Category: Tudor

This past year has been an exciting time in the watch market. There have been Rolex bubbles popping, MoonSwatch release flopping, and new Tudor watches dropping (highlighted with a Ric Flair woooo!)! What an exciting time to be a watch enthusiast. The Rolex market and MoonSwatch release have been covered ad nauseam, but what about Tudor?

There has certainly been no shortage of fanfare for Tudor this year. They have gone from strength to strength, releasing the new Black Bay Pro and Tudor Pelagos 39. These new models have waitlists more in line with their older brother Rolex. There is another release that Tudor managed to sneak in this year. 

That, of course, is the new Tudor Ranger.

The new Ranger didn’t receive the same universal admiration that Tudor received with their other key releases this year. In fact, I would say that this watch falls comfortably into the category of a marmite watch. 

Tudor Ranger- What It Is, Where It’s Been, and What It Is Today

When I first got into watches in 2016, the original Tudor Ranger heritage release was a close contender for my first luxury timepiece. The model featured the iconic 12-3-6-9 Ranger design, but was a little big, had a straight-end link bracelet, and didn’t feature one of Tudor’s new in-house movements. 

Ultimately, I compromised on the in-house movement and purchased a newly released Tudor Black Bay 36. Try as I might, I could never get the Ranger out of my mind. If only they tweaked it a little bit, this watch would be perfect.

Fast forward to 2020, and the Ranger quietly fell out of the Tudor catalog. My ears perked up in the excitement of what the next few releases from Tudor could bring us. The vintage watch craze was far from over, and the Rolex Explorer, especially the 36mm, had never been as popular as it was.

It took a couple of years, but in 2022 Tudor finally rereleased (or re-rereleased) the Tudor Ranger. As the rumor mill started to catch fire in the weeks before its official release, I started preparing my beloved Tudor Black Bay 36 for the inevitable auction site listing.

I knew this watch was going to take my watch-collecting journey full circle and allow me to finally get the timepiece that initially captured my attention on my wrist and out of my mind. Well, 6 months down the road, and I still have my Black Bay 36.

In fact, I never even put my name on the list at my local Tudor AD to register my interest. How could this happen? How could a watch that was supposed to be the one miss the mark so badly? Honestly, Tudor didn’t miss the mark at all! They delivered everything I was hoping for.

They even gave me some features I didn’t even know I would need back in 2016, such as the T-fit clasp. Let’s take a deep dive into the new Tudor Ranger and see if we can identify exactly why I don’t have one on my wrist while writing this review.

What Is the Tudor Ranger?

The Tudor Ranger is an everyday field watch, commonly referred to today as a GADA (Go Anywhere Do Anything) style of watch. The 12-3-6-9 dial is reminiscent of the iconic Rolex Explorer, and in many ways, this watch fills a similar place in any watch collection. 

The Tudor Ranger could quite easily be your one and only watch. Its monochromatic design allows it to be dressed up or down, and you would be hard-pressed to find a situation outside of formal black-tie events where this watch would look out of place. Since you are reading this article, I am confident you’re not very interested in one-watch collections. 

In that case, the Tudor Ranger could fill almost any hole in your watch box. That is the beauty of a timepiece like this. The only factor limiting your ability to wear this watch will be the envy of the other watches in your collection.

History of the Tudor Ranger

In many ways, the history of the Tudor Ranger mirrors that of the Rolex Explorer. Rolex introduced its iconic Rolex Explorer to commemorate Sir Edmund Hilary’s conquest of Mt. Everest in 1953. By the 1960s, Tudor released the Tudor Ranger with a similar dial layout, albeit in a 34mm case size as opposed to the 36mm of the Explorer. 

Much like the inspiration of Everest to the Explorer, the Tudor Ranger can tie its inspiration to the 1952 British North Greenland Expedition. This latest iteration of the Tudor Ranger commemorates the 70^th anniversary of this Greenland Expedition and the Tudor Prince Ref. 7909 that accompanied them. 

Whether the Tudor Ranger was conceived as a simple cost-conscious alternative to the Rolex Explorer or truly has an iconic origin story as unique as the Rolex is up for debate. One thing that is not up for debate is that the Tudor Ranger has come in significantly more variants than its iconic bigger brother since its 1960s debut. 

The initial offering was very similar to the Explorer, featuring the 12-3-6-9 printed numerals on a black dial housed in a 34mm case diameter. The Ref. 7995 from 1965 featured these characteristics along with the signature arrow shape hand to give the Ranger a unique look. A date model was later introduced to this model to further differentiate it from the Rolex Explorer.

The 1970s took this rather ordinary design and gave it a bit of that 1970s pizazz! The black dial was replaced with blues and oranges, more representative of the time, while the typical Oyster bracelet was replaced by a more contemporary integrated bracelet. 

These Ranger II models later gave inspiration to the quirky Tudor North Flag. A recently discontinued model, that introduced Tudor’s new In-House movement and featured a pop of color and integrated stainless-steel bracelet. 

Fast forward to 2014, and the Tudor Ranger was ready for a rerelease. After the success of the Tudor Black Bay and Heritage Chrono, Tudor released a new Tudor Ranger. This new iteration featured the iconic dial and hands, a 41mm stainless steel case with a straight-end bracelet, and was powered by the ETA 2824 movement. 

Despite seeing some success initially, this watch failed to see the popularity of the Black Bay line for Tudor. In 2016, Tudor released the Black Bay 36, ultimately proving to be one of the nails in the coffin for the Ranger. With this release, Tudor remedied many of the common complaints watch enthusiasts, myself included, could not look past with the Ranger. 

The size at 41mm was simply too big for a time-only watch beyond 2014. This may have been the trend in the 2000s, but we were already on our way back to more modest watch sizing by the time the Ranger hit the market. The Ranger Heritage slowly withered away until 2020, when Tudor quietly removed this watch from their lineup.

2022 Tudor Ranger Review

The new Tudor Ranger, Ref. 79950, packs a significant punch when it comes to value for money. Few watch brands can provide the value Tudor can, and they may have out “Tudored” themself with this release. Let’s take a look at how.

Case

The new Tudor Ranger featured a 39mm stainless-steel case. A welcomed downsize from the previous generation. This size reduction is enhanced when factoring in the significantly wider fixed steel bezel giving the illusion of an even smaller diameter. 

This case size was not by mistake as it pleases several wrist sizes and also allows Tudor to provide a solution for people displeased with the recent downsizing of the Rolex Explorer from 39mm to 36mm.

The case finishing on the Ranger is done impeccably well at this price point and features a mostly satin-brushed appearance. There are subtle polishing areas along the edge of the bezel, but the overall finishing is more in line with a Tudor Pelagos than that of a Black Bay. 

The watch also features a screw-down crown helping it achieve 100m of water resistance and a domed sapphire crystal to help protect it from scratches. Tudor hit it out of the park with this case, as the finishing fits the field watch aesthetic perfectly. 

Dial and Hands

The dial on the new Ranger is one of the most divisive characteristics of this watch. The printed numerals give off a very flat appearance. In person, there is an almost sterile look to the dial and handset. In addition to this flat appearance, there is quite a bit of open space on the dial. I appreciate simplicity on a dial, but I can’t help but feel that there is something missing on this one. 

I am, by no means, asking for the short story that accompanies the dial of the modern Tudor Pelagos, but I wouldn’t complain about another line of text. That being said, this dial layout and handset are signature Tudor and borderline iconic on their own now. The matte black color of the dial is everything that you would expect a tool watch to be, and overall, despite my concerns, this is a very classic dial execution from Tudor.

Movement

What about the engine powering this new Ranger? Tudor has opted to utilize the MT5402 in-house designed caliber over the off-the-shelf ETA 2824, powering their previous generation. 

This new caliber has several benefits, including a 70-hour power reserve over the standard 38 of the ETA and COSC certification, providing -2-+4 seconds of accuracy per day. This movement truly blurs the line between Rolex and Tudor and offers significant value compared to the off-the-shelf ETA/Sellita offerings in this price range.

Bracelet

The new bracelet is something that really surprised me from Tudor. The 20mm brushed Oyster style bracelet tapering down to 16mm at the clasp was expected, but the new T-fit adjustable clasp was not. The new T-Fit clasp features a toolless adjustment of up to 8mm, similar to what we see on the Glidelock from Rolex.

This feature is currently only available on the Pelagos 39 and Boutique only Black Bay 58 Bronze, both of which will set you back significantly more than this new Ranger. The other feature I am thankful for is fitted end links. Not much to say here; I think Tudor got it wrong with the 2014 Heritage Ranger and simply corrected their mistake.

Price

The new Tudor Ranger comes in three different configurations. The version featuring the stainless-steel bracelet comes in at a price of about $3150. If you opt to save some money (please don’t do this!), the watch is also available on an olive fabric strap featuring a burgundy and beige stripe or a hybrid leather and rubber strap for about $2825. Compare that to the Black Bay 36, and you are actually saving $50 based on the bracelet/ strap option you select.

You are getting a new design, with an updated bracelet and clasp compared to the Black Bay 36, as well as a significantly improved movement in the MT5402 over the T-6000, Sellita SW200-1, for $50 less! That is not a typo; the value you are getting for this watch is incredibly high, even for a company that sets the standard in this price range.

Top 3 Alternatives to the Tudor Ranger

The Tudor Ranger is a watch that provides exceptional value for money, but it’s not the only timepiece known to do this. Let’s take a quick look at 3 competitive watches and see how the Tudor Ranger compares.

Longines Spirit

The newly introduced Longines Spirit checks many of the same boxes that the Tudor Ranger does. The design is more rooted in aviation as opposed to a field watch, but the ability to be an everyday piece remains. 

The Spirit line offers more variety in the form of colors and varying sizes of 37mm, 40mm, and 42mm to help accommodate more wrist sizes and even features a date complication. Longines has recently introduced this model in titanium, giving the Spirit some additional benefits of over the stainless-steel Tudor Ranger. 

Pricing will range from roughly $2150-$3050 for the time and date models. The ETA-based movement will also provide a similar performance to what you’d expect with the Tudor. Depending on the style you are looking for, the Longines Spirit is definitely a watch you should check out before committing to anything in the entry-level luxury segment, even the value-packed Tudor Ranger.

IWC Spitfire

If you are looking for a similar look but have the budget to move up closer to $5000, the IWC Spitfire is a watch that receives constant praise for its value for money. What exactly do you get for an extra roughly $2000? The 39mm stainless steel watch features a similar satin brushed look throughout. The watch also has an in-house movement with a similar specification and accuracy rating. 

The dial appears to be an almost perfect mix between the Longines Spirit and Tudor Ranger, appealing to a more aviation-themed aesthetic with a heritage twist. The watch is only available on a fabric strap, forgoing a bracelet option altogether. The truth is, this watch provides a very similar specification, albeit with a higher brand cache and a slightly higher finishing quality, at almost double the price. 

Most watch enthusiasts consider this watch to be a great value, and its price seems almost inflated next to the Tudor Ranger. This comparison was not meant as a dig on the IWC Spitfire, as it is one of my favorite releases from any brand over the last 5 years; it is simply meant to highlight just how impressive this new Ranger is.

Omega Railmaster Co-Axial

When looking for a true competitor to the Tudor Ranger, the Omega Railmaster Co-Axial is as close as you can get. The 40mm brushed stainless-steel case and 12-3-6-9 vintage aesthetic have a familiar feel while giving us a more unique take on the classic “Explorer” dial. The Railmaster has a history that somewhat parallels the Ranger as well. 

The original release was an underappreciated model and has since seen several reintroductions to varying results. This newer 40mm iteration, while still under the radar, presents a unique option for a more subdued aqua terra. The Railmaster is powered by an in-house Co-Axial movement that has met the qualification for a Master Chronometer. 

The roughly $5200 price on a beautifully brushed stainless-steel bracelet is quite an increase from the Tudor Ranger, but this is an Omega! They’re used to giving industry rival and Tudor’s big brother, Rolex, a run for their money. If you can stretch your budget, this will be a formidable competitor to overlook.

Conclusion

So, that is the new 2022 Tudor Ranger! A watch that gave us everything we asked for, plus some things we didn’t even know we needed, yet still managed to underwhelm the watch community. More than any other brand of recent times, I find Tudor to be a victim of their own success. 

We have come to expect that every couple of years, they are going to create something that truly knocks our socks off. This new Ranger was an incredible release from Tudor, but in a year packed with the release of the Black Bay Pro and long-awaited Pelagos 39, the Ranger kind of fell through the cracks. 

The value this watch presents is second to none at this price point! You really need to look a little lower at Longines or higher with Omega to see watches that make you think twice. So why in the world is this watch not on my wrist right now while some other lucky enthusiast gets to proudly wear my Black Bay 36? 

Honestly, I can’t explain it! It defies all logic and makes me question my identity as a value-centric watch enthusiast. It has everything that I could ask for in an everyday watch, except for one thing; The memories I’ve made along the way! I am sure this watch will one day make its way into my collection, but whether or not it will replace the Black Bay 36 is unsure.

Happy watch hunting!

The watch you wear serves a higher purpose than just being an accessory that tells time. If the ability to tell the time was all we wanted from a watch, it would not matter if we grabbed a cheap one from a street shop as long as it served this purpose. A watch has personality. It defines the wearer – You. It should showcase your elegance, your evolved outlook in life, and your classy personality.

In this article, we explore two classic watches from Tudor, the black bay 58 and its predecessor, the black bay. Both are vintage watches that fit perfectly within that description. The Tudor Black bay watches are classics designed for people who appreciate elegance, functionality, and durability wrapped in a classy accessory. 

The Black Bay vs. Black Bay 58

Tudor stirred luxury watch lovers with the release of the Black Bay watch in 2012. The watch was seen as an effort to reincarnate the classic diving watch, the 7922 Tudor Submariner. However, the hype was short-lived, with new entrants competing in the same category (notably the Rolex GMT) being released around this time as well. 

The Black Bay 58 was a reprieve for Tudor, with evident improvement from its older sibling. With the heightened attention that went to this watch, it was evident that Tudor must have done something right with the 58.

For starters, the deviation from the norm of the bigger the better startled the luxury dive watches industry – but it got the buyers excited and that was all that mattered. Things were about to change. The 58 came with a compact case that was in contrast to what was expected of a luxury dive watch of its caliber.

After the Black bay 58 watch was released at Baselworld in 2018, it became an instant success. In so many ways, it was also an improvement of the 1954’s submariner. Tudor’s Black Bay watches are renowned for their durability. The submariner was identifiable by its black colorway, large crown, and gilt markings. The Black Bay 58 watch was designed for the modern man.

Sure, it may have borrowed several design elements from the submariner but when placed side by side, there is no doubt that the 58 is contemporary, well-crafted, and poised to enjoy all the webbings of modern society while wrapped around a modern man’s wrist.

The watch combines vintage functionality with style – something many watch enthusiasts resonated with. This watch was an upgrade and improvement from the original Black bay in every sense. The size, movement, quality, diversity, design, and accuracy of the 58 was enhanced to provide comfort at a reasonable price point. With this watch, you get all the trappings of a modern classic without breaking the bank.

Color variations between Black Bay and Black bay 58

One striking feature that made the 58 popular is the creation of different variants featuring different colors and case materials. The black bay 58 blue variants have been the most successful to date, followed closely by the rare black edition. The watch also comes in red, black, green, steel, bronze, black, and Chrono. Others may come in custom colors depending on the client’s tastes and preferences.

The case design between Tudor Black Bay and Black Bay 58

Not much distinguishes the 58 from the original black bay model in terms of case design- apart from the size. They have the same build, although the 58 is a bit shrunken. They both take after the older Tudor submarine’s design.

The crown guards in the submariners seem more complex than those on the 58, with more detailed bezels in their architectural design. The 58 does not have crown guards. Expect scratches if you will wear this watch occasionally. 

The compact size of the Black bay 58 seems more stylish (at 39mm diameter) compared to the Black Bay Watch (at 41mm diameter). This is a 5% reduction in size. The 2mm difference may not seem much to a layman, but it does affect the comfort and sleek look of the watch. 

In terms of flanks, there is a whopping 18.3% difference in height in Tudor black bay 58 vs Rolex submariner. Black bay 58 flanks are 6.45mm tall against the submariner’s 5.45mm. A 1mm difference can affect a watch’s design immensely. 

The case size in the Black Bay 58 is not accidental. The inspiration to reduce the case to this specific size came from some of the best watches ever made. We are talking about the Omega Speed master (1957) and the Royal Oak (1972). 

The finishing on both watches is identical. They both have stainless steel polished finishes on the sides of the case. The top of the lugs has a satin finish. The Black Bay has a date functionality at the 3 o’clock position as well as a fourth hand. 

Weight comparison between Black Bay and Black Bay 58 watches

Black Bay is considerably heavier than the 58 at 177g when adjusted to a rest wrist length of 6.5 inches. The 58 watch is at 137g when adjusted to the same length. This is about a 25% difference and it can affect how the watch lies flush to the arm. 

To place this into perspective, the famed Rolex submariner watch is at 148g while adjusted to the same rest wrist length – and this is one of the best watches ever made. Both Black Bays are comfortable on the wrist irrespective of the Black Bay being a bit heavier.

The Black Bay watch also has a noticeably larger crown than the 58 but this does not affect the watch’s comfort and functionality. The thickness of the Black Bay 58 is 12mm while the Black Bay’s thickness is 14.7mm thick. This makes the 58 lies flatter/flush on the surface of the wrist. 

Dial and Bezel for Black Bay 58 and Black Bay

The black Bay 58 has a uni-directional 60-click bezel that makes comforting crispy sounds with no back play. The Black Bay is a bi-directional 60-click bezel. Both bezels are fixed expertly in place. The Black Bay’s bezel is slightly harder to turn. You have to press on it first. The bezel inserts on both watches are made of stainless steel. 

The Black Bay comes with a 2-tone look (red and blue). The blue tone seems darker when you look at the watch in person than when looking at the picture of the Black Bay (It almost looks black in low light). The Black Bay 58’s bezel is black with gilt writing. The triangle at the zero position has a lume pip. There are minute increments from 0 to 15 on the 58, and then 5-minute increments thereafter. 

The teeth on Tudor’s bezel are not pronounced, and although they add a level of sleekness to the watch, this may prove to be a slight design flaw. Imagine trying to wind the bezel with neoprene gloves during a dive, or with cold hands. The bezel grasp is not as great as the one on a Rolex submariner, or the predecessor 1950s Tudor submariner watch but it is still very functional. 

Movement and accuracy of the Black Bay and Black Bay 58

The movements of both the black bay 58 and the older black bay watches are powered by Kenissi. The MT5402 calibration found inside the Black Bay 58 is smaller (at 26mm) compared to the one in MT5602 designs (at 31.8mm). The smaller calibration does not show balance wheels underneath. 

Both watches have 70 hours of power reserve and an accurate, COSC-certified plus or minus 2 seconds per day. The mechanical movements for both watches beat at 28,800 vibrations per hour. Most people who have owned these watches for a long time say that these watches are accurate to the hilt. 

The only slight hitch noted (especially with the early releases of the Black Bay models) was that the date wheel was not changing on time. This glitch was resolved in subsequent releases. 

The bracelet design

Both Tudor black bay watches have excellent steel bracelets. The design borrows heavily from their predecessors as well as the Rolex watches. The Black Bay lug width is 22mm while the 58 is 20mm. The 2 extra millimeters add to the bulkiness of the Black Bay watch.

These extra 2mm are part of the changes that lead to the increment of the Black Bay – and probably affect how the watch lies on your wrist. The Black Bay watch has a 50mm distance between one lug to the other while the 58 watch has a 47.5mm distance.

The clasp of the Black Bay is also longer at 19.83mm against 17.95mm of the 58. Both watches have step-tapering solid links as opposed to the gradual tapering we often see in most watch brands. The clasps are identical on both watches.

They have fracture-resistant locks on both watches with 3 micro-adjustments to fit almost any wrist size. The clasps open the same way and the guards have the Tudor logo on both watches.

Lume on Black Bay 58

Both Black bay watches have excellent luminous dials. When you place them in the dark, they have a green glow that lasts quite a while. The 58 has a darker glow compared to the Black Bay but the difference is almost negligible. When you place the two watches side by side, you will immediately notice that the green glow accentuates the size of the dials and hour markings. The 58 has larger markings than the Black Bay. 

Water resistance

Both watches have up to 200 m of water resistance capacity. There is a lume pip at the zero mark on the 58 that allows divers to tell the time in the dark. The Black Bay does not need this as it was not designed as a diver’s watch.

FAQs on Black Bay and Black Bay 58

Conclusion

Tudor Black Bay watches provide the comfort, functionality, and class many vintage watch enthusiasts have come to love. Both have a lot to bring to the table, and what you choose really depends on your preference.

If you love large watches, you would enjoy the Black Bay. It has all the trappings and elegance that come with being a Tudor. Noting that Tudor borrows heavily from Rolex in their designs, you can expect the watches to have the best quality. 

The Black Bay 58 was the highlight of the Tudor Black Bay edition. It is a compact dive watch that has won the hearts of many watch lovers all over the world. It fits snugly on your wrist and the uni-directional bezel movement makes it a great companion as daily wear for the modern, complex man. Both watches run great and have 70 hours of power reserve.

As discussed in this article, both watches have rich features that will serve any purpose you may have. It all comes down to your preference and probably the cost. Whichever one you choose, you are guaranteed to have a wholesome experience.

Are you searching for a great watch that has great value? In this article, I will compare and contrast the features of the Tudor Black Bay model 36 and model 41 wristwatches for your consideration. For those that are unfamiliar with the Tudor brand, Tudor is essentially the sister company of the very successful and popular Rolex brand.

Based in Switzerland and founded by Hans Wilsdorf, both continue production today managed by the Wilsdorf Foundation. With this in mind, both collections share many of the same attributes and innovations exclusively developed by Mr. Wilsdorf and his team of artisans. For many years, Tudor was viewed as a poor man’s Rolex.

I personally experienced selling both brands at the retail level in the early 1980s and most often, a customer who desired a Rolex ultimately purchased a Rolex, even after inquiring about the Tudor collection. Tudor, at the time, seemed to be more of a stepchild than the sister company it truly was. There seemed to be somewhat of an identity crisis. 

Fortunately, with the relaunch of the Tudor brand in the United States approximately ten years ago, the brand has made great strides to present its uniqueness and appeal. With the addition of exclusive in-house movements manufactured by Tudor and not customized ETA movements, the move towards a more distinct brand identity is well underway. 

In this article, I will attempt to educate you on the attributes of the Black Bay model 36 and model 41 watches and address the concerns about the size of each of the models and concerns addressing any questions as to if these models are men’s watches. Rest assured, both models are comparable to the size of some other very well-known brands.

For example, the Black Bay 41 is outfitted with a 41mm size case. In comparison, the Rolex Submariner is outfitted with a 41 mm case and the Omega Seamaster with a 42mm case. The Black Bay 36, on the other hand, boasts a 36 mm case which is equivalent to the Rolex Datejust model 16200 (One of the most popular in the Rolex collection).  All of the Tudor models are certified Swiss chronometers. For novices, a chronometer denotes an instrument for accurately measuring time.

The official certification refers to the COSC which is the official Swiss chronometer testing institute that certifies chronometers that fall within a precise range of accuracy. One constant throughout the collection is that each Tudor watch comes with a five-year guarantee that requires no registration or periodic maintenance checks. 

Tudor Black Bay 41

The Tudor Black Bay model 41 can basically be broken down into two categories. The first category ranges in price from approximately $2950.00 to $3275.00. These models are the entry price points and all consist of stainless steel cases that are water resistant to 150m (approx. 500ft). These models are available with an extensive list of features and strap, bracelet, dial, and bezel combinations. 

The 41 mm case is available in either a polished or satin finish and an accompanying smooth steel bezel with a polished finish. Each has a sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown. There are a number of different straps available depending on the specific watch choice and consist of the following; aged brown or black leather, blue, black, brown, or burgundy fabric or a steel, satin finished bracelet with a folding clasp and safety catch. 

Each watch is fitted with a Tudor T600 self-winding mechanical movement with a 38-hour power reserve capacity. In the second category are the steel and gold models that range in price from $5250.00 to $5875.00. These possess a sporty air but are much more everyday business smart timepieces. Each is fitted with a Tudor MT5601 self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system with a 70-hour power reserve.

For clarity, the bidirectional rotor expedites the transference of power to the mainspring whether the rotor turns clockwise or anticlockwise. They are water resistant to 100m (approx. 330 ft.). In addition, each possesses a sapphire crystal and a yellow gold screw-down crown and is completed by a steel and gold bracelet reflecting polished and satin finishes and a steel “T fit” folding clasp with a safety catch. The $5875,00 model has a dial with diamond markers thus the increment in price. 

I have taken the liberty of including the following model though it is not formally a Black Bay model 41 watch but has a 41mm case and is truly a remarkable watch. The timepiece I am referring to is the Black Bay Ceramic which retails for approximately $4825.00. This is truly a signature piece for the Tudor line and boasts some world-class features as well as being a real eye-catcher. The case itself is a black ceramic case with a micro-blasted finish and a monobloc middle case.

It has an open case back in black PVD treated 36L steel with a sapphire crystal. This provides viewing access to the Tudor model MT5602-IU self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirected rotor system. The movement is capable of 70 hours of power reserve. This particular movement is a COSC-certified chronometer whose precision has been tested at two different temperatures, six different positions, and at two levels of power reserve (100% and 33%).

It also is antimagnetic meaning it is smooth functioning when exposed to a magnetic field of 15,000 gausses with precision following such exposure. To complete the Black Bay Ceramic it is available with either a hybrid leather or a rubber strap with a steel folding clasp and safety catch in black PVD-treated 316L steel. According to the Tudor website, a complimentary black fabric stamp with a cream band and black PVD treated 316L steel buckle is also included.

To close my article, I will share a bit more information on the Tudor Black Bay model 36 as mentioned earlier in this article. The model 36 is a rugged everyday watch that shares a very similar appearance with its Rolex counterpart. Though slightly smaller in stature the watch would be comfortably at home on any man’s wrist. 

The Tudor 36

Once again, I will take the liberty of breaking down the Model 36 into three categories. The first part of the collection would be the steel case watches that retail for approximately $2725.00 to $3050.00. The 36mm case is a combination of both polished and satin finishes and is outfitted with a sapphire crystal. The movement is a Tudor T600 self-winding mechanical movement with a power reserve capacity of 38 hours.

Additionally, the watch is water resistant to 150m. (approx. 500 ft.). The crown is a steel screw-down winding crown, with the Tudor rose in relief with a black anodized aluminum winding crown tube. The strap models are available in beige or brown leather or in black fabric. The other option is a steel satin finish bracelet with a folding clasp and safety catch. 

The second category is the steel and gold models which retail in the realm of $5025.00-$5650.00. Each of the watches available here has a Tudor MT5400 self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system with 70 hours of power reserve capacity. A sapphire crystal and a steel and gold polished and satin bracelet round out the physical features. The bracelet also has the “T fit” folding clasp and safety catch. 

The lower price points in the category are available with either silver, black, or champagne dials. The upper price point in the range reflects dials with diamond markers available in silver, black, and champagne finishes. 

The Black Tie finish

I have created the third category to feature some steel and gold models that would usually be part of the second category. My reasoning for singling these timepieces out is that they are striking and offer value in what could be viewed as a “Black Tie Watch.” These pieces are adorned with both a diamond marker dial as well as a full diamond bezel.

The approximate retail of these watches is $7325.00. and would be a perfect complement to a tuxedo or when being worn to attend a wedding or gala-style event. These models are once again available in either black, silver, or champagne dials. 

Tudor Sizing on a Man’s Wrist

In closing, either the Tudor Black Bay Models 36 or 41 are timepieces that should be considered for their features, history, quality, and value, given the price of many Swiss watches today. There seems to be a considerable amount of conversation concerning the difference in the case size and bracelet between the aforementioned models and how they appear on the average male wrist.

In researching these particular discussions, the claim that the Black Bay 36 is too small for a 7.5 inch or larger wrist or that the 41 is too large for a 6.25 or smaller size wrist are valid concerns in weighing your ultimate purchase. In an age where it seems everyone weighs in concerning their opinions on such matters, I believe that an individual’s choice should be entirely subjective. 

To make the best decision, if possible, visit a legitimate Tudor watch dealer and try the Black Bay 36 and 41 on. Actually seeing the timepiece on your own wrist should go a long way to helping you make a confident decision. While opinions are vast and readily available, the comfortability of the watch on one’s wrist coupled with the aesthetics and material of the watch should be your ultimate criteria in making your purchasing decision. 

I would also recommend that perhaps you make your choice with a trusted individual or partner. Someone in whom you trust their critique and opinion and can offer honest input in your buying decision. A caveat I also would suggest is not to over-research the debate of one size case vs. another. As with vast amounts of opinion and information, the results could lead to both confusion and mental overload.

Do your research, make a list of possible candidates for your purchase, and visit your Tudor dealer. Trying on the physical products will go a long way to assuaging any doubts or questions you might harbor about a wristwatch that will look amazing on your particular wrist and make the statement that you desire. 

While Rolex continues to be known for its name, all one needs is the confidence to recognize a superior crafted timepiece instead of succumbing to the urge to follow the pack. For an excellent discussion and overview of the question surrounding the Tudor size 36mm models for a man’s wrist I suggest the following review: