Tudor Black Bay Ceramic Watch Review: A Tudor non-fan buys a Tudor

[@TheLegitAlpha]

I have one, and it has immediately become a favorite of mine.

[@WatchComplications]

it is excellent and I wear it in long stretches

[@rhino202]

I hated the Snowflake for years, it grew on me and now i love it. The Pelagos is my favorite watch I own. Never want to take it off. This is awesome looking. Just dont like the crystal domed bc of potential damage. May have to get one at some point.

[@WatchComplications]

I can tolerate the snowflake on a clean design, and the Ceramic is one of their cleanest. Love this watch and one of my most worn.

[@theandynewton]

I’ve been eyeing this watch at my AD for a few months now. I watched your review this morning and pulled the trigger just before noon. Fantastic watch! Wears smaller than my 114060, so people with smaller wrists really need to try it on before crossing it off their list. Not a huge fan of the strap either but I rarely keep a stock strap anyway. This video was the nudge I needed. Thank you!

[@WatchComplications]

this is in my estimation the best tudor on the market. hope you enjoy it. i’m going on two years with mine and it’s still top of my list and wear rate. if you want a custom strap that tops this off…let me know ;)

[@theandynewton]

I'm very interested to hear about this custom strap!@@WatchComplications

[@WatchComplications]

@@theandynewton I got it from Tuan Vu with HD Straps (look it up on facebook). It's expensive, but so worth it on certain watches. If you shoot me an email at watchcomplications at gmail I can show you what it looks like.

[@theandynewton]

Tuan Vu’s straps are nice, thanks for the info. I currently have one of the olive green canvas Barton straps on it and really like the look and feel.

[@WatchComplications]

@@theandynewton Tuan Vu straps are nice, but also expensive, so I only recommend if a person will wear it a LOT! As for the Tudor, I do, so it was worth the $$.

[@MarioGonzalez-ez4fp]

Tudor watches have never been on my radar until this 41mm ceramic black bay watch. I’m with you that this might be my first and only Tudor watch in my collection.

[@WatchComplications]

It's on my top 3 and most worn. If you get a Tudor, get this one. Thanks for watching!

[@lachieb5843]

Do you think you can wear it more formally or just more casually. My main concern before purchase

[@yuriseluchenko4483]

TBH, I wouldn't even mention the direction of the strap - you always can flip it around, making it up to your liking. And, yes, that snowflake hand keeps me off as well... Though the black/stealth tone is very attractive. Thank you for the review!

[@WatchComplications]

I've tried reversing such straps, never works or feels right. I like it much more with my custom strap. One of my best watches and most worn.

[@theandynewton]

I thought the same until I flipped the strap on mine around. Completely throws off the balance.

[@WatchComplications]

@@theandynewton exactly, just doesn't feel right, and I've tried it on both this watch and Seiko Presage watches.

[@arsonfireuk]

Solid review Brian. This would be the only Tudor watch I would consider buying. I just bought an Aquaracer, my first and last Tag.

[@WatchComplications]

Thanks bud! For me, this and maybe the North Flag are the two that turn my head, not much keen on any others. Congrats on the Tag! If I was to go that route it'd probably be for the Autavia.

[@arsonfireuk]

@@WatchComplications I got it for £800 in an auction, so is one I can flip for profit when I get bored of it.

[@brianlyttle1338]

Same here wish I bought this first not the aquaracer

[@chrishewson40]

Have just received mine 6 mins ago. Have it on amd love it. Fits and feels perfect. Looks fantastic. More pros than cons for sure. Only real con is strap could be the other way. But its not a deal breaker. Actually im getting used to it already.. I can finally wear a Tudor with worrying about scratching easily if at all.

[@WatchComplications]

I know what you mean by the clasp being better the other way. I have mine on a custom leather strap I had made with stitching to match the grey on the dial.

[@chrishewson40]

@@WatchComplications how has the condition held up so far?

[@WatchComplications]

looks new and it’s my most worn watch

[@FunFindus]

Can you not just unpin and rotate so the strap so you swap ends?

[@WatchComplications]

@FunFindus I know it sounds like it would be that simple, but it's not. The sizes of the strap sides and clasp portions are designed to go in a particular direction, so a swap doesn't equal the same effect in the reverse. I'm much happier with my custom strap I had made for it, which now in responding to your comment tells me I really need to show in a short vid since it's my most worn watch!

[@LIONTAMER3D]

Blacked out, nothing but lume, great strap; this watch is the definition of a daily wear masterpiece

[@WatchComplications]

yup and that’s exactly what it’s become in my collection. the daily wear, most worn.

[@Geniusclicks]

Love the unpretentious, stealthiness of the watch…. The hybrid leather didnt work for me… once i swapped it with a dark green leather strap, the fit was perfect.

[@WatchComplications]

Yup, as I mentioned the unpretentious and subdued characteristics make it a great watch. While I do like the hybrid, a nice dark green leather would look great also. I have such a strap but it's 20mm instead of 22mm, which is a shame. But now I know what to look for as an alternate strap!

[@colinbrown3225]

Any pics of the dar green strap

[@Geniusclicks]

@@colinbrown3225 I can’t seem to paste images on this chat.

[@Geniusclicks]

@@colinbrown3225 posted a short here of the watch on the green strap. kzbin.infoRPdA8Ee2BSY?feature=share

[@drgfri]

The RubberB black rubber integrated strap was perfect for me. I disliked the original guy rid band too but with the upgrade it’s perfect

[@philturinsky27]

Would you consider this an everyday watch? I mean I'm not a dressy guy. I wear jeans and hoodie most days. Also does it feel super light?

[@WatchComplications]

it’s one of my top three most worn in 2023, it’s what I would call a daily for me. I have it on my custom strap, which adds a lot of feel to the watch. For me, it’s not a heavy feel on wrist, very wearable as a daily. My top watch for over a year, still looks new, and most accurate mechanical in my box, and it’s quite a box brand-wise.

[@WatchComplications]

Should also say it suits well for dress up or down. I’m usually dressed down. Can’t go wrong with this one in my opinion.

[@philturinsky27]

Thank you!!! My wife bought me a black bay 41 with the jubilee bracelet for Christmas, but unfortunately the bezel was scratched in 4 spots before she purchased it. She didn't see them. So I called ad to exchange it, she also has proof of the scratches cause she took a picture of it on my son before they left the store back in November, And the scratches are clearly there. Anyways they don't have any other of the non dive black bays, BUT they do have the ceramic.

[@WatchComplications]

wear in good health!

[@philturinsky27]

@@WatchComplications lol hear now, ended up with a pelagos 39

[@bwtai2002]

Maybe a dump question… can you reverse mount the strap? Like mounting the bottom portion to the top instead? So you don’t get the reverse hang over strap in the direction you have in the video?

[@WatchComplications]

I tried that with the Seiko but it doesn't work the way you think it would. Looks and feels odd if flipped.

[@cptrgz]

amazing watch... i bought it cheap (2500 dollar) i think it will never be cheaper than this upcoming 50 years :) and i'll be wearing an amazing watch.

[@WatchComplications]

good price! and yeah, it's a great great watch. thanks for watching.

[@annebokma4637]

The ceramic, the bronze and the sterling. I did like the black shield too

[@WatchComplications]

good options right now with Tudor…

[@sinkitlim8572]

Fantastic review. Agree with every single thing you said about the watch.

[@WatchComplications]

Glad you enjoyed the review! These days I basically wear two watches on rotation, this is one of them.

[@cosmodoc]

Thanks for the thorough review! Unfortunately you have confirmed my fears about the watch being to big for my 6.3 inch wrist, I would jump on a 39mm version!

[@WatchComplications]

yeah it’s not for a smaller wrist.

[@antonhallergren588]

A 39 would probably be to fragile in ceramic. But a all black flex bb58 would be cool.

[@sahilparikh8724]

It's not big for a 6.3. I just got one. Sits perfect. Try it on if you get chance.

[@rolandharris2706]

Three other things about this watch: 1. "Only Watch" - the model Rudor submitted is a black bay ceramic in black with black markers. It is a stellar example and went for over 300k. 2. The watch achieved METAS which is a partnership with Omega. Tudor is the ONLY brand outside of Omega to achieve this certification. 3. The movement is a high beat 4 hz. On top of METAS, they made the movement high beat which is absolutely superlative.

[@WatchComplications]

I agree, the “only watch” version of this is very cool, also was a GMT if I recall. To your point 3, the MT5602 is a 4hz 28,800vph rate. High beat is a minimum 5hz 36,600vph rate.

[@annebokma4637]

​@@WatchComplications is METAS a partnership with Omega? As I understood it us "independent" testing and qualifying organisation. One of its standards is that the watch has to be totally produced in Switzerland. As I understood Tudor is the second brand to achieve this standard, Omega being the first. Also can't you just turn the watch band around? To have the same strap direction as most other watches.

[@WatchComplications]

​@@annebokma4637 I don't think it's a partnership with Omega, but Omega's Master Chronometers are models that meet the METAS requirements. It is stellar timekeeping and the most accurate mechanical in my box by far. As for the watch band, it sounds like just turning the band around would be a simple fix, and I've tried it on a few watches with this sort of reversed deployant design, but it never feels right.

[@annebokma4637]

@@WatchComplications I think we agree on the METAS. Hope to explore the watch band difficulties myself one day. The watch is worth that suffering 😁

[@WatchComplications]

😅@@annebokma4637

[@javiercandia3823]

This watch with the Omega 300 rubber strap would be unbeatable.

[@rolandharris6843]

You can get a black Rubber B strap for it that looks as good as the Omega 300 rubber strap.

[@richardbonanno7236]

Nice review. I've been thinking of buying this one myself. Not a Tudor fan but this one is growing on me. Wish it had AR and was less thick though.

[@WatchComplications]

yeah those are the main downsides. Other than that it’s great.

[@richardbonanno7236]

@@WatchComplications May have to get one. Have a great day!

[@antonhallergren588]

BB ceramic, BB GMT and bb41 blue dial are probably my top 3 Tudors.

[@mikemike9478]

How accurate is your BB Ceramic? I bought mine three days ago from an AD and so far it has been accurate to -1 s/d. I don't know if this is normal. I mean isn't METAS supposed to be 0 to +5 s/d?

[@WatchComplications]

I haven't taken a super close look at it, but I do know it's spot on every time I check it after setting and wearing. When I put it on the timegrapher initially it was running at 0. I wouldn't be concerned about -1 at all though.

[@rolandharris2706]

Get a rubber b strap. Fully integrated. A must to truly set the watch off.

[@WatchComplications]

perhaps at some point!

[@donald2818]

Interesting you don't mind the snowflake hand on this one when given the contrast it sticks out the most of any of the Tudor models.

[@WatchComplications]

To me I think the contrast helps it, along with the lack of text on the dial. On most other tudors all the text plus the hand make it too busy. Still not my favorite hand style, but I love this watch and wear it regularly. The one tudor to get, imo.

[@lupodisol]

I like the Tudor Ceramic, however, I would like it better if it were 37 or 38mm; 41mm is to large for me.

[@WatchComplications]

i would maybe go 40 if given the choice but 41 still looks quite good on my wrist of 19cm

[@austinzizzi1142]

That’s such a good looking watch

[@WatchComplications]

the one i wear most at this point

[@dipsetkid09]

How does this strap handle water / getting wet?

[@WatchComplications]

Better than straight-up leather, but I typically have this on a custom leather I had made for it.

[@mikep197]

Terrific review. Tried one of these on at the store and almost bought it on the spot. Now looking for a used model. This is a watch that looks good in pictures but REALLY wows when you finally see it in the flesh. Curious to see what it looks like if you flip the strap upside down. The reverse deployment sort of annoys me too.

[@WatchComplications]

I tried that on the seiko presage i had some time ago and it just doesn’t work/sit right on the wrist. I’m thinking it would be the same situation with this watch. I am keeping my eyes open for some other strap options also.

[@mikep197]

@@WatchComplications I think Everest, Rubber B, and Vanguard all make rubber straps that work for it. I'm probably going to go that route. Vanguard best price of the three by far.

[@maarteneh]

Nice honest and critical review. But sentences like "like a rubber on the road review"? No...

[@WatchComplications]

well i do actually buy and wear for a considerable amount of time the stuff I review, unlike many reviewers. that’s what i meant, and also explicitly say in the video. but i do see how such phrases can be taken. thanks for watching.

[@Navs126]

I’m sure you’re a blast at parties

[@squand3r]

Wonderful review of a watch that I would purchase instantly if it was smaller.

[@WatchComplications]

this watch about 2mm smaller in diameter and/or lug to lug would be awesome. alas, it’s this size and I’ll tolerate the size :)

[@squand3r]

@@WatchComplications absolutely! I had it already on my wrist… and next to it was an uninspiring yet perfect fitting 39mm Black Bay 58. I could have cried.

[@qimng8914]

@@squand3r Good day sir, heard about the ceramic casing being brittle and fragile and would break easily. Wanted to buy this piece as a daily watch, is it really that fragile and vulnerable while wearing it? Need your kind advice. Much appreciated!

[@squand3r]

@@qimng8914 Hello Qim, I havent bought it so I cannot give proper advice - it looks very sturdy though and felt very well built. If I had bigger wrists I would buy it!

[@affegorilla1299]

It’s a great watch but for me it’s the Pelagos 39🤩

[@WatchComplications]

Fair. the 39 diameter will fit more wrists better.

[@saiskhay2880]

I bought it not even 2 months have to sent it back to repair, don’t know what going on can’t winding and not working anymore. Amazing quality!!!

[@WatchComplications]

bad luck? 🤷‍♂️ things happen sometimes. Has a 5 year warranty at least.

[@Paidonthedaily]

wow really??? or does rolex pay people to say that stuff?

[@FreddyFermin]

@@Paidonthedaily rolex and tudor are owned by same conpany

[@Tudorguy-zw1ik]

Hey I am looking to buy the Tudor ceramic, but can’t 100% decide due to hearing the ceramic can crack easily.

[@WatchComplications]

i imagine you’d have to hit it fairly hard for that to happen. mine is holding up fine and i wear it a lot. but then again I haven’t hit it hard on anything or dropped it.

[@qimng8914]

@@WatchComplications Good day sir, heard about the ceramic casing being brittle and fragile and would break easily. Wanted to buy this piece as a daily watch, is it really that fragile and vulnerable while wearing it? Need your kind advice. Much appreciated!

[@WatchComplications]

@@qimng8914 This is my most worn watch, what someone might call a daily, and I've never had a problem with it for the year and three months I've owned it. Almost any watch is going to take some damage if you hit it really hard. I haven't been to careful with it and it still looks new.

[@medgasguy]

Me likey...me likey a lot.

[@WatchComplications]

it really is a great watch!

[@davidcunningham7330]

Why did you not just switch the sides of the watch band??

[@WatchComplications]

I know that sounds like it would be fine, but it usually isn't with these sorts of clasps. At least not in my experience.

[@trevorschauwecker]

Can’t you just flip the strap around so it face the other direction?

[@WatchComplications]

It's a question that's been asked a few times in the comments, and I wish that it worked, but I tried a flip with both this watch and a Seiko Presage which has a similar strap clasp design, but it doesn't work the way you think it would. Looks and feels odd if flipped.

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

That open lug and that hour hand though.

[@WatchComplications]

I guess a lot of watches have a gap between strap and lugs, so that doesn't bother me. I'm not a fan of the snowflake, but this is the one Tudor I can tolerate it on due to the great contrast (cream vs black)

[@supertrickyrickyandtheslip1473]

@@WatchComplications Alright then, I’ll head in and have a look. Thank you 😊

[@WatchComplications]

with a look I’d say. Not sure that I’d buy any other Tudor right now. Maybe eventually will come up with a GMT combo I like.

[@HHIto]

Obliterates the (no external quantification) the "infamous" 8L35b's!

[@WatchComplications]

one of the most accurate watches I have

[@Emach76]

Silicone?

[@WatchComplications]

some sort of rubber. but these days I have it on a custom leather strap I had made for it

[@tommywong2511]

I saw one for retail, just didn’t buy it because no lume pit.

[@WatchComplications]

It's best without one. And I assume you mean pip.

[@tommywong2511]

@@WatchComplications why’s that’s ?

[@WatchComplications]

keeps the bezel looking simple

[@mattgraham2639]

Great vid. Just turn the strap around. Problem solved

[@WatchComplications]

I tried that on other clasps like this and it never feels quite right. The Seiko presage straps are similar.

[@BryanO92]

Be careful, silicon hairspring basically means glass. I'm told they are fragile, so I would not be tempted to self service it.

[@WatchComplications]

oh I wouldn’t be doing self service on this baby, wouldn’t have the parts anyway. Plus…5yr warranty.

[@kelvin.008]

Can get it brand new or near brand new for 45% discount now.😂

[@WatchComplications]

If you can get it for that sort of discount from an AD I'd be shocked. Certainly plenty of availability now though.

[@kelvin.008]

@@WatchComplications not from ADs, from grey market.

[@WatchComplications]

@@kelvin.008 ah ok, I haven't looked at resale prices on them. I wear this one so much it's not going anywhere. Nice that people can get a good deal on one though.

[@donald2818]

This model isn't finished any better than any of the other Tudors.

[@WatchComplications]

I think the blacked out movement is a nice touch and not having all the text makes a positive difference.

[@user-ng9cq9xn7]

ما هو بلد الصنع

[@WatchComplications]

Swiss Made. Parts are made in various locations, but then there is that Swiss aspect.

[@chickenporkadob0]

that's a sexy piece.

[@WatchComplications]

why thank you ;) 😆