Tudor Heritage Black Bay

While Tudor used to be known as the poor man’s Rolex, they have long since stepped out from behind Rolex’s shadow. With an impressive and great looking collection, they have created a fantastic catalog of watches over the years. Their best-selling model, the Black Bay, is a great example of a modern tool watch with historic influences. Our preferred model is the 79220B, despite it coming with a standard movement (ETA 2824) like all models produced before 2015. This version resembles the historic model a bit more with its old rose logo and curved writing on the dial.

Ref: 79220B, 79220N, 79220R
Diameter: 41.00 mm
Thickness: 13.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Caliber: ETA 2824

The Tudor Black Bay Blue 79220B (top) and the Tudor Black Bay Black gilt 79220N (bottom). Both models have a COSC certified ETA2824, and the older Tudor Rose logo on the dial. Available now on eBay

On new models like the PVD coated Tudor Black Bay Dark (79230DK), the rose log has been replaced by a shield. The movement on the 79230 models has been developed in-house, it is the COSC certified MT5602 automatic movement. The rotating bezel is in aluminum and is available in black, red and blue.

Ref: 79230R, 79230DK
Diameter: 41.00 mm
Thickness: 13.00 mm
Lug width: 22.00 mm
Caliber: Tudor MT5602

The Tudor Black Bay 79230R with a red bezel and a COSC Certified MT5602 movement. The new Tudor shield logo is present on the dial. Available now on eBay

All Black Bay models come with a minute track dial and the typical ‘snowflake hands’ that look great. Measuring 41 mm and being water-resistant up to 200 meters, the Black Bay is a great diving watch at roughly one-third the price of its bigger brother. It is, in our opinion, a good (and more affordable) Rolex Submariner alternative.