Tudor Black Bay Original: Collection Overview

The Tudor Black Bay reference 79220B is a significant model within the Black Bay line, representing an early iteration of the modern Black Bay dive watch. It is distinguished by its blue bezel and dial, offering a distinct aesthetic compared to the more common black or burgundy variants. This reference helped establish the Black Bay as a cornerstone of Tudor's contemporary collection, blending historical design elements with modern watchmaking.

This model features a 41mm stainless steel case with a polished and satin finish. It is powered by the ETA 2824 automatic movement, known for its reliability and serviceability, providing a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal and is water-resistant to 200 meters. The unidirectional rotating bezel is anodized aluminum, and the dial features luminescent hour markers and hands.

For collectors, the 79220B is notable as one of the last Black Bay references to utilize an outsourced ETA movement before Tudor transitioned to in-house calibers across much of the Black Bay range. This makes it a point of interest for those who appreciate the earlier production runs and the specific characteristics associated with the ETA-powered models. Its blue coloration also offers a unique appeal within the broader Black Bay family.

The Tudor Heritage Black Bay reference 79220N, introduced in 2015, represents a significant iteration within the brand's popular Black Bay collection. This model is characterized by its black bezel insert with a red triangle at 12 o'clock, a design element that harks back to early dive watches. It was positioned as a more subdued alternative to the original red bezel Black Bay, offering a distinct aesthetic while maintaining the collection's vintage-inspired appeal.

This reference features a 41mm stainless steel case with a prominent 'Big Crown' that is unsigned, further emphasizing its historical influences. It is powered by the ETA 2824 automatic movement, known for its reliability and widespread use. The watch is water-resistant to 200 meters and typically offered on a steel bracelet, a distressed leather strap, or a fabric strap.

For collectors, the 79220N holds particular interest as it was one of the last Black Bay models to utilize an ETA movement before Tudor transitioned to in-house calibers across the line. Its black and red aesthetic, combined with the 'Big Crown' and ETA movement, makes it a distinct and sought-after reference that bridges the early days of the Heritage collection with Tudor's modern manufacturing capabilities.

The Tudor Black Bay reference 79220R, introduced in 2012, marked a significant re-entry for Tudor into the enthusiast market. Positioned as a modern dive watch with strong historical design cues, it drew inspiration from Tudor's rich diving watch heritage, particularly models from the 1950s and 1960s, while establishing a distinct identity separate from its sister brand.

This model features a 41mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with a burgundy aluminum insert, and a domed sapphire crystal. It is powered by the ETA 2824 automatic movement, offering a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The dial is black with gilt accents, featuring large luminous hour markers and the characteristic 'snowflake' hands. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters.

For collectors, the 79220R, along with its blue (79220B) and black (79220N) counterparts, represents the first generation of the modern Black Bay line. These early models are notable for their ETA movements, the 'smiley' self-winding text, and the Tudor rose logo on the dial, elements that were subsequently changed in later iterations. This combination of features makes them particularly appealing to those who appreciate the initial vision and early production characteristics of the Black Bay series.