The Tudor Black Bay - A Watch to Fall in Love with

I know this watch is referred to endlessly but I have just bought one and it really strikes me as a real long term joy, rather then a fleeting "lets try this out" so I thought I would pen a few newbie thoughts.

I have recently got into the diving genre and have been using a variety of watches, from the typical largish watches, e.g the "dwarf star" Breitling colt, through to "real tool" watches, e.g. Oris Depth Gauge. Although, to be honest, 99% is just liking the sporty look and "potential", and also the fact it doesn't have to be taken off on holiday for swimming or snorkeling. The other 1% requires the Suunto EON ;)

The first thing that struck me about the Black Bay is its smaller size compared to the current preference for large diving watches. It feels lightweight on my wrist and there is something more sophisticated about it. It also slides into my sleeve very nicely unlike the mammoth diving watches.

It looks striking, classy and classic, and each time I look at it I see a different detail in a new light.



I chose the new black dial version with the stainless steel strap. It also includes a material "nato" type strap that is good for making it more subtle on the arm.

The new manufacturer mechanism pushes the reserve to 70 hours and usefully allows the watch to be off all weekend if required, and still ticking on Monday. Its also nice to know that you have a mechanism more unique on one's hand.

On the black version, I love the gold (or you could say bronze) font on the face. This contrasts nicely with substantial time pips surrounded by gold metal, the unique diamond on the second hand and "fat" diamond on the hour hand which is interestingly useful when the hour and minute hand coincide. 



The bezel is aluminium and matt black. Its fits in with the face very well, including silvered numerals and the red triangle around the 12 o'clock pip which finishes off the watch beautifully. 



The sapphire crystal is quite raised, which is fairly unique, and gives the watch a ring of shine around the face. You can also see from this picture how domed the pips on the face are. This is super attention to detail and is the kind of thing that make Tudor so special



The timing dial itself is uniquely thin, with very fine edge teeth and combined with a very solid, slightly stiff movement, feels more like a precision scientific instrument.
I love the oversized crown with the Tudor logo. The crown changes to a black anodized thinner dial that screws into the watch and, as well as highlighting the crown nicely, it also has the effect of making the crown very easy to grip.



Another attention to detail is the beautifully chamfered edge on the four corners. I also like the polished finished on the case which works well with the watch and gives it a dress look when necessary. This looks particularly good on a 41mm watch, whereas the matt finish of the Breitling works better on the 44m size as you perhaps want to have a counter-balance to the size.



The new 2016 Black Bay has a rivet style strap which is a throwback to the Tudor diving watches of the 50s. This makes the strap more interesting and the thin edge decal goes well into the chamfered case.



The buckle has an easy click mechanism which is not too firm, but provides security in the form of a safety catch, a great combination. There are three fine adjustments on the buckle mechanism itself, although they can not be changed without the right tool - so not practical to change during the day.



I love the way that different lights interact with the black, silver, gold and red to give constantly changing colours throughout the day. A wonderful balance between too flashy colouring and subtle colouring. Another reason why this watch is such a great day-in day-out wearer.



There are many watches I have liked recently, but the Tudor Black Bay seems to combine so many things individually which are quite special as well as the sum of the parts, which make it very unique. To mention but a few things, the light weight and workable size but still with presence, class and day-to-day, jewelery with practicality, beauty and class and that lovely in-house mechanism.