Tudor Black Bay Dark or North Flag

[natosteve]

Thinking about treating myself to another Tudor to complement my small collection - 2 liner Pelagos and the 42mm Polar Explorer.

So my questions to the community are...

1. Has anyone got any pictures of the BBdark with scratches. Searched high and low but I can’t find any. I like my watches to be worn and don’t fear scratches and I think this watch would look cool in years to come with plenty of wear.

2. Does anyone have any sizing issues with the North Flag. I can’t get a good fit with my Pelagos and end up on a Tudor fabric strap mostly with I love. But given the North Flag has an integrated bracelet I’m wondering if I would have the same issues with this bracelet.

Cheers

Obligatory snaps of my wrist...





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[tanask211]

The PVD on BB Dark is quite scratched resistant using titanium carbide. Mine so far still in great condition.

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[bdex75]

I have off and on casually looked for a BB Dark that was preowned and was going to take the wheel to it and wear thru the coating on the edges to wear thru, put a red handset on it and the red crown tube off of a BBR on there. Then put it on an Erika’s Original black strap with a red stripe. Would be totally bad ass, I think.

But for your collection, I would go north flag.


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[natosteve]

Originally Posted by tanask211

The PVD on BB Dark is quite scratched resistant using titanium carbide. Mine so far still in great condition.

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I’ve read somewhere that they use titanium carbide to keep the brushed look of the metal visible. So no micro scratches?


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[natosteve]

Originally Posted by bdex75

I have off and on casually looked for a BB Dark that was preowned and was going to take the wheel to it and wear thru the coating on the edges to wear thru, put a red handset on it and the red crown tube off of a BBR on there. Then put it on an Erika’s Original black strap with a red stripe. Would be totally bad ass, I think.

But for your collection, I would go north flag.


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Yeah I agree. Some of the older Pvd watches of the 70 80 and 90 look great with all that wear patina.

North Flag is a definite consideration the only thing holding me back is strap limitations.


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[bdex75]

Originally Posted by natosteve

Yeah I agree. Some of the older Pvd watches of the 70 80 and 90 look great with all that wear patina.

North Flag is a definite consideration the only thing holding me back is strap limitations.


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That is exactly why I don’t own one. Because you pretty much have to go custom and, while nice, combat straps and the like are expensive. May check out what Artisan Strap Co can do if you go that route.


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[JeremyS]

No issues with the North Flag in terms of sizing. I sold mine a few years back; I've actually been considering a re-buy, in fact. There's room for micro adjustment on the clasp, with was perfect for my 6.7" wrist.

[TudorTuesday]

No issues with North Flag bracelet here - easily as comfortable as the oyster bracelets on my 16570 and 116900, and I love the spring-loaded ceramic ball clasp.

Microadjust, as mentioned earlier, is easy with a toothpick, should you need it. I stopped considering strap options shortly after owning the NF, as the bracelet is that good.

Nice pair of watches you've got now - either choice is good, bit the NF should wear more interestingly, is the first Tudor to have an in-house movement, adds a different complication that you haven't currently got, and adds a smaller diameter option that gives you some extra range.

Hard sell over. :) Enjoy whichever you choose!

[JT1992]

BB dark PVD is honestly very tough. Yes there is scratch like mark but all of it can be cleaned off with a microfiber cloth. Had mine for months and still look new af.
Only downside is every other night will have to wipe it to clean all the "scratches" away. Other than that Im really satisfied and impress

[didyunt]

BB Dark barely gets a scratch, i am pretty sure you are a careful man so you don't have to worry because you would take good care of the watch.
Go for it

[Rogdogg]

I would go with the North Flag from those 2 options.
I'm not a huge fan of black PVD coated watches although if I was to get one it would be the Black Bay. If I did get one I wouldn't wear it on the PVD bracelet though and would get other strap options, either Nato or leather etc.

[natosteve]

Still haven’t made my mind up. Wondering if the new P01 end links can be used with the north flag so that nato straps can be used.


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[red.earth]

Have you tried the North Flag on? I think you'll know right away if it's for you. I know I did *cheers*

[natosteve]

Since we last spoke I’ve added a few more pieces to my collection. I want a couple more pieces and and would like to add at least one of the watches I asked about back at the start of this thread - either the black bay dark or north flag!

As always it’s a struggle to come to a decision but that’s part of the fun on this journey.

Any ideas ?


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[kieselguhr]

I will preface this by stating that this will be a biased answer as I love and own the North Flag and and have no interest in a black PVD Watch.

Although I do not own the black Bay dark, I do own the standard black bay blue ETA and will reference the dimensions.

Fit
The standard black bay has issues with fit due to the lack of adjustment options. It’s only adjustment option is 3 settings on the clasp which simply isn’t enough for someone who prefers to wear their watch comfortably snug. You do however have the option of using alternate straps both OEM and 3rd party.

Meanwhile, the North Flag bracelet also shares the simple 3 point adjustment within its clasp but also has exactly what the Black desperately needs, a half link. This allows someone to get a proper fit easily.

Function
The North Flag has a date function and power reserve while the black bay dark is time only with a unidirectional timing bezel.

Form
North Flag dimensions;
- 40mm diameter
- 50mm lug to lug
- 13mm thick

Black Bay Dark dimensions;
- 41mm diameter
- 50mm lug you lug
- 16mm thick

The North Flag’s design is without a doubt vintage inspired but executed to a modern finish by successfully incorporating a highly angular construction. Think Rolex + Gerald Genta in the 21st century.

The Black Bay dark, to me is essentially a black PVD reedition of a Black Bay. A vintage Tudor Prince Submariner inspired diver that incorporates a variety of design aspects of various past iterations.

Why do I like the North Flag?
Forget the smoke and mirrors marketing about it being attributed to the North Greenland expedition. This watch’s heritage is that it is Tudor’s attempt to do something different. Vintage inspired yet still original. It is also the first watch to feature Tudor’s first in house movement the MT 5621. I love the Genta-esque case design with the integrated lugs coupled with the H links of the bracelet. The dial is simple, highly legible, and has subtle yellow highlights for accentuation.

When it comes down to it, it’s your preference. Try them both on and see which one you like more!

[natosteve]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I will preface this by stating that this will be a biased answer as I love and own the North Flag and and have no interest in a black PVD Watch.

Although I do not own the black Bay dark, I do own the standard black bay blue ETA and will reference the dimensions.

Fit
The standard black bay has issues with fit due to the lack of adjustment options. It’s only adjustment option is 3 settings on the clasp which simply isn’t enough for someone who prefers to wear their watch comfortably snug. You do however have the option of using alternate straps both OEM and 3rd party.

Meanwhile, the North Flag bracelet also shares the simple 3 point adjustment within its clasp but also has exactly what the Black desperately needs, a half link. This allows someone to get a proper fit easily.

Function
The North Flag has a date function and power reserve while the black bay dark is time only with a unidirectional timing bezel.

Form
North Flag dimensions;
- 40mm diameter
- 50mm lug to lug
- 13mm thick

Black Bay Dark dimensions;
- 41mm diameter
- 50mm lug you lug
- 16mm thick

The North Flag’s design is without a doubt vintage inspired but executed to a modern finish by successfully incorporating a highly angular construction. Think Rolex + Gerald Genta in the 21st century.

The Black Bay dark, to me is essentially a black PVD reedition of a Black Bay. A vintage Tudor Prince Submariner inspired diver that incorporates a variety of design aspects of various past iterations.

Why do I like the North Flag?
Forget the smoke and mirrors marketing about it being attributed to the North Greenland expedition. This watch’s heritage is that it is Tudor’s attempt to do something different. Vintage inspired yet still original. It is also the first watch to feature Tudor’s first in house movement the MT 5621. I love the Genta-esque case design with the integrated lugs coupled with the H links of the bracelet. The dial is simple, highly legible, and has subtle yellow highlights for accentuation.

When it comes down to it, it’s your preference. Try them both on and see which one you like more!

What a great reply. Thank you.
The fact that the North Flag has a half-link is something I should pay attention to. My wrists can be a nightmare to size too :) wish Tudor would make half links for the Pelagos.
What draws me to the north flag is the case shape, the sharp angles, and it’s all over brushed finish. Also the fact that it’s a watch that’s not popular (at the moment this could change if it’s discontinued) attracts me as well. One thing that does distract slightly is the dial. Only having a 12 and 6 seems off to me and would of been more balanced if it had a 12 9 and 6. But that’s only a slight gripe.
I’ve tried both on at jewellers countless times. I’m edging towards the BBdark as I like the overall matte black finish and again it’s not a popular watch. But then again the north flag is such a cool watch



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[johnorpheus]

Originally Posted by natosteve

Since we last spoke I’ve added a few more pieces to my collection. I want a couple more pieces and and would like to add at least one of the watches I asked about back at the start of this thread - either the black bay dark or north flag!

As always it’s a struggle to come to a decision but that’s part of the fun on this journey.

Any ideas ?


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Nice collection. As someone who admires a variety of brands and references, I appreciate the diversity here. How do you feel about your Seamaster in terms of how it compares to the Pelagos and Explorer? I've long admired some of Omega's designs, but I don't really know the brand that well and how it fits in with Tudor and Rolex.

[natosteve]

Originally Posted by johnorpheus

Nice collection. As someone who admires a variety of brands and references, I appreciate the diversity here. How do you feel about your Seamaster in terms of how it compares to the Pelagos and Explorer? I've long admired some of Omega's designs, but I don't really know the brand that well and how it fits in with Tudor and Rolex.

I haven’t got any experience of the older generations of the SMP300M.
As for the one I have I enjoy it immensely and since purchasing last May it’s had the most wrist time - I’d say around 70%.
Quality wise I have no complaints IMO it’s on par with either the Rolex or Tudor.
It’s the only watch I’ve managed to achieved a perfect fit with and one of the reasons I wear it so much.
It is a heavy watch but perfectly balanced between the watch and bracelet.
If you get it on the bracelet maybe blue or black is the better colour but if you plan to wear it on rubber or a nato then this colour comes into its own.
If it comes out in titanium with a titanium version of the steal bracelet I personally think it could be my one watch. I like it that much.
Here are some pics on the rubber and nato...




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[ROlesorusLEX]

Originally Posted by natosteve

I haven’t got any experience of the older generations of the SMP300M.
As for the one I have I enjoy it immensely and since purchasing last May it’s had the most wrist time - I’d say around 70%.
Quality wise I have no complaints IMO it’s on par with either the Rolex or Tudor.
It’s the only watch I’ve managed to achieved a perfect fit with and one of the reasons I wear it so much.
It is a heavy watch but perfectly balanced between the watch and bracelet.
If you get it on the bracelet maybe blue or black is the better colour but if you plan to wear it on rubber or a nato then this colour comes into its own.
If it comes out in titanium with a titanium version of the steal bracelet I personally think it could be my one watch. I like it that much.
Here are some pics on the rubber and nato...




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I've been eyeing that specific Seamaster, but I've been on the fence as I have felt the metal bracelet falls quite short of the case and dial. That NATO strap, however, turns the watch into something incredibly special. Those pics have done me now, guess I'll be making an order. . .

[johnorpheus]

Originally Posted by natosteve

I haven’t got any experience of the older generations of the SMP300M.
As for the one I have I enjoy it immensely and since purchasing last May it’s had the most wrist time - I’d say around 70%.
Quality wise I have no complaints IMO it’s on par with either the Rolex or Tudor.
It’s the only watch I’ve managed to achieved a perfect fit with and one of the reasons I wear it so much.
It is a heavy watch but perfectly balanced between the watch and bracelet.
If you get it on the bracelet maybe blue or black is the better colour but if you plan to wear it on rubber or a nato then this colour comes into its own.
If it comes out in titanium with a titanium version of the steal bracelet I personally think it could be my one watch. I like it that much.
Here are some pics on the rubber and nato...




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Thanks for the info and that's a stunning watch.

[natosteve]

After a humming and hawing - 3 years since op. Today I finally bagged the a black bay dark from my local ad. Surprised he still had one in stock but I suppose it’s not the most popular Tudor model. Out of all the current black bays this is my favourite - not a faux rivet in sight :)




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[tanask211]

Sold my BB Dark in late 2022 to fund my SD43... Kinda of seller's remorse.

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[X E L O R]

Love my BBD, I found one at my local AD and was offered it for just £2k!!! I snapped it up! First watch in the Rolex group to feature a PVD coating and the first Black Bay to use the in-house movement


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[Aussiexplorer]

You reignited my interest in the North Flag, but, wow, I hadn't realised the prices! All boats rise on the tide!

[Yellowfury]

Have a secondhand black bay dark on the way. It’s possibly the only black bay that I will own (I like the bb58 blue but I don’t like the bracelet). Got it on a distressed leather strap since I’ve seen pics of the bracelet and the pvd definitely shows it’s wear over time.

[1William]

Congratulations.