Educate Me On The Black Bay 58 - Why The Hype - I Like The GMT S&G

[Time Machine]

I am starting my collecting.

I am on "the list" at two shops for basically any Submariner or GMTII.

In the meantime, a Tudor Black Bay GMT S&G smacks of a Rolex GMTII Oystersteel and Everose gold at 1/3 the price.

Plus, I can buy the Black Bay GMT S&G today whereas I may never see the Rolex GMTII

https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watche.../m79833mn-0001

https://www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-ma...26711chnr-0002

However I see watch channels talk up the Black Bay 58 as a must have.

What do I need to learn about Tudor that is causing me to pass over the 58 as unremarkable in favor of the BB GMT S&G?

What move would you make?

[4BostonB]

People like the dimensions of the 58, primarily.

The BB GMT generally gets flack for its thickness - the watch is 14.5mm thick, and it shows every mm. The midcase on the Rolex model is a lot slimmer, leading the watch to wear even smaller than its 12mm thickness. The Tudor is also a few mm taller lug-to-lug - for a lot of wrists, it's hard to slide it under a shirt cuff.


The Tudor S&G watches are also gold capped, not solid gold. This is a comparison of the S&G link vs an old hollow Rolex link - newer Rolex links are solid and have a lot more material.

[Time Machine]

THANKS Boston!!

Thats EXCELLENT info!!!!!

[slide13]

Yeah, original Black Bay and the GMT are pretty thick. It definitely has a different vibe and feel than a Rolex because of that. It's not bad, if you know what you're getting and you like that.

The Black Bay 58 was Tudor moving to more classic proportions. It's still not like a Rolex but it's a little closer and wears much slimmer than the 41mm Black Bays. The very slim bezel height still gives them their own unique feel on the wrist.

I currently have a Sub (126610) and a Black Bay 58 in blue. Love both, they have some similarities but wear different. I like the way the Rolex looks a little more on the wrist, I think the thicker bezel is more proportional, but I think the Black Bay actually wears slightly more comfortable with it's flatter caseback and how it hugs the wrist because of it.

[lencap]

I echo Boston's comments. I bought the original BB and found it heavy and not well balanced on my 7.25" wrist. I quickly sold it and got the BB58 - a much more comfortable watch. Overall it's fine and a great value. BUT, the watch band doesn't have any micro adjustments, like many Rolex models offer as standard. It's not a deal breaker, but something to consider.

Frankly, despite my DJ TT being 41 years old, the then "standard" 36mm size case fits me better than anything else I own. The lighter weight, thinner case, hollow band links, all keep weight down, making wearing the watch very comfortable. I don't even realize it's on the wrist. Sadly, I can't say the same for the more modern Rolex watches. I desperately wanted to own a SkyDweller, and still do, but the size/weight makes it a non-starter.

Smaller cases seem to be a trend. Even Tudor introduced a smaller size BB, the BB54, a 37mm case that mimics the look of the entire line, but reduces weight and size. I'm all for the smaller trend. Finally, given the larger cases in general it still seems to me that Rolex watches tend to balance better on the wrist than almost any other brand. They're the largest brand for many reasons, but comfort is certainly part of the reason.

[KatGirl]

The BB58 is awesome. The proportions are perfect. The size is just right. It wraps around the wrist, just so. You barely know it’s there. It has a cool retro vibe. The red triangle stands out. The gold accents are warm and inviting. Put simply, it’s just special. Mine keeps near perfect time. I believe Tudor released the 54, in an attempt to recreate the great success of the 58. There is a very subtle difference between these two models, a slightly smaller size, and removal of some hash marks on the bezel. For me, the 58 is more attractive. Go try one on.

Kat


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[Pandos]

This is all part of the journey of watch collecting, you can get as much intel online but until you wear it on the wrist you won't know whether it's right for you.

Boston has already nailed the main points on BB58 vs BB GMT S&G specifically, but just to add a personal opinion, don't get a Tudor because you think it's a good substitute for a Rolex, get a Tudor because it's a good watch in it's own right.

Owning both a BB58 and Sub 41mm, I can say they are not the same watch and not as interchangeable. Yes they are both divers with black dials and SS bracelets, but the BB58 proportions are much more classic and vintage inspired, where as the sub is much more contemporary with a more pronounced bezel and wearing larger.

BB58 Black is still not so easy to come by (much easier than before, but not guaranteed to walk in and grab one every store that stocks Tudor), but there's other 58's that you can go in and try on.

Ultimately buy what you like, most people in the world won't care what's on your wrist, much less that you've got a 58 on vs a GMT.

[White Collar Boy]

I have a 58 and the GMT but can’t really add to the excellent advice everyone has already given, above. Both are great watches that wear very differently. I would only suggest not to be swayed by what you read or see/hear in videos, and try these on. Whether or not they are unremarkable can only be worked out firsthand. Hype is a bit silly, because there are hundreds of cool watches.

Have you checked out the Tudor Pelagos FXD too? Maybe worth throwing in the mix.

[Time Machine]

These are great comments

I am going back to the Rolex / Tudor AD next week and trying both on

[1AP]

I have 4 rolex’s , Bluesy sub, Rose gold Daytona, Exp1 36mm, Turn o Graph…. and the bb58 competes for wrist time with all of them. Thats all I have to say

[the dark knight]

While I personally prefer the BB54, the 58 has imo the perfect proportions for a watch of its type. It wears/looks almost exactly like the old 5-digits, and to me is a reminder of how awesome those watches were.

[Time Machine]

Originally Posted by 1AP

I have 4 rolex’s , Bluesy sub, Rose gold Daytona, Exp1 36mm, Turn o Graph…. and the bb58 competes for wrist time with all of them. Thats all I have to say

That's a bold statement

[WILLIWALKER]

The 58 is fantastic because of the gold text, gold hand, proportions and domed glass. You also have a great movement !
The bracelet is not perfect with fake rivets... it's the only grief

[Stevec14]

Originally Posted by WILLIWALKER

The 58 is fantastic because of the gold text, gold hand, proportions and domed glass. You also have a great movement !
The bracelet is not perfect with fake rivets... it's the only grief

I actually don’t mind the rivets - it’s the fact the link next to the clasp doesn’t fully articulate which causes the bracelet to look pretty poor on me and not be comfortable. Other than that, it’s a terrific watch.

[watchwatcher]

I like the GMT, but I like the Pepsi better. I tried having both in the collection, but it just didn't work for me. YMMV.

As to the 58...it gets a lot of love here, but at the risk of being flamed alive, I'm just gonna say this. The only 39mm Tudor that I've tried on and really liked was the Ranger.

[OG1982]

The 58 is alright, I had the blue variaton and it got sold after 6 months, was very bland. In hindsight I think the black and gilt version is nicer.

The BB58 was hot property for at least the first year of it's lifetime. But the market is now flooded and they can be had for over £1000 off the MSRP.

[Nads786]

I just got the Tudor BB 58 Black as I wait for a Sub Date. I had concerns this purchase was a way to substitute the Sub, but after having it for a week and going back to a AD to see the Sub, they are totally different watches.

I came away realizing how much I enjoy the warmth and character of the BB58 vs. the modern and sterile look of the Sub.

I still want the sub no question, but I think both these watches will fit well in my collection.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Nads786

I just got the Tudor BB 58 Black as I wait for a Sub Date. I had concerns this purchase was a way to substitute the Sub, but after having it for a week and going back to a AD to see the Sub, they are totally different watches.

I came away realizing how much I enjoy the warmth and character of the BB58 vs. the modern and sterile look of the Sub.

I still want the sub no question, but I think both these watches will fit well in my collection.

Maybe quit while you’re ahead?

[zi464]

There no " no must have " watch , buy what you like that you could afford.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

I like the GMT, but I like the Pepsi better. I tried having both in the collection, but it just didn't work for me. YMMV.

As to the 58...it gets a lot of love here, but at the risk of being flamed alive, I'm just gonna say this. The only 39mm Tudor that I've tried on and really liked was the Ranger.

Why would anyone flame you? We all have different tastes…..

Kat


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[kkqd1337]

i am also on a 'list' for a Sub (i want no date) or Exp II White

and am also tempted to get a Tudor to feed the 'want monster'

but, for me, waiting is the right thing to do.

plus i can feel in my waters next year availability is going to improve.

[Know1isgod]

Sold my 58 last year to make room for a sub. Did the exact opposite this year. Realized I liked the 58 better and that's all that mattered.

[Jari37]

I also bought a 58 as a placeholder while I waited for a Sub, fully intending to flip it when the time came.

Turns out I love it waaaaaay more than I anticipated & no way am I ever selling that little gilt-edged, red-triangled retro beauty.

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[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by Jari37

I also bought a 58 as a placeholder while I waited for a Sub, fully intending to flip it when the time came.

Turns out I love it waaaaaay more than I anticipated & no way am I ever selling that little gilt-edged, red-triangled retro beauty.

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Exactly! Great description!

Kat


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[rolexandlange]

I believe the hype of the BB58 is that it is the closest reincarnation of the no crown guards, big crown submariner. The watch everyone wishes Rolex would reintroduce, they did. The only problem is they did it via Tudor and put it on a polarizing bracelet.

[KatGirl]

Originally Posted by rolexandlange

I believe the hype of the BB58 is that it is the closest reincarnation of the no crown guards, big crown submariner. The watch everyone wishes Rolex would reintroduce, they did. The only problem is they did it via Tudor and put it on a polarizing bracelet.

Not sure why the bracelet is so polarizing. You don’t even notice the rivets, when wearing it….

Kat


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[White Collar Boy]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Not sure why the bracelet is so polarizing. You don’t even notice the rivets, when wearing it….

Kat

I agree Kat. I like the bracelet, actually. I think the hype comes from a) how polarising the thickness of the in-house 41mm BB was before the 58 came along; b) YouTube yappies yapping and subscribers clapping (while on wait lists, pre-2022); 3) real quality.

[KatGirl]

This thread needs a wrist shot:



Kat


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[Nads786]

Originally Posted by KatGirl

Not sure why the bracelet is so polarizing. You don’t even notice the rivets, when wearing it….

Kat


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Agreed, I never noticed it and wouldn't have unless I watched some YouTube videos.

It's the same thing with the Omega Speedmaster's "dot over 90" I would never notice that if I ended up getting that watch.

[Nads786]

Wrist shot #2


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