BIG Tudor Black Bay Bronze problem

[unknown]

I hope you don't mind I just post a link this time

Most of you know that site too :-)


http://www.watchprosite.com/rolex/so...936.8966566/0/

[beshannon]

No issues with mine

[unknown]

Originally Posted by beshannon

No issues with mine

Dare to put it in seawater or salt water ?
Let's say 2 hrs in the water, then a few hours out of the water ... and repeat it a couple of times

These watches claim to be made to be used as a diver watch

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by unknown

Dare to put it in seawater or salt water ?
Let's say 2 hrs in the water, then a few hours out of the water ... and repeat it a couple of times

These watches claim to be made to be used as a diver watch

No.

Then again I did not buy it as a divers watch.

And for the record this seems to be the only person having an issue, at least that I have seen posted.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by beshannon

And for the record this seems to be the only person having an issue, at least that I have seen posted.

That person is me lol
I made the post

Are you on Instagram? Than you might also know MrTudor... contact him
Believe me, I'm not the only one

[vipereaper30]

Well mine has seen plenty of saltwater with no issues. That case looks like it's been subjected to more than saltwater.

One pic with a minor bezel flaw does not equal a problem, let alone a big one...

[wach16]

That is crazy...You would think with the backing of Rolex's R&D that this would never happen!

[cangelosijeff]

I had the same issue with mine last summer 2 weeks into ownership, despite rinsing after saltwater use. Replaced via RSC gratis. Flipped it so can't comment on repeat damage.

[cangelosijeff]

Follow both the inner and outer edges from 3 through 14 or so.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Follow both the inner and outer edges from 3 through 14 or so.

That is the same problem !

[Wesley Crusher]

Maybe Tudor should focus more on their qc issues and less on Beckham and Gaga.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

Maybe Tudor should focus more on their qc issues and less on Beckham and Gaga.

So if Tudor didn't sign brand ambassadors, this would have never been an issue? Blame Gaga! lol. Here we go again!

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

So if Tudor didn't sign brand ambassadors, this would have never been an issue? Blame Gaga! lol. Here we go again!

There is no need to be upset.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There is no need to be upset.

The comment wasnt even relevant.

Secondly bronze corrodes and at contact points corrodes other metals. Simple solution for tudor is to have a bronze bezel insert instead.

No excuse but let's not act like its the end of the world.

And for anyone saying it never happens with rolex watches remember the non 2.5x mags that rolex passed off on customers and refused to admit were defective....

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by Etschell

The comment wasnt even relevant.

Secondly bronze corrodes and at contact points corrodes other metals. Simple solution for tudor is to have a bronze bezel insert instead.

No excuse but let's not act like its the end of the world.

And for anyone saying it never happens with rolex watches remember the non 2.5x mags that rolex passed off on customers and refused to admit were defective....

I was joking. Yes, it's not the end of the world. I hope Tudor fixes the issue.

[Luap1976]

Originally Posted by Etschell

The comment wasnt even relevant.

Secondly bronze corrodes and at contact points corrodes other metals. Simple solution for tudor is to have a bronze bezel insert instead.

No excuse but let's not act like its the end of the world.

And for anyone saying it never happens with rolex watches remember the non 2.5x mags that rolex passed off on customers and refused to admit were defective....

Thanks this makes sense now

[JohnnyNoDate]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There is no need to be upset.

Please stop. (cringe)

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

There is no need to be upset.

I'm not upset. I asked you if you actually think their marketing choices had anything to do with a QC issue on a single model? Judging by your response, I assume you don't.

So now I wonder why you'd make the comment at all.

[osamu]

little scary, but yea, I tried a quick search online and couldn't find much on the topic. You'd think they've been out quite a while that many others would be facing a similar issue (although the post refers to definite other who noticed black spots/corrosion, just not posting online).

It also notes one where "half the inlay was gone", now that I would want to see a picture of.

I mean, if it's something like when un-anodized aluminum (like foil) comes into contact with acidic or salty foods, the definitely could see an issue, but I would have to assume the bronze would have to play an effect given how long Tudor/Rolex have used aluminum inserts, but interesting that the example shown the holes are on the interior of the bezel next to the sapphire, not where the bronze is.

[unknown]

Originally Posted by osamu

It also notes one where "half the inlay was gone", now that I would want to see a picture of.

Same link as in my first post
If you are on the watchprosite website, scroll a bit
I made a reply with that specific picture

[osamu]

Originally Posted by unknown

Same link as in my first post
If you are on the watchprosite website, scroll a bit
I made a reply with that specific picture

I had to click like a "view entire thread" button, for anyone else who couldn't see it.

WOW, that looks bad, and some crazy patina on the whole watch. Almost looks like it is forced patina, but obviously someone who surfs everyday would be subjecting that watch to a lot of salt water, so not surprising to see that level of patina on the case.

[Quicksilver]

Looks like there is a problem. Mine is fine but I have not yet exposed it to salt water - only domestic shower water. It's a dive watch - Tudor need to address this.

[meganfox17]

That sounds like Galvanic Corrosion occuring at the contact point between 2 metals or metal alloys with salt water acting as the electrolyte medium. The holes mentioned by the OP on the bezel insert of the Tudor Bronze are actually called pits.

The greater the difference in oxidation potential between the 2 metals in contact , the more serius is the Galvanic Corrosion. The less nobel or active Aluminium insert of the bezel (acting as the anode) will be eaten away slowly , the more nobel bronze will not corrode and remains inactive (Acting as the cathode)

p/s : I grew up near a tradisional fishing village where fishing boats docking at the jetty always show galvanic corrosions at points of contact between nuts and bolts screwed tightly onto metal plates used to strengthen the wooden boats

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

That sounds like Galvanic Corrosion occuring at the contact point between 2 metals or metal alloys with salt water acting as the electrolyte medium. The holes mentioned by the OP on the bezel insert of the Tudor Bronze are actually called pits.

The greater the difference in oxidation potential between the 2 metals in contact , the more serius is the Galvanic Corrosion. The less nobel or active Aluminium insert of the bezel (acting as the anode) will be eaten away slowly , the more nobel bronze will not corrode and remains inactive (Acting as the cathode)

p/s : I grew up near a tradisional fishing village where fishing boats docking at the jetty always show galvanic corrosions at points of contact between nuts and bolts screwed tightly onto metal plates used to strengthen the wooden boats

Good analysis, sorry to anyone having issues. I never intended mine to be a dive watch so this thought never crossed my mind. Not sure what Rolex can do at this point except keep replacing them under warranty.

[josephvman]

As always Megan posts the good stuff! I think you're spot-on, but the one that looks like it has been dipped in acid must be the result of some forced patina or sitting in salt water for an extended period. Mine still looks pretty much like new, but I've noticed a couple of dark spots on the case, probably just a reaction to skin oil. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever washed mine or even got it wet.

Originally Posted by meganfox17

That sounds like Galvanic Corrosion occuring at the contact point between 2 metals or metal alloys with salt water acting as the electrolyte medium. The holes mentioned by the OP on the bezel insert of the Tudor Bronze are actually called pits.

The greater the difference in oxidation potential between the 2 metals in contact , the more serius is the Galvanic Corrosion. The less nobel or active Aluminium insert of the bezel (acting as the anode) will be eaten away slowly , the more nobel bronze will not corrode and remains inactive (Acting as the cathode)

p/s : I grew up near a tradisional fishing village where fishing boats docking at the jetty always show galvanic corrosions at points of contact between nuts and bolts screwed tightly onto metal plates used to strengthen the wooden boats

[James444]

Originally Posted by josephvman

As always Megan posts the good stuff! I think you're spot-on, but the one that looks like it has been dipped in acid must be the result of some forced patina or sitting in salt water for an extended period. Mine still looks pretty much like new, but I've noticed a couple of dark spots on the case, probably just a reaction to skin oil. Now that I think about it, I don't think I've ever washed mine or even got it wet.

There is a crack in the dial too. Yup skin oil do leave dark spot on the case mine also got dark spot due to skin oil btw I think Tudor should discontinue this model first

[Travelller]

I'm f*ed.


Please excuse my language but in another thread that listed almost every modern-day bronze watch, my two are the only ones (that I know of) with bezel inserts...
So no, I don't dive (anymore) but like 95% of you, I do enjoy vacation at the beach and I would certainly expect to be able to take any "dive" watch in with me...



As a (former) recreational diver, I know how important it is to rinse ALL gear with fresh water. Still, it's hard to guarantee that no salt water remains between the case and the bezel - unless you submerge the watch in fresh water for a short period of time. The average beach goer will basically "rinse off" at the local shower and his/her watch will get some fresh water, but there is little chance the owner would go as far as submerging the watch (in fresh water).

Bad news all around.

Thanks to the OP for bringing it to our attention and for those below for the very informative info. I agree with everyone who are disappointed in Tudor's R&D. I won't be using mine in salt water (having seen / understood this thread) but I also agree with everyone that mentioned a ceramic insert would resolve the issue. They could even be retrofitted for existing owners (at a hopefully nominal fee for those no longer under guarantee). I personally would have to give it some thought because you need to see this insert in person to really appreciate how beautiful it is...
(...until it gets eaten away, that is... )

Originally Posted by cangelosijeff

Follow both the inner and outer edges from 3 through 14 or so.

Originally Posted by meganfox17

That sounds like Galvanic Corrosion occuring at the contact point between 2 metals or metal alloys with salt water acting as the electrolyte medium. The holes mentioned by the OP on the bezel insert of the Tudor Bronze are actually called pits. The greater the difference in oxidation potential between the 2 metals in contact , the more serious is the Galvanic Corrosion...

Originally Posted by 77T

It appears the insert is acting as an anode in conjunction with the bronze - much like zinc is used on metal boat hulls....

Originally Posted by tomilg

It is the same reason you attach Zinc Anodes to the underside of a boat that is used or moored in a saltwater environment...because of Galvanic Corrosion, the saltwater will eat away the Zinc instead of your pricey bronze propeller(s).........In this case, instead of the Zinc being slowly eaten away, it the bezel which is acting as the sacrificial lamb.

[Buellrider]

Yep, I would say Galvanic corrosion as well. Tudor should really look into replacing the aluminum bezel insert with something else, like ceramic.

The Pelagos, in theory, would have this same issue if it had an aluminum insert versus the ceramic. Ti and aluminum are further apart in the scale than bronze and aluminum.

[sager]

Wow. I expected better QC.

[JP Chestnut]

Originally Posted by sager

Wow. I expected better QC.

It's not QC. It's piss poor engineering from a near fashion brand. I've seen the same galvanic corrosion on the stupid useless colored crown spacer on the BB.