Tudor BB - Rivets & Thickness - My $0.02

[ryangambrill]

I have been switching back and forth between my YM 16622 and the BB GMT.

Arguably, two of the most debated features of the GMT is the case thickness and the “faux” rivets on the bracelet.

Here are my thoughts:

After wearing the BB GMT almost daily for almost 1 year, I believe both of these potential detractors are overblown. Literally and figuratively. Much of this has to do with photos of the product. These enlarged photos inherently impact the perception of these features.

Rivets - If I had a choice, I would choose “No rivets”. I prefer a cleaner look. But, after wearing on the bracelet I hardly know they exist. 95% of the time I wear my BB GMT on nato.

Thickness - Would I like this watch be thinner? Sure. Do I prefer the profile of my YM 16622? Sure. But, is the GMT too thick and unwearable? Not at all.

———

TLDR - Go and try on the BB before you make your own decision. Your wrist size and shape will impact how it wears. Your individual focus on the features of the watch will impact your opinion. I love my BB GMT and will continue to add pieces from both Tudor and Rolex. Each has a place in my collection.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by ryangambrill

Rivets - If I had a choice, I would choose “No rivets”. I prefer a cleaner look. But, after wearing on the bracelet I hardly know they exist. 95% of the time I wear my BB GMT on nato.

Thickness - Would I like this watch be thinner? Sure. Do I prefer the profile of my YM 16622? Sure. But, is the GMT too thick and unwearable? Not at all.

Pretty much sums up my feelings. My preference is for no rivents and the thinner ETA case. Is either one a big deal? Not really.

[JayHantz]

I feel the same way. I had the GMT and now have the BB58. I was not a fan of the rivets, but I never noticed them while wearing them, and although I prefer the cleaner look, it is no bother.

[Dan Pierce]

Agreed, OP!

For most BB owners the rivets are a non issue, they are difficult to see when worn. Plus, they are well worth the vintage stair step taper, IMHO.

Thickness has never been an issue to me and I find the BB GMT pretty thin in comparison to many of my watches.
dP

[~JJ]

I prefer no faux rivets, but it’s not a sticking point for me.

However, I’m not a fan of thick watches. I have heritage chrono, love the look and it feels okay on the wrist since it has a very flat case back. It typically bothers me when I switch out the piece… I almost always think to myself, shit that was a brick, once I put on another watch. I love the design of that watch and it will stick around, but it prevents me from buying another slab watch.

[writemem]

If Tudor decide to make a GMT with coke colours, put the brushed ranger bracelet on and i dunno, maybe something like a cyclops - I'd be all over it.

[spacebjorn]

The rivets adds character and gives the BB that purposeful vintage styling.

For people that want a more refined and contemporary piece...get a modern sub.



FWIW Rolex had also used rivets in the past. Tudor embodies that 'tool watch' image much more than Rolex today with call-backs to historical design choices.

[JPBlackBay]

The faux rivets have never bothered me. I don't think I even noticed them until I started reading complaints on the forums.

[bjdub]

I wish the thickness wasn't an issue for me... I love the BB pro (and the entire BB line). But I tried one on over the weekend and felt like it towered over my sub... Always felt from pictures it would not work for me and was finally able to confirm it. Maybe someday in about ten years they will refine the case profile a little bit so I can add one to my collection!

[Lu..]

Originally Posted by spacebjorn

The rivets adds character and gives the BB that purposeful vintage styling.

For people that want a more refined and contemporary piece...get a modern sub.



FWIW Rolex had also used rivets in the past. Tudor embodies that 'tool watch' image much more than Rolex today with call-backs to historical design choices.

100% agree that the rivet bracelet provides that vintage vibe to the model...if others want a more modern interpretation, Tudor does offer the strap variants and can obtain an aftermarket non rivet bracelet from Uncle Seiko, etc..

[samson66]

Originally Posted by bjdub

I wish the thickness wasn't an issue for me... I love the BB pro (and the entire BB line). But I tried one on over the weekend and felt like it towered over my sub... Always felt from pictures it would not work for me and was finally able to confirm it. Maybe someday in about ten years they will refine the case profile a little bit so I can add one to my collection!

Have you looked at an ETA Black Bay? About the same thickness as a Sub and built like a tank.

[minute_man]

Fully agree, OP

[bjdub]

Originally Posted by samson66

Have you looked at an ETA Black Bay? About the same thickness as a Sub and built like a tank.

I haven't seen one in person. Great looking watch though. Since I already have the traditional dive watch in my sub, I am more interested in the Pro or GMT... I think I would've pulled the trigger on a BB58 (or maybe even ETA version) by now had my sub not come in last year.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by bjdub

I haven't seen one in person. Great looking watch though. Since I already have the traditional dive watch in my sub, I am more interested in the Pro or GMT... I think I would've pulled the trigger on a BB58 (or maybe even ETA version) by now had my sub not come in last year.

OK understood. Maybe they will come out with a 58 GMT eventually. Seems like everyone wants one. Would be a huge seller for them.

[bohren]

From a distance the bracelet has 'that Oyster look', but on my wrist I clearly notice the rivets as well as the steps from link to link. Most of all it's the shadow gaps between the links and the outer plates.
I don't need to view watch pictures to get reminded of these details. They are for design and meant to be cognizeable, but it much depends on the viewing angle.

I think the issue is as overblown as much as the BBs are popular and often I think, folks just want to get a Sub from Tudor for half the price and that is the reason why they complain. But just imagine the rivets were mechanically real ... I guess there would be no talk and people could easier move on.

I like them, though I prefer the straighter look of the Oyster, but I have that with my 14060M and the BB58 is lovely in it's own way with the character the bracelet adds.

[Filipão]

I love it.

[mountainjogger]

Agree OP. Same on my BB Blue.