The Strap and Link Podcast

BONUS EPISODE: The guys do a one-take episode to recap and review some of the hottest releases from Watches and Wonders 2023 including the new Opalin Black Bay GMT from Tudor, a new skeleton Reverso from JLC, the titanium Rolex Yacht-Master, and the Dippin' Dots Oyster Perpetual, to name a few.

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We discuss Tudor's history and relationship to Rolex and dig into why they design and develop the watches they do. From a new watch company in 1920s Geneva to being brought under the Rolex name by Hans Wilsdorf, Tudor sought to provide watches with quality, style, and durability, at an affordable price. Today they offer a modern and affordable luxury watch that incorporates classic designs from Tudor and Rolex's of the past.

We examine their lineup of GMTs, Divers, and Chronographs, including the Black Bay Pro and Black Bay 58, and how they stack up against their Rolex counterparts as well other brands in similar price points.

We finish by discussing what we hope to see from Tudor in the future, and some watches we think may be resurrected next.

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Show Notes:

History of Tudor: 2:41

Current Collection - Black Bay GMT/Black Bay Pro: 16:46

Black Bay 58: 23:36

Black Bay Chronograph: 31:18

Discussion/What we want to see next: 34:42

In our inaugural episode, we discuss all things Grand Seiko. From its history of being the most accurate mechanical watch brand in the world in 1967, to their first Quartz watch introduction, and the invention of a Spring Drive movement in the early 2000s, Grand Seiko has innovated time and time again. Today, they offer us some one-of-a-kind watches at attainable pricing.

We discuss flagship models such as the Snowflake and Skyflake (or Blue Snowflake), in addition to their Zaratsu polishing techniques and dial finishing. Finally, we give our opinions on the value Grand Seiko provide, where they fit into the watch market today, and some pieces we have in mind for the collection.

Be sure to subscribe to the show to get notifications when new episodes are released (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all other directories) and follow us on Social Media @strapandlink!