ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

MJ EXPLORER · 9 April 2023, 05:35 AM

Late last year I paired my 6 watch collection down to one watch; the Explorer II. It’s my all-time favorite watch. I was enjoying being a one watch guy until a trip to Oklahoma City last week.

I had a couple of hours to kill so I popped in to B.C. Clark to check out some Tudors and Breitling’s. It was so much fun because they had all the hot models of both brands. After trying most of them on I almost went for the 46mm Super Ocean (they absolutely wear small). Then I took one more look at the Black Bay Pro and picked it.

The BB Pro oozes vintage charm. The thickness? Absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change the dimensions one bit. T-fit clasp makes getting a perfect fit easy. Snow flake hands are fun and easy to read.

Overall I’m really impressed with what Tudor’s doing of late. The price point is so reasonable for what you get. It’s definitely similar to my Explorer II, but I think they can coexist. I’m curious which gets more wrist time after the honeymoon phase ends.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

NachoNeal · 9 April 2023, 05:40 AM

You'll be back up to six in no time!

MJ EXPLORER · 9 April 2023, 05:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

You'll be back up to six in no time!

I suspect you are correct Neal! Especially since there are so many Tudor/Breitling's on my radar. Other than the Navitimer, everything else seems to be in the $3,000 - $5,000 price range.

Tomas Eriksson · 9 April 2023, 06:01 AM

Very nice, my favorite black bay. Great pickup!

Nav01L · 9 April 2023, 06:13 AM

I do like that Breitling

Brich436 · 9 April 2023, 07:25 AM

I concur and many of the Tudor references are very exciting to me as well. That Ranger wasn’t terrible! The used prices of Tudor makes them a compelling value if you are willing to hunt for the right one!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Watchsprings · 9 April 2023, 07:29 AM

Congrats Mike, that’s a great looking Tudor! My BB pro keeps outstanding time, I really enjoy my 3 Tudors.

MJ EXPLORER · 9 April 2023, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Watchsprings

Congrats Mike, that’s a great looking Tudor! My BB pro keeps outstanding time, I really enjoy my 3 Tudors.

Thanks so much! I saw your new Pelagos 39! Which other Tudor's do you have? Please post some pics of the whole family of Tudors. There are several on my radar including the Pelagos 39, Ranger, Black Bay 39 with the jubilee bracelet and the BB58.

MJ EXPLORER · 9 April 2023, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nav01L

I do like that Breitling

Breitling is on fire right now. I will very likely grab a Super Ocean and I'd absolutely love a new Navitimer....if I could decide on a color. I unfortunately like them all.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brich436

I concur and many of the Tudor references are very exciting to me as well. That Ranger wasn’t terrible! The used prices of Tudor makes them a compelling value if you are willing to hunt for the right one!

I was so bored with the Ranger in pictures, but in person really liked it. My wife loved the Ranger. As reasonably priced as it is, I could see grabbing one soon.

MJ EXPLORER · 9 April 2023, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tomas Eriksson

Very nice, my favorite black bay. Great pickup!

Thank you! Completely agree. The thickness is a plus in my opinion. It's a sports watch and the extra thickness gives it some extra presence. Feels like a proper tool.

Dan Pierce · 9 April 2023, 09:12 AM

Congrats, Mike! It's a great addition to the Tudor GMT lineup.
dP

White Collar Boy · 9 April 2023, 10:02 AM

I don’t check this main forum all the time, so I didn’t realise you’d sold the other Explorers (I remember you as the multi-Explorer guy!). Congrats on the Tudor.

I’m a fan of it. Wore my brother’s for a week a few months back. His has lots of hairline scratches on it already from daily wear, which I think makes it look even more like the great tool watch it is. Agree with the comments about the thickness being a Pro, not a con.

1William · 9 April 2023, 11:51 PM

Congratulations.

NachoNeal · 10 April 2023, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

. . . . I was so bored with the Ranger in pictures, but in person really liked it. My wife loved the Ranger. As reasonably priced as it is, I could see grabbing one soon.

The Ranger and BB54 are both on my short list right now.

Brich436 · 10 April 2023, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

Thanks so much! I saw your new Pelagos 39! Which other Tudor's do you have? Please post some pics of the whole family of Tudors. There are several on my radar including the Pelagos 39, Ranger, Black Bay 39 with the jubilee bracelet and the BB58.

BB58 Blue is terrible:

Not!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

173rdabn · 10 April 2023, 04:36 AM

Really like it. Size is perfect.

RogerOP · 10 April 2023, 04:45 AM

I own it and really think it’s better on the wrist than most people realise when reading the stats.

noshame · 10 April 2023, 05:13 AM

Congrats, MJ! I was just thinking about you the other day cause I hadn't read any posts from you in quite awhile. Hope all is well.

I didn't know that you sold off most of your collection, even your Explorer Rolesor?! Say it ain't so MJ! Anyways, it's nice sometimes to be able to start from scratch, almost, and I'm sure it won't be long till you have to pare down again!

Greglaw · 10 April 2023, 12:11 PM

Love it looks awesome on you!

jstan9 · 10 April 2023, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

You'll be back up to six in no time!

No kidding : )

jstan9 · 10 April 2023, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brich436

BB58 Blue is terrible:

Not!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I’ve had mine for a year and it’s a favorite. Amazing watch, and beautiful.

Guppydriver · 10 April 2023, 03:39 PM

I like the turquoise blue Super Ocean aesthetically, but I just can't get over the $80 movement in a $5k watch. I feel the same way about their Chronomat GMT, I just don't get it. On the other hand, some of their higher end stuff with the B01 and Premier lines are incredible. It's seriously like two different companies.

Enough of my rant and on to that amazing BBPRO Mike..

Looks really good on your wrist, I don't know how you wear your EXPII, but I find (for some) the affordability of the Tudor lends to a more daring wear strategy which allows you to enjoy the piece as much or more than the Rolex.

Regardless, congratulations and wear it often and in great health!

the dark knight · 10 April 2023, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ EXPLORER

I suspect you are correct Neal! Especially since there are so many Tudor/Breitling's on my radar. Other than the Navitimer, everything else seems to be in the $3,000 - $5,000 price range.

Not necessarily just looking at Tudor/Breitling, but I also find myself looking at a ton of watches right around the $5k mark. Although a lot preowned so I'm cheating a bit. But lot of fun options there.

JSingh22 · 10 April 2023, 04:41 PM

Nice story. You surely do deserve it. Congrats

Vlke · 10 April 2023, 04:58 PM

Congrats! I’m on the fence about the BBPro too, tried it at an AD briefly on the rubber/hybrid strap and didn’t think it was that thick too. What’s your wrist size? I think it looks great!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

77T · 10 April 2023, 09:52 PM

Saw one, bought it on the spot. Reminiscent of the 1655 due to the bezel.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

watchwatcher · 10 April 2023, 11:43 PM

Nice. I so wish Rolex would've switched the current EXP2 model to the bezel markings similar to those on the Pro as a part of the (upgrade? lol) to the 22 series.

I digress. Congrats on the new Pro!

nick800 · 11 April 2023, 12:51 AM

Love the Pro!

mmbiker · 11 April 2023, 01:17 AM

Tudor GMT lineup are great! Enjoy

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lu.. · 11 April 2023, 01:30 AM

Congrats...welcome to the club....enjoy her in good health....

9 April 2023, 05:35 AM	#1
MJ EXPLORER 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jul 2021 Real Name: Mike Location: Arkansas Watch: Explorer 40 Posts: 1,024	Black Bay Pro In the House! Late last year I paired my 6 watch collection down to one watch; the Explorer II. It’s my all-time favorite watch. I was enjoying being a one watch guy until a trip to Oklahoma City last week. I had a couple of hours to kill so I popped in to B.C. Clark to check out some Tudors and Breitling’s. It was so much fun because they had all the hot models of both brands. After trying most of them on I almost went for the 46mm Super Ocean (they absolutely wear small). Then I took one more look at the Black Bay Pro and picked it. The BB Pro oozes vintage charm. The thickness? Absolutely perfect. I wouldn’t change the dimensions one bit. T-fit clasp makes getting a perfect fit easy. Snow flake hands are fun and easy to read. Overall I’m really impressed with what Tudor’s doing of late. The price point is so reasonable for what you get. It’s definitely similar to my Explorer II, but I think they can coexist. I’m curious which gets more wrist time after the honeymoon phase ends. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

9 April 2023, 05:40 AM	#2
NachoNeal "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Real Name: Neal Location: Point Loma Watch: ing the river flow Posts: 2,856	You'll be back up to six in no time! __________________ . Sub No Date (14060); Tudor Ranger; Explorer (124270); Day Date (18238) stolen by wife; CasiOak.

9 April 2023, 06:01 AM	#4
Tomas Eriksson "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Stockholm Watch: 15707CE Posts: 2,027	Very nice, my favorite black bay. Great pickup! __________________ State of the union: 5066A,15400ST,15707CE,116610LN,26470OR and a few other…

9 April 2023, 06:13 AM	#5
Nav01L "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Real Name: Fred Location: Zurich Posts: 2,697	I do like that Breitling __________________ Greetings from Switzerland Remember, the dignity you surrender at your AD‘s doorstep will never be recovered by wearing the watch he may get you.

9 April 2023, 07:25 AM	#6
Brich436 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Real Name: Brian Location: East Coast Watch: 124270 Posts: 984	I concur and many of the Tudor references are very exciting to me as well. That Ranger wasn’t terrible! The used prices of Tudor makes them a compelling value if you are willing to hunt for the right one! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ ROLEX: 16234-Datejust / 16570-Explorer 2 / 116610LN-Submariner / 124270-Explorer 1 / 126710BLNR-GMT-Master 2 TUDOR: M79030-B Black Bay 58 / M25717N-1 Pelagos FXD

9 April 2023, 07:29 AM	#7
Watchsprings "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Cali Posts: 1,955	Congrats Mike, that’s a great looking Tudor! My BB pro keeps outstanding time, I really enjoy my 3 Tudors.

9 April 2023, 09:12 AM	#11
Dan Pierce 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: D'OH! Location: Kentucky Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3 Posts: 36,185	Congrats, Mike! It's a great addition to the Tudor GMT lineup. dP __________________ TRF Member# 1668 Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation The Crown & Shield Club Honorary Member of P-Club

9 April 2023, 10:02 AM	#12
White Collar Boy 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Feb 2020 Real Name: Matt Location: . Watch: PAM111 Posts: 2,857	I don’t check this main forum all the time, so I didn’t realise you’d sold the other Explorers (I remember you as the multi-Explorer guy!). Congrats on the Tudor. I’m a fan of it. Wore my brother’s for a week a few months back. His has lots of hairline scratches on it already from daily wear, which I think makes it look even more like the great tool watch it is. Agree with the comments about the thickness being a Pro, not a con.

9 April 2023, 11:51 PM	#13
1William 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 47,639	Congratulations.

10 April 2023, 04:36 AM	#16
173rdabn 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Real Name: George Location: Cape Cod Watch: 216570 Explorer II Posts: 2,417	Really like it. Size is perfect.

10 April 2023, 04:45 AM	#17
RogerOP Banned Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: London Posts: 557	I own it and really think it’s better on the wrist than most people realise when reading the stats.

10 April 2023, 05:13 AM	#18
noshame "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2020 Real Name: Alex Location: Canada Posts: 1,667	Congrats, MJ! I was just thinking about you the other day cause I hadn't read any posts from you in quite awhile. Hope all is well. I didn't know that you sold off most of your collection, even your Explorer Rolesor?! Say it ain't so MJ! Anyways, it's nice sometimes to be able to start from scratch, almost, and I'm sure it won't be long till you have to pare down again! __________________ Submariner Date 116610LN \| GMT-Master II 126710BLNR on Jubilee \| Explorer Rolesor 124273 \| Explorer II Polar 226570

10 April 2023, 12:11 PM	#19
Greglaw Banned Join Date: May 2020 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 667	Love it looks awesome on you!

10 April 2023, 03:39 PM	#22
Guppydriver 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2020 Real Name: A-Aron Location: Utah Watch: 126710BLNR 226570 Posts: 2,220	I like the turquoise blue Super Ocean aesthetically, but I just can't get over the $80 movement in a $5k watch. I feel the same way about their Chronomat GMT, I just don't get it. On the other hand, some of their higher end stuff with the B01 and Premier lines are incredible. It's seriously like two different companies. Enough of my rant and on to that amazing BBPRO Mike.. Looks really good on your wrist, I don't know how you wear your EXPII, but I find (for some) the affordability of the Tudor lends to a more daring wear strategy which allows you to enjoy the piece as much or more than the Rolex. Regardless, congratulations and wear it often and in great health!

10 April 2023, 04:41 PM	#24
JSingh22 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: London Watch: 5167a Posts: 171	Nice story. You surely do deserve it. Congrats

10 April 2023, 04:58 PM	#25
Vlke "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Singapore Posts: 27	Congrats! I’m on the fence about the BBPro too, tried it at an AD briefly on the rubber/hybrid strap and didn’t think it was that thick too. What’s your wrist size? I think it looks great! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

10 April 2023, 09:52 PM	#26
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 41,944	Saw one, bought it on the spot. Reminiscent of the 1655 due to the bezel. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

10 April 2023, 11:43 PM	#27
watchwatcher "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Larry Location: Kentucky Watch: Yes Posts: 35,011	Nice. I so wish Rolex would've switched the current EXP2 model to the bezel markings similar to those on the Pro as a part of the (upgrade? lol) to the 22 series. I digress. Congrats on the new Pro!

11 April 2023, 12:51 AM	#28
nick800 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: USA Posts: 1,581	Love the Pro!

11 April 2023, 01:17 AM	#29
mmbiker "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Canada Watch: Sub Posts: 585	Tudor GMT lineup are great! Enjoy Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

11 April 2023, 01:30 AM	#30
Lu.. "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: NJ Watch: 224270 Exp I 40mm Posts: 248	Congrats...welcome to the club....enjoy her in good health.... __________________ ♛ Explorer 224270 Ω Moonwatch 3861 Sapphire 🛡️ Black Bay Pro m79470-0001

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)