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KarlTheToyotaGuy · 23 July 2018, 10:54 AM

I recently did an "initial impressions" review after two days with my Black Bay, figured I'd do a two week review. This time I'm actually using a keyboard so hopefully I'll be a bit more eloquent .... the only problem is I am quite drunk at the moment. Here goes!

Short: It's cool. Get one.

Performance: After two weeks, it's losing about 1/2 second per day. Not bad for Tudor's new in-house movement!

Wearability: No complaints. With the new Black Bay, it is a bit of a chunky diver, no question about it. I haven't had any snagging or grabbing issues, just keep in mind it is a taller watch. My left cuff is also fit for anything up to a DSSD, the BBN fits with no issues

There were a couple moments where I wondered if it was too tall, until I made a comparison. My "gym" watch is a Smiths Everest. The Everest is a really cool tribute piece that I really enjoy. Upsized oyster style case, and even a domed plexi crystal!

I wore this thing daily for quite a bit, and never once thought it was too tall. Side by side, they're the same height! No questions since!

As for the case itself hugs the wrist very well. The caseback isn't too proud from the case, and lends the Black Bay to sitting flush with the case on the wrist. Chamfers are very cleanly cut, sides well polished, and the brushing on the case and bracelet are excellent.

The bezel action is awesome. It's 60 click function locks up like a tank, and it very, very positive with every minute rotation.

I really like the aluminum insert with the red triangle. It's a badass throwback to the older 7922's.

LUME!:

Illumination is great! Hell, one second of sunlight, and the lume even starts popping in the shade outside!!

Tudor has really executed this dial well. It seems to be composed of about ten different shades of black and gray, dependent on ambient lighting.

The dial printing, gilt ring, creamish/ivory markers, text, all very well done .... to the naked eye.

One complaint: the bracelet/clasp. I would like more adjustability. A glidelock or traditional flip lock diver’s extension would be swell, but I would settle for another micro-adjustment pin notch or two. Three points of adjustment leaves a bit to be desired.

On the other hand, the bracelet is another real cool throwback with the faux rivets, but with the modern screwed links thrown in towards the clasp.

Both the clasp and the lock use ceramic ball detents. No issues. No imminent concerns for durability nor longevity.

The slightly domed crystal is a great touch and adds to the “vintage” throwback of the Black Bay. Were it flush, I don’t believe it would have the same aesthetic appeal, nor the same durability.

Again, time will tell as to the new Tudor in-house movement, but I believe the Black Bay will be around for a bit.

Cheers!

foolishbear · 23 July 2018, 11:34 AM

I wish I could have done half as good a review sober. Well done.

Rebel · 23 July 2018, 11:38 AM

Sweet.

GradyPhilpott · 23 July 2018, 11:42 AM

Nice Black Bay and I really like that Smiths.

I know they're not affiliated with the original owners, but still a very stylish watch with an interesting back-story.

maylebox · 23 July 2018, 11:45 AM

Thanks. nicely done. I'm considering one and appreciate the insight.

Zack1978 · 23 July 2018, 12:33 PM

I love the Toyota cuff links! I want a pair...badly!

Mr. K · 23 July 2018, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foolishbear

I wish I could have done half as good a review sober. Well done.

Was thinking the same thing.

Nycturbovr6 · 23 July 2018, 02:12 PM

Great review! I agree with you on the adjustability of the bracelet

HogwldFLTR · 23 July 2018, 08:46 PM

Great review; I think you nailed the watches pit fall making it a jewelry watch and not a true tool watch. It's too bad that the bracelet isn't a true dive bracelet. I guess now the cloth straps must be purchased additionally as well. They too have a disclaimer recommending they not be used in the water. It's said to see such a potentially nice dive watch robbed of its rights due to bracelet thriftiness and sales price targeting. Hell, even my old cheap, Victorinox came with a diver's extension. Again, excellent review!!!!

padi56 · 23 July 2018, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Great review; I think you nailed the watches pit fall making it a jewelry watch and not a true tool watch. It's too bad that the bracelet isn't a true dive bracelet. I guess now the cloth straps must be purchased additionally as well. They too have a disclaimer recommending they not be used in the water. It's said to see such a potentially nice dive watch robbed of its rights due to bracelet thriftiness and sales price targeting. Hell, even my old cheap, Victorinox came with a diver's extention. Again, excellent review!!!!

Like most all nato type straps today are not classed as being waterproof,but no reason whatsoever for the bracelet not to be submerged in water salt or fresh.But today would doubt if 85% of all dive type watches bought ever see any water other that a dip in the pool or shower.

HogwldFLTR · 23 July 2018, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by padi56

Like most all nato type straps today are not classed as being waterproof,but no reason whatsoever for the bracelet not to be submerged in water salt or fresh.But today would doubt if 85% of all dive type watches bought ever see any water other that a dip in the pool or shower.

The point is its lack of ready adjustability for a wet suit; as alluded later its lack of a diver's extension.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by foolishbear

I wish I could have done half as good a review sober. Well done.

Many thanks!

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rebel

Sweet.

Ain't it?!

onemany · 24 July 2018, 01:33 AM

Does it wear high on the wrist? Tudor's cases always seem so thick visually.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Nice Black Bay and I really like that Smiths.

I know they're not affiliated with the original owners, but still a very stylish watch with an interesting back-story.

Thank you! The Smiths is awesome! A very neat history indeed, and it's quite a throwback to the Everest expedition.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maylebox

Thanks. nicely done. I'm considering one and appreciate the insight.

Thanks! If there's any specific inquiries or points you can come up with post them in the thread, and I'll see if I can answer them

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zack1978

I love the Toyota cuff links! I want a pair...badly!

Without a doubt my favorite!

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. K

Was thinking the same thing.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nycturbovr6

Great review! I agree with you on the adjustability of the bracelet

Thank you! Yeah, even one more pin would be nice. I am NOT the one to modify watches (only trucks

) but I am considering have another pin notch cut into clasp.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

The point is its lack of ready adjustability for a wet suit; as alluded later its lack of a diver's extension.

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 24 July 2018, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onemany

Does it wear high on the wrist? Tudor's cases always seem so thick visually.

Not for me

nvrp813 · 24 July 2018, 02:48 AM

Great review! Concise and very informative

bp1000 · 24 July 2018, 04:36 AM

Great review

Love mine too. Can’t wait for the 58 to turn up on bracelet

My B.B. is on leather, but NATO in pic

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 25 July 2018, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nvrp813

Great review! Concise and very informative

Thank you!

KarlTheToyotaGuy · 25 July 2018, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bp1000

Great review

Love mine too. Can’t wait for the 58 to turn up on bracelet

My B.B. is on leather, but NATO in pic

23 July 2018, 10:54 AM	#1
KarlTheToyotaGuy "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Real Name: Karl Location: Texas Watch: Datejust 36! Posts: 323	Two weeks with the Tudor Black Bay I recently did an "initial impressions" review after two days with my Black Bay, figured I'd do a two week review. This time I'm actually using a keyboard so hopefully I'll be a bit more eloquent .... the only problem is I am quite drunk at the moment. Here goes! Short: It's cool. Get one. Performance: After two weeks, it's losing about 1/2 second per day. Not bad for Tudor's new in-house movement! Wearability: No complaints. With the new Black Bay, it is a bit of a chunky diver, no question about it. I haven't had any snagging or grabbing issues, just keep in mind it is a taller watch. My left cuff is also fit for anything up to a DSSD, the BBN fits with no issues There were a couple moments where I wondered if it was too tall, until I made a comparison. My "gym" watch is a Smiths Everest. The Everest is a really cool tribute piece that I really enjoy. Upsized oyster style case, and even a domed plexi crystal! I wore this thing daily for quite a bit, and never once thought it was too tall. Side by side, they're the same height! No questions since! As for the case itself hugs the wrist very well. The caseback isn't too proud from the case, and lends the Black Bay to sitting flush with the case on the wrist. Chamfers are very cleanly cut, sides well polished, and the brushing on the case and bracelet are excellent. The bezel action is awesome. It's 60 click function locks up like a tank, and it very, very positive with every minute rotation. I really like the aluminum insert with the red triangle. It's a badass throwback to the older 7922's. LUME!: Illumination is great! Hell, one second of sunlight, and the lume even starts popping in the shade outside!! Tudor has really executed this dial well. It seems to be composed of about ten different shades of black and gray, dependent on ambient lighting. The dial printing, gilt ring, creamish/ivory markers, text, all very well done .... to the naked eye. One complaint: the bracelet/clasp. I would like more adjustability. A glidelock or traditional flip lock diver’s extension would be swell, but I would settle for another micro-adjustment pin notch or two. Three points of adjustment leaves a bit to be desired. On the other hand, the bracelet is another real cool throwback with the faux rivets, but with the modern screwed links thrown in towards the clasp. Both the clasp and the lock use ceramic ball detents. No issues. No imminent concerns for durability nor longevity. The slightly domed crystal is a great touch and adds to the “vintage” throwback of the Black Bay. Were it flush, I don’t believe it would have the same aesthetic appeal, nor the same durability. Again, time will tell as to the new Tudor in-house movement, but I believe the Black Bay will be around for a bit. Cheers!

23 July 2018, 11:38 AM	#3
Rebel "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Dr Mark R Nail Location: New Albany Watch: Tudor Sub 75090 Posts: 8,254	Sweet. __________________ ------------------------------- Member of the Nylon Nation

23 July 2018, 11:42 AM	#4
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK050 Posts: 34,460	Nice Black Bay and I really like that Smiths. I know they're not affiliated with the original owners, but still a very stylish watch with an interesting back-story. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

23 July 2018, 08:46 PM	#9
HogwldFLTR 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Real Name: Lee Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48 Watch: Too many to list! Posts: 33,692	Great review; I think you nailed the watches pit fall making it a jewelry watch and not a true tool watch. It's too bad that the bracelet isn't a true dive bracelet. I guess now the cloth straps must be purchased additionally as well. They too have a disclaimer recommending they not be used in the water. It's said to see such a potentially nice dive watch robbed of its rights due to bracelet thriftiness and sales price targeting. Hell, even my old cheap, Victorinox came with a diver's extension. Again, excellent review!!!! __________________ Troglodyte in residence! https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599

24 July 2018, 04:36 AM	#23
bp1000 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Midlands, UK Posts: 4,973	Great review Love mine too. Can’t wait for the 58 to turn up on bracelet My B.B. is on leather, but NATO in pic Attached Images

23 July 2018, 11:34 AM	#2
foolishbear Banned Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Brattleboro, VT U Posts: 29	I wish I could have done half as good a review sober. Well done.

23 July 2018, 11:45 AM	#5
maylebox "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 881	Thanks. nicely done. I'm considering one and appreciate the insight.

23 July 2018, 12:33 PM	#6
Zack1978 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2016 Location: USA Posts: 104	I love the Toyota cuff links! I want a pair...badly!

23 July 2018, 02:12 PM	#8
Nycturbovr6 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New York Posts: 7,630	Great review! I agree with you on the adjustability of the bracelet

24 July 2018, 01:33 AM	#14
onemany "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Philadelphia/NYC Posts: 129	Does it wear high on the wrist? Tudor's cases always seem so thick visually.

24 July 2018, 02:48 AM	#22
nvrp813 "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: USA Posts: 152	Great review! Concise and very informative

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