The Godfather of Watches: The Tudor Black Bay 2012 - 2021

[@michaelfierman3256]

One of your best episodes. The amount of thought and research you put in each week is admirable Armand.

[@Chris_BQ]

Wow...you can really tell the attention to detail they put into this video. Genuinely awesome research, writing and editing...!

[@chrisb5986]

The greatest and most detailed analyses of watch brands, without a close second place.

[@inglebybhoy3293]

Thank you for producing such a well observed critique of the Black Bay range. ‘Thoroughly enjoyed watching it.

[@joseph_Stuart]

I’m a huge Black Bay fan! I have the original ETA blue bezel version that I have continually thought of selling and getting the GMT version. But since it was one of the original models I think I might hold onto it

[@mkyhou1160]

I’d keep it. I have the GMT, I recently took it off bracelet and put it on rubber and am enjoying it a lot on weekends. I think the original BBs are just as good as the GMT, and a little more historically interesting for the brand.

[@nachovalenti]

I absolutely love my GMT and I'm more than happy with it in every single way.

[@petersaridakis8119]

I do agree, the release of a Silver, Gold and even Ceramic is the highest level of innovation, adaptation of the Black Bay. Personally, picking up the Black Bay Ceramic I am very pleased! Great video!

[@josephknecht4272]

Brilliant writing and narration! Bravo!

[@slevitt18]

Thought provoking and timely. The new Black Bay Ceramic is impressive. The ceramic case is pretty much scratch proof and the new COSC and METAS certified movement is impressive. Although some bits are PVD coated metal (crown, case back and bezel ring), the price represents real value. The brushed ceramic ring is beautiful and even though it is useless for diving because it is not legible, the watch makes an awesome weekend warrior. The big but is that it is yet another Black Bay. I'm not a fan of the snowflake hands with round hour markers - I prefer the rectangle and square hour markers on the Pelagos. I would love to see Tudor update the Pelagos or come out with a new line of sport watches.

[@OrryYoung]

absolutely love the analysis of the BB. It really is a long-game strategy play by Rolex... that latest METAS certified watch was just the latest "shot across the bow" at Omega

[@markotoole7937]

I've only just found your channel, you have produced some fantastic content, what a shame you have have stopped making videos.

[@stephengarratt8027]

I've managed to obtain black and blue and they're lovely timepieces. The ceramic version with metas standards looks gorgeous

[@kehlew0160]

An excellent video. An informative and thoughtful contribution in a sea of blah blah. Good production too. Well done and thank you.

[@primecreator]

Wearing my ETA with the rose and curved text as we speak. The most practical and elegant 41. I wouldn't mind a 58 though.

[@bobbycalifornia7077]

What’s impractical about the in-house 41’s?

[@joaschristian757]

Too thick

[@bobbycalifornia7077]

@@joaschristian757 The case back makes it stand a slightly proud. The case itself is the same thickness.

[@joaschristian757]

Yeah but at 41mm case diameter, it stands a little bit too tall for a simple three hander. But good thing 58 fixes that issue.

[@primecreator]

@@bobbycalifornia7077 Nothing, but the ETA is slightly thinner and has a movement that is more easily serviced for the not so rich among us.

[@pmewUK]

Armond, excellent work. That is one of your best written documentaries yet. Fascinating comparison with Mario Puzo's anti-hero. I haven't looked into it but who was the mastermind at tudor who navigated the original resurgence?

[@shaheenevans]

Pity and insightful summary as always - thank you, love the take on moods and analysis on air, earth and water ! I have the gmt, panda chrono on order to compliment my bb58 navy and BBR 41 in-house. Love what they are doing with the brand, evolving and listening to customers as well as trying new ideas

[@fallenangel226]

Fantastic episode 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@styx4947]

Great analysis of the "moods" of watches. JLC is another brand that does this well. Like IWC, they certainly have a huge variety of styles and genres.

[@paulandsueroberts4121]

Absolutely love my 58.

[@Yakman18]

For what one gets at the price, Tudor makes an offer one can’t refuse.

[@watchreviews4k]

Excellent content. Regards.

[@trevbarlow9719]

Great video. I really wish they stuck with the ETA based divers. Tudor takes it's BB line way to seriously now.

[@laurencefahey3132]

Got the silver ,and panda 🐼 on order, just waiting like everyone else at this moment, have to say looking forward to the call immensely

[@HHIto]

Seiko is a solid competitor of Rolex in the Diver market. It does not need precious metals, as it has created the MarineMaster (solid case) as a response to the Pelagos and the deep divers. Instead, it reaches the mid-to-serious diver without new technologies (no helium escape valves) just solid casing. It’s slowly inching towards the crown without exceeding $6000. Rolex has few watches that are below $10,000.

[@philamor5139]

great great vid, I think the black bay is carving out a line as important as the speedy's, and the sub. The amazing part is they did it in the competitive market of today's standards (not 60 years ago) To me if they black bay were to double in price today I don't thing anyone would question why...

[@oneal14attnet]

Was never a Tudor fan. Always thought, “why not just buy a Rolex?” But as of late Tudor has come into it’s own sort of thing. My advice (as if they need it) keep getting the thickness right and the formula is set!!

[@tomjens2046]

why not just buy a Rolex - are you for real? Rolex is 3-4 time smore expensoive, these are not direct competitors. It is like going to mercedes dealership and saying why not buy a ferrarim

[@oneal14attnet]

If your budget can accommodate either purchase it comes down which watch you prefer based on the merits of the watch. Tudor has differentiated itself enough for equal consideration as a tool watch. My BB58 Blue is my daily while my Pepsi is my event wear. Not trying to be insensitive to price. For most it is the primary factor.

[@tomjens2046]

@@oneal14attnet No, you always value price/quality ratio, not only quality. If you like oranges A LITTLE more than apples, but oranges are 20 bucks per kilo while apples are 2 bucks per kilo, you would definitely buy apples. Regardless of the fact that you can afford both of them. You can not ignore price/quality ratio.

[@richardsims4717]

Even after a couple of years I still get a warm feeling when looking at my BB58 OG.Metas not needed as it’s spot on.The proportions perfect for my wrist and harks back to birth decade.As much as I admire the new releases can keep my money.

[@SkilfulLeader1]

Great editing in the Tudor journey. Personally i’m Pelagos fan and would never part with it because its a total tool dive watch. The black bay range has really put Tudor back on the map for other brands to question what they can offer as competition against great value. I also have an omega seamaster (great white) which is excellent but the Tudor is a daily wearer in all situations and thats what sells the black bay range and New black ceramic is unbelievable value, which will make others sit up and think shit now we’ve got some work to do. History in the making 👍

[@pierremartin9048]

Beautiful watches, the value prop is just there.

[@marketingsuccess2637]

What are your thoughts on a BB 58 on a 7.25 wrist. Curious on owners feedback, seems too small at 39mm. Thanks!

[@mkyhou1160]

I have same wrist size as you, and had an Explorer 39 and it always felt a wee bit small. I have the GMT, and it’s a great fit, albeit quite heavy on bracelet (I wear it on strap now). 58 doesn’t suit me. Try a 41, I think it will look better on you.

[@andrewsimson01]

I think the 41mm would suit your wrist better.

[@wallytangofoxtrot4721]

So then, which model is the Fredo?

[@ArmandTheWatchGuy]

+ Wally TangoFoxtrot: Hmmm, probably the North Flag: essentially the genesis of the movement which will bring the Black Bay on par with Omega yet which was woefully marketed and eventually dropped

[@MrAristaeus]

@@ArmandTheWatchGuy I could see Fredo wearing that on his very last fishing trip...

[@wallytangofoxtrot4721]

@@ArmandTheWatchGuy Looks like the North Flag becomes the ultimate diving watch...sleeping with the fishes

[@macoyupadoodle]

BB is for the casual swimmer, desk diver , all rounder. Tudors "Diver" dive watch went to the Pelagos

[@A_Dude_And_His_Watch78]

I really like most of what Tudor does with their line. The crown is ridiculous with hype, speculation, and wait lists. Tudor is a solid, well made watch with classical styling at a price that most people can still aspire to afford.

[@phmwu7368]

In summary: From toolwatch to fashion watch ... but remember fashion fades while style remains eternal !

[@milesblack8485]

Armand, could you please do a Vlog on Certina watches, as I think this is a very under-rated brand. What are your thoughts?

[@weeleung6043]

The only reason I haven't bought a BB yet is why no date?????????? Dates are essential for everyday life.

[@markusf6964]

Contra: The bezel is missing the minutes markers after the 15 minute. The grip of the bezel is barely there. Pro: The COSC certified Kenissi movement in my BB58 blue is brilliant, but in my North Flag not so much. Why is Tudor not producing a simple steel case, black dial, black bezel and white lumen version ? A BB58 with black dial and white lumen would be killer watch for Tudor, but its nowhere to be found !

[@woramethpanawatthana9376]

I think because they want to make a submariner no date still hype

[@LeonXOV]

Almost dislike when you just skipped from chrono to gmt…i was like where tf is my bb steel hahaha

[@fintanusa]

I have always loved the black bay. But. Try and really dive with one. You cannot see the bezel, no lumes. So, below 20 -30 meters in very clear water it is basically useless.

[@kostasp1137]

There is only one way for Tudor and that is up. If I was omega ceo I would be very worried with what Tudor are doing with their product offering. The original Tudor rose bb heritage is still the best imo with bb58 close second.

[@horologywatchmaking13]

They don't have to be worried. Omega is the top 2 in watchmaking sales annually and Tudor can't even make it to the Top 15 yet.

[@conradcoolerfiend]

People's silver black bays are already showing tarnish. Fail!

[@styx4947]

Iam new to the watch world, so forgive me my ignorance. Why would a purist be horrified by the 'baby Daytona'? Generally speaking, I can agree that it looks a bit odd to put a snowflake hand on the dial. But olny because people are not used to seeing one there, as it would look odd to put a 'mercedes' hand on the Rolex Daytona. My question is, why do you consider this as somehow tainting or debasing the 'pure' Tudor chronograph?

[@stevefox8605]

Really can't stand the Bland Bay range, much prefer the Hydronaught, that had its own identity and style unlike the BBs.. I'm sure if anyone else made it then it would be slated as unoriginal and uninspiring. North Flag by far their most original & appealing piece, but dropped that because the cash cow BBs.

[@ottoe4925]

But "The Godfather"...? What about the dive watches of Sinn or Mühle? What about the IWC Ocean (entirely made of non-magnetic metals, the magnetic ignition of a mine wouldn’t react to it)?

[@keysersoze503]

Hey phantom watch reviewer...have you every actually physically worn any of the many watches that you review or are you just a robotic clickbaiter?

[@garyboyle695]

Sorry but it's a very boring watch, is its success due to the Rolex link ? In my opinion yes. Just like Rolex it is very conservative and bland brand. So many more interesting and better watches out there for less.