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...
For the full article, go to: www.hodinkee.com/articles/the...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@backtoids]

give 👏lorrie👏his own👏tudor👏

[@magpiemorris4054]

They did

[@yangyuncong]

I think Tudor did:) A BB58

[@mannylora]

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

[@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.

[@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 ;)

[@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.👍

[@davidstevenson5787]

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

[@stevenplayford8223]

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

[@stevenplayford8223]

I also love the whole restoration approach.

[@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

[@carlosrueda3912]

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

[@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.

[@tamlansaoudi]

Makes me proud to wear a Tudor.

[@maxwellpinilis878]

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

[@Feller1219]

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

[@robertp5123]

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

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

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

[@Theultimateclimber]

This is still the best watch video on the internet

[@George-nm8ec]

The connection he has with this time piece is priceless.

[@Misterallec]

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

[@ydawg01]

Hats off to Hodinkee and Tudor for this classy gesture.

[@Karsonbarnes11]

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

[@jerrypazes9602]

Never thought a major watch company would go to such steps to repair a heavily damaged watch. But they did and I’m verily impressed. So impressed that I’m strongly considering buying my first Tudor. Bravo to Tudor and Hodinkee.

[@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!

[@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!

[@mahlanguism]

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

[@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 👍

[@jet198100]

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

[@88Sigsauer]

Same thought

[@Sestorema]

Same thought

[@rynhooligan]

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

[@wick-trimmer1980]

This is beautiful next chapter in an incredible story. Thank you Tudor and HODINKEE for your contributions to this incredible restoration and keeping this watches history. Makes me proud of my bb ownership. A great video and emotionally moving. Thank you 🙏

[@confuciusfromwuhan8623]

It’s so beautiful to invade someone else’s country and burn their inhabitants with napalm.

[@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.

[@bigKRIPLA203]

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

[@Manaz101]

This video was spot on amazing! Thank you Hodinkee and Tudor for, if this was 100% truthful, doing what's right. If everyone could be selfless and act in good faith like this, we'd live in a much better place.

[@batteries.not.included]

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

[@b00shay]

YES!!!!!!! AND THIS IS WHY I LOVE TUDOR!!!!! EVEN MORE RESPECT, Ahhh Well done everyone.

[@erickm6134]

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

[@nathanrowalnd3375]

One of the best Hodinkee videos out there

[@MrBTDhimself]

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

[@elefantrising]

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

[@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....

[@Drew10006]

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

[@baklushky]

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

[@vishalkalra2431]

Blown away ! Lot of respect for Tudor ! 🙏

[@kingjgregory]

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

[@dstew1]

Amazing episode, thank you Hodinkee for capturing this story. i feel it really celebrates our veterans and the sacrifices that they made for our country. Also a salute to Tudor for your support for these two veterans and bringing that watch back to life really closes the loop on this wonderful story. Thank you Lt.Jones and Corpsman McLaughlin for your service. God Bless!

[@Ar1Goldstein]

Darrell Stewart sacrifice for what? Sacrifice for killing the Vietnamese? Shame on you!

[@mattvallejo1129]

Even a non-watch enthusiast would love this video. Excellent job!!!

[@vwracer007]

As a combat veteran and watch lover this video really resonated with me. Great job Tudor for making this happen. I have watched hundreds of KZbin videos and this is the first time I ever felt compelled to comment. It was both emotional and exciting to watch the restoration. Best thing I have seen online in a very long time. Makes me appreciate my Tudor Ranger even more and I will probably seek out a vintage sub.

[@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.

[@miguelolive1655]

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

[@maverick4177]

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

[@stevesmith7997]

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

[@Ar1Goldstein]

steve smith what about the brave Vietnamese?

[@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.

[@ruben619448]

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

[@RuffestChune]

Thank you all for your service.

[@shanebarnes4049]

Great job HODINKEE. Great job James Stacey. Thank you for giving this story a world audience.

[@pasquale78]

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

[@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.

[@neelsengupta662]

Absolutely amazing story, well done, Tudor, and thanks for documenting this in video, Hodinkee 👏👏👏

[@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.

[@alfredoaguilera5138]

Amazing. God bless these two gentleman and the Tudor company.

[@johnjenin3279]

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

[@jeanlefranc3817]

This blue eyed veteran gentleman reminds me a lot of my grandfather. Men who had been through war and would not brag about it, but wanted a decent life for their family. And thank you Tudor and Hodinkee for this moment.

[@jethrojacinto2798]

That watch is priceless - its history and perspective from the things that it has seen and experienced from the war and so much life lived. Absolutely beautiful.

[@frazierriver]

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

[@tylermonkovic570]

Probably the best watch story I ever heard

[@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

[@rickcheng3464]

I burst crying . . . . . when I watched this video first time . . . . . . I burst crying . . . . . when I watched this video one year later . . . . . . ( 2021 ) I burst crying . . . . . when I watched this video one year later . . . . . .( 2022 ) My tears not only for the friendship between the Vietnam war veterans. . . . . but also for the Swiss watchmaker Tudor . . . . . I believe that any other watchmaker . . . . Rolex . . . . Breitling . . . . . . Omega . . . . . . will also do the same thing . . . . . . Swiss is a small country. . . . . yet it is a Great county! ! !

[@kongmw]

Would make a heck of an ad campaign for Tudor.

[@Supercruze]

Incredible story. Thanks for sharing.

[@kevinngomez5451]

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

[@momsaadbari2148]

One of the Best Videos from Hodinkee. Love the job what you did . I also salute to Tudor/ Rolex S.A for this kind of emotional support. Hats Off

[@christopherliang6879]

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

[@gdlife68]

Thank you for your service, outstanding story thank you for sharing. I love the watch and I’m sure your son and grandchildren will cherish it as much as you do some day. May you have many more happy years wearing it and add to its history.

[@emmetrmeredith]

Well done Tudor and Hodinkee...amazing 👍

[@Patrick_B687-3]

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

[@andrewlu123]

Well done. Best video you've produced to date - what an amazing story. Thank you for sharing and a huge shout-out to Tudor. Please keep up with this style of videos!

[@histeriamassal2290]

I just bought a Tudor this year the same type my brother has. Every time I look at it it reminds me of my childhood memories with him. This story makes me prouder of having Tudor.

[@mst7806]

Beautiful. Watches tell so many stories.

[@nickschiffers7803]

This is one of the best videos on KZbin! I love the story, can you imagine that you have a watch that is like a friend for life. I was so happy when I got notified and saw this video. He deserved this! Thank you both for your service. And let this watch bring you and the later generation of your family great joy. Hodinkee thanks for sharing this great moment with us.

[@johntocho8954]

Absolutely fantastic!! Another reason to be proud of the Tudors I wear on my wrist.

[@timemoney2775]

One of the best watch story ever. Thanks to all the people that were involved in this project.

[@rudyvanwijk97]

amazing. Best Hodinkee story. Thanks

[@briandd27]

This made me very emotional. My uncle fought in Vietnam. He was part of Company A, 2nd Battalion 5th Cavalry. He was highly decorated for his actions in service. We lost him several months back to complications of covid amongst other complications.

[@Florissvdv]

Incredible story, and fantastic work by everyone at the Hodinkee team for allowing them to tell it. This is simply what it's all about.

[@foamige]

Love this story, Love this Company, Love the Vets. So proud to own a Tudor.

[@Damage_Inc]

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

[@Billeh556]

I totally forgot about the first episode which I had put, at the time, to watch later. Thanks for the reminder- brought to tears almost. Thank you for your service. Would really like to meet these guys and others like them.

[@fingerluck]

Thank you Hodinkee for this, amazing

[@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.

[@superfast30]

Incredible story. The best Hodinkee episodes to date!

[@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. 😊👍