Miranda
[PuristSPro Moderator]
5904
Tudor Baselworld 2018: Part 1:New novelties Black Bay series and Potential WatchProSite Limited Edition- an update and criteria
So lets begin with the star 🌟 of the show: The Black Bay 58.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight is named after the year in which the reference 7924, aka “Big Crown” was introduced. This was like the Rolex Submariner ref.6538 waterproof to 200m, and both the 7924 and 6538 shared the large Brevet crown. For the first time, a Black Bay model has been introduced with a 39 mm diameter case whisch is either 1mm or 2mm (depending on wether you believe the 7924/6538 were 37mm or 38mm) larger but by todays standards, a thoroughly vintage proportion. It has vintage heritage with gilt hands, gilt dial and a gold minute track to the bezel. I think I would have preferred silver, but actually it does suit the watch well. Another feature which actually I really liked was the plain steel crown tube. I am not a fan of the colours in the tubes. The winding crown, which bears the TUDOR rose logo in relief. it is simply stunning, and as already mention it has a new slimmer movement, allowing the case to be much slimmer at 11.9 v 14.7mm for the 41mm Black Bay.
The new movement is both aesthetically pleasing and technically proficient. The calibre MT5402 has a 26 mm diameter and is a mere 5mm high. It is COSC certified and has a silicon balance spring.
Gorgeous Bevels to the lugs and a fantastic rivet bracelet
The vintage inspiration:
Black Bay GMT:
If one incredible piece was not enough, they very first travel time from Tudor. The huge vintage inspiration can be seen from the esteemed Rolex ref. 6542. In the future we may well see much vintage inspiration in Tudor models from the its Rolex sibling. i am not complaining for sure.
The new GMT has a lovely red snowflake hand to indicate the 24hour time zone from the bezel. Now this is NOT a red /blue Pepsi : the colours are take from the existing Black Bay blue and Burgundy : thats to clarify its a Rolex clone in the colour sense. I really loved this colour combination.
It is the the same size as the other Black Bay models with a diameter of 41mm but like the 58, the crown tube is steel. Again a feature I love. It is still waterproof to 200m. A perfect travel companion to be fair (especially on the NATO strap).
It features a new movement with the additional timezone complication, the caliber MT5652. Aesthetically similar to the other calibre's and is COSC certified with a useful 70 hour power reserve.
There were updates to the Bi-metal version of last years Black Bay, now featuring a champagne dial:
This a really beautiful and sumptuous dial.
Other launches featured the Black Bay 36 and 41 with a Blue dial and a new 32mm size. the blue is particularly stunning
WatchProSite: the potential for a Purists limited edition
I directly asked if there was possibility. The answer was not NO. There is a chance but it will be discussed in detail after a few months because Tudor have to work on the Basel items first. There were however very clear restrictions on what could or could not be done, which means no changes to major components. However, I have taken on board ALL of the comments thus far. i have promised Tudor that I would not discuss what could be changed, but I do assure that I will try as much as possible the requests. The minimum we would have to do is 50 pieces, this I can tell you. they would also have to be confirmed orders. I believe that IF we can pull this off, it will be still an amazing piece with tons of vintage heritage. The one thing we will not get is a "only watch" reproduction so bear that in mind.
I am asking if you do not mind, to bear with me, this is a lengthy process with at best a 50/50 chance of success. IF you still are interested then respond in kind to this post- bearing in mind what I said, about the Only watch piece.
Hope you enjoyed this review
Best
Imran
More posts:
Tudor Baselworld 2018: Part 1:New novelties Black Bay series and Potential WatchProSite Limited Edition- an update and criteria
Once again I believe Tudorwatch smashed the ball out of the ball park. There were two models that I know will particularly appeal to the followers of WatchProSite. I can honestly say, whilst it would be a discredit to merely say Tudor is the new Rolex, it...
Thanks a lot for this additional report, Miranda! 👍🏻
Every time I see a new pic from the BB 58 I look at it in awe! It’s such a stunner ❗️ I tried the old BB for sure about 5 to 6 times. With every new iteration I tried it again. And every time I felt it too big and to too thick - at least on my wrist, It j...
I love both of them...why not do Purist Edition set ...
In a special box with NATO’s and tool kits and vintage leather watch roll etc and on the watch itself I leave the gurus like you to work on )
Thank you Imran! Please everybody from the other threads, respond here too
Of course I am on board! I will wait and keep the dream alive. There is really no harm from my perspective and it’s all positive upside. A real dive watch with great dimensions & movement, at a very reasonable MSRP and with potentially some nice PPro twea...
I’d be in for both 58 and GMT.
Both, if there’s a set (which would be very, very cool).
I want to try one!
Does the bracelet feel solid? Solid links or hollow? I do like the leather strap and nato strap version too.
That’s fantastic news, Imran!
I am fully on board if it goes ahead. While my preference would be a piece based of the Black Bay 58, I would be fine with any others, too - it’s a Purist watch after all! Thank you so much for the initiative and the work - now keeping fingers and toes cr...
Tremendous amount of potential with these new watches
My ideal BB edition using the 58 as a base 1. Square printed markers 2. Silver bezel sort of an MN tribute
I would be in for 58 or GMT or both in set.
Thanks for your great work, Imran. Best, Volker
Gotta have a ppro watch at some point..
And this is a good one as any give or take a few design compromises. Keeping my fingers crossed on what Nico outlined re his preference. Yes I am in. Thanks for pushing this Imran, Joepny and Nico. Best, Echi
Thanks for the update.
definitely interested in a puristpro tweaked BB58 Looking forward to it! best henry
Dear Imran
I’m in! Keeping things real, I would like to have in order of importance to me: 1. Smiling curved bottom text on the dial (I like that little smile when I look to my Oyster-Prince 7966) 2. Silver 5 minute markings on the bezel insert (keep the red triangl...
I'm very interested to
This would be the watch from this great forum I could get on board with as unfortunately for me I just don't get on with chrono's and dive/sport watches would be my choice. I also happen to think that right now Tudor are producing better looking watches t...
A few years ago, you introduced me to new Tudor
miranda, Thanks for the report. I remember that you introduced me to new Tudor a few years ago at Baselworld when we attended a product presentation with the current Mrs Khan. I've been keeping an eye on them since. I've also been reading their history as...
I too am interested. I think is fair to assume that "no changes to major components"...
means that the snowflake hour hand is most likely not up for debate to change to the pencil hand style of the "only watch", since the snowflake is the current Tudor signature. But they still could allow a lollipop seconds hand (again, I prefer it not to b...
All the way in !
I love the idea, and being apart of of this amazing journey will be a pleasure, please count me in and keep me posted, Cheers, Mark
Count me in, I may even buy 1 more if needed
Thank you for the effort Imran. Regard Tyler
Thanks for the info, +1 for interested in a Tudor x WPS collab
The 1958 is probably my fave of the show. I’ve handled a lot of the BBs and always found the case to be slightly too tall, the ‘58 is more my style. I thought the Bucherer and Harrods collabs looked great. I wonder if something could be done with their BB...
Thanks for the report.
Very interesting to see the comparison of case sizes. Such details are of importance to me with my small wrists. Looking forward to hearing more about the limited edition. I’m interested, with a preference for the 58. Cheers.
AS mentioned in the prior post...
I'm very interested in a PuristPro BB58. Count me in. Thank you for following up with this project. I really hope it can be done!!
I’d like to be included on a BB58
count me in on a BB58 or even down to 36mm size case.
Im in for the ppro edition
Would love the rose logo and single red lettering on the BB58.
i want one
the 58 is the best tudor watch . i would prefer the bracelet of old reference rosellina black bay , whitout fake rivets . other dreamy details , the american flag and the address www on the back case , the dial with red , blu and white details
Just a suggestion ... .... drilled through lug hole
Is it possible to have drilled through lug hole? It would be awesome to have that Regard Tyler
Ooops Imran I realize I have put my name on Nico's thread but not here but please count me in 👍
Again thanks for working on this great project. Best, Mike
Thank you for the effort!
Long time "lurker". I'd be really interested in the PPro BB58!
Definitely interested
Another long time lurker, much interested especially as the previously Purist editions have been exceptional
Sign me up !! I wouldn't miss that for anything
Long time lurker but I had to sign up . I would 100% buy a rose dial red text 58 . How do i put my hand up for one officially . Thanks
Thanks
I currently have the Eta bbn . A vintage 79090 and I'm on the list for the first batch of 58 due in. So this. I'm 100% in . If they could do a rose dial . 2 line with red text and silver numbers on the bezel might be the only watch I ever wear lol ( famou...
Count me in.
Please count me in for the potential limited edition for Purists. I would only change the shield logo to the rose, and perhaps have at least one line of text above 6:00 position in red. Raring to go! Best Regards, Mustafa
Yes, please
I am in as well for a PPro 58. Thank you for pushing for this. I hope it will come to fruition. Best, Claus
As mentioned in other posts, certainly count me in! Would love the BB58 PP LE and evene a GMT!
If needed you can enroll me for 2 or more BB58
Count me in Imram
for a purist black bay fifty eight! The dimensions are 'right' for a sports watch!
Any further forward with this Miranda ?
I Would love to hear it's coming together. But understand it's a long shot
Any news .
Any update on this . After the disaster that is p01 . I'd love to get something like this moving .
Love the tudor!
Such a smart way to get a solid watch at a fraction of the cost of a Rolex. Owning a Tudor really shows your ‘watch game’ and you have done your homework. Great classic look!
