What Tudor for a college grad

[FloridaBill]

I am a Rolex guy and want to get my son a Tudor for college graduation as an introduction to the watch world and not jump the gun into a Rolex.

I was looking at the Tudor Black bay Fifty-Eight 925 series for about $4,000 or so as it is sporty and dressy and not too heavy on the wrist.

Any thoughts on silver case vs bronze vs steel?

Any thoughts on the leather vs fabric strap?

[kieselguhr]

Tell us more about your kid?

Is he active? A standard blue or black steel BB58 would be more appropriate if that is the case.

How often would he wear the watch? Once a year? Silver may be a good choice. Everyday? Maybe bronze or steel.

What is his taste and style? Simple man with minimal decoration would allude to steel. Religiously follows Instagram street wear styling? Maybe a BB chronograph or completely different brand altogether.

[Fleetlord]

Does he even like watches?

[ltmgeller]

Both of my kids (18 and 20) have BB58s. My son has black and my daughter blue. They love them. They are on the more active side and both enjoy the ss bracelet. They can also go nato or I believe Everest makes a rubber strap if they prefer that.

[ryangambrill]

The Black Bay 36 or 41 is also an option. Looks great on a strap or bracelet. Cannot go wrong with the gmt or BB58 in black as it is a classic color combo.


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[Jack T]

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Does he even like watches?

What’s that got to do with anything??

[Mendota]

Originally Posted by Jack T

What’s that got to do with anything??

It has everything to do with it. If he doesn't like watches he won't wear it. In that case, get him something he actually wants, not what YOU think he "should" want. Gift giving is an art.

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[FloridaBill]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Tell us more about your kid?

Is he active? A standard blue or black steel BB58 would be more appropriate if that is the case.

How often would he wear the watch? Once a year? Silver may be a good choice. Everyday? Maybe bronze or steel.

What is his taste and style? Simple man with minimal decoration would allude to steel. Religiously follows Instagram street wear styling? Maybe a BB chronograph or completely different brand altogether.

very active, used to be top ranked tennis player
likes music festivals and eco travel
he has had several basic watches in the past (none over $300)
used to be into Nike shoe trading
slender and fit - 5ft 9in, 130 lbs, small wrists
He tried on my Rolex Submariner Starbucks and it seemed to large and heavy for his wrist

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Does he even like watches?

yes, of course, but I am trying to get ideas and he can exchange it if he does not like it

[FloridaBill]

Does anyone have any opinion on BB58 Silver (new for 2021) or steel case or even the cool bronze case

What about the leather vs fabric vs steel band - I think he may like fabric

I am pretty sure the BB58 has a 39mm dial and that would be better than the 41mm or larger watched

He's more into water activities (submariner) than racing (ie chrono) and does not need a date feature or anything complicated

[FloridaBill]

Originally Posted by Mendota

It has everything to do with it. If he doesn't like watches he won't wear it. In that case, get him something he actually wants, not what YOU think he "should" want. Gift giving is an art.

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Well, I have been a very generous dad with lots of things he wants like a nice apartment, nice car, nice credit cards, trips around the world, so this is more of a gift from me to show some class when he enters the workplace without being seen as some spoiled rich kid (ie my daddy bought me a Daytona)

[kieselguhr]

Based on your son’s characteristics, activity level, and affinity for water, I would personally choose the BB58 in steel. Black or blue being his preference.

Silver won’t handle salt water or sweat very well despite what Tudor claims that its a new alloy.

Bronze is a possibility, very earthy color theme and still a solid dive watch.

I’d get a watch with a solid bracelet and introduce him to aftermarket fabric straps of which there are a variety.

I would also discuss the watch with him prior to see if he likes the idea. Unless of course it’s a surprise gift

[28mm]

Originally Posted by FloridaBill

I am a Rolex guy and want to get my son a Tudor for college graduation as an introduction to the watch world and not jump the gun into a Rolex.

I was looking at the Tudor Black bay Fifty-Eight 925 series for about $4,000 or so as it is sporty and dressy and not too heavy on the wrist.

Any thoughts on silver case vs bronze vs steel?

Any thoughts on the leather vs fabric strap?

I love the leather strap but I have all steel straps so I'm not sure I'd know which one for your son...Can't go wrong with this watch!

Wearing mine more and more and I have a collection of Rolexes.

Can't say enough good things

Here's a great review with good pictures

https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/tu...t-925-hands-on

[10klakes]

If the 126610LV seemed too big, the BB58 is probably the right size for him. The 925 is beautiful, it has this unique look to its luster, and I love it (on my SOs wrist). Contrary to the comment above, I think the metal will fair well despite salt water or other environmental variables. I bet Tudor has put plenty of R&D into it before launching it… but it’s TBD.

[FloridaBill]

Thanks for the feedback

I am a little concerned about Silver, even though is is a PM and a nice upgrade gift, but think steel with black dial may be better and hold up better to active lifestyle. The bronze is new for 2021 and may or may not be hard to get.

I personally think he will like the fabric strap or steel, and the leather may be too dressy for him.

How easy is it to order new Tudor straps and how hard are they to change

Any thoughts on the BB36 or stick with the BB58?

[noshame]

Based on everything you've said, I'd say BB58 steel, dial colour up to you, but the black vs blue give off completely different vibes. Choose based on your son's personality.

Get it on the SS bracelet and then order the Tudor fabric strap from AD, if you wish to do so.

The BB36 is also a great watch. Can be dressed up or down, but again, a totally different type of watch from the diver BB58. Rotating bezel in 58 comes in handy as well. Think Explorer vs Sub, Tudor style.

[TimeAZ]

Agree with sentiments shared in this thread.
My rec. is you gift a steel BB58, black dial, on the steel bracelet. It is a fabulous watch.

[Fleetlord]

Get him a 36mm EXP I

It’s got his name written all over it. Active lifestyle, no worries reference.

Plus, it’s a Rolex…and not a flashy one. No possibility of disappointment.

[kieselguhr]

Few images of the tarnish on the 925 from other forums.

The tarnish wouldn’t bother me, especially when the entire watch is covered in a uniformed patina, but would it bother your son?

[FloridaBill]

Originally Posted by TimeAZ

Agree with sentiments shared in this thread.
My rec. is you gift a steel BB58, black dial, on the steel bracelet. It is a fabulous watch.

I am sorta leaning that way, I need to see the steel bracelet vs fabric as it is hard to tell in pics. Tudor made the fabric famous though.

Originally Posted by Fleetlord

Get him a 36mm EXP I

It’s got his name written all over it. Active lifestyle, no worries reference.

Plus, it’s a Rolex…and not a flashy one. No possibility of disappointment.

Grrrrrrrr.....I had that feeling and its not much more, but Rolexes are hard to find these days. Tudors are an easy buy and sorta stepping stone to Rolex. But I agree that Rolex would be a great option, but I dont want him starting out with a Rolex as that may seem too flashy for a recent college grad.

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

Few images of the tarnish on the 925 from other forums.

The tarnish wouldn’t bother me, especially when the entire watch is covered in a uniformed patina, but would it bother your son?

Well, that would bother me and him....I can save $1,000 on steel vs Silver. But Silver is super classy as it is matte finish. Is the tarnishing a significant frequent issue or it is less common. Where is the tudor forum?

[mquarter]

Can't look past the steel BB58. Whether black or blue dial, it's his preference.

I'd stay away from the Silver or Bronze. The patina can get pretty iffy.

[Watcheroo]

I’d get him a BB58. Black or blue. It’s a great starter watch and I think fits well given your description


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[JC316]

If he had bigger wrists then I'd recommend the Pelagos but with the information you've provided us, I think a black or blue dial BB58 would be the best choice.

If it was me, I'd probably add a rubber strap and a elastic nato.

Let us know what you decide!

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[winst]

BB58 Steel Black or Blue are great watches for an everyday. I only have 6.75 inch wrist and my BB58 Blue is great. As an everyday watch I don’t think I’d go for the Silver - get a BB58 on bracelet and you’ve got the option to have it on bracelet or fit Leather, NATO, Vanguard Rubber or even a MN Marine Nationale type strap. I think the blue looks more youthful and modern, whereas the black is more versatile for a daily and looks more classic. Good luck!

[Henrimontgomery]

Get him a Rolex.

[2ltdjorn]

BB58 - Black. I love mine, fits well. It's inconspicuous too.

[tymonster]

I enjoy this. You’re me in 10-15 years.

BB58 is a great choice in any flavor. The 925 would be more subdued on the non-stainless strap. SS bracelet more sporty like others have said. What school does he go to? Maybe you could use some school colors to help in the decision?


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[ryangambrill]

I suggest always buying in the bracelet. Then pickup some nato straps.

The Tudor fabric strap is nice but not worth $200-$300. Especially considering that a top quality nato can be sourced for less than $50.

I highly recommend the Crown & Buckle brand Chevron strap. My AD put it on my Tudor GMT and asked me if it was the Tudor Fabric strap.


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[Tikandtokalot]

Get a Black Bay 36 or 41 black dial functional and instantly legible no fuss tell the time and a proven reliable movement.

[Benzsiam]

36mm DateJust would be the best.

[stevecv]

If it has to be a Tudor then its gonna have to be a BB58.