Opinions of Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel 2017

[Wools]

In my quest for buying a new watch, I was originally sold on a Rolex Submariner. It was my only other dream watch after a Tag Heuer F1 so that was the path I went down, researching, trying watches on and attempting to come to a conclusion.

However, I've now found myself arriving at Tudors door, rather unexpectedly. I was originally of the opinion that they were a poor mans Rolex and felt more of a knock off than a separate entity. However, after learning so much about Rolex after these past few months, I realised how highly regarded Tudor are.

The saying that Tudor are a poor mans Rolex is meant as a criticism. But in some ways, it's almost the highest praise! They were designed to have all the qualities of Rolex but using more normal materials so the everyman (Well, the £3K price point could not be further than the truth!) can aspire to own one.

From this realisation, I'm now immersing myself in Tudor and will try a few on this weekend. I was particularly taken with this Tudor Heritage Black Bay which now comes (I believe) with it's own in-house movement, rather than ETA.

So, dear readers, I was wondering a few things if anyone can answer: Are Tudor proven to have quality after sales service (They don't share the same service centres as Rolex do they?), does anyone here own that specific watch (With new in-house Tudor movement) and what's the general opinion of Tudor in 2017?

Many thanks for any advice or guidance.

[Old Expat Beast]

Tudor and Rolex are serviced in the same place by the same people. Here in HK the Rolex and Tudor service centres are on the same floor but with different entrances/waiting lounges, but if you have both brands to drop off, you can drop off and collect at either place. Service costs are roughly half price, but you only get a one year international service warranty, not two.

[beshannon]

My opinion is wow!



In house movement, COSC spec, two straps, 70 hour power reserve, lume better than any Rolex I own . . .

All for roughly half the cost of a new Submariner! I love the Bronze and the kicker for me was my wife loves this watch and actually encouraged me to buy it.

[slide13]

Great watches in their own right. Case on the BB is a little big and blocky for my taste, I forgot me I liked it more in pictures than I did on my wrist. I had two, black on bracelet and blue on strap. In the end I was trying to satisfy that Sub itch with something else and it never worked. Flipped both and eventually got the Sub I always wanted and am much happier for it.

If you like Tudor and want a BB they're a great choice. But if you're trying to scratch that Sub itch with one I have a feeling you'll be left wanting and will eventually flip it for a Sub and be somewhat poorer for the experience. That being said, some experiences are worth paying for.

[AK797]

It's the value man's Rolex, not the poor man's. You get great bang for your buck, and when we had a poll here before, the vast majority of Tudor owners also had a Rolex, and some a PM one, so they are equal parts of any collection. We and Tudor killed that old lie a while ago.

[rph08]

I have a Heritage Ranger on the leather strap that I really enjoy wearing. I'm really considering the new Black Bay Steel. It's really growing on me! There are many of Tudor's offerings that I don't care for, but I feel the same way about much of the Rolex collection.

[CPRWATCH]

Got both Rolex & Tudor . No way are Tudors the poor mans Rolex in my opinion, Its more like those who really know Rolex buy Tudor now . Historically a lot of Rolex only probably wouldn't have looked at Tudor twice, but I think that's well past its sell by date now. And now Tudor have got In-house movements ,they are even more on par with anyone else . I have had my Tudor sub 79090 Serviced twice by RSC UK & couldn't be happier with the service received. They are producing some of the best value for money watches out there for me & always have. To me Tudor ,whether new or vintage are one of the must have's in any collection . I have the New BB steel & think its one of the best watches out there today ,& its currently my most worn watch . Try one out ,you might like the experience

[Moggo]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Got both Rolex & Tudor . No way are Tudors the poor mans Rolex in my opinion, Its more like those who really know Rolex buy Tudor now . Historically a lot of Rolex only probably wouldn't have looked at Tudor twice, but I think that's well past its sell by date now. And now Tudor have got In-house movements ,they are even more on par with anyone else . I have had my Tudor sub 79090 Serviced twice by RSC UK & couldn't be happier with the service received. They are producing some of the best value for money watches out there for me & always have. To me Tudor ,whether new or vintage are one of the must have's in any collection . I have the New BB steel & think its one of the best watches out there today ,& its currently my most worn watch . Try one out ,you might like the experience

Those chronographs are lovely, hard to find nice in the UK now. Would love one


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[AK797]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Got both Rolex & Tudor . No way are Tudors the poor mans Rolex in my opinion, Its more like those who really know Rolex buy Tudor now . Historically a lot of Rolex only probably wouldn't have looked at Tudor twice, but I think that's well past its sell by date now. And now Tudor have got In-house movements ,they are even more on par with anyone else . I have had my Tudor sub 79090 Serviced twice by RSC UK & couldn't be happier with the service received. They are producing some of the best value for money watches out there for me & always have. To me Tudor ,whether new or vintage are one of the must have's in any collection . I have the New BB steel & think its one of the best watches out there today ,& its currently my most worn watch . Try one out ,you might like the experience

Great pics, I actually prefer the 5 digit Tudor subs to the Rolex's.

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Moggo

Those chronographs are lovely, hard to find nice in the UK now. Would love one


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Thank you , and I think proves that Tudor really are VFM .Bought both for less than 3K .

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by AK797

Great pics, I actually prefer the 5 digit Tudor subs to the Rolex's.

Thanks and close call here ,but I think the 5 digit Blue Tudor Subs just have the edge . Obviously slightly biased because I have one

[soho]

Tudors are wonderful watches and a Black Bay is an excellent choice. My favorite is my BBN ETA, the the Steel you are eyeing looks great too.




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[bdex75]

I think it is a great watch. Really feels great on the wrist. But all the BB's do to me. I also agree with the 5 digit comment. The 5 digit Tudor subs are just really great to wear. So much so more than the 6 digit subs imho.



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[BLACKHORSE 6]

The BB Steel is really appealing and there's a lot to like. Would likely pick the BB over an Omega dive watch.

The one thing that I would look at is the case size. For me, if a watch is too thick it's a nonstarter, and I don't know how Tudor compares to Rolex in this regard.

[dafuture]

I just got a BB Blue to match with my Explorer 39mm, and so far I love it. If you like the Steel, there is absolutely nothing wrong with going in that direction. Just be sure that it's what you really want, not just because it's cheaper. Otherwise you'll get frustrated and end up getting a Sub anyhow.

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by bdex75

I think it is a great watch. Really feels great on the wrist. But all the BB's do to me. I also agree with the 5 digit comment. The 5 digit Tudor subs are just really great to wear. So much so more than the 6 digit subs imho.



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Just noticed the Mercedes hands on the BB Blue & really like the look , where did you source the hands from . Thinking of adding them to my BB steel & also thought about adding a cyclops also . Controversial I know, but think it would look pretty good.

[Wools]

Thanks for all the impressions everyone. Seems like there's a lot of love for them, which bodes well!

Are they seen as reliable as Rolex and there's been no bad impressions of the new Tudor in-house movement so far?

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Tudor and Rolex are serviced in the same place by the same people. Here in HK the Rolex and Tudor service centres are on the same floor but with different entrances/waiting lounges, but if you have both brands to drop off, you can drop off and collect at either place. Service costs are roughly half price, but you only get a one year international service warranty, not two.

That's brilliant to hear. So in a few years after buying and I took it to an AD to get it serviced, it would actually be serviced in the same service centres as used by Rolex?

[cdbeaver66]

I have the ETA BB blue and a Ranger. A few of my mates want to get a nice watch and I am pushing them towards Tudor. I have used both St. James Sq, London and West Malling, Kent Rolex service centres for my Tudors. I tried on the BB Steel recently, a very nice piece






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[WS9D]

If only the came out with a BBBlue with a date....I'd be camped out in front of my AD...

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Ks6pd

If only the came out with a BBBlue with a date....I'd be camped out in front of my AD...

Me too ,and pretty sure Tudor will bring these out in the future . Be nice to see a BB on jubilee too .

[watchwatcher]

It's a good looking watch, IMO. Maybe my favorite looking BB to date.

The only thing holding me back is the rivet bracelet...don't know anything about it or how adjustable it is.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Wools

Thanks for all the impressions everyone. Seems like there's a lot of love for them, which bodes well!

Are they seen as reliable as Rolex and there's been no bad impressions of the new Tudor in-house movement so far?



That's brilliant to hear. So in a few years after buying and I took it to an AD to get it serviced, it would actually be serviced in the same service centres as used by Rolex?

1. The Tudor/ETA 2824 movement is Top Grade and has 50 years of history and development behind it. It's as reliable as a Rolex movement, and can be regulated to the same accuracy, so no worries there. I would choose the original ETA BB over the newer in-house, as would plenty of other folks here. https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=551498

2. May depend where you are, but I would certainly expect so.

[Etschell]

I own both tudor and rolex.

I can tell you that tudor is a great watch. It's better than 99 percent of other swiss brands imo.

The in house movement is fantastic. Keeps excellent time and has a 70 hour pr. The case finishing is superb.

If I am being completely honest tudor is much more modern than a lot of rolex. Anyone who scoffs at tudor is uninformed. Heck the pelagos clasp is way more technologicly advanced than the glidelock.

Nothing beats a SubC though. There really is no substitute.

[JR16]

I own both tudors and rolexes and love the equally. The release of the BB steel piqued my interest but when I tried it on I found it dull and boring. Oh, and yes tudors are serviced at RSC


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[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Tudor and Rolex are serviced in the same place by the same people. Here in HK the Rolex and Tudor service centres are on the same floor but with different entrances/waiting lounges, but if you have both brands to drop off, you can drop off and collect at either place. Service costs are roughly half price, but you only get a one year international service warranty, not two.

My wife's Tudor was serviced by RSC in Texas and it cost the same as a Rolex service. It came back with a two year warranty.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by CPRWATCH

Just noticed the Mercedes hands on the BB Blue & really like the look , where did you source the hands from . Thinking of adding them to my BB steel & also thought about adding a cyclops also . Controversial I know, but think it would look pretty good.

They are 3135 hands off of Ebay. If I remember they were a Tudor part for the 5 digit sub.

Not sure if the 3135 hands will fit the new in house movement. Have an extra set of these and a red second hand that will be going on a friends BB Steel once we confirm they will fit.

And I have zero issues with a cyclops. It makes the date so much easier to read. I did that to my THC.



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[Emerald4194]

Tudor is a superb brand. I have the original black bay black with the ETA and it runs +1 sec a day! Also have the Bronze and that too is a great watch and am impressed with in house movement. Have a sub and gmt II, but I always go back to the black bay black. Perfect size, slim lugs and no crown guard - it's a damn near perfect design.

Just saw the steel this past weekend and tried it on the leather strap - pics do not do it justce, it's a great looking piece.

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by bdex75

They are 3135 hands off of Ebay. If I remember they were a Tudor part for the 5 digit sub.

Not sure if the 3135 hands will fit the new in house movement. Have an extra set of these and a red second hand that will be going on a friends BB Steel once we confirm they will fit.

And I have zero issues with a cyclops. It makes the date so much easier to read. I did that to my THC.



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Thanks for the reply & the THC definitely looks better to me with the cyclops , Might track down some hands & a cyclops now .

[CPRWATCH]

Originally Posted by Emerald4194

Tudor is a superb brand. I have the original black bay black with the ETA and it runs +1 sec a day! Also have the Bronze and that too is a great watch and am impressed with in house movement. Have a sub and gmt II, but I always go back to the black bay black. Perfect size, slim lugs and no crown guard - it's a damn near perfect design.

Just saw the steel this past weekend and tried it on the leather strap - pics do not do it justce, it's a great looking piece.

Couldn't agree more , Sometimes the pictures posted don't do watches any favours . Its much better to look at a watch in the flesh ( if you can )& get a real feel for it .