Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Watch

Rolex sister brand Tudor is on the rise. Founded in 1926, the Tudor has released a number of interesting and popular watches over the past few years, which now have to be inspected by the Black Bay 58 Navy. The watch was released in black version in 2018 and the blue version seen in this review in late summer 2020. It is a retro-inspired diver’s watch that has been hailed in the world as one of the best “luxury tool watches” in terms of price-quality ratio. But what kind of clock is it really and what should you consider?

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The Black Bay series (BB) was originally released in 2012. Since then, the collection has been updated and supplemented several times. The BB series was more broadly related to Tudor’s world conquest, as it was at that time that the brand began to actively expand its position, especially in the US. In Europe, the Tudor has a well-established position for a long time – more or less Rolex-like Tudors have been made for almost a century. The 2012 Black Bay drew design influences from Tudor’s earlier 50s and 60s art diver replica watches. The original Tudor diver’s watches were named Submariners like the Rolex, so the new model series also got a whole new name to avoid confusion. Characteristic of the series of watches are the so-called. snowlake hands that adorn all BB series watches. The hands were first found in Tudor Submariner watches published by Tudor in the 60s. The original Tudor Submariner watches are now coveted collectibles.
The new Black Bay Fifty-Eight differs from previous (released in 2012 and 2016) Black Bay watches in terms of a completely revamped case and steel strap. The previous models were larger in size (and considered unnecessarily thick by some) and therefore 58 have been widely received with enthusiasm. In addition, the new Fifty-Eight has a chronometer-certified inhouse movement. The Fifty-Eight Navy mimics the Black Bay watches of its previous model, the Tudor Submariner ref 9401 made for the French navy, much more precisely in terms of both size and wrist feel. So it’s no real wonder that watch enthusiasts are excited about the device.
The so-called diver’s watches have generally been plagued by chronic size swelling in recent years. Many diver watches on the market are so large that it has been difficult for the average wrist to wear the watch with a regular collared shirt, for example. This has been a shame, as durable features and tooling otherwise appeal to many watch users, especially those who want one excellent watch that is suitable for almost any situation. The replica Tudor Fifty-Eight is the perfect match for anyone looking for a watch of a usable size. The watch is 39mm in diameter and 11.9mm in height. The dimensions of the watch correspond well to its example and the device is reminiscent of “old good times” diving watches that had poles on their wrists without feeling like diving weights. If the watch should be compared to another watch, then the Rolex Submariner ref. 14060, which went out of production more than 10 years ago. There are several intersections: a shell just under 40mm in diameter, a recognizable and iconic look, great wristbands, toolability, inhouse mechanism, versatility, etc. It is very likely that those interested in the older Rolex Submarine will also get excited about the new BB58. For those who are 39mm in diameter, it is good to note that the length of the watch, i.e. the so-called lug-to-lug is 47mm; the watch is thus approximately as long as, for example, the 42mm Omega Speedmaster Professional. Thanks to its length, the watch feels bigger on the wrist and fits well on heavier wrists.
It’s hard not to like the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight. The watch has pretty much all the features that an enthusiast is looking for. Well-made shell, beautifully executed board, original and distinctive hands, flawlessly functional rotating perimeter (rotating the minute perimeter is a pleasure in Tudor itself), a reliable thread-locking knob, good 200m water protection and a sturdy steel bracelet. Every aspect of the whole has been implemented at least well. No wonder the watch has been in high demand. When the MT5402 chronometer certified inhouse movement is still ticking inside the watch, it is difficult for the watch enthusiast not to be interested in the device. The mechanical feel of the device has been thought through to the end, including a rotating ring and a screw-on knob. If a watch were to be described in one word, then a “decent” list would fit well with it.
Rolex and Tudor went hand in hand for the 21st century. The main difference between Tudor and Rolex has long been the mechanism, as Rolex watches have used machinery manufactured or manufactured by Rolex, while Tudors have used a slightly cheaper ETA mechanism. Even the shells and bracelets were similar in level for a long time, although in the 21st century, Rolex began making watches, unlike the Tudor, instead of the 904 steel instead of the more common 316L steel. At present, Tudor watches, such as this Fifty-Eight, also see inhouse movements. In other words, the Tudor has also raised its level over the years, and the brand is no longer a similar Rolex little brother, as it was twenty years ago.
In recent years, the so-called tool clocks have rumbled into the Tudor collection, although for years the king of that type of watch has almost obviously been the Rolex Submariner. Black Bay Fifty-Eight is available to the average employee for price (RRP € 3,560) and availability. The same can no longer be said for Rolex’s latest Submariner, which has risen in price to almost € 9,000 and which, in order to buy, has to be prepared for queuing the watch possibly for years. It seems, therefore, that an attempt has been made to move the scepter of the royal tool clock specifically to Tudor’s laptop.