The hidden gem in the Rolex line up

[nikesupremedunk]

This is probably a very controversial thing to say around here but here me out. This may come as a surprise to many but obvious to some, I am really starting to believe that Tudor BB58 may be the "hidden gem" in the Rolex line up. Now you guys will probably think I'm crazy which is fine because I used to think that too, up to about a week ago when I received my Black Bay 58 blue.

I haven't bought a watch in the last 2 years mainly due to lack of funds but also because nothing (Rolex) was available. I tried a speedmaster pro but got bored of that within a year and it just felt weird switching to a different brand. Felt like I was going from Apple to Windows. I've had my eyes on the BB58 blue since it was announced but it wasn't until recently that I noticed prices have come down a bit on them since release. I haven't touched the speedy in a year so decided to trade it in and finally pick up the BB58 blue which I picked up a week ago.

Since then, I've been wearing it daily and I enjoy it more and more with each passing day. First of all, I am so happy to finally add a blue dial because there's so little options with Rolex professional models unless you pay the big bucks (Smurf is my grail). The size is just perfect for my 6.5" wrist and I love how thin it is at less than 12mm. Even more amazingly the watch keeps better time than any of my Rolexes. After a week, it is reading +1 second since I've set it which is incredible. I was worried the bracelet would suck but luckily it's a very solid bracelet that feels almost as good as an oyster bracelet. The rivets and the weird taper I worried about were basically invisible on the wrist but I did have some trouble getting a good fit until I added an Uncle Seiko half link but now it's perfect.

Overall, there is hardly anything to complain about on this watch and for the price you can get these for, they are an incredible bargain. There is tremendous amount of Rolex DNA present in how this watch looks and wears and it feels very familiar to a Rolex on the wrist. I would say it's somewhere in between a 5 digit and a 6 digit Sub, the size of a 5 digit but with the feel of a 6 digit. I always dreamed of Rolex releasing a SS Blue Sub and this is probably the closest you can get to it, for now. However, I would not recommend buying this watch to fill a Rolex void because you may come up feeling short. When holding it side by side with my 116610LN, it's obvious why one costs 2-3x more than the other. But if you can get past the brand thing and you're looking for more of a tool watch than a luxury time piece, the BB58 (and plenty of other Tudors!) just might be the one you're looking for.

[2loaded]

Very nice.
I prefer the bracelet taper on the BB over Rolex.

[Alex71168]

I have to agree I was given one as a gift and it is a fantastic watch. Wears very well and looks great and so legible.

Have to agree not the same quality as a Rolex but for half the price it’s more than half the watch!

[Harry-57]

My Hidden Gem Award goes to the Explorer II, a watch that I used to wear daily and sometimes 24/7 and still would if I had just the one.

[Shadow Play]

I have the original BB58 and have to agree the BB58 is a great watch and is very comfortable to wear. Superb value for money as well.

[amh]

In before everyone who will teach you a history lesson on Tudor vs Rolex

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by amh

In before everyone who will teach you a history lesson on Tudor vs Rolex

That is going on in another thread... OP got off easy.

[77T]

I like Tudor, but far from hidden and not part of the Rolex brand itself IMHO. Tudor is a wholly owned subsidiary for a price and/or forward style conscious market segment.

Within the models that bear the Rolex brand name on the dial, the Cellini Moonphase comes to mind.


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[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by 77T

I like Tudor, but far from hidden and not part of the Rolex brand itself IMHO. Tudor is a wholly owned subsidiary for a price and/or forward style conscious market segment.

Within the models that bear the Rolex brand name on the dial, the Cellini Moonphase comes to mind.


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That is a beautiful watch. But at MSRP of ~US$27k… I’d rather get a pre-owned JLC.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by Reikolexguy

That is a beautiful watch. But at MSRP of ~US$27k… I’d rather get a pre-owned JLC.


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I can’t argue with that, but the topic was “hidden gem in the Rolex line up”…



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[Reikolexguy]

Originally Posted by 77T

I can’t argue with that, but the topic was “hidden gem in the Rolex line up”…



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Fair point.

I’d say the hidden gem in the Rolex lineup is the Rolex YM2.

Especially the discontinued white gold reference.

Man that thing is a stunner in person. Can’t believe pre-owned pieces are selling way under MSRP. Stealth luxury indeed.


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[Me4u2night]

I’ve had this conversation with many people and have concluded Tudor is what Rolex used to be. There is a clear difference between the two brands, but Tudor has the dna of classic Rolex models. I find that I do wear my BB58 more than I do my Rolexes.

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by Me4u2night

I’ve had this conversation with many people and have concluded Tudor is what Rolex used to be.

They have built this image by launching what are essentially homages to past Rolex staples. They've got the equivalents of the DD, Explorer II and Daytona in their current range. It doesn't seem to be doing them any harm. Going back a way, the original Tudor Subs are IMO stylistically as good as any Rolex from the same period, and some since.

[Slimpee]

I think the AK is the “hidden gem.”

[1William]

Very nice watch.

[dlrolex]

pelagos 39 is the rolex hidden gem
Wait a sec.........

[HogwldFLTR]

Hardly hidden as it's extremely popular. Likely Milgauss and AirKing are the hidden gems, imho. The 58 has pretty much displaced all other Tudors as the watch to have. Congratulations on a great and much loved watch!!!

[warrior]

The 58 Blue is a very nice watch. Like the 5 digit Rolex sub in terms of size, comfort, and looks.

I read somewhere that it’s like an old comfortable pair of blue jeans in terms of looks and comfort. I complete agree

[NachoNeal]

Awesome watch. And to me so much more desirable than many in the current rolex lineup.

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

Awesome watch. And to me so much more desirable than many in the current rolex lineup.

+1.

[Tim Plains]

Far from a hidden gem given it's the brand's flagship model and in high demand. If anything, the Ranger is Tudor's hidden gem. Most people don't care for it, same movement as the 58, much cheaper, doesn't even have the brand's identifiable snowflake hands.

[TheHulk]

Nice watch but NOT “in the Rolex lineup”.

[dubins930]

This watch blew up and had waitlists for a while…I don’t think it’s a hidden anything. I also have it and adore it.

[alphadweller]

The most popular Tudor in the past couple of years. I would wear one if I could get passed the snowflake hands and rivets. I prefer an Omega PO or a Breitling SOH.

My hidden gem is the YM pt dial, it's very discreet most of the time but then looks incredible on a sunny day. My most worn watch. I miss it when I rotate, like it's part of me.

[brandrea]

It’s a beauty reference indeed, and fits a niche in the diver category regardless of the brand name

[Reikolexguy]

Tudor Harrod’s BB is probably another inconspicuous gem. Love it.




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[TimeAZ]

Great write up and agree with you this is one absolutely incredible watch

[Chewbacca]

It’s a nice one.

[KY..]

Tudor is like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
Rolex Is 100% REAL MEAT and I’m not vegan or vegetarian…

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by KY..

Tudor is like Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger.
Rolex Is 100% REAL MEAT and I’m not vegan or vegetarian…

You are aware that, per pound, Beyond Meat is significantly more expensive than beef, right?