Is the Tudor Black Bay waterproof?

The Tudor Black Bay is water-resistant to 200 meters (660 feet), suitable for recreational scuba diving and all water sports. The screw-down crown and strong case construction provide reliable water protection. Tudor recommends having water resistance checked annually if you dive regularly.

What movement does the Tudor Black Bay use?

Current Black Bay models use Tudor's in-house Manufacture calibres: MT5402 (BB58), MT5602 (Heritage), MT5652 (GMT/Pro), and MT5813 (Chrono). All are COSC-certified with 70-hour power reserves (65h for newer METAS-certified variants) and silicon hairsprings. Pre-2016 models used decorated ETA 2824 movements.

Does the Tudor Black Bay hold its value?

The Tudor Black Bay holds value better than most Swiss watches in its price range, retaining 80-90% of retail on the pre-owned market. It doesn't appreciate like a Rolex, but the depreciation curve is shallow compared to brands like TAG Heuer or Longines. Buying pre-owned at 85-90% of retail is the smartest approach for minimal long-term cost of ownership.

How much does a Tudor Black Bay cost?

Tudor Black Bay prices range from $3,775 for the BB58 on a steel bracelet to $5,425 for the Chrono. Pre-owned examples typically trade at 85-95% of retail, making them accessible at $2,800-$5,000 depending on the model. The BB58 (Tudor's most popular reference)can be found pre-owned for $3,000-$3,600 with full box and papers.

Is a Tudor Black Bay a good investment?

The Tudor Black Bay is not an investment watch in the Rolex sense. It doesn't appreciate significantly. However, it holds its value better than most competitors in the $3,000-$5,000 range, typically retaining 80-90% of retail over time. The smart buy is pre-owned at a modest discount to retail, where your 'loss' over years of ownership is minimal. Early ETA-powered models with the Tudor rose logo are slowly becoming collector pieces.

What is the difference between Tudor Black Bay and Black Bay 58?

The main difference is size: the standard Black Bay Heritage uses a 41mm case at 14.8mm thick, while the BB58 uses a slimmer 39mm case at 11.9mm thick. The BB58's compact dimensions are inspired by the 1958 Tudor Submariner Ref. 7924 and are widely considered more comfortable for daily wear. Both use in-house COSC-certified movements with 70-hour power reserves. The BB58 has become Tudor's best-selling model.

Is Tudor owned by Rolex?

Yes. Tudor was founded by Hans Wilsdorf (the same man who founded Rolex)in 1926. Tudor watches are manufactured by Montres Tudor SA, which is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, the same entity that owns Rolex SA. Tudor and Rolex share manufacturing facilities in Geneva, and Tudor cases are produced to similar tolerances. However, Tudor uses its own in-house movements (manufactured by Kenissi, a movement maker majority-owned by Tudor/Rolex) and 316L steel rather than Rolex's proprietary 904L Oystersteel.

Tudor Black Bay vs Omega Seamaster, which should I buy?

Both are excellent, but they serve different tastes. The Tudor BB58 ($3,775) offers vintage-inspired charm, an in-house COSC movement, and Rolex-family DNA at the lowest price. The Omega Seamaster 300M ($5,600+) offers METAS antimagnetic certification, a helium escape valve, and more modern aesthetics. The Omega has stronger mainstream brand recognition; the Tudor has more collector credibility at a lower price. For value, Tudor wins. For specs per dollar, Omega is compelling.

Where can I buy a Tudor Black Bay in New York?

Tudor Black Bays are available at Tudor authorized dealers throughout Manhattan, including Tourneau/Bucherer and Wempe. Unlike Rolex, Tudor models are generally available without waitlists. For pre-owned Black Bays at competitive prices, visit Ultimate Diamond on 47th Street in the Diamond District: we've been a trusted family-owned dealer since 1959 and carry a selected selection of Tudor across all Black Bay variants.

Tudor Black Bay: The Complete Collector's Guide

The collection that transformed Tudor from a dormant subsidiary into a standalone manufacture brand. Launched in 2012, the Black Bay draws from three specific vintage references: Ref. 7922 (1954 first Tudor diver), Ref. 7924 (1958 Big Crown), and Ref. 7016 (1969 first snowflake hands). Current production uses in-house MT54xx/MT56xx calibers with 70-hour reserve, COSC certification, and silicon hairsprings. The BB58 (39mm, Ref. M79030N) is widely considered the best dive watch under $4,000. The BB GMT offers Rolex GMT-Master II functionality at roughly 25% of the market price. The BB Chrono uses the MT5813 column-wheel chronograph co-developed with Breitling. 2024-2025 models carry METAS Master Chronometer certification.

Specifications

Current Reference79230R (Heritage), M79030N (BB58), M79470 (Pro), M79830RB (GMT), M79250BA (Bronze)

Case Diameter39mm (BB58/Pro) / 41mm (Heritage/GMT/Chrono) / 43mm (Bronze)

Case Material316L stainless steel (most models); CuSn8 bronze alloy (Bronze); 18K gold or 925 silver (special editions)

Crystal TypeDomed sapphire crystal

Water Resistance200m / 660ft

MovementManufacture Calibre MT5402 (BB58), MT5602 (Heritage), MT5652 (GMT/Pro), MT5813 (Chrono)

Movement TypeAutomatic, in-house manufacture

Power Reserve65-70 hours

Bezel TypeUnidirectional rotating 60-minute (dive models); Fixed 24-hour (Pro); Bidirectional 24-hour (GMT)

BraceletRiveted-style steel bracelet with T-fit clasp, or fabric/leather/rubber strap options

Dial ColorsBlack, Blue (Navy), Burgundy, Brown (Bronze), Slate Grey, Green (Harrods), Opaline

LumeSuper-LumiNova on hands and hour markers

Year Introduced2012

Current Retail M S R P$3,775 - $4,775 (steel models, 2025)

Made InSwitzerland

History

Tudor's story begins with Hans Wilsdorf, who founded the brand in 1926 as a more accessible sibling to Rolex. Through the 1950s-70s, Tudor produced legendary dive watches, the Oyster Prince Submariner references worn by the French Marine Nationale and the Royal Canadian Navy. But by the late 1990s, Tudor had largely faded from key markets, including the United States. The Black Bay changed everything. Conceived by Tudor's design team under the creative direction of the brand's renaissance-era leadership, the collection drew directly from three specific vintage references: the Ref. 7922 (1954, first Tudor diver), the Ref. 7924 'Big Crown' (1958, oversized crown), and the Ref. 7016 (1969, first snowflake hands). The Black Bay wasn't a replica. It was a reinterpretation, blending the best elements of Tudor's golden era into a modern, COSC-certified package.

Iconic References

Buying Guide

• First serious watch purchase: the Black Bay is the consensus 'best value in Swiss luxury'
• Collectors who want Rolex DNA without Rolex pricing or waitlists
• Daily wearers who need a watch that can take real punishment
• Watch enthusiasts who appreciate in-house movements and COSC certification
• Anyone who wants a vintage aesthetic with modern reliability
• The traveler (BB GMT or BB Pro offer genuine dual-timezone utility)

Pricing & Market Data

Retail MSRP

value$3,775 (BB58 on bracelet); $4,175-$4,775 (GMT/Pro on bracelet); $4,600-$5,425 (Chrono on bracelet): all 2025

Pre-Owned Market

value$3,000-$3,600 (BB58 pre-owned); $3,400-$4,500 (GMT/Pro pre-owned); $4,200-$5,000 (Chrono pre-owned)

Market Trajectory

Prices have stabilized at healthy levels: most models trade within 10-15% of retail. The Black Bay is not a speculative asset; it's a use-and-enjoy proposition that holds value respectably.

Investment Grade

B-tier. Black Bays hold value better than most non-Rolex Swiss brands but don't appreciate meaningfully. The exception may be early ETA models and limited editions, which are slowly gaining collector premiums.

Best Value Pick

M79030N-0001 (BB58 Black/Gilt on bracelet), the consensus best watch under $4,000, full stop.

Comparisons

Cultural Significance

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Guides

Direct Comparison

Rolex Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner is the most recognized dive watch ever produced and the template against which every luxury sport w...

Read guide →

Direct Comparison

Omega Omega Seamaster 1948 Guide: Vintage Original vs 70th Anniversary Reissue | Ultimate Watch

The Seamaster 1948 is where the whole Seamaster line begins, and it is one of the few Omega families that means two very...

Read guide →

Direct Comparison

Hublot Hublot Spirit of Big Bang

Hublot's first tonneau (barrel-shaped) case, introduced in 2014 as an alternative silhouette to the round Big Bang. Reta...

Read guide →

Direct Comparison

IWC Schaffhausen IWC Big Pilot's Watch

The IWC Big Pilot's Watch is the cathedral of pilot watches, a 46mm monument to aviation heritage that traces its DNA di...

Read guide →

Same Brand

Tudor Tudor 1926 Buying Guide: Specs, References, Prices | Ultimate Watch

The Tudor 1926 is the quiet member of the Tudor lineup, the dress-leaning three-hander that most people walk past on the...

Read guide →

Same Brand

Tudor Tudor Advisor Guide: 7926, 10050 & Heritage 79620 Alarm Watch | Ultimate Watch

The Tudor Advisor is the only alarm watch Tudor has ever made, and that fact alone is why collectors keep asking us abou...

Read guide →

Own a Tudor?

We buy Tudor watches at competitive prices. Fast payment, no obligation quote.

Get a quote →Browse Tudor inventory →