs are as bad.

[@daleydose6851]

Thanks for not candy coating it. So tired of KZbinrs who try to get everyone to like them. Tell it like it is. Let the facts be what they are and let the person decide. It seems the ones who bitch the most in comments are the ones who can’t admit the truth on why they bought a knock of off a watch. Solid review no BS, I don’t always agree with you, but appreciate no candy coating. What you see is what you get.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

😂we are a non DEI channel. If your feelings get hurt easy get a condom for them or watch another channel. Thanks for the comment and watching.

[@davidconnelly]

When you did the lume shot, why didn't you show how the watches perform after some time (such as twenty minutes) have passed? Isn't that the standard practice when comparing lume, here on KZbin?

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

I don’t copy other channels. I have my own style. And from my 21 years in the Army few use lume in pure dark long term. So no need to burn camera time on it. I just show the quality of lume. lume is like no need to drag it out. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@garysalovon8047]

Here’s what I did and why.Bought the frog copy to test drive before dropping the $ on the original. I thought it had the potential to be awesome. I got the V2 and as you stated, the bezel was crap. Still loved the watch though, and did get the original. Very happy with it. Liked it so much in fact that I bought the frog solar chronograph fxd copy. Really good in every way. The bezel on this watch was perfect. And I really liked the black color,so…I also bought the black FXD copy for 150. This is a V4 and is on my wrist right now. The bezel action on this V4 is also perfect. As far as differences between the ,original and the copy, the original has a bigger face so the indices have a little more spacing . I think bezel is 45 clicks.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

Test driving a copy of the original is a good idea. that way if you don't like it you are only out $100, not $4K. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@dissident_mantis7]

I have a seiko turtle that I wear in a jacuzzi almost every week and have been doing that with the same watch for 7 years without changing any of the gaskets. I even took the case-back off and regulated it a few times. People make me laugh when they say you can’t wear a watch in the shower.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

lol that’s the whole point of a dive watch. Do water things lol. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@daleydosecreations3569]

First look yeah looks exactly like the Tudor lol. You get what you pay for that’s for sure. Good review. Don’t like that bezel at all.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

Yes you do. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@_RJ_Z]

That bezel insert kills me…

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

Yeah it’s bad. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@korsal4133]

i think you got the bi and uni directional thing wrong

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

The Tudor is unidirectional and the for is bidirectional.

[@zh9732]

The chinese makers really just can't figure out good taste. THey make everything a 1:1 copy not realizing that they could get a lot of appreciation by emulating smaller elements of these styles. The finishes, materials used in dials and bezels would look good in a variety of forms, but they're too afraid to go off-book. I don't care about fakes, I have no love for any of the big brands, but I'd never pass it off. Heck, even my real watches are "chinatown fake, twenty bucks, can ya believe it?" whenever someone asks

[@slateization]

The TF clearly has thinner, more elegant lugs. So that’s a difference. I modded mine heavily (new dial and hands and strap) it’s a daily driver for me and I love it. But it’s not trying to be a Tudor anymore

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

@@slateization when you mod you make it your work na not copy for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@slateization]

@@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri I like what I did with it. But I miss the nightlight power of the original dial lume! Even after 7 hours in the dark it was totally legible

[@rogerfairhurst8705]

Here in Germany the Tudor cost more than €4000, that’s well in excess of US$4000. The Tactical Frog cost me just €155 - around $166. The ‘Frog’ has a titanium case, a sapphire crystal and a Seiko NH35 movement. Tell me what Seiko watch with that specification you can buy for under $600. Watches can be: the genuine article, a copy, a homage or an out and out fake. This watch is not a fake - it does not pretend to be something it is not. It has its name clearly printed on the dial and case back and there are other details that make it clear that it is in no way a Tudor. How many Seiko watches emulate the Sub Mariner with the Mercedes hour hand? Are they not copying Rolex? I think we need to be a bit more careful when we label a watch as being an ‘absolute copy’ while conveniently forgetting how many mainstream watch manufacturers copy their rivals’ products, because this watch is NOT an absolute copy. It closely follows the Tudor design but is clearly not a Tudor, so let’s not be too sanctimonious, eh?! The bezel problem has been dealt with by ‘Tactical Frog’ and the version I received yesterday was fitted with a bezel that worked very smoothly indeed with virtually no play whatsoever and (as with yours) was perfectly aligned - how many Seikos do we see where that is NOT the case? The strap, criticised in earlier versions by some, is now also much improved. All in all, for the price you get a watch that is as far removed from being garbage as a Timex is s from being a Breitling. In my humble opinion.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

I was going to let your comment be for what is, but when you hit with the "sanctimonious' well that cant stand. So here is my sanctimonious reply, "Wow, talk about a passionate defense of the Tactical Frog! The energy you’ve put into justifying a €155 "homage" piece is impressive. But let’s be real: this comment reads like a manifesto from someone who wants the street cred of a Tudor without paying the price. Yes, it has a Seiko movement and a titanium case, but comparing it to a €4000 Tudor? That’s like saying your budget airline flight was basically first class because you also arrived at the same destination. The whole argument about it not being a copy is a stretch, too. Sure, it's not a fake-it’s proudly branded as “Tactical Frog”-but let’s not pretend it doesn’t owe Tudor a huge debt in design. The “it’s not a copy because it has its own name” argument is like saying off-brand cola isn’t copying Coca-Cola because it has a different label. And the defense about Seiko's occasional alignment issues? That’s more of a “look over there!” than a point in Tactical Frog’s favor. And while it’s good to hear they finally fixed that wobbly bezel, maybe it’s best to admit the watch is what it is: a decent, low-budget homage, not some hidden gem that’s being unfairly judged.". Sincerely, Sanctimonious

[@rogerfairhurst8705]

@@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri Thank you for your response. I admit I thought carefully about using the word 'sanctimonious', not least because we do not know each other and I was obviously unsure how you would react. However, your, at times, passionate review of a watch with which you, at least to my mind, seemed almost determined to put down (for want of a better expression) meant I almost felt as though you were perhaps trying to justify paying the premium for 'the real thing', a watch that you had bought/owned. The Tudor is a watch that I very nearly bought myself (the FXD Red Bull model with the red second hand) but unfortunately missed because it had been sold when I returned to the shop where I had seen it displayed. Also, the 'Frog' is uncannily similar to the Tudor but clearly NOT the original!! But what I was trying to get across is that it offers a hell of a lot for an extremely low price something that Seiko, who you mentioned, simply cannot, or will not, offer. At the end of the day I have the money to buy the original but, as a pensioner, I can't justify the outlay either to me or my wife! The Frog gives me the 'feel' of the real thing - I did actually have the real thing on my wrist in the dealer's showroom before, fortunately, it was sold and not readily available - and the Frog obviously lacks the finesse of the Rolex family. Your review was passionate in part and that is not something I wish to criticise, watches can make passionate people out of us whether we like it or not and that applies to me as much as it does to you. So in that spirit permit me to add that I look forward to your future offerings here on youtube and perhaps I might be permitted a comment or two now and then. Kind regards

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

@@rogerfairhurst8705no issue taken lol. You are spot on I genuinely have no love for clomage watches. Chinese brands are notorious for ripping off name brands. Borrowing design cues is one thing, flat copy and name change only is another. If you view some of my early watch reviews I do give good reviews of clomage watches. Value is very subjective, what one sees value in others may not. If everyone all liked the same things, it would be a boring world. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@drunkdriver]

Sure, the tudor is better, but is it that much better to justify the difference in price? I would argue no.

[@DivingIntoWatches-jb5ri]

To logically disagree with the statement, one could argue that the value of a luxury watch like the Tudor Pelagos is not solely determined by the functional aspects, but also by the brand reputation, craftsmanship, materials, and design that contribute to its higher price. While a more affordable watch might offer similar core features like water resistance, accuracy, and durability, the Tudor Pelagos offers a level of refinement and heritage that can't easily be quantified in terms of functionality alone. Brand Heritage and Craftsmanship: Tudor, as a sister brand to Rolex, benefits from decades of watchmaking expertise. The craftsmanship, design, and finishing are likely to be of higher quality than less expensive alternatives, which can justify the premium for many buyers who value this expertise and legacy. Material Quality: The Tudor Pelagos is made from titanium, a material that is lighter and more resistant to corrosion than stainless steel, which might not be found in other watches in the same price range. This advanced material technology could be considered a significant upgrade over more basic materials used in lower-cost watches. Resale Value: Tudor watches, like other luxury brands, tend to hold their value better over time compared to mass-produced alternatives. The price difference can be justified if you consider the potential for long-term value retention. Design and Exclusivity: Luxury watches often come with unique design elements, limited editions, or features that appeal to collectors or those who enjoy a more refined product. The price premium can be justified by the desire for exclusivity or distinctive styling that sets the Tudor apart from more generic options. In conclusion, while the price difference may seem large at first glance, the higher cost of the Tudor Pelagos can be justified through factors that go beyond mere functionality, like craftsmanship, materials, resale value, and exclusivity.