Is the Black Bay Dark the definitive BB?

[Star Ferry]

A query for the Tudor Experts: is the BB Dark the BB model to have?

I like that it has less of a vintage vibe. It feels fresh. The in-house movement and chronometer certification are attractive to me, too.

Downside: the Dark is retailing for $4,475 on a bracelet. The BBB was $3,425.

What's everyone's thinking on the BB Dark?

[Old Expat Beast]

The definitive is the original Red Rose, IMO, and the Dark doesn't really grab me at all. Apparently those Ranger-style straight end links have already been changed to the regular fitted ones before the watch is released, or so I have read.

[thomaspp]

No. For me it's the original black bay black... But hey it's all personal


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[denmanproject]

Love the red accents just curious as to the durability of the PVD

[Lew Archer]

I've never owned a Tudor. I like the Black Bay series, though. Can't justify buying one, despite the bang for the buck and some very appealing design features, as I'm well stocked on "dive" watches.

However, if I were to buy a Black Bay, I think I would be most drawn to the original model. First, it's the "original" of this model (though inspired by earlier Tudors) and set the standard.

Second, the red bezel gives a warmth not normally found in this sort of watch. In fact, it is this warmth that drew me to the Black Bay to begin with. I particularly like it with the leather strap, as leather accentuates that warmth.

Third, I've got a Submariner, with a black bezel and a Seamaster, with a blue bezel. None of my watches have a red bezel, so that color would add something new visually, to my personal accumulation, I mean collection, of watches, and would give it a unique appearance amongst my "dive" watches. This particular reason for favoring the red bezel variant is not aesthetic, but simply due to the make up of my collection.

The blue and black bezel variants are very handsome. The red, though, strikes me as unique among various dive watches. The Black Bay Dark is dramatic and has a tactical look to it (maybe the next release will be olive drab!). It may be too monochromatic for me, though. I haven't seen it in person, so must withhold judgment. At least this variant would offer something quite different visually if I were to add it to my collection of "dive" watches.

My order of preference would be red, blue, black, dark. Funny, but that's also the order in which they were released, which may also influence me at some level.

I have no idea what most would consider "the one to have" and can only offer my own subjective evaluation. It will be interesting to see what members here think about the question...

[mfer]

Definitive = 79220R

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The definitive is the original Red Rose, IMO, and the Dark doesn't really grab me at all.

I certainly have to agree with this. The Red is what really called me to the Black Bay and is unique in comparison to anything else in the Rolex line up. I liked it so much that when I got my sub I added a red bezel to it (didn't last long that way, fwiw). The blue never called to me, and the BBN although pretty and enticing is too close to my 14060 (although larger in diameter). I'll hold of judgement on the BBD until I see how it appears when weathered. From what I've gathered PVD treatment on watches doesn't seem to last.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The definitive is the original Red Rose, IMO, and the Dark doesn't really grab me at all. Apparently those Ranger-style straight end links have already been changed to the regular fitted ones before the watch is released, or so I have read.

agreed.

[AzHadEnuf]

image.jpg

It's what I'm had on today. Agreed the definitive BB.

[Danny83]

I think it looks great

[osamu]

I like it, but I think I prefer the "heritage" line to be more heritagey?

I remember I thought I would love the blue, because it looks the most modern, with the WG indices, but once on the wrist, I thought it fell a little flat. The black or the red had all the character and were just more visually interesting.

The dark, is like the black, but with those modern vibes of the blue. Added to the fact that I've never been a fan of PVD/DLC cases/bracelets, I don't think it's on my radar. I think the all black case/watch would be better suited for like the Pelagos, and would want in like ceramic.

[Blackdog]

The original burgundy is the definitive for me. All the design elements work well together and the bezel color is just amazing (and different).


Second best is the Black, tried and true color combo. The blue does nothing for me, too cold for this design. The Dark I just find uninspiring.

The bronze might still have a chance, but still unsure until I see it in the metal. But I seriously doubt I will like it better than the red.

And for the record, I prefer the rose dial and I'm perfectly happy with the ETA inside. I'm in the minority apparently regarding the new rivet bracelet, I may actually like it. Will have to see it in the metal.

[Cru Jones]

As has been said, red rose ETA.

For me, the PVD bracelet with straight end links is totally bizarre. Even with regular/flush end links, I wouldn't want a PVD bracelet (strap would be ok).

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The definitive is the original Red Rose, IMO, and the Dark doesn't really grab me at all.

+1

It's a very nice watch but for me it's also the original red. If I ever add an inhouse bb to my collection one day it'll probably be the bronze. Can't go wrong with any of them though!

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by Cru Jones

For me, the PVD bracelet with straight end links is totally bizarre. Even with regular/flush end links, I wouldn't want a PVD bracelet (strap would be ok).

+1

I wonder how the PVD bracelet will hold in the daily battles against scratches. In any case, it looks much better on a strap.

IMO the BBDark would have been much more interesting in a black ceramic case, like the Fastrider.

[Ian Macdermott]

Reds the way to go with a proper Tudor Rose on the dial

[mapalfa]

I like the tactical black look on watches, I've got an old Breitling military Colt, but if I was going Rolex/Tudor in black it would have to be the black BLNR for me:



I had a look at one in the Dubai gold souk, but don't have the knowledge to be 100% of the provenance so let it go. Amazing looking watch though.


The bronze, on the other hand, is calling me though I'm not sure about the size. I'll have to try one at some time.

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

The definitive is the original Red Rose, IMO, and the Dark doesn't really grab me at all. Apparently those Ranger-style straight end links have already been changed to the regular fitted ones before the watch is released, or so I have read.

This has been confirmed by my AD the end links are being changed.

[lee fowler]

Originally Posted by mapalfa

I like the tactical black look on watches, I've got an old Breitling military Colt, but if I was going Rolex/Tudor in black it would have to be the black BLNR for me:



I had a look at one in the Dubai gold souk, but don't have the knowledge to be 100% of the provenance so let it go. Amazing looking watch though.


The bronze, on the other hand, is calling me though I'm not sure about the size. I'll have to try one at some time.

Do it, the Bronze is an awesome piece. :thumbs:

[1William]

I like it and will give it a look when it arrives at my AD. I think the sales of this watch are going to be soft due to the many choices inside the BB line-up. I do like it without end links.

[fskywalker]

The all black looks sweet, but wonder how much would the body resist scratches

[bdex75]

I think the red is the definitive BB. And the original. Some screaming deals to be had on them in the pre-owned market right now as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AK797]

No, and that watch really shouldn't have a gap at the lugs; it's dark, smooth, stealthy look is ruined by blotchy skin and curly hair peaking through the blackness.

[VerticalHorizon]

Black Bay Burgundy. It is the Black Bay. It is its own definitive character.

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by AK797

No, and that watch really shouldn't have a gap at the lugs; it's dark, smooth, stealthy look is ruined by blotchy skin and curly hair peaking through the blackness.

Rumor is that they fixed that. The watch that is being manufactured has normal end links.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Matrim604

+1

It's a very nice watch but for me it's also the original red. If I ever add an inhouse bb to my collection one day it'll probably be the bronze. Can't go wrong with any of them though!

Holy crap that is a photo!

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Some screaming deals to be had on them in the pre-owned market right now as well.

Could you please PM me where ?

I could be looking for a second one for my wife and we want to go pre-owned, but the prices I see around are barely below the price for new....

(Apologies to the OP for the hijack...)

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by Blackdog

Could you please PM me where ?



I could be looking for a second one for my wife and we want to go pre-owned, but the prices I see around are barely below the price for new....



(Apologies to the OP for the hijack...)

I have seen several LNIB for $2400-$2500 on the bracelet. $2100 on the strap. Keep an eyeball on chrono24 and the classifieds. As the in house shield models pop up I am sure that there will be people flipping to get the new movement as well.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Justinmg]

Not for me, I like the BBB with the rose.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by bdex75

Rumor is that they fixed that. The watch that is being manufactured has normal end links.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Much better then, cool watch.