$200? More like $125 including shipping! Great review though. Took me a while to bite the bullet, but I'm incredibly glad I went for it. I absolutely love the watch, and not just for the price, but because they've absolutely nailed the little details, the case is just ridiculously good and so well finished. Also I've always loved that colour so glad I can get it without breaking the bank!
The majority of the the cost of the Tudor (or Panerai or Rolex) comes from the research, development and design costs, the costs you pay for brand history and the marketing and advertising costs (that Tudor is a High end product). Most of these costs are invisible and do not relate to the actual cost of the materials and labour put into the watch. That's why the Chinese are able to get so close because they dont have to pay for the design and advertising. The average Tudor watch cost around $400 US to produce which is around one tenth of your purchasing costs as the consumer. Between 80-90% of of a Tudor watch costs are therefore design, advertising/marketing and brand name costs not materials and labour costs. Some of the Tudor parts are manufactured overseas including places like China. The Swiss made logo is therefore disingenuous, only 60% of production costs and 50% by value of all components are needed for a watch to be awarded the Swiss made moniker. If you were to ask me therefore I would say that the watch industry is all one big scam on the part of both the Chinese (with their homages and counterfeits) and the Swiss (with their high end branding and foreign outsourcing of parts to China) so they both benefit but for different reasons and have a part to play in the overall fraud. You cant even buy a Seiko nowadays and be sure it was made in Japan as a lot are assembled in China, Malaysia or Indonesia. Btw you failed to mention that while Tudor high beat movements are generally more accurate they also require a higher level of servicing as their movement components wear out much faster. This relates to higher maintenance costs in the longer term. With the Seiko NH35 movement you can just replace it because its so cheap so you dont need to bother with servicing which would be more expensive than the cost of a new movement!
Everything you have said is correct. I have a couple Zenith El Primero chrongraphs both run at 36,000 BPH and after 15 years both are still running flawlessly.
I just bought the Thorn Titanium 39mm ["Pelagos" homage, SHY036] with blue bezel/blue dial and PT5000 high beat rate (4Hz) movement. Price ~US$200. I no longer wear my Rolex 16613 (or my Glashutte Senator) daily, and prefer a nice piece like this Thorn as an everyday watch. My strategy with these homages is to never have them serviced...simply to replace the movement or the entire watch...should the need ever arise. I have more than a few from Cronos, Steeldive, San Martin, and now, Thorn. Excellent watches with dependable movements (e.g. NH35, PT5000, SG2130) and, IMO, a steal at these price points. I also tend to avoid wearing luxury watches on business travel or around town...I hate taking them off during security checks and need to be careful not to lose my arm in certain environments. Hence, these high quality homages tend to fit the bill quite nicely.
Thanks for the video. The Thorn looks like a nice watch. As far as 1950 Tudor / Submariner homages I have personally settled on a first gen NTH Amphion I picked up second hand shortly after they released. Its so thin and while it has a ghost date it's still really accurate to this day and it's really well built. It also has enough of it's own flare. Only thing is a lot of rotor noise but I that comes with the 9015 Miyota which allows it to be thin and affordable. Now that BB54 is starting to look very attractive but I am holding out for 'the call' on a 124060. Looking forward to the next video. Lots of topics to make 'commentary' on in the watch hobby these days.
I bought the Thorn for an inexpensive daily wear with black bb58 vibes. I thoroughly enjoy this watch. Im shocked at how much I like it. The clasp is the only weak spot. I can can upgrade to the new San Martin adjust on the fly clasp for about $40. Then have a near perfect daily wear all in under $200 usd. The difference is Tudor is a master timepiece, the Thorn is a watch.
I'm looking at the upgrade 6 hole clasp for the Thorn and trying to ascertain how easily it swaps in. Apparently the San Martin clasp does not fit the Thorn. Someone posted this advice on that as follows: "It doesn't work. I have tried. You'd need to "re-engineer" it. The width of the pins, the hole sizes and length of the screws/pins aren't immediately compatible."
@@gootarguy2320 all you would need to do is make sure the ends of the bracelet are the same size as the clasp and just swap that part out, no need to change the complete bracelet
Very impressive timegrapher results from the Thorn! My most accurate watch funnily enough is my Certina PH500m; 1-2 secs fast per day as a daily wearer.
The Rolex 124060 is a fantastic watch but for most mortals you will need to pay the secondary market tax. If you can get one at retail price its a good deal but at double retail not so much. 😊
Not that I noticed. All I can say for sure is under $200 the Thorn will not disappoint. It is absolutely amazing a watch of this quality can be produced for so little. 😊
They are close in comparison, videos have been done, obviously with the swiss movement it would be better but considerably more expensive then the Thorn
At the end of the day, if a watch uses the same grade of stainless steel, possesses sapphire and ceramic, has a commensurate degree of finishing and uses a reliable movement, what's left to contrast? If a person were to compare a Rolex or Tudor from 50 years ago (for the same MSRP, btw) as an AliExpress watch brand today, the AE watch would be superior in nearly every category. Many brands are sourcing materials and components from the same subcontractors, whether 'Swiss Made' or otherwise. All of the watches are now being produced utilising the same CNC machines for the cut work and the same machines for grinding, polishing and finishing. Of course, some of the esteemed brands are manufactures, with the legal minimum degree of component production occurring in-house. But still, China is proving the point that we have been paying too much for too long. Labour cost is only part of the reason. I expect that we shall pay more for watches made in China soon enough, as labour costs increase - and we should. But, I believe China will still disrupt the horology world, just as Switzerland dethroned England more than a century ago.
There remains a BIG difference in the quality of finishing within the movements. However, in terms of practical, every day use...these differences are rather insignificant, IMO. Frankly, and in general, the performances of the PT5000, SeaGull SG2130, and Malaysian SI NH35A/36A are all fantastic for the money. As well, should they every require servicing...the calculus is pretty straight forward...a simple replacement of the movement!
Disappointed that mine is obviously unregulated and gains about 20 sec a day. The beat error is appalling, about 20ms!!!. Shame its got the rolex back otherwise I'd remove it. I wouldnt be surprised if Thorn had substituted the NH35 for some cheap chinese movement.
I bought the THORN Blancpain homage I'm very satisfied the quality is great . Merry Christmas ⛄🙏
$200? More like $125 including shipping!
Great review though. Took me a while to bite the bullet, but I'm incredibly glad I went for it. I absolutely love the watch, and not just for the price, but because they've absolutely nailed the little details, the case is just ridiculously good and so well finished. Also I've always loved that colour so glad I can get it without breaking the bank!
The majority of the the cost of the Tudor (or Panerai or Rolex) comes from the research, development and design costs, the costs you pay for brand history and the marketing and advertising costs (that Tudor is a High end product). Most of these costs are invisible and do not relate to the actual cost of the materials and labour put into the watch. That's why the Chinese are able to get so close because they dont have to pay for the design and advertising. The average Tudor watch cost around $400 US to produce which is around one tenth of your purchasing costs as the consumer. Between 80-90% of of a Tudor watch costs are therefore design, advertising/marketing and brand name costs not materials and labour costs. Some of the Tudor parts are manufactured overseas including places like China. The Swiss made logo is therefore disingenuous, only 60% of production costs and 50% by value of all components are needed for a watch to be awarded the Swiss made moniker. If you were to ask me therefore I would say that the watch industry is all one big scam on the part of both the Chinese (with their homages and counterfeits) and the Swiss (with their high end branding and foreign outsourcing of parts to China) so they both benefit but for different reasons and have a part to play in the overall fraud. You cant even buy a Seiko nowadays and be sure it was made in Japan as a lot are assembled in China, Malaysia or Indonesia. Btw you failed to mention that while Tudor high beat movements are generally more accurate they also require a higher level of servicing as their movement components wear out much faster. This relates to higher maintenance costs in the longer term. With the Seiko NH35 movement you can just replace it because its so cheap so you dont need to bother with servicing which would be more expensive than the cost of a new movement!
Everything you have said is correct. I have a couple Zenith El Primero chrongraphs both run at 36,000 BPH and after 15 years both are still running flawlessly.
Amén
I just bought the Thorn Titanium 39mm ["Pelagos" homage, SHY036] with blue bezel/blue dial and PT5000 high beat rate (4Hz) movement. Price ~US$200.
I no longer wear my Rolex 16613 (or my Glashutte Senator) daily, and prefer a nice piece like this Thorn as an everyday watch. My strategy with these homages is to never have them serviced...simply to replace the movement or the entire watch...should the need ever arise. I have more than a few from Cronos, Steeldive, San Martin, and now, Thorn. Excellent watches with dependable movements (e.g. NH35, PT5000, SG2130) and, IMO, a steal at these price points.
I also tend to avoid wearing luxury watches on business travel or around town...I hate taking them off during security checks and need to be careful not to lose my arm in certain environments. Hence, these high quality homages tend to fit the bill quite nicely.
Amazing video! Thank you so much for comparing a genuine with a homage, that's something not all people do and we need it here.
I got the Silver Dial Thorn with the date window and it's absolutely beautiful!
Thanks for the video. The Thorn looks like a nice watch. As far as 1950 Tudor / Submariner homages I have personally settled on a first gen NTH Amphion I picked up second hand shortly after they released. Its so thin and while it has a ghost date it's still really accurate to this day and it's really well built. It also has enough of it's own flare. Only thing is a lot of rotor noise but I that comes with the 9015 Miyota which allows it to be thin and affordable. Now that BB54 is starting to look very attractive but I am holding out for 'the call' on a 124060. Looking forward to the next video. Lots of topics to make 'commentary' on in the watch hobby these days.
I bought the Thorn for an inexpensive daily wear with black bb58 vibes. I thoroughly enjoy this watch. Im shocked at how much I like it. The clasp is the only weak spot. I can can upgrade to the new San Martin adjust on the fly clasp for about $40. Then have a near perfect daily wear all in under $200 usd. The difference is Tudor is a master timepiece, the Thorn is a watch.
They look similar but obviously the quality is very different, but that being said the Thorn at under $200 is amazing
I'm looking at the upgrade 6 hole clasp for the Thorn and trying to ascertain how easily it swaps in.
Apparently the San Martin clasp does not fit the Thorn. Someone posted this advice on that as follows:
"It doesn't work. I have tried. You'd need to "re-engineer" it. The width of the pins, the hole sizes and length of the screws/pins aren't immediately compatible."
@@gootarguy2320 all you would need to do is make sure the ends of the bracelet are the same size as the clasp and just swap that part out, no need to change the complete bracelet
just another knock off ...
Thank you for your video. The THORN is great for the price. But I sold it because of the irritating distortion of the domed glass.
Very impressive timegrapher results from the Thorn! My most accurate watch funnily enough is my Certina PH500m; 1-2 secs fast per day as a daily wearer.
Certina makes great watches, very under appreciated here in North America
Great video, you mind sharing where I can buy the aftermarket bracelet?
Always envied the Tudor black bay but I have this thorn so I guess it’s a pretty good option when there is no Tudor budget!
The Thorn is a great option for sure 😊
Think you forgot to go over the Thorn bezel action after talking about that nice Tudor 12 o clock detent haha
Sorry about that, the bezel action on the thorn is good, smooth, click is solid and average back play. Hope this helps
Hi, nice video. Do you have the link to the aftermarket bracelet?
EXCELENTES RELÓGIOS 👍👍 🇧🇷
Better bezel, cooler bracelet, time is time - it's Thorn for me.
cheap knock off ..
The Rolex 124060 is a fantastic watch but for most mortals you will need to pay the secondary market tax. If you can get one at retail price its a good deal but at double retail not so much. 😊
Thnx for doing the video. I couldnt see the wrist shots for some reason?
Thats strange, what device were you watching the video on, maybe change your orientation
There's a colour mismatch between the hands and the dial/bezel on the Thorn?
Not that I noticed. All I can say for sure is under $200 the Thorn will not disappoint. It is absolutely amazing a watch of this quality can be produced for so little. 😊
I ought to bring over my San Martin Tudor homage for a comparison. It has a Swiss movement, which I think is a Sellita.
They are close in comparison, videos have been done, obviously with the swiss movement it would be better but considerably more expensive then the Thorn
Hi there! Im from Toronto and was interested in buying your thorn watch. Is it still available?
Yes it is available. Contact me at desmo_monster@yahoo.ca
If the Thorn came in blue I 'd be sorely tempted. I already have the San Martin version in black and gilt.
Totally agree it would be great if Thorn offered it in blue
Hi I am interesting to buy the thorn , let me know the price please . And tell me how to contact you
Not gonna lie but…..I like the Thorn more than the Tudor 🙈 just personal preference sorry.
Why did you swap out your authentic Tudor bracelet for an after-market offering?
My Tudor came on leather strap only
At the end of the day, if a watch uses the same grade of stainless steel, possesses sapphire and ceramic, has a commensurate degree of finishing and uses a reliable movement, what's left to contrast? If a person were to compare a Rolex or Tudor from 50 years ago (for the same MSRP, btw) as an AliExpress watch brand today, the AE watch would be superior in nearly every category.
Many brands are sourcing materials and components from the same subcontractors, whether 'Swiss Made' or otherwise. All of the watches are now being produced utilising the same CNC machines for the cut work and the same machines for grinding, polishing and finishing. Of course, some of the esteemed brands are manufactures, with the legal minimum degree of component production occurring in-house. But still, China is proving the point that we have been paying too much for too long. Labour cost is only part of the reason. I expect that we shall pay more for watches made in China soon enough, as labour costs increase - and we should. But, I believe China will still disrupt the horology world, just as Switzerland dethroned England more than a century ago.
There remains a BIG difference in the quality of finishing within the movements. However, in terms of practical, every day use...these differences are rather insignificant, IMO. Frankly, and in general, the performances of the PT5000, SeaGull SG2130, and Malaysian SI NH35A/36A are all fantastic for the money. As well, should they every require servicing...the calculus is pretty straight forward...a simple replacement of the movement!
Not sure bout ur Tudor.
That bezel lume pip is WAY WAY offcenter!
Looks good to me. Could be the position I was holding the watch at
AliExpress
Lume pip is missing in your BB...
True
The lume pip is not missing on the Tudor, it just looks that way because of the angle the watch was sitting on the timegrapher.
@@bikeman123 no it is not missing. The pip on the Tudor is recessed and at certain positions it may appear that it is not there 😊
Disappointed that mine is obviously unregulated and gains about 20 sec a day. The beat error is appalling, about 20ms!!!. Shame its got the rolex back otherwise I'd remove it. I wouldnt be surprised if Thorn had substituted the NH35 for some cheap chinese movement.
Sorry to hear that you got a dud. Maybe reach out to Thorn and see what they can do.
I have the Octopus Kraken BB58 and it's much better in any aspect.
What was the price on the KRAKEN? I’ll check it out 😊
I paid 270$ on the Chinese bachelors day.
@@Itzhak_Hasson solid deal for a great looking watch
I cannot imagine spending $4000 for such an average watch. SMH
Never say never, watches are highly addictive. 😊