The Coolest New Dive Watches Of 2023: Tudor Pelagos FXD, Vulcain Nautical, Blancpain X Swatch & More

[@pacovl46]

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, just like the quartz watch the smart watch won’t be able to make mechanical watches go extinct because there will always be people who appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a mechanical watch!

[@werners5191]

Craftsmanship, to me, is not more important than practicality, unless what you are primarily concerned with is jewelry. My Garmin Fenix 6 never leaves my wrist, unlike my Swiss automatics.

[@pacovl46]

@@werners5191 I’m not saying quartz doesn’t have its place in horology because it clearly does, and if you need the functions of a quartz watch for your job or a hobby then that’s perfectly fine. All I’m saying is that mechanical watches will never die out because of quartz or smart watches because there will always be people, like myself, who prefer the craftsmanship that goes into the making of a mechanical watch over the functions of a smart or a quartz watch. I have a quartz clock, including alarm, timer and a stopwatch in my phone. I don’t need another one on my wrist. And I’m just not lazy enough to need a smart watch to tell me what my phone is doing either. The only quartz watch I’d consider would be a diving computer or maybe something that measures altitude, if I was a mountaineer or something along the lines. But for my lifestyle a mechanical dive watch and a dress watches is all I need. Also, a smart watch will be outdated and become obsolete after a few years. I just don’t see the point of wasting several hundred bucks every few years on an item I’m using simply because I’m too lazy to get my phone out of my pocket. It’s a total waste of money. And it’s not about jewelry either. The parts that make up a mechanical watch are quite small. Some of the wheels and cogs are tiny. What I admire is the precision that’s needed to make the watch run as accurately as possible. Nowadays that’s not really a problem with modern technology, but try to cut the teeth of a cog or a thread onto a one millimeter wide pinion by hand. They did this already 2 centuries ago. All the complications that Louis Breguet invented that are still just as relevant today as they were back then. All the complications that can he had theses days are amazing. It can take decades to develop a new movement with new complications. That’s the craftsmanship I’m talking about and a quartz watch or a smart watch aren’t even in the same ballpark. They’re just functional, but there’s very little crafty about it and they’re most definitely not a piece of art that will be handed down as an heirloom for generations to come. Just look up any A. Lange & Söhne perpetual calendar/chronograph movement. It looks literally like a piece of art. Now open up the case back of your beloved Garmin for comparison. It’s two completely different worlds that cater two two completely different demographics and that’s precisely why the two will always coexist. Will smart watches harm the regular watch business? Yes! But it most definitely won’t be an extinction event.

[@dgdave2673]

@@werners5191- well it’s the same as having a fine gold and diamond jewelry vs having a fine and still well made Swarovski jewelry. Both get the job done very well, sometimes the lifestyle jewelry looking better than original, but again it ain’t the same !

[@greg1923]

I'd personally rather not have something strapped to my wrist that other people influence. By that I mean the constant interruptions from notifications. I can put down my phone, go for a walk and still have a time keeping device with me. Though I can see why a lot of people enjoy and have almost a requirement for a smart watch. Either way, I believe both will co-exist for quite some time.

[@TheGrenadier97]

The smartwatch even less so. The quartz is a respectable piece of technology if one considers the historical context, like the Concorde versus a glorious liner ship; smartwatches are just partial phones with scheduled obsolescence.

[@klausm5460]

Goldeneye is my favorite Bond movie, maybe aided by the fact that it was the first one I watched in an actual movie theatre. Brosnan trying to look dapper while crashing a tank through buildings was hilarious and quite faithful to Connery's and Moore's approach to the role. (LOL, autocorrect wanted to fill in Rolex instead of role)

[@TheGrenadier97]

A dive watch with an alarm makes every sense in the world. Impressive piece by Vulcain.

[@indianasunsets5738]

Always appreciate your real and independent reviews. And you do it all with style and panache! Even though I'm an affordable watch guy working in a warehouse, I always enjoy seeing the amazing lux watches like that Vulcain. Maybe some day...

[@chronocommander007]

I appreciate all the attention to detail and your ability to deliver a flawless presentation that is informative and entertaining.

[@HRM.H]

That crystal is serious!! Ive always loved Vulcain and Revue Thommen Cricket watches. Very unique offering on the market. I still hope Tudor reintroduces the Advisor someday, with a modern Kenissi movement.

[@johnnyj.817]

me too, but not too expensive… lol

[@johnstyron6543]

This Vulcain has charm, class beauty, history and innovation. And NO one aside from you is discussing it. I like that a lot. Just like you, I wish it was a bit smaller. I’ll just pray they can come out with a reduced size for you and I. 🙏

[@77cjam]

What a stunning looking watch the Vulcain is. But it's huge, looking at it on your wrist would be like being sucked into a black hole.... But it's a very different design and that's always a big thumbs up from me. 👍. Great video as always, with good talking points surrounding dive watches. Have a great weekend sir

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you, always appreciated my friend. Have a great weekend too! Best regards, TGV

[@goldtoothjacko]

T, great video. Who knows what Tudor will so... One thing is for sure is that it's unlikely to be what most people want... A Tudor Sub remake! Beet we always. Matthew

[@DavidKnight-nx7fb]

I have recently visited Sardinia, and I am seeing more people wearing watches than smart watches, this was great to see 🤗

[@bruno13256]

Huge thanks to TGV for opening my eyes on lesser known brands. I'm new to the watches and just bought a Squale 1521 and I love it. There is a huge difference between seeing a watch online and live indeed!

[@richd6626]

As always an unbiased review and opinion TGV! Been a follower of the channel for 5 years now. Just pulled the trigger on a doxa sub200 and love it. Keep doing what you’re doing, you’re an elite amongst the watch community or should I say horological community!

[@CyberSammael]

This is a fascinating watch, and while the mechanical alarm is clearly the showpiece, I am probably more impressed by a 300m depth rating without a screw down crown! I would take this over a Tudor any day. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[@crossbones8956]

After all these years, I still love a new TGV video. Many hours I’ve spent binging these with a drink on the patio. 🎉🎉🎉

[@daniell2217]

Literally LOL’d at Robocop saying “shaken, not stirred”. A+, 5-star editing as always, my man. Loved the entire vid.

[@alexm2113]

That Vulcain is certainly unique and special, but I myself just don't have the wrist size for it. As for Tudor, I totally agree on the Big Block. Giving us another alterative to a Daytona I think would be a huge win for Tudor.

[@graywolf6498]

Always a breath of fresh air when your videos drop. Grazie mille 🙏🏻

[@DustandPiers]

Great review on this piece. Vulcain is making some of my favorite watches right now. The alarm and the sandwich dial would be noteworthy in a watch on their own, but together makes for one heck of a piece. On it being the year of the diver, well, that's even personally true. I had never found one that clicked, no pun intended, til I tried a Super Squale, which rapidly found a brother, a lume dial 1521. Cheers to the independent and small brands, and to your channel for covering them enthusiastically and from an informed perspective.

[@davemassa3560]

Just got on KZbin and TGV drops a fresh video what a way to end a busy week. Great intro and loving the Duck Tales tee !! O&U TGV ❤

[@annikinstarkiller600]

The longer I am interested in watches the more i appreciate your style of content

[@skxcellent]

Fantastic video TGV! Thank you kindly. Vulcain are doing some amazing things for sure! My favourite Tudors are their older models, much like your Tudor Sub 79090. Whilst these are still available pre-loved, they're often prohibitively expensive. Maybe one of these days...

[@lonewolfemcquade8133]

One of my favorite new divers is HGP. Georges Monnin is working with them and they brought back the Legendary Monnin case that Heuer, Zodiac,Breitling and Aquadive used in the 70's and 80s

[@lizardking96]

Ciao TGV, ho scoperto da poco il tuo canale e sto guardando tutti i tuoi video. Contenuti sempre originali e di ottima qualità. Upwards and onwards 🔝🔝

[@adk7962]

I literally blurted out “WTF (the actual words)” when you said “with a mechanical alarm.” That’s the coolest watch I’ve seen reviewed in a while. As for the Swatchpain, at least it seems they executed it better than the Moonswatch. Thanks for cheering me up in what turned out to be a pretty dreary workday for me. 👍🏼

[@theurbangentry]

🙏🙏🙏 So cool to hear others can appreciate just how cool this is. Thank you for the inspiring comment. Onwards, upwards and best regards, TGV

[@IlluminatingWatches]

Certina do have the very cool link of the DS reference 5601 003 being worn by Max Eislin and the rest of the expedition on the first ascent of Dhaulagiri as well as the “man who skied down Everest” Yuichiro Miura. Funnily enough the cricket was the first watch up K2.

[@cyberfieldmarshall1009]

❤the opening of all your videos. The music, history and general ambience speaks to me. 👍🏼oh yeah hoping for a Tudor BB58 Pepsi GMT on their new jubilee bracelet. Current version is too clunky for me. Cheers mate

[@ocean911]

A Cricket with the alarm feature and be a true GMT would be amazing...😁

[@brianbrewer4141]

What a great video. Thanks! I'm a big fan of Vulcain and the JLC Memovox and love them both. I have two JLC alarm watches a Mercedes AMVOX and one of the 100m "Dive Memovox's from the early 2000's. I also have several Vulcains. I love them all. The one thing I would say is that I went to buy the new JLC Polaris Diver Memovox and didn't buy it because it doesn't make enough noise to wake me up, which is an important thing for an alarm watch to do. I just bought the vintage loomed Nautical and the OCarat blue green model. They work the way I need them too, and I just love their story. But to fair to JLC, own five of them and won't part with any of them. The Reverso is an absolute classic, and the Reverso dual time is a very funcional watch for the traveler. On the Polaris Memovox side, I hope they choose to improve their game.

[@DavidDatura]

That is the most spectacular watch crystal I’ve seen on a new watch 😆 and what a totally unique looking take on the diver too. I really like it! Out of all the formerly defunct watch brands brought back to life in recent years, Vulcain is my favorite together with Airain, Aquastar and Fears too. Such desirable watches, and mostly at relatively affordable price points.

[@szendrenko]

Thanks for bringing to light some watches that I don't see very often - very interesting and very informative.

[@77cmchong]

The Vulcain reminds me of my JLC Amvox 1, which is based on the vintage Polaris. Also a large watch at 42mm, with a ringing alarm. The caseback is very similar with the holes. The JLC is better finished but the Vulcain has a more interesting dial with the decompression scale :)

[@markmeszaros76]

That squale you've designed and showcased in the intro is an absolute beauty 😍

[@BAF605]

I was lucky enough to pick up the Vulcain 50's Presidents reissue watch with a very good discount during all the Hoo Ha about the Bel Canto, and paid considerably less than the CW costs. Very happy with my purchase. The Tudor FXD releases and others are leaving me a little cold as they all begin to merge into one another. The Walts will love those with "military connections" though. Tudor need another winner that isn't a Pelabay!!

[@brianF584]

Great video TGV. Thank you for the continued honest unbiased content. How did the Vulcain wear on the wrist, it looks like it could be a sleeve cuff magnet?

[@unixnerd23]

Divers? Just bought a Certina PH500, wears much smaller than you'd imagine. The fact the original was worn by all the astronauts in Gerry Anderson's 1969 series UFO is a total bonus :-)

[@dgdave2673]

Just love your productions. That Vulcain seems superb ! Always wondered why no wristwatches with an alarm function.

[@mattshaffer5935]

A beauty! I love that huge domed sapphire, the dial, everything. I would not buy it because a man should know how to use it and I don’t dive. Great review and as always thank you for your hard work.

[@theurbangentry]

Always a pleasure Matt, thank you for the support. Best regards, TGV

[@chrisbliss7130]

Why did it take me so long to find your channel? A charming, movie loving watch lover with some italian flavor? Such a joy to see your immaculate videos with such love for details. Bravo!

[@Kaipelana]

Outstanding. I had far less erudite seminars on Western Art when I was in college - your capacity to combine historical context with design critique is unmatched. May one ask, what are your sources for the music of your intros? Your choices throughout are impeccable. I love this mysterious/dreamy Bond-like intro, and of course the intro to the Battle for the Best WWII Swiss Automatic. Did you compose/remix these yourself? Or select these from an existing source? Regardless, well done indeed.

[@jeremycorrao]

That is a very cool looking watch! Videos just keep getting better and better. Cheers my friend!

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you fratello 🙏🙏🙏 Best as always, T.

[@ArneKuilman]

Excellent balanced review. What a great looking watch.

[@Makingnewnamesisdumb]

I feel like the last 10 years have all been the year of the dive watch.

[@jedlomax100]

And BTW since subscribing to this channel, I've become a lot more aware of what people have on their wrists. Where I live there's a huge amount of mechanical watches, far more than Apple ones. I live in Europe btw.

[@farshidrahmani6262]

Friday and a GTV video!? Nice. Not to mention all the references to James Bond and a photo of Shah of Iran, 👍🏼. Mmm, Good old days. Cheers 🥂

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you Farshid. Have a wonderful weekend my friend. 🙏😎 Best regards, TGV

[@heikowallauer]

Good evening TGV! Wow, that Vulcan is a hefty piece! But the Pelagos FXD strarts growing on me, to be honest. When it first came out, I was a little underwhelmed, but in the longrun, it is a quintessential diver. But what I really would love to see from Tudor is a Prince Daydate in twotone with a nice jubilee bracelet. Have a great evening! Best regards!

[@theurbangentry]

YESSSSSSSS, you know I would love that from Tudor too! Thank you my friend, have a great weekend too. Best regards, TGV

[@golith41]

I realy like the style you shot this episode, breaking the 4th wall when reviewing the watch was very cool and clever.

[@thebestoffools]

I just want to say I love your videos. Thanks for making them. ~ Cheers!

[@bigprocrastinator]

A slightly smaller, 40 mm black bay gmt in a monochrome dial would be cool. I realize gmts need bigger cases to house the more complex movements but seeing one that's a bit smaller than their 41mm offering would be nice.

[@bigprocrastinator]

I meant bezel not dial

[@mcirone]

I always look forward to your insights on trends/technology and how it affects the market. Cheers from Chicago

[@OFD]

👏so impressive as always. Cheers Tristano!🥂

[@stan12587]

TGV thanks for another great video. To be honest I tried to get into Apple Watch but just couldn’t find satisfaction in it. I will always enjoy the mechanical watches. I am new to the watch scene and was getting interested in the Tudor brand after watching a few of your videos. I would love to see a nice comparison video between them as you mentioned to help me make a choice for my first luxury watch watch. Thanks again and can’t wait to see more of your videos!!

[@EricObrien-x8v]

I genuinely lol'd at robo's "martini, shaken..."

[@rain3304]

LOL TGV 2 minutes into your intro :) thanks for your talent and live long and prosper.

[@Digital_District]

That T-Rex ..... speechless 🤣

[@lordcaff]

I bought a White Shadow after your last video and it is perfection and maybe healed my hopeless watch habit Maybe

[@EAsp100]

Blackadder is the best comedy ever made. ELITE!

[@mieszkogulinski168]

Nice to see new and fresh designs :)

[@lkn7525]

I have a Vulcain nautical from 2011 (the previous reissue) one of the greatest watches I've ever seen in the "under-stratospheric non-mega-luxury" category, I like it very much. I do not have big wrist, but the size is absolutely OK, I don't feel the height or the lug-to-lug as too big.

[@DavidClarke-kj5ky]

very good review of the Nautical. a genuinely different option in the market. thank you.

[@dunderhay9169]

Interesting watch and a great review 👍. Too large for most wrists, but good to see something truly different.

[@armadillodreamin]

Speaking of the Vulcain Nautical, What I'd like to see from Tudor is actually a return of the Heritage Advisor. Such a cool watch.

[@braydenweaver3937]

That's a great neon sign by your bed. The Omega La Magique was such a great watch for Tony Montana too.

[@aurellio33]

Great stuff👍 thinking a chrono update would be good with great entry levels from Maen, Baltic and Hamilton. No moonswatch haha

[@astroporpoise7802]

Fantastic quality vid! Would love to see you cover this brand more--or perhaps review a Cricket or Nautique in the future. Cheers!

[@samwoodfin]

"How do you like your martini, sir?" *Grins* "Murphy."

[@mauiholidayinformation4656]

From Tudor, I would like to a BB58 (39 mm) with the bergundy bezel of the Heritage 41. I'll stand in line now for that one.

[@jeffreardon3969]

I am on the hunt for my final grail watch. One more and done. I am leaning towards a Tudor. Something like the Explorer but not the Ranger. Something between a cross between an Explorer and 007's Rolex in Dr. No. An iconic ageless time piece that looks good in a suit, and a casual Saturday. Looks good in an Oyster bracelet, or a Nato. Case diameter between 38mm to 40mm. Understated class. My final watch. Not a relatively inexpensive micro-brand watch, I just sold my small collection. I have an Omega Seamaster, and several TH watches that I will never part with. One more.

[@johnravioli6660]

Looking forward to watching this !

[@fatihsutcu]

Great vid as always. But, did I miss the measurements? For one moment TGV had the caliper in hand but started talking about materials, etc. I have quickly scanned the whole video a couple times back and forth but didnt see the measurements. Anyway I see it is on the larger side and thickness is also there.

[@jorgsofi]

I love my Oris Divers Sixty-Five and Aquis diver watches.

[@martinwright9238]

That intro was great ,if that swauve dino sold watches i would buy 10

[@petartrifonov8823]

Great review as always. Maybe we shall see a monthly paper magazine sometimes in the future.

[@steelsteez6118]

😂 absolutely love your unfiltered yet classy way of saying things. "Bioceramic monstrosity" 🤣

[@gqwarren]

Love having Famka Onatopp of the show 😜👍

[@theurbangentry]

😉🍸 Hugo's new bit on the side apparently. 🤣🤣🤣 Thank you, enjoy! Best regards, TGV

[@gqwarren]

​@@theurbangentryyou also put in my favorite line from The Rock! Awesome 😂

[@axelr9378]

Vulcain is a pepite for sure, big but original. Regarding Tudor, i am waiting for a black shield full ceramic chrono tricompax. It would be a black watch with red hands red lume to remind Tudor cyclo team, 10 atm, a tachymeter bezel. Moreover a ceramic bracelet would be cool, a metas cosc movement like in the BB ceramic. A Daytona for young daring people. 😂 An upgrade of pepsi gmt with blue gmt hand instead of red (black dial of course) and tfit. Every hands in blue for the white dial. New colors for Pelagos but still in titanium and polished ceramic insert maybe.

[@jjjakefrench]

What a fantastic watch and part of history

[@joeltoddwilliams3568]

Man that thing is cool I love mechanical alarm watches

[@fredcrook8228]

That's a marvelous machine! Cheers to Hugo. :)

[@vktravellog1242]

TGV drop on a Friday is perfect!

[@edgeyt1]

I'm a fan of the black FXD whereas I'm not a fan of the blue one. When Rolex offers a different colour way for the Submariner people wet themselves in their excitement contrast this with the reception the new FXD has received - go figure. That Vulcan looks super tactile.

[@theurbangentry]

🤣🤣🤣 Very true. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@mattys1467]

I do like that Vulcain is back. A rich history. Especially as I have one of their 1970s as a new, old stock. As for the Swatch releases, just not for me. Good luck to those that want but I will pass. Top show, as ever 👍 👏

[@cullohagan492]

Nice video and interesting brand which I’ve admired for some time. I was surprised to see the Vulcain clock at the TWA Hotel at JFK.

[@4evalost948]

Man that vulcain watch is really cool and the Blancpain statement of reviewing a watch with out hold one is post on never understood that kind of watch review it makes little to no since. I would like to get my hands on the vulcain and the Blacpain both seem like good fun to wear for different reasons, at the moment I wont be able to buy any watches because of my other hobbies this time of the year and they are quite expensive so I'll have to wait until Christmas time to dip my hands in to buying watches so many hobbies not enough money ha ha or time as always a very enjoyable video.

[@c.cabanilla8963]

That duck tales 👕 shirt!!!! Awesome 😎

[@paulbugoni2846]

Transitioning from watching Davide Cecchini to TGV. Ottimo video T. That Blancpain e veramente ciofeca!

[@benmcclendon2555]

What do you think about the Benrus Ultra Deep and Sea Lord divers? An old school, micro brand reviving their old standards with vintage specs.

[@pieterjlansbergen6988]

Great video story and review as usual. You are one of a kind. I was also most intrigued by your Universal Geneve White Shadow but was not able to find the relevant video about Patek you mentioned. Neither did the link work. Could you please help in pointing in the right direction? That would be greatly appreciated. Thanking in advance Pieter from Italy. Ciao

[@pieterjlansbergen6988]

I found it! Another very interesting story.

[@gerrytemple5044]

Thx TGV, great video once more! Will we see a shift back towards dress watches in 2024 again?

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you, as for dress watches. I really really hope so, but who knows. 🤞🤞🤞 As we move into colder seasons, that always helps. More importantly, what do you think? Thank you, Best regards. TGV

[@gerrytemple5044]

I notice that myself as well as some friends are a bit tired of dive watches. I'd really love to see some finer works of style and art. Maybe not necessarily PP, VC or JLC (the Reverso in red could be my 1-watch collection) as they're not in a lot of people's budgets. But I see that Cartier, Chopard, Longines or Rotary get more and more attention on watch channels (well, maybe not the mad watch collector 😉). I think there is a longing for elegance again. Cheers!

[@gerrytemple5044]

@@theurbangentry I just discovered the Frederique Constant Carree which for 995 (to 1,395) € is the most classy alternative to a JLC Reverso, at least for my budget. Maybe interesting for you as well? I know you like the brand. Cheers!

[@goran3149]

I say what a spectacular show.... 👌

[@theurbangentry]

Thank you 🙏🙏🙏 Best regards, TGV

[@brentl.vaneaton6901]

One of the things that I thinkis somewhat overlooked is the amount of people who actually collect swatch watches as a hobby, they sit in their boxes next to the G.I. Joe with a kung fu grip….😅

[@theshadowman1398]

Wait it doen't have hacking seconds ? That Universal Geneve is gorgeous on the wrist.

[@earls]

Thanks for the “No Time to Die” spoiler alert, since I had not watched the movie yet.

[@theurbangentry]

Oh no, I am so sorry! I genuinely thought the secret was out. Fear not, it does not really ruin the experience, I knew going in too. Anyways, enjoy and my sincere apologies. Thank you, Best regards, TGV

[@earls]

No worries! Nothing like going out with a…bang.

[@niksoncutts]

I feel like every year is the year of the diver, what year hasn't had a banger lineup of new diver watches come out? Haha!

[@BangTheRocksTogether]

Re: The Vulcain "Twin barrel. Unlike anything..." Anything except the late 'sixties Seiko Bell-Matic. Which is an automatic with a second barrel which is manual wind and powers the alarm. I'd share a picture of mine, but this is youtube. Gotcha. Thank you for listening.

[@johnnyj.817]

i’m wearing mine when i happened to see this on my yt sub list, wonder if it’s a coincidence… i hope seiko brings it back but have it wr 100m and not over 1000 (ha!)

[@StefanoMaggio]

Ahr we were so close! I've been waiting for your take on the Squale COMSUBIN, I know you feel you brought too many Squale on the channel, maybe, but this new special edition is worth showing and, I think it's not getting the attention it deserves. Onward and upward with these great vids though!

[@StevenMRSenior]

You have done it again. New grail watch for me. Please stop spending my money!

[@subeijekalo5884]

My thoughts are to go an search for that White Shadow online, an amazing piece. I would like one but in white dial 😊

[@mystic48209]

This is awesome. A mechanical alarm on an auto or hand wound watch. Definately old school. The only affordable ones are soviet made vintage ones being bought to extinction. I wish more competitors today made a batch for those that want modern parts and assemblies. But it is a niche market.

[@watchpickle2k]

Very interesting piece to review. Certainly you cannot point any unoriginality fingers at people who buy this watch instead of some Tudor or some other hyped piece in this price range.

[@shrkys4]

I'd love to see other bezel colors available for the Tudor BB GMT, as well as other dial colors for the Pro

[@paleriderpublishing451]

Excellent TGV where my main man Hugo out? Still wine tasting in Italy

[@theurbangentry]

🤣🤣🤣 When is her not wine tasting in Italy?!?! Thank you, Best regards, TGV