[Alex3861]

Hello all,

Those people who own (or used to own) both Sub and Pelagos 39 could you please give your honest opinion? What do you think about Tudor Pelagos in comparison?

I am waiting for Pelagos, but in the same time I look at Sub from time to time
Rolex is obviously a better brand but is it really that better?
Rolex you couldnt get at retail and you need to overpay at least $3k. I have seen some issues with mov 32xx as well and that's make me stop a little bit especially about 2021 models on sale.
In the same time I have seen some people that say Rolex is superb in quality and don't listen other people what they write about movement issues.. Rolex will quickly fix it.
To me it's strange because I haven't seen any issues with Tudor movements, so it means everything is good in a brand with the same specs - antimagnetic spring, 70 hours, COSC, in-house..

Anyway, would be happy to hear about comparison. Should I save a bit and look for used Rolex instead or Pelagos just fine..

 

[heineken4u]

You clearly want a Rolex but will settle for a Tudor.

Don't fall for the trap, don't settle.

 

[Barnaby'sDad]

You’ll save yourself money in the long run if you just buy what you really want in the first place. You want a Submariner? Get a Submariner...even if that means waiting 6+ months (AD). I wouldn’t recommend spending $4,000+ on what is to you a settle piece.

The Pelagos is a great watch, but it’s not a Submariner. It might scratch that “nice” dive watch itch for a bit (it did for me), but if you really wanted a Submariner to begin with…that’s probably what you’re going to come back to sooner or later.

 

[Nokie]

^^^^^^^

This. Buy what YOU like and enjoy it.

Your money, YOUR decision.

 

[PristineCollector]

You clearly want a Rolex but will settle for a Tudor.

Don't fall for the trap, don't settle.

This is exactly correct. If you really want the Rolex, I say pace yourself, give it more time and allow yourself the ability to grow your budget, and get the one you love. I guarantee you will not regret it.
I do own a Rolex Sub, and frankly it's a beautiful piece and enjoy it when I wear it.

 

[Bodhi6]

Obviously buy the one that speaks to you most. However the Sub is significantly more expensive, maybe twice the price. I personally was debating a used no-date 90s-00s era Sub v. a Pelagos 39 and concluded the Pelagos is better for me, and I like it more. It’s modern and actually much better built than an older Sub. I love the titanium too, which is another big difference between the two. It’s hard to justify twice the price for the Sub. Although if your dream watch is a Sub, save up and get that.

 

[mumblypeg]

Going for the Tudor over the Rolex is like ordering a baloney sammich, when what you really had in mind was a steak & cheese (Sub).

 

[Blee87]

I have a submariner and thought that a P39 would be a great alternative to the sub, went to the AD to try it and very quickly realized it's no where near an alternative, but can be a very great addition as it has a significantly different vibe (i.e., more tool like).

Everyone has different preferences, but for me it's submariner all the way. Good luck!

 

[chas58]

Agreed, if you keep thinking of the sub, get it. Otherwise it will be nagging at you for a long time.

Personally, I like the P39 better because

• modern subs are a bit bulky and shiny for me (just too big)
• I'm not 100% on the Sub proportions, and for $10K+ I gotta love it
• There seems to be an infinite amount of subs sold - its all over the place (well mostly where old $$$ is)
• I don't worry about attracting the wrong attention with a Tudor.
• too many Sub homages and copy cats.

Mostly, I just find the P39 more comfortable, better proportioned on my wrist, more low key and less flashy.

But that is me, you do you.


(and to answer you, no Rolex isn't that much better. Yes, it is a little better You can argue that it has a better bracelet, better value retention, gold indices, better movement, but it's not "that much better." A $100 tudor sub from when I was a kid sells for $10,000 now.),

 

[TC198]

I’ve tried on the modern Sub at least a dozen times but I am just not a fan of the glossy ceramic bezel insert. This is also the reason I sold off my Seamaster. I am however a big fan of the 5 digit Sub and believe it is one of the best looking dive watches ever made. The 5 digit Sub will of course be used and the prices remain inflated in my opinion so given the option I would go P39. But as others have stated above, give them both a good hard look and buy the one you actually want or you may find yourself unhappy in the end. I also feel this thread could use some pics!

 

[Loevhagen]

 

[luisrm02]

I love both, I got my Date Sub 41 prior to the p39 and bought it on first sight late August week 1 release luckily enough.

Shockingly the p39 sees more wrist time. I didn’t expect that to be honest but it fits better and is more comfortable. Love the little details that I wish the Sub had such as the chamfered edges and the bushed all over case and bracelet.

The t-fit is good glidelock is more adjustable. The Rolex bracelet is second to none in precision and feel. It’s impeccable but the p39 is no slouch. The bezel action on both are great but there’s nothing like the Rolex bezel action. Both watches feel very different. The Sub is dressier while still dressing down fine. The p39 feels more toolish and you forget it’s on the wrist. I prefer the female end links of the p39 to the male on the Sub, again just a little more comfortable on a smaller wrist (6.5).

Both run great! Since daylight savings my Sub is only 16 seconds fast TOTAL! The p39 runs about 1.5 to 2 seconds a day fast which is absolutely perfect. Once a month or so I pull the crown and let it fall into time when I remember. Oh…

 

[Commandercody66]

I used to own a P39. Here was my take:

The FXD stays but the Pelagos 39...

...has left the collection after only 6 months. After I sold my LHD in 2021, I was hoping Tudor would release a 39mm Pelagos LHD, the release of the P39 was close enough so when my AD offered an allocation, I jumped at the chance. The P39 had near perfect specs at 39mm/12mm and even though I...

www.watchuseek.com

 

[reb00ted]

In the same boat as you, but after owning the Pelagos for more than 4 months I no longer want the Sub. They are completely different watches and it really boils down to personal style and intention… The Pelagos is hell of a tool watch! … I would gladly add a DJ36 however

 

[Politrew]

Pelagos 39mm is a super nice watch. I would choose it over the sub. Great value

 

[Vlciudoli]

I have both.
Modern ND sub, a P39 and a 16610
The P39 is more like the 16610 and the new one is something entirely different.
Apple, Orange and satsuma

 

[WatchTimes]

Have owned both, currently I have a couple subs and the blue Pelagos.
I like the Pelagos but if I could only have one it would be the sub without a second thought

 

[dwalby]

A $100 tudor sub from when I was a kid sells for $10,000 now

A $750 Rolex Sub from when I was a working adult sells for over $10k now.

 

[Alex3861]

Thanks to everyone!
Photos were really nice to see.
Maybe it's not ok to ask about movements but problems with series 32xx.. do you recommend to look at used one?
I have thoughts that watches 2020-2021 with this movement maybe not as good as watches from 2023.. or it doesn't really matter? What do you think
I really like the 3135 (movement like a "tractor") and 40mm but they are so expensive on the aftermarket as well. Even more expensive than a new one.

I have never heard about Tudor movement problems - it sounds like it's going to be more reliable? That sounds maybe very stupid and what I see from paper the specs between Rolex and Tudor are not a big difference... sorry for asking, but movement for me is important as well!

 

[Clerk]

As others have already said, wait and get what you want (if it is the sub). If you really like the pelagos but are thinking of "upgrading" to the sub because of prestige/value/etc., then stick with the pelagos. The pelagos is amazing, and in many ways, I think more wearable/versatile than a sub. But if the sub is the one you really want, sub is still king, and finally getting a sub (especially after waiting/saving for one) will simply never be beat. After you get your sub, then pick up the blue pelagos. Perfect 1-2 punch combo.