The Tudor P01: A Failed Prototype That Is Important?

A Discussion around the Tudor P01, a watch that had a strange unveiling and one that has since recieved a lot of criticism. A failed Prototype that is actually important, showing a special side to watch development that we never see today and one that is actually worth studying.
#TudorP01 #TudorPrototype #BlackBay
All Images are Sourced from either Press Release Photos or Public Listings.
Below are a list of the common sources that are used in no particular order:
Bob’s Watches | Revolution Watch | HQ Milton | Hodinkee | Monochrome Watches | Jomashop | Analog Shift | Bulang and Sons | Robb Report | Watchfinder | WatchBox | Phillips Watches | Christies | Timekeepers Club | Tudor
Support the Channel: / idguy
Follow me on Instagram: id.guy?hl=en
Contact me: [e-mail]

[@ID-Guy]

Channel Support - Patreon: www.patreon.com/idguy Latest Releases: kzbin.info/door/zf6rqsEBni5G2TSevD6F4Afeatured Follow me on Instagram: instagram.com/id.guy/

[@Seriously140]

I have a P01 and can report first-hand that women are fascinated by it. None of my other watches have garnered the questions and desire to look at in depth that the P01 has. I know the leather strap makes no sense on a dive watch but it looks stunning. My favorite part of the entire watch is the Tudor clasp in the shape of the shield on the underside of your wrist. It's a cool watch with a cool story.

[@ID-Guy]

Very, very interesting! It's crazy how women can pick up on the peculiar watches, right? And it must be because of the leather and steel integration (it actually has quite a high-fashion appeal if we think about it) Great comment and thank you so much for sharing, man!

[@vvvhhhhhbb]

Bodromarsh, let's be honest. The people who buy this watch are not going diving with it. "Born to dare"? Yep. Well done Tudor. I love this watch and it fits my wrist perfectly.

[@barrycolmer324]

Super video, your comments on the relatable factor are very relevant. I purchased this watch when looking at a BB58. I was quite underwhelmed with the 58. It is clearly gorgeous and you could say perfect, but...I wasn't surprised or overly joyful at the prospect of owning one. The AD produced a P01 and I was hooked. The more i looked at it the more I wanted it. Yes, it was cumbersome and awkward, but it was beautiful, lively and free. Unlike any thing around at the moment. It has so many questions unanswered, but so what. Im not going to dive with it, to be honest, Im not sure what I will do with it, but I love it. Im not even sure why I love it, but it is truly spellbinding.

[@ID-Guy]

Thank you so much for this Barry. You're someone who truly gets it ;) Celebrating something that isn't fully formed. Keep wearing it in good health and thank you for the comment, brother!

[@jaysikes4256]

Tudor's motto is "Born to Dare", thus this watch is consistent with that ethos. Daring endeavours don't always result in smashing success.

[@ID-Guy]

They nailed their motto with this, no doubt. I really hope they manage to push more of these "experimentals" out in the future. Thanks as always for your comment Jay

[@LeonXOV]

And for this year they ain’t dare at all for releasing a blue bb58 😂 sometimes capital is also needed for you to be dare

[@FirestormAA]

I have to admit, when P01 launches I find it hard to understand it design concept but now for some reason it started to grow in me! I like it now!!!!

[@e4tm333]

Picked up and new condition P01, it wears really well, and if of you are looking for something different it’s a great choice, very high quality.

[@b.2221]

Not in anyway deriding your thoughts, and deliberations on this one off controversial piece in some peoples eye's. I could not care less one way or another, and people's opinions are what they are. This is a beautifully crafted tool watch on a hybrid strap that would, and does appeal to the lone wolf adventurous type of person. It has exclusivity by the bucket load. Well done Tudor 👍 Tam.

[@ID-Guy]

The more you look at it, the more you think that it would look superb on the wrist of a Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer or Alpine Explorer... It does give off that idea of it being a watch that you throw into your toolkit with all of your hiking / camping gear. Great comment and thank you Tam!

[@b.2221]

@@ID-Guy Totally agree with you Sir 👍 Tam.

[@speedypaul2314]

Well said.

[@MichaelWilliams-mo1vv]

I love the return to a matte dial and indeces that don't have a metal surround.

[@MyZippy13]

Love my P01 its goes with my LHD Pelagos beautifully

[@juniorjohnson5961]

Thank you again for another great video, love the channel , I've liked this watch since the first time I saw it very different I think it will be a future classic !

[@ID-Guy]

Always a pleasure, man! It's always a pleasure putting these together (and I hope it makes a small impact somewhere)

[@michaelbishop9157]

saw it in an AD for first time last weekend and it was much better in person than I expected

[@pilotstyle123]

I noticed that people are warming up to it. Regardless of the look, if I would see a dude on the street wearing a P01 I would think "nice one" and respect it. Its an oddity but Im glad it exists.

[@ID-Guy]

Preach, very nicely said, man!

[@jlg395]

I think it's easily the best-looking watch in Tudor's catalog.

[@vaughanatkinson8421]

Very well put, experimentation at all levels is welcomed and needed, but how damned you are when you fail and lauded when you succeed!! AP 11.59 comes to mind. I personally like the PO1 it was bold of Tudor, and in some ways it works!

[@AK-jl5xt]

Cheers ID, super analysis of the PO1!

[@syniekos]

I actually love it - it has a fair but if 'fun & quirk' about it & certainly looks like the odd one out from the crowd - I think it adds to its appeal.

[@blueshirtbuddah1665]

Another excellent video review IDGuy. THe P 01 is certainly a polarizing watch, but it does have its own charm. I just don’t know what Tudor were thinking on recreating this model.

[@ID-Guy]

She's a strange, strange beast Blueshirt. Pretty amazing that the family took a leap with this idea though, it's commendable ;) Thank you for the comment as always, brother!

[@pei8988]

i think if they go for the Pelagos dial and they add back the triangle on the top of the "bracelet/locking mechanism", it will look better

[@ID-Guy]

Snowflake hands deserve a snowflake dial ;) I so wish that they would use it with a majority of their pieces. Thanks so much for the comment, man!

[@deconstructedluxury1964]

Great video and thanks for an objective commentary. I have one and loved it from the minute it was released but I had to wait almost a year to get my hands on one. Its funny how people criticise the function and yet they wear a Submariner or black bay as a daily watch and never question why they are wearing what are supposed to be professional dive watches for simple, mundane everyday life. Lets be honest, many of us buy and wear watches based on cool factor, heritage and whether we like the look. I have to say that the P01 looks like a vintage watch already and I think once it is discontinued, people will look at it in a different light. Thanks again

[@Mark..P]

Great video as always. Thank you 🙏

[@ID-Guy]

Always a pleasure Mark! I hope you're keeping well and spending all of your time out in the garden!

[@stevefox8605]

One of my favourite Tudor's. Not a fan of the Black Bays, too "subby" & unoriginal. The North Flag is my favourite (will have one once this madness is over). Excellent video, cheers 👍🏻

[@ID-Guy]

They are both Tudors with an X-factor (which is amazing) And I highly recommend the North Flag. I tried one on a few months ago (and it's so bizarre & completely under the radar) Thanks for the comment Steve!

[@dickfear3962]

I think its fantastic. The more i wair it the more i love it. Great review.

[@Thomas_Burnett]

This is exactly the kind of piece that the Watch world needs. Something that pushes the envelope design wise and ultimately causes a bit of controversy. To start off with I was with the crowd that thought it looked a bit Seiko like but, did not dismiss it. Ever since I have become more and more intrigued by the P01. I had never seen one before until I peered through the window of an AD last week and they had one in its box in the window. It truly looked stunning and I cannot wait to inspect it closer as soon as the lockdown is over. The P01 really has caught my attention and fits everything that I like about tool watches, rugged, quirky, industrial looking. I may even have to start saving! Yet again, a great analysis of a watch in your unique style IDGuy. Great work. ✊ STAY WELL EVERYONE. ❤️

[@christopherkimball4867]

Thomas Burnett it doesn’t push the envelope, it was a poor design because the bezel is next to impossible to set with one head. It can’t be used as a diver so the maid it a dual time, but you still have to remove it from your arm to set the bezel, which is dumb when there has been 70 years of a better design. The watch world needs something new, not a old failure.

[@mugglepower]

I love the design. Been looking for a slightly better dive watch around the 5k price range for a while. Would have gone for a submariner if I can find one for less than 10k. But no. Then my friend showed me this today and I moved pretty quickly. I like the black bay series but the thing stopping me from getting one is the lack of a crown guard. This is real nice.

[@collinruth4756]

Ok, having tried one on and seen it in the flesh, it wears MUCH better than so many reviews suggest. It doesn't wear that thick, and the bezel locking isn't hard to use. The tensions are good, and the bidirectional action is very sharp. Sure it doesn't really make sense, but it looks fairly cool in person.

[@22bootsy]

One of my favorite pieces in my collection is an skx781. It's different, but, I couldn't pass it up. The orange monster is robust, visually striking and after 14 years does not gain more than a few seconds a day. Many moons ago, I heard about a mysterious and remote prototype from Tudor/Rolex that could be considered the "Bigfoot" of watches that was equally tough. I read forums, heard stories and saw pictures that were supposedly unverified. I was intrigued, I said to myself, if I ever get the opportunity to lasso one of those unicorns, one of those horological anomalies, I would. Finally pulled the trigger. To me, this military tool watch is the true heritage of the brand. No, it's not everyone's cup of tea, nor should it ever be. Rare opportunity to get something special before it's gone forever.

[@Ranghocsing]

They using a mesh bracelet it would be great.... like the new omega 2020 James Bond

[@ID-Guy]

The day we see Rolex using mesh bracelets... I think hell would freeze over ;) Thanks for the comment, brother!

[@NikonFM2n]

I tried it on at WESTIME and it grew on me. It wasn't as bad as I expected.

[@ID-Guy]

I got to try it on a few months ago too and it really is quite something. Really feels like an Explorers watch. Thanks for the comment, man!

[@wesleylu7383]

The dial and the bezel are HOT. But the lugs are sooooo ridiculously long it completely ruins the proportion of the watch for me.

[@ID-Guy]

I've heard that to be a common complaint as well! They stretch beyond 50mm's right? Unreal. This is one watch that would suit a 38mm case ;)

[@eco8gator]

The Rolex Submariner was a failure too. The US Navy rejected the Sub back in the 50s in favor of the Enicar Seapearl 600... There is a very detailed navy report talking about the issues with the Rolex. The only complaint about the Enicar was the highly radioactive dial.

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

Great job, IDGuy. I'd much rather see Tudor experiment with the P01 than to see them sell uninspiring watches like the Glamour, the 1926 and those hideous (IMHO) gold filled Black Bay 36s and 41s. If Tudor made the next P01 no date, got rid of those articulating endlink extensions, made the bezel 60 clicks, dropped those bezel locks, and gave it something cool like an auto-expanding link oyster bracelet, then I reckon they'd have a real winner on their hands.

[@Seriously140]

So basically a Pelogos?

[@ID-Guy]

STRETCH RIVET BRACELETS!! Are you listening Tudor?? Hell, I'd love to see an idea like this implemented on the Deep Sea Special (with an added rotating bezel) Just making it quirky and fun. Great comment, brother and thank you as always!

[@chi-towncalifornia5916]

@@Seriously140 Sort of, but the Pelagos bracelet links don't auto expand.

[@rodsalvador3608]

The cafe racer of watches. Very cool.

[@discingaround]

If Rolex made products follow suit, in the future this will be worth quite a bit. I love the design, but the bracelet totally throws it off. Many people say it looks like Tudor made a Seiko, I slightly agree. Hopefully they start out with the Mini Sub again, then ramp up to the Sub.

[@tippykaffu4047]

I think there may only be 3 Tudors I will have in my collection if I have the money. BB58-Blue Pelagos-P01

[@discingaround]

don't be sleeping on a vintage Prince Date-Day or Prince Oysterdate in 38mm.

[@tippykaffu4047]

@@discingaround I don't look into vintage stuff

[@watching_nyc]

great content as usual! i like the bracelet much better on this piece but yea, it’s a love or hate watch.

[@ID-Guy]

Thanks a lot, Mark! There have been some amazing examples of this watch (wearing a bracelet) on Instagram lately (I'll be trying to track down the individual)

[@andygtv]

At last a watch that is not a submariner

[@bambikiller338]

I think they will make it for about four years And then they will discontinue it due to lagging sales, of course after that people will gobble them up and they will be hard to find.

[@ID-Guy]

We know that they are going to be collectables one of these days (and social media is going to hype them up to no end) Thanks for the comment, man!

[@geoffsullivan4063]

I have a new p01 and I love it but personally I would have much preferred it if they would have released a straight up copy of the original.

[@Ossory88]

I can see myself buying one. But not within the next two purchases. There are just some better watches around to be had.

[@watchexplorer321]

A smasher. So mysterious ...

[@DougE.phresh]

I think it would look better with some age on it, keep in mind, someone out there who isn't into watches at all, has only this piece and loves it everyday

[@ID-Guy]

I really think this design will grow on people in years to come (who knows) and thanks so much for the comment, Mr Kennedy!

[@DougE.phresh]

@@ID-Guy I think so too, I could see an Indiana Jones or Dirk Pitt character wearing a watch like this, take care bud, looking forward to the live stream this weekend

[@truebluemiata]

I like it. But then I'm neither a devotee of Tudor nor dive watches. (I have one in my collection and that's enough.) I collect vintage Seikos, so different, quirky designs appeal to me.

[@eco8gator]

The Rolex Daytona "Cosmograph" = fail the moon watch trials by NASA and due to the failure it was not selected to the moon mission. The Navy replaced the Sub with the Enicar Seapearl in the late 50s due to reliability issues and other factors...I have the Navy docs in the study that drove the switch. The P01 just want selected but it did fix an issue that Rolex had bad then and implemented a bezel that locked into position and was field serviceable. In short, Rolex has sold many designs that have had some epic historical fails to us for years.

[@gscraggster6553]

The P01, is the love child of the 1655, and a Seiko, It was by far the best Rolex that Tudor revelled last year, and I for one love everything about it.

[@ID-Guy]

Great comment, man! I also like the 1655 reference you threw in there. We might see it fall in line as a collectable like the Exp2 one day soon, who knows? ;)

[@gscraggster6553]

IDGuy I do enjoy your straight videos on diverse and interesting watches, having owned my P01, early as they realised, I found myself shouting from every rooftop how it was a simply cool watch, it’s ugly enough, to be pretty, it’s big enough to be seen, yet still somehow seems to fit under a casual cuff. And it’s controversial enough, to make people think. Frankly if you don’t have one, your just missing out.

[@UGA.D]

I'm all for a mechanism to lock a rotating bezel in the time of friction bezels. But why on a 12-Hour bezel?! I can see not wanting to bump a bezel under water and think you have more time than you do, but who ever said, "Dang it, I just bumped my bezel and lost a 11 minutes of GMT vacation time"?

[@giannis_cy]

Do people really expect Tudor to release a submariner? 1. Tudor is trying to move away from the "poor man's rolex" title 2. The marketing geniuses at Rolex would not give that name again to a non rolex product 3. Tudor already has 2 competing diver watch series why would they add a third? Whoever believed tudor would release a sub was either clickbaiting or ignorant

[@DavidDatura]

I don’t know, the 12 hour bezel seems pretty much useless. If it had a much more practical divers 60 minute count down bezel I would of liked it a lot more.

[@ID-Guy]

It's so strange why they just didnt opt for the more typical bezel (that would make it infinitely more practical) It's a strange beast from start to finish....

[@DavidDatura]

IDGuy indeed

[@karasus7512]

The watch is 200m water resistant but has a leather bracelet that should not touch water (I asked Rolex about it). Then asked if the strap can be changed to something water resistant, was told no.... Had to pass on it sadly...

[@ID-Guy]

I'm sure any 20mm strap would fit on those external attachments though? Strange that they would tell you "no" for something so simple. There's no doubt that it's a strange, strange beast and thanks for the comment Karasus!

[@vvvhhhhhbb]

I own this watch and have about 3 different bands to change. Including a oyster link. I am not sure what the AD is talking about.

[@ForbinColossus]

A few thoughts: Its peculiar LEATHER band would be fun as an included accessory; I prefer your choice of an oyster riveted bracelet. Wouldn't it be wonderful if TUDOR would present its designers explaining their design intentions for it? A short TED style talk could be fascinating. Or even a casual behind the scenes view, 'Here's what we were thinking' when we designed it... That could stir interest and would certainly make one feel more connected to the creation than mere common glossy adverts.

[@Thomas-vq5pb]

Tudor is trying to step away from the Black Bay series. Perhaps if it had the original size (smaller) and the same original thickness, it could have been more successful. Rolex and Tudor need new ideas. Rolex should create a new tool watch, a "land dweller" adapted to our lifestyle, thin, small, and with a 24 hour hand, and possibly even with a fixed bezel, but thinner than current ones. what do you think?

[@carloscontreras3633]

But it is a fun watch. Let's not criticize Tudor for making this watch. This is what we want as buyers. We want something different and this is it. Rolex subs, GMTs like the Batman, the Pepsi all of them are the same. People buy it, but it's boring. Let's see watch makers take more chances like this.

[@ID-Guy]

Exactly what I tried to say in the end. Celebrating that in between during the "making process" when it is not refined or "perfect". I'd love to see further development of other models in the future and thanks for the comment Carlos!

[@stevefox8605]

Well said 👍🏻

[@samlloyd8742]

This is a great watch I keep love the history mines next the first ever Rolex with a "Rotating bezel" half Date just other half a sports Diver 100m and back in the 50s THIS was before the SUB was about. yes..this Rolex has the first in a few but it was used buy Americans & they called them (THE THUNDERBIRD) and it eas born but NOT for long THEY were Discontinued in the 1970. Then rerelesed in the 2000 and as a Date just case but had a bezel there was black, Dial Bluex, And White, still there was some buying the blue as they were more fanciful as for the White Dial they again Discontinued the Rolex in 2008 so the White Dial on a steel jubilee and a RED Seconds hand with a magnificent Cyclops date window THAT was in red numbers plus it was lumed the ideal sports 100m watch. My collection is a Refefletion on such watches that was first of its kind,, "Then Discontinued" I am a very much a massive Fan in there horological value,, just like the Zenith hi beat in the First (Rolex Daytona's) I keep one thats a 1980s it next to my Tudor P01 & my Rolex Thunderbird which too has great HISTORY in the beginning and my fascination of more "BLACK SHEEP" ....?....or in THIS case white Dial and "Orange Makers and The "THUNDERBOLT seconds hand". YES both companies Are both in high horology And The ROLEX MILLGUASS White face gorgeous bracelet Finishings is in there much ecxpencive range and its highly polished centre links on the new clasp THIS watch is a classic Discontinued Rolex in 2008 and for the measly cash I bought it for just 5 years AGO yet Today inc box tags PAPER ect its such an classic same as all my strange collection......the Omega Big Blue Ceramic, Planet Ocean 600m MASTER coaxial 9500 cal. AND my super Duper EXTREMELY glamorous SOLID 18k rose gold the ( BREUGET MARINE MASTER 300m WITH a underwater MECHANICAL ALARM ON A VALCANIZED RUBBER BLACK STRAP...That has two solid GOLD 18k tie back strap holders the watch is for a millionaire water sports player very underappreciated as a piece of Horology and art again 3 years ago it was worth just its very very heavy gold but the repater MECHANICAL engineering ALARM is a marvel running a 3hz for undesirable PEOPLE thats about the Standered in watch world so get ready as most are all 3&4hz watch lovers and ARE all into Rolex. THAT one reason why l like my ones ie There all Different but like my last piece the (ZENITH the NEW Silicon spring all into one oscillating movement almost zero friction (The DEFY 21 v,p,h 350,000 v,p,h,... compared to the best the bregute 10hz thats about 1000 v,p,h,...!!! but yours is by Bonker at 3500hz thats a super accurate watch that uses very few moving parts the case and bracelet as very varied buy fully hand crafted and super luxury...

[@derekshearer9049]

People want new and exciting until they get new and exciting. That is why we are probably doomed as a species.. Lol

[@derekshearer9049]

@austin rosin. I myself own Rolex and Tudor and l like the things that make Tudor unique and distinct.

[@ID-Guy]

It's an infinite cycle of complaining hahaha! Puppy chasing its tail (or car) mentality

[@ID-Guy]

@austin rosin Everything needs to be relatable for it to stick in peoples minds, but then it becomes boring and the cycle just continues ;)

[@numberstation]

If you’re going to produce a tool watch with a frankly crude finish (and there’s nothing wrong with that) then you should reflect that ethos in the price, and I don’t think Tudor do.

[@ID-Guy]

Ooooh, very nicely said. Finishing should cost extra (as it does when we move up the echelons)

[@vvvhhhhhbb]

Numberstation, have you seen this watch? In person? There is absolutely no "crude" finish. The workmanship and finish on this watch is top notch. Brushed finish, with tight tolerances. A superbly crafted watch. The price is what they set and I believe worth it. It may be polarizing, and of course you are entitled to your opinion. But it's is not fair, you disparaging the watch which is made up to Tudor standards.

[@cedarcanoe]

The Seiko P01 😀

[@ID-Guy]

I was so tempted to put that into the title after Saturday's show... you have no idea ;)

[@cedarcanoe]

IDGuy keep up the good work, you are doing a hell of a good job for us watch enthousiasts

[@maynardjoseph]

Back to the drawing board Tudor.

[@ID-Guy]

They must have thrown it out of the window at some stage ;)

[@ausaleve6002]

Major aesthetical flaw (imo) is the gap between the crown and the bezel. Without this detail I could like the P01.

[@gmshadowtraders]

Tudor obviously had a 'Seiko' moment. But there can only be one king of the watch world.

[@ID-Guy]

Hahaha! Well if we are going to get technical, Tudor had the "Seiko styling" beforehand, I think? The 6105 only arrived in the late sixties? I'll have to recheck the history books quick...

[@gmshadowtraders]

@@ID-Guy Haha! Yes guilty it would seem. Seiko's 62Mas ripped off the Blancpain Bathyscape, as you mentioned in a previous video. This 4 o'clock design on their divers appeared around 1968? Please check that!

[@TZOID08]

This watch is a failure. My Authorized dealer has had one in the showcase for 3 months and the salesman said nobody likes it. Tudor is sputtering and the GMT Movement problems has me moving away from the brand as my GMT failed after 6 months.

[@fredo1070]

Rolex always denied this watch existed, and that all prototypes in auctions were fakes. Does this watch look like something Rolex would make? For the era the watch is too big, the lugs are too long and fussy. And why the bizarre bezel lock when professional divers had been using the Submariner for years with no complaints?

[@mugglepower]

nooooooo the mercedes hand is a big offense to me, even on a tudor. I would not like to wear anything with a mercedes hand that's not a rolex. That feature is just too iconic and too rolex. It just feels weird.

[@ar-am1976]

Lol....they have used them since 1954!!! I think that makes it an established norm at this point.

[@jjlad5037]

When the P01 was first introduced, I thought it was hideous, but after seeing it in the steel, I'm now convinced it's hideous.

[@ID-Guy]

I laughed for much longer than should have after reading this. Thanks for the comment, man!

[@markphillips2072]

It's funny how a Micro brand like Spinnaker brought out a 10.000 depth watch for a reasonable price very foward thinking for a Micro brand.

[@christopherkimball4867]

I just have to point out that it requires two hands to adjust the bezel, meaning you would need to remove the watch underwater to make it work. That’s why it was rejected originally and why it’s a duel time now. It is a poor, ugly design, that should have stayed dead.

[@ID-Guy]

Very good point. Surely the latest model can be pinched open with two finger and the bezel can be adjusted by a third? It's so peculiar... kind of reminds me of the overly technical Ploprof (also needs two hands to set) Thanks a lot of the comment, Christopher!

[@cbosward]

It doesn’t need 2 hands at all.

[@mikegeary2112]

I'm happy they are trying different things, but this seems a waste. I would never own one.

[@ChiTownTx]

I respect what Tudor was trying to do here and in a way can understand why some people may like it. To each their own and buy what you like in my opinion. However to me this is one of the worst designed and most hideous watches I have ever seen in the watch world.

[@ID-Guy]

I love the sheer brutality at the end of your comment. It actually put a wide grin on my face mwhahaha!

[@Svenskadoktorn]

It's horrible. But to each his own.