Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue

[Etschell]

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The Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue was released on July 1, 2020. I knew I had to have it and here is why.

The Original Black Bay 58

When the original Black Bay 58 was released at Basel 2018 I had quite an interest in the watch.  It had all the qualities I was looking for in a dive watch and the size was perfect for my wrist (a smidge under 6.5 inches). It had an in house movement with a 70 hour power reserve. It was 47.5 mm lug to lug. The lugs were sleek and chamfers were polished. Torch lume, a buttery smooth crown and 60 click bezel complete the compelling package. The dial was balanced with no date. It was under 12 mm thick and the price was...well we all know the value.

However, due to my collection having a 114060 I knew it was redundant and thus I passed. It would get less wrist time and I was better suited for adding a different piece to my collection which I did a little over a year later. But I thought to myself, 'Tudor wouldn't develop a new movement for just one iteration of this model, would they?' The next year came and I expected a new color or even a new Tudor Submariner. We got nothing. Still I thought to myself, 'can this really be it for the MT5402?'

The Black Bay 58 Blue

Fast forward to 2020 and, as we all know, Basel is postponed and then Rolex pulls out for good. Enthusiasts are left wondering if any new watches will be released. Of course in the state of affairs it is low on the list but this is our hobby so we cannot just forget. June 2020 arrives and the rumors are flying. Tudor and Rolex will release models. But what could it be?  In my own right I scour to find information and eventually stumble upon an Instagram picture reflecting a new Tudor Black Bay 58 - this one is in Blue. When I saw it I thought 'Oh it is nice but so what?.' Then I kept looking and the more I was the more I liked. It had everything I wanted in a dive watch but was a slight twist that I felt was enough to make it a new addition to my small collection. 

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Frustration and a Turn of Events

I have a few ADs I know decently well in the area. Well come to find out one was willing to sell me on the day prior to the release. However, the AD ended up backing out. I still have no answer. Now when I say AD I don't mean a sales rep. I mean the actual owner of the AD. Yes. It was terrible and I felt slighted but I do understand. It was sold to someone else. I would have to find another way.

Through a friend I met on this website I was able to get the watch a few weeks later. He knows who he is and it was a fantastic gesture. My frustration was short lived thanks to him. A few friends actually looked into it so I thank them all for looking out. 

The Dial (and Bezel insert)

This is the only difference between the original BB58. Some say the stainless steel color is lighter but I can not see that. The dial is stunning. There is no other blue like this blue in the Rolex and Tudor lineup. It is hard to describe but it can be monotone dark or light. The dial is actually textured. It is quite stunning. When it was released I was worried it would be the same color as the Black Bay 41 Blue bezel. It could not be further from that in the flesh. I will let the pictures do the talking.

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Comparison to the Rolex Submariner 114060

I thought many might find this interesting so I took some comparison shots to my Ceramic Sub C. These two watches compliment each other very well in my opinion. One is the ying and the other is the yang. Size wise they wear the very close but the Sub C with its fixed end links and larger lugs wears larger. You really cannot go wrong with either one of these watches. Perhaps it does not have the wrist presence of the Rolex but it has the charm that will keep you wearing it with its boxed sapphire crystal and 5 digit Rolex profile.

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Common Gripes of Others

The common gripes of others, that I have seen, are:

1. It is the same watch with a different color. So what?
2. It has a riveted bracelet for no reason. If it is not a real rivet bracelet it is worthless and horrible. 

My response to both is try the watch on. Blue is blue and yeah every brand has done it. But so what? Every brand also does black, white, green and so on. I assure you this blue is different and would look fantastic on a distressed leather strap. 

In terms of the second item I don't mind the riveted bracelet. It is a throwback to the days of the old Rolex and Tudor oyster bracelets. I know a lot of collectors are stuck on this point. All I can say as an owner is it is great and a mix up to the standard oyster styling. But I don't need to convince you - there are several strap options. 

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What is the Black Bay 58 Blue?

To me? Quite simply the best Tudor watch ever made. Now before the pitchforks come out let me tell you why (and no obviously I haven't owned every Tudor ever made). It is the modern five digit Submariner. Before flaming me, keep reading. You know the proportions because I detailed them above (which scream 5 digit Rolex), the lugs are slim, it does not have crown guards, it has a solid bracelet with no rattle, a better clasp (which isn't stamped) and has ceramic fitment in the flip lock, an in house movement with 70 hours of power reserve, 3 not 4 lines of text, green super luminova, a boxed sapphire crystal and an aluminum insert. The only thing it does not have is Rolex on the dial. But of course why would it?

Conclusion

There is seemingly nothing special about the Tudor Black Bay 58 Blue.  It is an unassuming release that gets a yawn from most as, "So what?". But look closer at what it sets out to do. It is an under the radar watch that shouldn't create such buzz but it did. Perhaps it is the year 2020 and the lack of releases. Only time will tell. But I will tell you this from owning the watch - the execution is just about as good as I have ever seen. 

You do not have to take my word for it. For the price of $3,700, or less if you loathe rivets, it can be yours. 

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[Stevec14]

What a great review. Similar to my thoughts. I’ve got both blue and black and the blue is the fave of the pair.

The other common gripe is the lack of adjustment in the bracelet. For the life of me I don’t understand why the micro adjust span is less than a link.

Other than that, there is not a lot to dislike here - obvs if you are dead set on wearing a Rolex it might not be for you, but I can’t think of many other watches that do it better at this price point.


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[LF1925]

Awesome review, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with your BB58. I also have the pleasure of owning a 114060 but was always drawn to a BB58 as I felt it complemented each other well due to many of the reasons you noted. I ended up with a Tudor BB GMT instead due to the lack of availability of the Blue 58 but still plenty of time to add it in the future.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Stevec14

What a great review. Similar to my thoughts. I’ve got both blue and black and the blue is the fave of the pair.

The other common gripe is the lack of adjustment in the bracelet. For the life of me I don’t understand why the micro adjust span is less than a link.

Other than that, there is not a lot to dislike here - obvs if you are dead set on wearing a Rolex it might not be for you, but I can’t think of many other watches that do it better at this price point.


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ty

Originally Posted by LF1925

Awesome review, thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience with your BB58. I also have the pleasure of owning a 114060 but was always drawn to a BB58 as I felt it complemented each other well due to many of the reasons you noted. I ended up with a Tudor BB GMT instead due to the lack of availability of the Blue 58 but still plenty of time to add it in the future.

ty!

[mattonthewater]

Excellent review!

[ravenhome777]

Case is WAY too thick. They need to slim them down.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by ravenhome777

Case is WAY too thick. They need to slim them down.

It's thinner than the subc.....

[Dan Pierce]

Great looking watch and very nice review.

Originally I could take or leave the rivet but that changed the second I wore one. Absolutely love the vintage stair step tapering and appropriately sized center links. Viva La rivet!
dP

[Fabrice M]

Great review, great watch with a lot of history. I am very tempted.

[ravenhome777]

They should bring back the rose too.

[jagoldstein10]

Originally Posted by ravenhome777

Case is WAY too thick. They need to slim them down.

You are probably thinking of the normal black bay, the bb58 is thinner than the Sub or GMTII.

[holdingon]

Curious OP what other pieces are in your collection? I see there is a Sub Ceramic. Do you think the Tudor BB 58 Navy vs. other no date rolex?

[tictic]

Nice review of an excellent watch.
My favorite look is with the woven strap (a Tudor masterpiece).

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by holdingon

Curious OP what other pieces are in your collection? I see there is a Sub Ceramic. Do you think the Tudor BB 58 Navy vs. other no date rolex?

Dont get the 2nd part of the question.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by tictic

Nice review of an excellent watch.
My favorite look is with the woven strap (a Tudor masterpiece).

Ty

[tial]

Nice review and nice Tudor.

[Etschell]

Thanks tial

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by tictic

Nice review of an excellent watch.
My favorite look is with the woven strap (a Tudor masterpiece).

Looks good on the strap..

[JoseR]

Nice review OP.. Enjoy..

[jstan9]

Really nice review of the watch I am lusting for but cannot find, even to try on!

Thank you for posting this!

[adub206]

Great write up OP. I've been debating over the the last year or so if I want to step into a Tudor BB58 in black and add one to my collection. I've always loved Submariners, but just feel like so many people have them, and instead when with a GMTII. But now that I've traded away the GMTII, for a grail piece.. I've been stuck looking at the BB58. I know it's not always about this, but how well do Tudor's hold their value?

[Subocean]

Is there really a waiting list for the BB58 Blue?
Last week I asked my AD to add me to the list for one, however this morning I checked online and a local Beaverbrooks was showing stock with a ‘reserve and collect’ in store option so I entered my details and within the hour the store rang to say it was on hold for me and available for collection. I’m picking it up tomorrow.


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[brian_timepieces]

Loved this review. I’ve seen this watch being traded a lot but never knew a lot about it. Thanks OP!


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[Etschell]

Originally Posted by jstan9

Really nice review of the watch I am lusting for but cannot find, even to try on!

Thank you for posting this!

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by brian_timepieces

Loved this review. I’ve seen this watch being traded a lot but never knew a lot about it. Thanks OP!


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[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Subocean

Is there really a waiting list for the BB58 Blue?
Last week I asked my AD to add me to the list for one, however this morning I checked online and a local Beaverbrooks was showing stock with a ‘reserve and collect’ in store option so I entered my details and within the hour the store rang to say it was on hold for me and available for collection. I’m picking it up tomorrow.


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Congrats

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by jrubero

Nice review OP.. Enjoy..

Ty!

[holdingon]

Great review. Do you like this better than the new OP 41 funky colors?

[Just_Watch]

Great review.

Thank you!

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by holdingon

Great review. Do you like this better than the new OP 41 funky colors?

Yes but i do like the green.