Tudor Black Bay Red: A Collector's Defense of the Original ETA Model

amanico · 2021-10-11T07:40:32Z

Explore the enduring appeal of the original Tudor Black Bay Red with its ETA movement. Collectors discuss its unique 'smiley' dial, rose logo, and vintage charm.

amanico

WPS member · Rolex forum

50 replies8115 views1 photos

Nicolas (amanico) makes a compelling case for the enduring appeal of the original Tudor Black Bay Red. His post highlights the distinct character of the first-generation model, sparking a vibrant discussion among collectors about its unique attributes and place within the broader Black Bay lineage. This article delves into why the ETA-powered Black Bay Red continues to captivate enthusiasts.

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With all these Tudor Black Bay Silver, Blue, and so on, I thought it was time to defend mine, with a photo.

As you can see rom the dial, it is the first generation with the ETA movement, which is fine for me, as it is reliable and accurate movement.

Big, thick, but what a character!

Best,

Nicolas

Key Points from the Discussion

The first-generation Black Bay with the ETA movement holds a special appeal due to its 'smiley' dial inscription and the Tudor rose emblem, details that many collectors feel should have been retained in subsequent in-house movement models.
The original 41mm Black Bay is described as muscular and powerful, akin to a modern muscle car, contrasting with the more elegantly proportioned Black Bay 58, which is compared to a classic sports car. Despite its size, the 41mm version serves as a versatile daily wearer for some collectors.
The original Tudor Black Bay Red, with its Rose logo dial and ETA movement, is considered by some to be the most important Black Bay to date, with its value and desirability expected to increase among collectors over time.
The thickness of the original Black Bay, while noted, does not detract from its overall enjoyment for many owners, who appreciate its distinctive aesthetic, particularly the rose on the dial.
Some collectors have found the 41mm Black Bay to be too large for smaller wrists, leading them to opt for the more compact Black Bay 58, despite missing the burgundy bezel, 'smiley' dial, and Tudor rose of the original.
The original author, amanico, was among the pioneers to review the Black Bay Red, following the initial maroon version, influencing other collectors to acquire the watch.

The Discussion

Miles_151

Oct 11, 2021

IMO you have the most important BB to date on your wrist. For me 9 times out of 10 the originals are always the best. As in this case. The original Rose logo dial and ETA movement make this original version what it is. The original Tudor black bay. Wear that stunner with pride my friend as one day everybody who loves Tudor will be searching for one. Enjoy. M.

Oct 11, 2021

I remembered many years ago when you were among the pioneers to get this piece and review it. Before that it was only the maroon version. Do you remember those times? The maroon version has a warm glow to it, accented by the gold tones used for the hands and lume pips.

Oct 11, 2021

It dents very very very easily. It is a fragile piece. It does not lend itself well to frequent strap changes as the springbar holes may become blunted over time. I had a mini-accident today changing straps, resulting in it’s first ding.

rnaden

Oct 11, 2021

I bought one, sold it, bought it again, and sold it again. My issue was not that the watch wasn’t great, it was just not suitable for my smaller wrist so I eventually settled for the BB58. Too bad it doesn’t come in burgundy and no smiley with the Tudor rose.

Oct 11, 2021

The BB58 is more like a classic sportscar with elegant proportions, like those slender steering wheels on a vintage car. The standard version is muscular and beefed up, like a modern mustang. It sits high and powerfully. I have the exact same wrist size as Nico at 17cm. The 41mm seems to be my go-to watch that does it all. I could not sell it off for sentimental reasons (a birthday present from my partner).

Oct 11, 2021

Maybe u’d like me a lot, maybe u’d hate me. I’m polarizing. But Cookies never hoards what he has. I often think of my friends, and get them things they’d least expect they need. Today after 4 months of lockdown, he drove 45 minutes to visit his coach (a famous Czech swimming coach for the Oceans 7 marathons). Cookies bought him something he needed the most but could not buy because he spent all his hard earned money on his family. A solar powered Garmin Fenix Pro6. It made his day and gave him c

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Tudor Black Bay Red: A Collector's Defense of the Original ETA Model

Key Points from the Discussion

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