Tudor Black Bay vs. Rolex GMTII Ceramic (Pics)

[nixx]

I just picked up a Tudor Black Bay and it's fantastic! I have a smaller wrist size (6") and was worried it would be too large. Thankfully it's not (IMO).

The Black Bay has a thicker case but a thinner bezel and almost no case back height. The GMTII Ceramic has that "oyster" style bulging case back and a thicker ceramic bezel... so it balances out a bit. Still, the Black Bay wears a tad larger on the wrist. I love the polished chamfered edges! I couldn't be happier with it!









See what I mean about the oyster caseback on the GMTII Ceramic vs. the no-caseback of the Black Bay?

[Wllnv19]

Nice side by side comparison, thanks for sharing.

[michel33]

Stunning watch indeed, I love the domed sapphire, Rolex should have mounted it on the new ceramic no date Sub.

[brkanand]

Happy to read and see these pictures.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by nixx

Thanks a lot for these pictures. This photo makes the Black Bay look surprisingly larger, lug to lug, than the GMT. Lug to lug distance, or "height" as it's sometimes called, seems to be the big factor in being able to fit a watch on a small wrist. The lugs don't overhang the OP's wrist, but they are close. I was thinking about picking up a BB, but with my small (nearly square)wrist, I'm going to make sure to try one on first.

[nixx]

Originally Posted by JP Chestnut

This photo makes the Black Bay look surprisingly larger, lug to lug, than the GMT. Lug to lug distance, or "height" as it's sometimes called, seems to be the big factor in being able to fit a watch on a small wrist. The lugs don't overhang the OP's wrist, but they are close. I was thinking about picking up a BB, but with my small (nearly square)wrist, I'm going to make sure to try one on first.

I totally agree with trying one on before you buy.. unfortunately it's difficult for us who live in the USA. (no Tudor dealers)

It's hard to explain how the Black Bay wears... it still feels and wears similar to the GMTII Ceramic despite the lug to lug distance. The GMTII Ceramic has shorter lugs, but it also has a protruding middle link on the end links. This makes the case artificially "longer" with the bracelet attached. You can see this in the following pictures. The GMTII C is about the same height as the Black Bay when you take the middle link into consideration. The Black Bay does not have a protruding middle link, but the case is 1mm larger.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by nixx

I totally agree with trying one on before you buy.. unfortunately it's difficult for us who live in the USA. (no Tudor dealers)

It's hard to explain how the Black Bay wears... it still feels and wears similar to the GMTII Ceramic despite the lug to lug distance. The GMTII Ceramic has shorter lugs, but it also has a protruding middle link on the end links. This makes the case artificially "longer" with the bracelet attached. You can see this in the following pictures. The GMTII C is about the same height as the Black Bay when you take the middle link into consideration. The Black Bay does not have a protruding middle link, but the case is 1mm larger.

Great post and great point. You're totally correct about the protruding link on the GMT. When you take that into account the Tudor doesn't look longer - if anything the GMT looks longer to my eye.

Thanks a again for posting some good pictures. They will be helpful for a lot of people I think.

[subtona]

very nice shots, interesting comparison

[Frogman4me]

Thanks for the comparison pic, black bay is stunning!

[Engi]

Thanks, perfect and very helpful shots !

Ciao

Engi

[mikkolopez]

Congratulations, that a pretty good mini-review. I should take a look at that once the BB comes to town.

[joeychitwood]

The Black Bay is a winner, as is the Pelagos. Tudor has really produced two great watches. Too bad I can't get one here in the US.

[nauticajoe]

Great job on the side-by-side pics. Congrats on the BB!

[jvo300]

Very helpful! Thank you!!!

[Solo118]

Awesome comparison!! Loving the BB

[toph]

Thanks for the comparison. Both look great

[jolimont]

Nixx- excellent post and reviews

Cheers for that

[Psmith]

Nice pics, thanks

[Speed]

Great shots. Next best thing to trying one on.

I like the Tudor, I do...but I struggle with paying that much for a watch with an ETA movement.

[nixx]

Originally Posted by Speed

I like the Tudor, I do...but I struggle with paying that much for a watch with an ETA movement.

Are we talking about Panerai or Tudor? hahahah

[bigrustypig]

Originally Posted by Speed

Great shots. Next best thing to trying one on.

I like the Tudor, I do...but I struggle with paying that much for a watch with an ETA movement.

It's worth it. I struggled in the beginning but when I had it, no regrets. It's a joy to wear.

[mdtddd2007]

Nice pics side by side. Thanks for sharing.

[Mickey®]

Congrats. Nice pics.

It's kinda large on you IMO...

[wokafu]

besides the black bay..the GMT looks busy..hence i like the black bay

[Canadianjam2]

Both are sick

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by Canadianjam2

Both are sick

[East Bay Rider]

That new Tudor is really sharp.

[WatchingTime]

Tudor has outdone themselves here. Very Nice.

[Hairdude1]

Great pics!

[HRV]

Thanks for posting