Don’t be dissuaded from picking up a Modern Classic because of an Illusion(Tudor)

[Wembleyisgreen]

I own a few Subs.

The Black Bay was a scary proposition. Too tall I was told. Eventually I got my hands on this one. And I measured and compared to one of my subs and the difference was negligible. The “tall” factor is a pure illusion on the Rose black bays. Now having said that the in house movement is a noticeable difference in height as to how it sits on the wrist. But please don’t miss out on this modern classic because of others experiences that missed out on the comparison to a Sub.

[startrolexendrolex]

I'm with you, I have own rolexes and Tudors, subs and black bay black eta and blue eta. I love them equally.

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[tyler1980]

its a big chunk of a watch. I don t own a sub, but i feel like it dwarfs my GMT's. I like it that way, and sometimes i want to wear a chunkier watch. Its kind of why i got it.

The BB's are all absolutely outstanding watches.

[chazadams]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

its a big chunk of a watch. I don t own a sub, but i feel like it dwarfs my GMT's. I like it that way, and sometimes i want to wear a chunkier watch. Its kind of why i got it.

The BB's are all absolutely outstanding watches.

Great post OP and completely agree with this

[mr_gray]

OP what are the dimensions versus a subC? certainly my impression visually was that BB was a bit taller. also do we include the case back protrusion in that calc?

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by mr_gray

OP what are the dimensions versus a subC? certainly my impression visually was that BB was a bit taller. also do we include the case back protrusion in that calc?

Measuring with calipers from caseback to crystal a Subc is 12.5mm and the Tudor Black Bay ETA is 12.6 almost 12.7mm. Almost zero perceptible difference.

[sutats]

The title was a little too cryptic even for me nonetheless the Heritage Tudor Black Bay is a very well made watch and the most noticeable difference between it and the Submariner becomes apparent when you start handling and eventually wear it. The weight of the 79230 is some 15% heavier than the 114060.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by sutats

The title was a little too cryptic even for me nonetheless the Heritage Tudor Black Bay is a very well made watch and the most noticeable difference between it and the Submariner becomes apparent when you start handling and eventually wear it. The weight of the 79230 is some 15% heavier than the 114060.

It was late :)

[SkyJuice]

Tudor is an excellent watch too.

[watchwatcher]

It sits very well and comfortably on my wrist, as does the Pelagos. And if you know me, I am super picky about how watches fit and feel on the wrist.

Two great divers, IMO.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

It sits very well and comfortably on my wrist, as does the Pelagos. And if you know me, I am super picky about how watches fit and feel on the wrist.

Two great divers, IMO.

Agreed

[pandrew]

Tudors are certainly bigger on the wrist but not less comfortable imo.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by pandrew

Tudors are certainly bigger on the wrist but not less comfortable imo.

Definitely not less comfortable but my point is that the rose dial Tudors are nearly identical in case height to a Sub.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Wembleyisgreen

I own a few Subs.

The Black Bay was a scary proposition. Too tall I was told. Eventually I got my hands on this one. And I measured and compared to one of my subs and the difference was negligible. The “tall” factor is a pure illusion on the Rose black bays. Now having said that the in house movement is a noticeable difference in height as to how it sits on the wrist. But please don’t miss out on this modern classic because of others experiences that missed out on the comparison to a Sub.

I have to disagree with you there. I own both an ETA Black Bay and an in-house Black Bay (GMT) and although the in-house is approximately 2mm thicker than the ETA, the entirety of that height difference is in the protruding case back. When worn on the wrist, that 2mm sinks nicely into the skin just like on Rolex watches. So in terms of how it wears, it is exactly the same in appearance to the ETA models. At least this has been my experience.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by samson66

I have to disagree with you there. I own both an ETA Black Bay and an in-house Black Bay (GMT) and although the in-house is approximately 2mm thicker than the ETA, the entirety of that height difference is in the protruding case back. When worn on the wrist, that 2mm sinks nicely into the skin just like on Rolex watches. So in terms of how it wears, it is exactly the same in appearance to the ETA models. At least this has been my experience.

Having owned several in house myself as well as ETA. They both are comfortable and not prohibitively too tall. The in house is about 2mm taller and does wear that way as it’s almost a bubble back type feel. That said my 7 inch wrist can work with in house Tudors no problem. My main point was to balance the discussion that Tudor in general is too tall and if you look at the specs of a Sub vs a Rose Dial Black Bay, they are nearly identical in thickness.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Wembleyisgreen

Having owned several in house myself as well as ETA. They both are comfortable and not prohibitively too tall. The in house is about 2mm taller and does wear that way as it’s almost a bubble back type feel. That said my 7 inch wrist can work with in house Tudors no problem. My main point was to balance the discussion that Tudor in general is too tall and if you look at the specs of a Sub vs a Rose Dial Black Bay, they are nearly identical in thickness.

Guess it all depends on wrist size and shape. My GMT on the wrist profile is virtually identical to my BB ETA profile. The caseback for me recesses down enough in the wrist where the side of the case touches the skin - maybe not completely flat like the ETA but pretty darn close. So it's not sitting up off the wrist for me.

Agree about Tudor being no taller than a Sub. I actually prefer how the ETAs sit nice and flat on the wrist vs the shape of the Sub. I think some folks just don't like the look of the "slab sides" and feel that it gives the appearance of a thicker watch.

I love the in-house movement though. Much more accurate than my ETA. If fact it is more accurate than either of my Rolexes as well.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by samson66

Guess it all depends on wrist size and shape. My GMT on the wrist profile is virtually identical to my BB ETA profile. The caseback for me recesses down enough in the wrist where the side of the case touches the skin - maybe not completely flat like the ETA but pretty darn close. So it's not sitting up off the wrist for me.

Agree about Tudor being no taller than a Sub. I actually prefer how the ETAs sit nice and flat on the wrist vs the shape of the Sub. I think some folks just don't like the look of the "slab sides" and feel that it gives the appearance of a thicker watch.

I love the in-house movement though. Much more accurate than my ETA. If fact it is more accurate than either of my Rolexes as well.

That’s all true. But spec guys will still wants specs. I like the in house and then it died and needed replaced. I’ve owned several more since without issue so I don’t think it’s something I’d worry about. The ETA is just an obvious collectible and I prefer the aesthetics.

[tie219]

I own both a black bay ETA and 5 digit Rolex. While I love both watches, the black bay is in fact, much chunkier on the wrist than the Rolex. I think the biggest difference is the amount of metal on the side of the case. Even though the height seems to be similar, the black bay doesn't have a protruding caseback like a Rolex.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by tie219

I own both a black bay ETA and 5 digit Rolex. While I love both watches, the black bay is in fact, much chunkier on the wrist than the Rolex. I think the biggest difference is the amount of metal on the side of the case. Even though the height seems to be similar, the black bay doesn't have a protruding caseback like a Rolex.

That’s the illusion I’m referencing. It appears chunkier but ultimately isn’t.

[Dan Pierce]

Well done, Mike!

Tudor dimensions work well for me and I don't mind a tall watch.
dP

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Well done, Mike!

Tudor dimensions work well for me and I don't mind a tall watch.
dP

[JParm]

I wear my BBN Rose on a Rubber B. It's a fun watch, and the height is no bother for me.

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

I wear my BBN Rose on a Rubber B. It's a fun watch, and the height is no bother for me.

That’s a good additional point. Straps improve the way the black bays sit on the wrist. Yet another reason to pursue one.

[Vamp]

I just got rid of my BB dark.. I wanted to love it, I really did, but it was just too brickish on the wrist unfortunately. Rolex, Rolex, Rolex is all I can say lol

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by Vamp

I just got rid of my BB dark.. I wanted to love it, I really did, but it was just too brickish on the wrist unfortunately. Rolex, Rolex, Rolex is all I can say lol

That watch is 2mm thicker so it’s a bit of a different discussion. I’m Rolex Rolex Rolex as well but I definitely think a Tudor or two is fun and I do think Rose dials will climb in value continually. Which gives you the security of Rolex imo.

[capote]

I saw a red BB in the wild today, good looking watch. The guy was wearing an Omega baseball cap for reasons unknown.

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by capote

I saw a red BB in the wild today, good looking watch. The guy was wearing an Omega baseball cap for reasons unknown.

i find swag so tacky. The heavily branded stuff. Ive got a breitling hat somewhere still i think... want it?

[Wembleyisgreen]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i find swag so tacky. The heavily branded stuff. Ive got a breitling hat somewhere still i think... want it?

I agree with you.

[Vamp]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

i find swag so tacky. The heavily branded stuff. Ive got a breitling hat somewhere still i think... want it?

Breitling hats are way to gaudy! But I was given a very cool Rolex Hat at the AD after a purchase, and admit I've worn it on two occasions. It has Rolex with the crown written on both sides of the hat very subtle . Im sure you've seen them.

[sensui]

I actually like the way my ETA black bays wear compared to a maxi-case sub. Just as comfortable and more so in some cases with the leather strap with the clasp. Great watches and keepers.