Today, we are going to approach this hands-on review in a very different way. Instead of focusing on all the technicalities and the pros and cons of this new watch, we will strongly focus on the emotions that surround a watch purchase and why we still love the new Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black a.k.a. the 'BBB' after 21 days of ownership. As you all watch collectors know, timepieces not only track time for us, but they also gather memories as we wear them. You guys also know —especially those of you that are compulsive watch flippers—, that many times we buy watches by impulse and as a mere 'fix' for that watch collecting addiction we have, only to end up flipping the new watch within days or just a few weeks after the purchase. Well, all we can say is that at least for us, this new Tudor BBB is a keeper for us.
Posts filed under Tudor
News: Introducing the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black ref. 79220N. What Everyone was Dreaming of and More.
The day Tudor unveiled the Black Bay One unique piece for ONLY Watch Auction —as we reported here—, everyone started dreaming of Tudor one day releasing the model for the general public. While the new Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black ref. 79220N is not exactly identical to the Black Bay One made for the ONLY Watch Auction —as it lacks of the red writing on the dial—, this new model is a wonderful addition to the Heritage Black Bay lineup joining its siblings the Black Bay Burgundy Red and the Black Bay Blue. After receiving the information from the brand, we immediately knew that this watch was going to be a home run and probably sold out the same day its hitting the stores. Hopefully we will be able to get one today as it is supposed to be available at the Tudor authorized dealer network. We'll keep you posted on that front.
Insider: Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N. As Good as it Gets for the Price.
Mirroring the original shape and proportions of the original Tudor Chronograph Monte Carlo 1970s model —references 7149, 7159/0, 7169/0 and the 7031/0 —the Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N launched five years ago in 2010, brings the best of the vintage world into modern times with a flawless execution that will captivate those watchlifestylers wanting to avoid the headaches that vintage shopping can bring. The Tudor Heritage Chrono ref. 70330N really brings that vintage feel without the headaches or budget issues that purchasing a vintage Tudor Monte Carlo might bring, especially considering all the fakes and redone dials out there. If you like vintage Tudors as much as we do, this is the way to go. Fitted with a generous 42 mm case that wears slightly smaller, the Tudor Heritage Chrono is a robust sporty looking timepiece that can be worn in any setting or with any outfit —even better when wearing your fancy orange Hermès ties.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the Tudor Fastrider Chrono. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Continuing with its partnership with motorcycle maker Ducati, Tudor released last week at Baselworld 2015, three new Fastrider Chronographs ref. 42010N matching the colors of the iconic Ducati Scrambler motorcycles. Now available with dials in yellow, olive green and red, the new Tudor Fastrider Chrono is now fitted with a satin brushed finished stainless steel case —instead of a matte black ceramic case as on the Fastrider Black Shield launched in 2013— with matte black ceramic bezel, stainless steel case back and a gorgeous leather strap or rubber strap with folding clasp with flip-lock with Tudor shield. The size of the case remains at 42 mm and the watch is still fitted with screw-down crown and chrono pushers that are black PVD treated. The date still needs to be set via the shield-shaped corrector located on the case band at 9 o'clock —something we aesthetically like on the watch but we find annoying from a functionality standpoint.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Tudor North Flag with In-House Movement. Live Pictures and Pricing.
Today, Tudor presented the latest addition to its lineup. We are talking about the new Tudor North Flag ref. 91210N available with integrated stainless steel bracelet or with a rugged texturized black leather strap with yellow contrast stitching. Inspired by iconic watches from the 1970s like the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, the IWC Ingenieur, the Tudor Ranger or even the Rolex Oysterquartz, this new Tudor watch measures 41 mm in diameter and is equipped with a satin brushed monobloc case with double bezel in stainless steel and black ceramic. Its black matte dial with white applied markers and a flange with yellow and white minute track are simply stunning. However, what really makes this watch special —besides its looks— is the fact that this is the first Tudor watch to be powered by a fully developed in-house calibre.
Baselworld 2015: Introducing the New Tudor Pelagos Blue and the Redesigned Pelagos Black. Both Now with In-House Movement. Live Pictures and Pricing.
The Tudor Pelagos needs no introduction. This time we present you the new iteration of this fantastic titanium diving watch measuring 42 mm in diameter. The new Tudor Pelagos Blue ref. 25600TB features a beautiful blue dial and bezel to resemble the Tudor Snowflakes worn by the French Navy. Besides the obvious color variation, there are three additional elements that differentiate this new Tudor Pelagos from its black predecessor ref. 25500TN. The new Tudor Pelagos Blue ref. 25600TB is also powered by a newly designed in-house movement just like the new Tudor North Flag but without its power reserve indicator.
Insider: Tudor Heritage Black Bay Midnight Blue ref. 79220B. Way Better Under Natural Light.
While the Tudor Heritage Black Bay ref. 79220R with red burgundy bezel insert and gilt dial was launched at Baselworld 2012 —reviewed here—, it wasn't until September 12, 2013 that the brand relaunched in the U.S. and the watch became readily available at very few select authorized dealers that Tudor cherry picked. For many watchlifestylers, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay was some sort of fad during 2012 and the watch has been up and down in popularity since then. Two years later, Tudor presents a new iteration of this fascinating timepiece with a non-gilt dial and a midnight blue bezel that we are featuring here.
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Midnight Blue also honors the first Tudor Sub from 1954 in a perfectly sized 41mm case with a great vintage feel to it and mesmerizing snowflake hands.
News: Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7924 and Tudor Oysterdate Monte Carlo ref. 7149/0 Sell for $35,606 and $22,788 USD Respectively at Christie's Auction in Geneva.
A few minutes ago in Geneva, during Christie's Important Watches Auction, two highly collectible stainless steel Tudor references —Lot 247 and 248— sold way above their estimates. The first one, a Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner, ref. 7924, circa 1958 fitted with the automatic calibre 390 and red pointer bezel insert sold for $35,606 USD.
Baselworld 2014: Introducing the New Tudor Heritage Black Bay Midnight Blue. Live Pictures of a Real 'Stunner' in Person.
First presented in 2012 with a red bezel insert and featured here, this fascinating watch is now released two years later with a midnight blue bezel insert and without the vintage gilded look on its dial. While the live pictures are not very flattering —last year we encountered the same issue with the lighting conditions at the Tudor pavilion—, we can tell you that this watch is a true stunner. The midnight blue color on its bezel and the optional nylon strap is really nice and darker than what pictures depict. We can't wait till we can bring you a review with pictures under natural light. For now enjoy these images.
Sticker Price TBC. For more info on Tudor click here.
Experience: Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition. Reminiscent of the Past Just Like the Tudor Heritage Black Bay On Our Wrist.
Sometimes it's all about being at the right place at the right time, just like it happened to us yesterday. As we were waiting to get our Porsche ready for the winter with its mandatory winter tires, one of the first Porsche 911 50th Anniversary Edition automobiles to arrive in the U.S. made its way into the Porsche workshop in order to get unwrapped and prepped for the showroom. Lucky enough, we were able to take plenty of pictures of this fascinating machine just for you. If you are a Porsche enthusiast just like us, then, this will be a real treat for the eyes. Interestingly enough, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay was on our wrist, which is a watch that captures the essence of the first Tudor Submariner from 1954 and was revived almost 50 years later. Just like the Tudor, this limited edition Porsche captures the essence —in so many ways— of the first 911 launched in 1963 and here it is 50 years later. Two classics, properly honored.
For five decades, the Porsche 911 has been the heart of the Porsche brand. Few other automobiles in the world can look back on such a long tradition and such continuity as the Porsche 911. It has been inspiring car enthusiasts the world over since its debut as the model 901 at the IAA International Automotive Show in September 1963.
Photo from Porsche.com
Today, the Porsche 911 is considered the most legendary of all sports cars and the central point of reference for all other Porsche series. Over 820,000 Porsche 911s have been built, making it the most successful sports car in the world. This year Porsche celebrates the launch of this amazing automobile with a special anniversary model based on the 911 Carrera S: like the original 911, the 911 50th Anniversary Edition is a coupé with a flat-six rear engine and rear wheel drive. One great thing about this anniversary car is that it doesn't come with 130 hp like the first 911 from 1963 but with 430 hp, capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in mere 3.8 seconds —for the PDK equipped ones. Additionally, the anniversary 911 features a wide body typically reserved for the all-wheel drive Carrera 4 models. This special edition will be limited to 1963 cars, a number that represents the year of the 911 world premiere.
In order to further excel at commemorating the first 911, this 50th Anniversary Edition features several vintage inspired details perfectly executed under their very strict modern standards. The interior features a combination of gray or black leather with fabric —Pepita Houndstooth pattern— inserts for the seats, embroidered headrests with two-tone “911 50” lettering and an instrument panel with green numerals on the gauges and white hands in a nod like on the original 911. The exterior was as carefully designed as the interior and it features the quintessential two-tone 20-inch fuchs-style wheels and a very subtle chrome trim added to the front intakes, window surrounds and even to the rear deck louvers. This beautiful car is only available in three colors: Graphite Gray —pictured here—, Black Monochrome and Geyser Gray, which is really an eggshell creamy ivory color.
One design feature that we love about this car, is the perfectly executed red-silver logo that has been intelligently placed in different areas of the car such as on the back in between the tail lights, on the door-sill guards, embroidered on the headrests and on the dashboard right above the glove compartment where there is an individually numbered plate for each car. As usual, Porsche continues to impress with these impeccable design touches inside and outside the car.
Lastly, unlike all other newer Porsche keys that are all black, this one features painted sides in the exact same color as the body of the car. Another amazing classy and exclusive touch for those 1,963 prospective owners of this beauty. After enjoying the unwrapping of this car, we saw it drift away just like a yacht disappears over the horizon at sea. This exclusive Porsche starts at $124,100 USD; however, the one pictured here comes with a higher Sticker Price. Now, wouldn't you want to be one of the few lucky owners of this beauty?
Sticker Price $151,895 USD. For more info on Porsche click here.
Macros: Tudor Heritage Black Bay ref. 79220R. Enough Reasons to Get One.
While the Tudor Heritage Black Bay ref. 79220R was launched last year at Baselworld 2012, it wasn't until September 12 of this year that the brand relaunched in the U.S. and the watch became readily available at very few select authorized dealers that Tudor cherry picked. While this watch has enjoyed plenty of media coverage and thorough reviews since last year, most U.S. collectors were eager to see the watch in person before buying it. For many watchlifestylers, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay was some sort of fad during 2012 and the watch has been up and down in popularity since then. This is one of those timepieces that you either hate or love and all we can say is that we've loved it since day one. Kudos to Tudor for launching this homage watch honoring the first Tudor Sub from 1954 in a perfectly sized 41mm case with a great vintage feel to it and those mesmerizing snowflake hands.
While we've seen the advertising campaign with the Tudor Heritage Black Bay almost everywhere —bus shelters, print, online— we feel that the stock images don't do fair justice to this amazing timepiece. While stock images depict the bezel insert as being bright red, is not until you see the watch in person that you realize that the bezel is really burgundy —as Tudor refers to it— or even a dark cherry in color. Here at WatchCollectingLifestyle, we like to call the color of the bezel a perfect 'Rioja' wine color.
Now, please enjoy these macro photos—under natural light— we prepared for you and get ready to go get one as soon as you're done. We really know you will once you get hypnotized by those amazing chamfers, that matte dial with pink gold imprinting, the snowflake hands and the bright glowing and long lasting luminova on its markers and hands. Available on Stainless Steel bracelet with additional black fabric strap or aged leather with additional black fabric strap.
Sticker Price $3,425 USD. For more info on Tudor Watch click here.
News: Tudor Watch Officially Launched in the U.S. Welcome Back to an Amazing Selection of Timepieces.
Last night, Tudor Watch officially relaunched their watches in the U.S. during New York's Fashion Week at the IAC building —a Frank Gehry designed building completed in 2007. With a wide array of models suiting almost everyone's taste, the Tudor comeback is one that most watchlifestylers have been hoping for for a very long time.
The selection includes the Heritage Advisor, the GranTour —FIA World Endurance Championship Timing Partner—, the Fastrider and Fastrider Black Shield —Ducati's Timing Partner—, the Heritage Black Bay, the Pelagos, the Heritage Chrono and Heritage Chrono Blue, the Glamour and the Clair de Rose. Make sure you stop by your closest authorized dealer and check them out.
Welcome back Tudor Watch. For more info on Tudor Watch click here.
Watch Shopping: Tudor Releases Information on Authorized Dealers in the U.S. Three Dealers in Chicago.
Tudor has finally released the information regarding the authorized dealers that will be carrying the brand on their comeback to the U.S. While not all states in the country will have authorized dealers, we are happy to announce that Illinois will have three authorized dealers in the Chicago metropolitan area.
Below you will find the information for Swiss Fine Timing, Persin & Robbin Jewelers and Razny Jewelers.
Kudos to Tudor and the three lucky dealers in Illinois!
For the full list of Tudor authorized dealers in the U.S. click here.
Baselworld: Tudor Pavilion. Another Heritage Release.
The Tudor pavilion stands right next to Rolex—its parent company—, Breguet and right across from the Chopard pavilion. With a color palette in black and red and several product news including the new Black Shield line and the Heritage Chrono Blue, the Tudor pavilion is a must see.
This time, Tudor also included a small display for historical references from their museum, including a Submariner from 1954, a Chronograph from 1970 and the Monte Carlo in blue from 1973.
Everyone is awaiting Tudor's comeback to the U.S. this summer and for sure no one will be disappointed. For more info click here.
Baselworld 2013: New Rolex and Tudor Pieces. Very Exciting Models.
We arrived at the Basel train station somewhere around 3:00 pm and headed immediately inside the exhibitors pavilion to check the novelties. Rolex and Tudor surprised us as the typically do during this time of the year. The two biggest innovations by Rolex included the unveiling of a new bi-color GMT Master II in stainless steel and a platinum Daytona with chocolate brown cerachrom bezel. With regards to Tudor it was really all about the Black Shield and the Heritage Chrono in Blue.
News: New Tudor Chrono Heritage Blue
40 Legendary years between land and sea. The new edition of the 7169 it's a real stunner with a 42mm case. More live pics to come.
Insider: Tudor Chronograph ref. 79280. A Transitional Panda.
Tudor has been around for a very long time, always considered as the more affordable sibling to Rolex. It was not until 1946 that Hans Wilsdorf first opened Tudor. Wilsdorf chose the name Tudor because he wanted to honor the Tudor period of England. Tudor watches used the Tudor Rose emblem until the 1960s and thereafter Tudor changed the rose sign for the current shield sign.
One of the main differences between Rolex and Tudor could be seen when the Tudor Oyster Prince launched in 1952 with the same oyster case but instead of a Rolex manufactured movement, there was a movement supplied by ETA. Additionally, the price point has always been inferior to that of Rolex.
Tudor watches were available worldwide until the early 2000's when Rolex pulled them out of the U.S. market as they were cannibalizing Rolex sales. In theory, a Tudor is a Rolex watch but less expensive. Keep in mind that Tudors are manufactured on the same premises as Rolex and they undergo the same type of quality controls as Rolex. Tudor watches are also serviced at Rolex Service Centers worldwide.
This beautiful Tudor chronograph ref. 79280 is a transitional example. Tudor watches were fitted with Rolex crowns and Rolex case backs up until the late 90's when transitional Tudor watches appeared with either a Rolex case back or a Rolex crown only. After this period, Tudor watches were no longer fitted with Rolex parts. The last example to include Rolex parts was the Tudor Chronograph 'Big Block' with a dial that included the word 'Oysterdate' instead of 'Prince Date'. This transitional example comes with a Rolex crown but not with a Rolex case back.
The Tudor chronograph in our story also includes the word 'Tiger' on the dial as it was launched as a special tribute to golfer Tiger Woods for a short period of time. Tudors with the 'Tiger' dial typically command a lower price than that of the 'Big Blocks' or the clean 'Prince Date' dials.
News: Tudor to Relaunch in the U.S. Summer 2013.
Kudos to Rolex for this announcement.
Rolex has confirmed that Tudor will be relaunching in the United States at the end of the Summer of this year 2013. A new company named Tudor Watch USA LLC, has been set up in New York City.
An executive at Rolex USA mentioned that the authorized dealers that will be carrying the watches have already been chosen, however, they are not providing any details as to who this will be. There will be a major national and regional advertising campaign, and the Tudor launch will be announced at a press conference at the Baselworld fair this coming April. Watch Collecting Lifestyle will be reporting live from Baselworld.
Finally, consumers won't need to continue to buy Tudor watches from Mexico, Canada or overseas authorized dealers.
