I think I might prefer my Tudor GMT over my Rolex.

[Doood]

Aesthetically, the Tudor wins and BLNR was my first Rolex. Love the vintage vibe and the domed crystal. Just not a fan of the riveted bracelet.

[Jackie Daytona]

Although I definitely prefer the Rolex I will say that I get it.

Even though they are both new references it almost gets back to the 5 vs 6 digit debate and just wearability, and less worry. A bit more ease of use and still full of enjoyment by the wearer.

[Carguy87]

Hi James I understand what you mean! My BLNR was a grail watch for me when I acquired it last year, and in the process of getting allocated one by my AD I also purchased an opaline GMT from them too. My BLNR was on my wrist when my son was born and won’t be going anywhere in my collection, but I do really enjoy my Tudor!

Because I prefer not to wear my Rolex pieces at work it definitely gets more wrist time, and maybe it’s my pudgy fingers but I find the larger crown easier to manipulate and the crown out positions feel much more solid, like you can really tell what position you’re in whereas with the BLNR it feels less crisp.

The jubilee bracelet is perfection, but the more substantial case size of the Tudor wears better on me, and the chamfered edges are a nice touch.

All in all it’s still the BLNR if there could be only one, but Tudor proves they build a helluva watch for the price point!





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[White Collar Boy]

Both fantastic looking pieces.

[Guppydriver]

Solid post OP, even if I personally disagree with it.

I will concede that feeling comfortable to wear a watch aggressively lends to connecting with it in a way a pampered grail often fails to do.

It's a less inhibited experience . I remember when I got my BLNR I would literally cover it with my right hand around cement walls in crowded spaces and such. I actually grew to appreciate my Pelly LHD more than I imagined purely due to the (at the time) anxiety free wearing experience.

I've chilled out a bit now and I love my BLNR more than ever, but your post (OP) does resonate with me.

[sherrill]

Why not source out an oyster bracelet for your BLNR and see how you feel about it?

[BobbyD2323]

BLNR all day for me.

[Lightsped]

Tudor is really strong now. I am liking them better and better. Have acquired my first two Tudors this year. Extremely pleased with both. Enjoy the vintage tool watch vibes most of the Tudors have.

[SS Oyster]

Tudor makes superb watches, but I don’t care for the snowflake hand, especially with circle hour markers. I would also remove the faux rivets, but I think Tudor is already moving in that direction.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[reposado]

Originally Posted by yakmeister

OK, so let me be the one to say that I prefer the Tudor for it's almost vintage aesthetic. The gilt on the minute markers that match the bezel harken back to the 60's for me and the early days of my watch collecting journey. The BLNR is big, bold and in your face, but for me I will take the understated glow of the BB58.

Understated glow is such a great way to describe the feel! Totally agree.


-

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I prefer the look of the Tudor, too. About ten years ago I sold my Submariner 14060 and my Explorer 114270 and kept my Black Bay (ETA) and Heritage Ranger, and never looked back. Still wear both more than my other Rolex watches, and they're still running great.

Strong move... I've found the Tudors i've had in the past have always been more accurate, not that it matters hugely, they don't get worn long enough to gain or lose an annoying amount!


-

Originally Posted by omar-rye

I felt the same with my ceramic Sub when I purchased the BB58 diver blue. I ended up selling both when I got a 2254.50 Seamaster.

Oh wow, interesting move going to the Omega from those two pieces, what Rolex models do you have in your collection?


-

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

Mmmmm, I don't know…

Tudor 58 GMT is slimmed this year to 12.8 vs BLNR at 12

I agree with you on crown guards. For me, it’s oyster rivets.

Correct, this '58 GMT is barely thicker than the standard '58, i've attached a pic


-

Originally Posted by Doood

Aesthetically, the Tudor wins and BLNR was my first Rolex. Love the vintage vibe and the domed crystal. Just not a fan of the riveted bracelet.

The domed crystal is awesome in person. Something none of the initial reviews / videos picked up on but I love this feature. I get it with the riveted bracelet, i'd prefer it if they weren't there too but they really aren't noticeable day to day and certainly don't detract much for me.


-

Originally Posted by Carguy87

Hi James I understand what you mean! My BLNR was a grail watch for me when I acquired it last year, and in the process of getting allocated one by my AD I also purchased an opaline GMT from them too. My BLNR was on my wrist when my son was born and won’t be going anywhere in my collection, but I do really enjoy my Tudor!

Because I prefer not to wear my Rolex pieces at work it definitely gets more wrist time, and maybe it’s my pudgy fingers but I find the larger crown easier to manipulate and the crown out positions feel much more solid, like you can really tell what position you’re in whereas with the BLNR it feels less crisp.

The jubilee bracelet is perfection, but the more substantial case size of the Tudor wears better on me, and the chamfered edges are a nice touch.

All in all it’s still the BLNR if there could be only one, but Tudor proves they build a helluva watch for the price point!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thanks for the response, like you say the BLNR on jubilee is truly awesome. To have that on the wrist at the birth of your son is so special, will it be passed down to him when he's older?!


-

Originally Posted by Guppydriver

Solid post OP, even if I personally disagree with it.

I will concede that feeling comfortable to wear a watch aggressively lends to connecting with it in a way a pampered grail often fails to do.

It's a less inhibited experience . I remember when I got my BLNR I would literally cover it with my right hand around cement walls in crowded spaces and such. I actually grew to appreciate my Pelly LHD more than I imagined purely due to the (at the time) anxiety free wearing experience.

I've chilled out a bit now and I love my BLNR more than ever, but your post (OP) does resonate with me.

Thanks for the response, interesting how enjoyment of a watch is so linked to how inhibited one feels wearing it, perhaps with time i'll relax more with the BLNR


-

Originally Posted by sherrill

Why not source out an oyster bracelet for your BLNR and see how you feel about it?

Great suggestion! Not something i'd considered but could be something to try to change the look and feel for sure.

[Chrispapa]

I purchased a Tudor GMT three weeks ago and been loving it since. The case is perfect on my wrist the coke colours are sentimental so every time I look at my wrist I see the watch someone no longer with use used to wear with his 16710 coke bezel that I used to admire growing up.

All that said the bat girl is my dream watch and while the powers that be at my AD still deem me not worthy I’m more than enjoying this Tudor


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[reposado]

Chris, that looks fantastic on your wrist! The T-ft is great isn't it? Another thing that one-ups it over the BLNR for me, being able to always get a tailored fit is such a plus.

Enjoy the '58 until your BLNR comes in - when the AD powers decide it's your turn!!

[Chrispapa]

Thank you. We have had hot weather in the U.K. for a few days so the T fit clasp really makes a difference in those climates.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[brandrea]

I prefer the bezel indices on the Tudor

Both are great options to have

[travisb]

Nice to have them both. Switch up whenever you like.

[1William]

I get it. Sometimes when I get a new watch it becomes the focus for awhile. I tend to circle back around though and if I am fortunate I will have two watches, the new and my own one, that work well. By the way, the Tudor looks great.

[Dan Pierce]

I hear ya', James!

My 16710 has been my loyal travel companion since 2006 and it's the quintessential iconic Rolex.

But when the BB GMT was released it didn't take long for me to fall for it. The 5 digit charm, 70 hour per reserve, 200m water resistance, freakish accuracy, & larger proportions, it quickly became my favorite.

In fact, it's a good argument to own both Rolex & Tudor, like many on TRF do.

As for the newer fancy, schmancy Rolex jubilee bracelet, well, let's just say it might be possible to authentically replicate that on the BB GMT. More on that later.
dP

[Reinhard in SA]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

As for the newer fancy, schmancy Rolex jubilee bracelet, well, let's just say it might be possible to authentically replicate that on the BB GMT. More on that later.
dP

Now I am very curious. Uncle Straps?

[Dan Pierce]

Originally Posted by Reinhard in SA

Now I am very curious. Uncle Straps?

Already did that. And a pretty good alternative that is easy on the wallet, has brushed or polished center link option, and can utilize the OEM Tudor clasp. Plus you can scratch the hell out of it without worry.

But The US jubilee in not what I was referring to. I'll update as soon as I can on what might just give this BB GMT strap monster a run for its money.
dP

[watchwatcher]

Both have their own vibe...and I dig it.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

I hear ya', James!

My 16710 has been my loyal travel companion since 2006 and it's the quintessential iconic Rolex.

But when the BB GMT was released it didn't take long for me to fall for it. The 5 digit charm, 70 hour per reserve, 200m water resistance, freakish accuracy, & larger proportions, it quickly became my favorite.

In fact, it's a good argument to own both Rolex & Tudor, like many on TRF do.

As for the newer fancy, schmancy Rolex jubilee bracelet, well, let's just say it might be possible to authentically replicate that on the BB GMT. More on that later.
dP

That is 🔥. That could be the solution I am looking for: the new BB58 GMT with that particular jubilee.

[GalaxyTime]

BB58 GMT wears better but the Pepsi is my favourite

[DoubleDeac]

Sometimes when I have these ‘contrarian’ thoughts I ask myself a question like this - would I then sell off my BLNR and keep the Tudor as I prefer it more?

And if I can’t say yes, then I know it’s only a passing thought

[Big Kahuna 0311]

Im with you, I love my Rolex and I love my Tudors; but sometimes I love my Tudors more.

[Carguy87]

Originally Posted by reposado

Thanks for the response, like you say the BLNR on jubilee is truly awesome. To have that on the wrist at the birth of your son is so special, will it be passed down to him when he's older?!

Yep it’s already his technically, just keeping it wound for him

That’s why I needed the Tudor; then I’ll still have a GMT after the BLNR is off to adulthood with him lol.

[garyk]

OP, I like your Tudor GMT a lot but I am over the moon with my new BLNR!!




Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[worldofoyster]

Good for you

[vesnyder]

That is heresy on a Rolex forum but I agree with you 100%! I recently purchased the Tudor GMT with the opaline dial and it has definitely gotten more wear than my Rolex GMT's combined - which I have three of them - for all the reasons you mentioned. I also have 3+ bands I switch on and off on my Tudor that makses it really flexible.

[enjoythemusic]

Congrats OP! Tudor is really stepping up, plus it's METAS certified too

[Glock2710]

Both of those are awesome in their own way but I am enamored with the BLNR and hope to get one someday.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk