As soon as I received the press release from Tudor and the doors opened at Watches & Wonders 2022, I knew that it was love at first sight when it comes to the new Tudor Black Bay Pro. For more than a decade I have been on the hunt for a vintage Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 Steve McQueen. Well, after perusing this new watch in Geneva, I am happy to say that the wait is over and I rather have this Tudor than a 1655. The fact that this watch features the same case size as the vintage Explorer II but is equipped with an in-house movement that’s what does it for me. Additionally, this is a ‘headache-free’ watch considering the many issues that come with buying a vintage piece.

Very reminiscent of the vintage Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655, this new watch has a 39 mm stainless case, a fixed 24-hour graduated steel bezel, an orange 24-hour hand and is powered by the in-house calibre MT5652 with built-in GMT function. The case is satin-brushed and polished featuring a domed grained matte black dial with applied hour markers in monobloc luminous ceramic which is something I’ve never seen before in the industry but that gives this dial a very unique vintage character. Our live pictures below will have you drooling and wanting one as well.

Honestly, where else can you get this much watch for the money?

The watch is sold with three different bracelet options that include a black Jacquard fabric, a hybrid rubber and leather strap or on a riveted 316L stainless steel bracelet. One great thing about this new watch is that Tudor added a new fliplock as well as a "T-fit" rapid adjustment to the clasp. And just because I’ve never jumped on the ‘Hodinkee’ strap type of look bandwagon, I am going with the stainless steel bracelet option.

On the wrist, the new Tudor Black Bay Pro wears slightly bigger and more like a 40 mm watch.

Sticker Price $4,000 USD on a bracelet and $3,675 USD on a leather or rubber strap. For more info on Tudor click here.