Tudor Black Bay 36 might be one of the best entry-luxury watches on the market. No, I’m not kidding. It ticks all the boxes regarding value for money, with a charming bracelet, an elegant dial, and a decent movement. So, before we steer away, let’s dive into why I adore this piece by Tudor and why it deserves a spot on Watch Spotlight.
Design
This specific version of the Black Bay comes in a steel case with a polished and satin finish for that smooth look that whispers class. The watch size, 36mm, suits the modern-day watch collector and certainly blends into the fashionista’s wardrobe with its all-around style. It fits lovely and certainly does well to be noticed while being smaller than alternative brand “normalised” timepieces. *cough cough* Rolex Datejust 41.
The dial itself is anthracite and has a lovely vintage feel, which, in all likelihood, can be an acquired taste. However, this look genuinely hits the mark when it comes to the versatility of the watch. The smooth bezel is also likeable and aids in elevating the bracelet, adding grace to the watch and making it suitable for classier events such as a black-tie soirée or a gala fundraiser.
Lastly, the crystal of the piece is a flat sapphire crystal, making it durable and suitable for daily wear. Yes, the Tudor suits everyday wear (as most watches should). Nevertheless, it all depends on how you see a £3,260 watch fitting in your wardrobe.
Movement
The movement for the Black Bay 36 is an in-house movement by Tudor named MT5400, which is used among the Black Bay and Pelagos ranges. It is a self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system and is COSC-certified. For those in the dark, COSC is a Swiss organisation responsible for keeping Swiss watches certified in accuracy and precision. Thus, if you’re buying a COSC-approved watch, you’re getting true Swiss quality.
Conclusion
Although Tudor will always be compared to Rolex and will be seen as the “baby brother” of the prevailing brand, it will always have a place in the world of horology. This is evident by the Tudor Black Bay 36, a seriously good-for-value timepiece that hits the mark regarding design, weight, and accuracy. It’s a delightful watch that does not boast but shines with unpretentiousness and dignity.