TUDOR Black Bay Pro hands on review - ROLEX's Explorer 1655 reimagined?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- Hands-on with arguably the hottest new release from Watches & Wonders 2022, TUDOR's Black Bay Pro, a modern watch that unashamedly takes inspiration from the iconic ROLEX Explorer II reference 1655 - otherwise known as 'the Steve McQueen'.
Currently one of the most sought after new models in TUDOR's lineup, despite the current supply issues affecting TUDOR and many other brands I recently managed to add the TUDOR Black Bay Pro to my collection and I wanted to do a proper hands-on review after a couple of weeks of ownership.
In this video I try to cover all of the burning questions and key criticisms that I've seen online, while also giving my 'hot take' on TUDOR's hot new model for 2022.
Let me know what you think of the Black Bay Pro in the comments.
Also check out the new Escapement24 Discord server here / discord to join in with the chat about watches and post your wristshots!
Please also remember to subscribe for more content like this and follow me on instagram / escapement24
#tudorblackbaypro #tudorpro #rolexexplorer #tudorblackbaygmt #tudorgmt #watchreviews - Навчання та стиль
The best Tudor release ever made… outstanding piece
No doubt it's a great piece and I tend to agree.
Hope you enjoyed the video 👍
better than the P39?
When I posted that the P39 didn't exist. Now....well it's a tough call 🤔
Great video and a stunning watch
Great watch and a superb video, keep up the great videos, Ade
Thanks Ade, glad you enjoyed it and really appreciate the feedback 🙏👍
Useful, well done review. Thank you!
Thanks Martin, appreciate the kind words!
Glad you enjoyed it and hope I earned your sub! 🙏👍
Great essay thanks for sharing your thoughts
Thanks for watching
Excellent video and review!
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it! 🙏👍
Another great video and congrats on this acquisition ❤️
Thanks so much Miguel, as you can probably tell I'm really pleased I was able to pick it up #tudorbros
@@Escapement24 #tudorbros forever ❤️
Absolutamente 🤟
lovely review
Great review! Was expecting much higher subscriber account for quality of video keep it up!
Thanks buddy, 🙏 Glad you enjoyed the video! New to the UA-cam thing but continually trying to improve the content.
Got one yesterday..stunning watch!
Thanks for watching and congrats! How long did you have to wait?
Thanks for the video! You have a new subscriber!
Thanks man, much appreciated 🙏
Really nice video man!
Thanks buddy, really appreciated 🙏
What do you think of the Pro?
@@Escapement24 I like it!!!! I’d pic one up but I’m saving for my first Rolex. Love Tudor! I do go back-and-forth sometimes as to whether or not Tutor is a homage brand but I like to believe mostly, they do their own thing.
Hope you get your Rolex soon! I'm on a list with my AD for an Explorer II but expecting a year's wait - which will give me the chance to save up!
I have no issue with Tudor making officially sanctioned homages to Rolex models that are largely unavailable - especially vintage pieces that are crazy money 💰!
Great video! subbed :D
Thanks Ian appreciate your support 🙏👍
Very good review. Thx! I have similar wrist size (16,4cm) and wears perfectly. No worries on the thickness etc. Great piece and a keeper 👍
Paid for the BB Pro yesterday and will collect this week. Strong looks and bang for buck it seems a great proposition as really wanted a GMT. Long run will wait for a BLNR but this will tide over for very nicely.
Good review and video. Nice to see a balanced review by an owner.
I'm currently on the fence between this and and the FXD.
Cheers Dan 🙏
I love the FXD but when I finally got to try one on a few months ago it was far too big for my skinny wrists. Great watch though but you'd probably need a 7" wrist or larger.
Apples & oranges…I have the blue Pelagos and tried on the FXD. My wrist is about 6.5 inches and I definitely preferred the original Pelagos. It’s only slightly thicker due to the nato/rubber strap needed for the FDX and the depth of the face is phenomenal. I have the 58 925 and I’m waiting for my pro. I have a Rolex Sea Dweller 16600 & 116600 in mint conditions and a explorer 39 (full lume) that are iconic. I’m not a fan of the cyclops and I believe Tudor is the best bang for your dollar.
That's a great collection, congrats!
The standard Pelagos works OK on my wrist size but the FXD has a slightly longer lug-to-lug measurement and it just overhangs on my wrist sadly.
I still hope to add a Pelagos to the collection someday and the LHD would be my pick.
Good video 👍🏼 would really like this one with a ceramic bezel
Thanks man, glad you enjoyed it and hope I earned your sub 🙏👍
There was some speculation recently that the current Rolex Exp II might be upgraded to have a ceramic bezel soon
Great review. I’m going to try one on next week. I’m used to wearing size 41/42 watches, so this model wasn’t one of my options at first because 39 is normally too small for me. However, it’s grown on me and I’ve seen many videos saying it’s not what you think. Let’s see!
It really is a great piece. If you've seen the video I uploaded earlier today you'll have seen that regrettably it's one of the ones that I'm having to consider moving on, though I'm reluctant to part with it.
Just ordered one today
Congrats Austin, you won't regret it 👍
Well done 👍🏻
Thanks man! Hope I earned your sub 🙏👍
@@Escapement24 definitely did. Keep the videos coming.
Well thought out review. I have the same wrist size, and the same conclusions after several weeks of having it. Instead of Pro-and recognizing that Explorer is taken-I would consider Adventure, Escape, or Traverse. Something that evokes travel, experience, and ruggedness.
Thanks for watching and congrats on also managing to get the Pro!
All good suggestions for the name. I've been waiting for someone to come up with "Junior Explorer" but thankfully no one has (yet)! 🤣
Hi Simon
Great video very professionally done puts mine to shame lol beautiful watch I was impressed when I first saw it you got a beauty there
Very nice to meet you you were very pleasant and kind good luck here
Thanks buddy 🙏 but too kind! It was great to meet you too and I'm looking forward to enjoying some of your content later 👍
@@Escapement24 thank you I'll appreciate every minute :)
Liked how you mentioned Boris in one video lol not sure your side of fence but it was just a drink ffs lol thanks again and good luck see you at next Redbar
Ah that was my Speedmaster Calibre 321. I'm on the same side of the fence as you on that one tbh!
@@Escapement24 like minded person I'm an openly righty lol very much of the thatcher ideology love upsetting the left lol 😆
I'll watch more of yours anon I recon your channel will take off you passed 1000 subs in eight odd months your hours will pass 4000 soon. Like I said I passed 4000 hours quickly like six months through sheer number if videos and my gwg2000 video took off 😅 30000 views unfortunately my problem is retention if I could hold em longer into video I'd be laughing 😃 as it is I laugh anyway 😅 what is better than smiling through life. I watch dozens of how to do UA-cam videos and very little rubs off lol
Anyway here's one for Boris :) I had hoped he'd do well and hang around many years. Oh well.
Subbed!
Cheers Steve! 🙏
I have this watch and it wears great on my 18cm wrist.
Nice review
Thanks man 🙏
Do you have any issue with the thickness or like me do you also find it's not that noticeable?
@@Escapement24 it's a complete non issue for me. Feels comfortable and stable on the wrist, and looks great. The specs can be decieving on paper. Thats why I always advise to try the Watches on before jumping to conclusions.
I couldn't agree more. There's no rulebook that says a watch should be X or Y size, it should be down to personal taste, but I can see a lot of ppl being put off the Pro by the amount of criticism of its thickness without even trying it on.
Glad you enjoyed the video man and hope I earned your sub! 👍🙏
Excellent video, I pulled the trigger on the Pro last week after a call from an AD. They offered me the Pro and the Panda Chrono.....I wanted both but the wife said I can only have 1 😪😪
Cheers Gary and congrats on picking up the Pro!
Both great watches (I also have the S&G Chrono) but what tipped your decision towards the Pro?
@@Escapement24 I've not got a decent GMT in my collection and or a Tudor.......my AD did say they will get another few pandas in over this year and offer me the watch if I want it.
I think availability is getting a little better on the pandas - finally!
Thank you for the in depth honest review. I don’t know why so many people do not like the rivet bracelet. It’s like they jump on the band wagon because some clever people in the watch business don’t like them they all go along with it. I own a couple of Tudor black bays and like you when the watch is on the wrist you do not see the rivets. I think it makes it a distinctive watch and easily recognisable as a Tudor watch by the rivet bracelet and something other watch brands do not copy so keeps it exclusive to Tudor.
I do think that Tudor use the rivet style bracelet to keep a clear distinction from Rolex bracelets - without the rivets they'd be almost the same. Thanks for watching buddy 🙏
I agree that when you're wearing the watch you barely notice the rivets. They're pretty unobtrusive, so I can live with them on that basis!
Which Black Bays have you got in the collection?
@@Escapement24 finally got the panda chrono last month after being on a waiting for a year, and have the silver 925. Have the pro on order can’t wait to add to the collection
All great pieces 👏That panda is rarely seen in the wild!
I got my Black Bay pro a couple of weeks ago on the Hybrid strap, and I’m loving it. I haven’t worn the Submariner since getting this watch. it’s a little under the radar which I prefer. As for the thickness yes it’s thicker than the Sub but it’s not a problem.
Congrats 👏 I still love my BB Pro and agree that it has more of an understated tool watch vibe than the sub.
Apparently a big new release coming from Tudor on 9 September so curious to see what that might be 🤔
New subscriber here. Great video. Had my name put on Waitlist. Hope to get fast tracked as the list is so loooong already.
Thanks for the support buddy and glad you enjoyed the video 🙏
How long does your AD estimate the wait to be (or did they not say)?
2 ADs got in touch with me a week ago, they have stock now. Even the opaline GMT. Now im confused which one to get.
It's definitely a buyer's market now and ADs are desperate, so whichever one you decide on I would push for a discount.
As much as I would love to see the brand take a few more chances, no doubt they do a fantastic job of modernising classic models.
BTW, I quite like the rivets 😂.
So, you selling the NTTD..... 😂
Great vid me ol mucker, thumbs up from me
Thanks bud!
I'm with you - I love the Exp II 1655 but the going rate is around £25k and you're taking on a vintage piece that will be more delicate than a modern movement. For £3k this gives you a modern version of it. What's not to like about that?! 🤷♀️
No plans to sell the NTTD (until the bankruptcy agent forces me too 🤣).
@@Escapement24 Lbh, Tudor offer the best value at this price range. There are certain models in the range that imo should get more exposure, but we live in an age of dive/sports watches. Enjoy ur cracking Chewdah and keep up the good work bud 👍
The Tudor Black Bay Elite
Good Stuff
Thanks man, much appreciated 🙏 Your thoughts on the Pro?
Thanks for your review. My ad has both the 1972 Rolex Explorer II (1655) and 1999 Rolex Explorer II (16570) as well which was helpful while looking at this bb pro. Originally I was going to purchase the bb pro but the explorer 2 (226570) hindered my plan of attack, especially at retail price. Nonetheless, Tudor is exactly what Rolex was but with everything new and exciting we want that comes with their own movement, technology and 5 year warranty we need. Solid, well executed tool for whatever you get into at a fair price that won’t hurt you in the long run and an absolute beauty… well done!
Thanks man, hope you enjoyed the video and congrats on the new acquisition 👏
I also recently got on a waitlist for a 226570. Not expecting to get it until 2023 but that'll give me some time to save up and if the timing works out it will be my 50th birthday watch.
I haven't seen a 1655 in the metal but would love to compare it side by side with the BB Pro.
@@Escapement24
I appreciate that and enjoyed your contextually relevant video too. Hopefully you’ll have that opportunity in the future and will say that things have changed significantly with ad’s in a decade but persistence pays off. The ad is new to me since relocating so I made it a point to play their game in a sense by having them service a few older watches which seemingly paid off. There’re a few options and ad’s within an area here that might payoff and I had no shame letting them know about it and my other relationships… seems shallow and juvenile but such is life nowadays. Unfortunately the ad offered me “used” new Rolex’s (after a few visits that aren’t available to see online/display) from the back that was disappointing and shitty but apparently allowed in this market.
Best of luck and enjoy your badass watch!
*I’ll try to include a link for the watches, specifically the 1655.
I've tried on the 16570 and found that to be OK, but they did enlarge the case size of the 226570 so you make a great point. I'll have to find one to try on 🙏👍
I totally agree with the word “Pro” in todays world, to me it makes me think of streaming services! Like “I’m about to go and watch the new season of stranger things that just started streaming on Tudor pro”
Yeah it just doesn't seem right. Back in the day it used to mean something else entirely too 😂
Would have preferred a flat crystal instead of a domed one. This prob feels rather like the seiko skx in terms of wrist presence and comfort. The female end links would also help to make the watch less clunky on wrist.
Had my BB Pro for over 2 weeks now and (You are right) This watch has not left my wrist.....
Congrats buddy, it's a great watch.
Hope you enjoyed the video 👍 Be sure to subscribe as something very big dropping later this month!
The vertical lines between the GTM hours look so much better than the triangles that Rolex usees on the current Explorer II models imo
They definitely give it a more vintage/retro look, which I also like
I have the black bay, considering this next or the ranger, thoughts?
I would definitely take the Pro over the Ranger personally. The dial of the Ranger doesn't quite work IMO with the proportions and spacing being off. The Pro also gives you both date and GMT complications.
Shout out for this being known as the "Beckham".
Nice watch and great photography 👍. Being asked to like and subscribe so much reduced my enjoyment though, most of us understand we need to do this to help channels anyway.
Thanks for watching and appreciate the feedback man 👍
Great review! How long did it take for you to get yours? I put in an order a month ago and I’m still waiting.
Tbh I enquired about it when it was launched but I don't remember asking them to put my name on the list. They called me 3 weeks ago out of the blue and said I had first refusal on one!
@Silver Fox thanks for info. I put my order in with the Tudor boutique here in Los Angeles. I hope they get more supplies than the average AD.
Happened into the NYC Tudor boutique two weeks ago and they had one with the fabric strap in stock. Now on my wrist.
Congrats 👏
Maybe they should have called it Tutor Black Bay Sport.
I love mine, no issue with the thickness for me, but is it me, or has the crystal got a very slight yellow tinge. When I have it next to my other Tudor BB's I swear it has. Anyone else notice this that owns the Pro and other BB's?
I haven't noticed this on mine but I wonder if Tudor has done this to give the dial a more vintage look?
@@Escapement24 that's what I was thinking, maybe it's all in my head 🤣
how do you find it wear? its 39mm - but seems larger. I prefer 41 size and so am on the fence on this.
It probably looks larger than 39mm on my fly-sized 6.25" wrists 😂
It wears very comfortably, reminds me of the feel of my Sub but with a little extra thickness.
Unless you have really huge wrists I think you'd find this wears well.
@@Escapement24 found one in stock will go try it out to decide!
Let me know what you think after trying it!
Tudor "Voyager", perhaps?
Hi Simon,did you have to wait long for your Black Bay Pro?were you on a waiting list?
Hi Joe. I enquired about the watch about a week after it was announced at W&W, then got the call around 4-5 weeks later, so not a long wait.
Tbh I didn't think that I'd actually put my name on 'a list' and when I'd enquired they said they already had quite a few ppl who had, so I'm not sure I was the intended recipient of the one I got. Can't say I'm complaining though!
Wasn't too long to wait then,I have my name on a waiting list but will be happy to wait as I've just bought an Omega Seamaster.Tudor must be doing a bit of Rolex marketing as I had a look on a few AD websites and were all enquiries with Tudor Black Bay Pro.
Hope the wait isn't too long!
The Pro seems to be one of Tudor's most in demand models, although they are making sensible numbers of them - unlike the Pelagos FXD which they have limited the production on to make it more exclusive.
@@Escapement24 Ive changed my mind Simon,got a bit discount on a Black Bay 58,just had to put deposit down as i dont really want watch until Xmas as ive just bought Omega Seamaster from same AD,still probably get BB Pro some other time,i,ll stay on waiting list.
Hi Joe, congrats on getting the BB58! It's a gorgeous watch and if you got a great deal on it then I can understand why you went for it!
Totally agree with the generalised misuse of the word “homage” these days. You can basically be a replica and get called an homage it seems.
I'd call it the Black Bay Duty watch.
Had a Steinhart - really hard to tell time with it. Not so with the Tudor. Not sure I like the color of the lume and the date, though.
It should be called what it is called. The Black Bay Pro. The Greatest Tudor watch ever made.
Hard to argue with that
Homage you say? No more than the Grand Seiko Evolution 9 GMT Black dial... Inspired by the Rolex maybe, but I'm not aware of anyone calling this GS an homage product. So I'll stick with "inspired"... I've tried this briefly at various ADs and it's only with great difficulty that I've left the store without it. I think that this watch is brilliant. I live close to Poole so France is just a puddle jump away, and my sister in law lives in Austria, so the GMT function is really useful. I've got 2 Tudors, the Black Bay GMT and 58. The MT5652 movement is scarily accurate... I haven't hacked the movement since October last year, and currently it's running about 15 seconds fast. One of the other commentators here has the dilemma of this or the FXD for his next purchase. I'm in the same position. The FXD is in a class of its own and is an instant classic, but my wrist is about 17 cm, and I'm not convinced it'll fit me. I need to try them both, but Tudor doesn't exactly make it easy for us, with such an impressive range from which to choose... Thanks for another great video. 👍
Cheers Robert. Both my mother and my brother live in and around Poole so I know the area pretty well - beautiful part of the world. My brother also has the Pro (he managed to snag it a couple of weeks before me!).
I wholeheartedly recommend the Pro, but like you I also love the FXD. Though they say never meet your heroes - I tried it on in London a few months ago and on my skinny 6.25" wrists it wore a touch too big with those fixed lugs almost overhanging my wrist and the one piece strap being so long for me that it looked daft - I could've practically made a belt out of the amount I didn't require 😂 (though I'm told that you can order a shorter strap).
If only they made the FXD in 39mm. Maybe one day they'll do something similar 🤔😉
What a great watch !!👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks man, I love it!
Hope you enjoyed the video 👍
@@Escapement24 I’m picking one up later today
Congrats on the new acquisition 👍 I'd love to know what you think of it after a few days on the wrist!
Personally I think in years to come this will be seen as one of the GOATs (Greatest Tudors of all time)!
@@Escapement24 will circle back for sure
Great video on a fantastic looking watch! Still waiting to get my hands on one! Should have called it the black bay expedition perhaps? Also great note about marketing and the word homage!
Thanks man, I hope yours comes soon!
Expedition is a decent shout actually 👍
@@Escapement24 I know there’s a timex expedition but 🤷♂️
Hmm....good point but who cares about originality in the watch world 😂
I did sell all my watches after purchasing this, 6 and counting have left a watchbox very empty
I can see why. I keep contemplating taking my collection down to 3. This would definitely be amongst them 👍
@@Escapement24 I have a pro, 1959 alpinist and Longines Sector
Some great pieces 👍
Was REALLY looking forward to this one. But, then it turned out to be far too thick. Which is sad, because you know Tudor could have made it thinner. And not even drilled lugs... 🤦♂
Tudor = Vintage Rolex / Tudor design with modern movement, since they are officially sister company, Tudor is THE ONLY brand that can have similar design with Rolex, others are just copying!
I couldn't agree more man! Tudor's watches are officially sanctioned by the big brother in that group which IMO counts for a lot.
Thanks for watching and hope I earned your sub 🙏👍
The Submariner is for the CEO.
The Cartier Tank is for his wife.
The Black Bay Pro is for her boyfriend.
Agreed, I bought this as a gift for my wife's boyfriend.
I think they should have just embraced the ideology and called it "Seeker."
I agree it deserves a name that has a nod to the Explorer II 👍
biggest = thickest
Lol all those less educated who are saying Tudor is a homage then "you buy Tudor when you don't have money for Rolex" or "poor man's Rolex"... these are just simply idiots. My opinion why should I pay a lot of bucks for a Rolex if I can get similar quality for less? No I cannot afford to buy a Rolex, but if I could I would not pay that silly amount for a watch. They all show time :-) I am strongly thinking to get Black Bay Burgundy or Black Bay Pro. I just dunno how significant is the difference between 41 vs 39 mm.
When all is said and done, the difference between Tudor and Rolex is marginal - perhaps slightly better movements and finishing on Rolex, but would anyone notice without a loupe? It's more about the name on the dial and the snobbery that comes with it.
It's not a pro..
It's the "Exprorer" ;)
I will say, the macro shots of the hands are disappointing. The transition of black to white looks incredibly sloppy, the black is practically splattering over
Yes I did notice this on macro, though it's impossible to see otherwise (at least with my eyesight!)
Certainly looks top heavy 🤦🏻♂️ not a fan 👎🏻 way too thick and looks thicker due to the slab sides. Very lazy design.
It's not going to be to everyone's tastes Lee and that's fair enough - if we all liked the same stuff it would be pretty boring! Thanks for watching bud 👍
@@Escapement24 definitely 👍🏼 I was really interested in one until I got one in the hand. For me it’s just out of proportion side on but it’s still a nice watch.
I couldn’t agree more. I have a wrist size of just over 7.5”, and this still looks way too thick for me (on every video I’ve seen). Not a fan of the rivets either, but I could live with those. And it’s a shame because I want to love it.
I’m sorry, but I think it looks horrendous on small wrists, but if the wearer is happy, then fair play to them.
lol not sure how comfortable you feel because look like it eats entire your small wrist
Feels really comfortable tbh - I'm used to wearing larger watches than this
It looks smaller in person as most watches appear bigger on the wrist in videos because of the wide angle distortion.
Why would you ask for thumbs up and even more appaling, a subscription to the channel, in the beginning when we haven't even seen the video? Is that smart? I don't think so. If anything, you are scaring people away.
That video has had 674 likes and 19 dislikes. Not everyone will enjoy my content and I'm still pretty new to this, but if you don't like what you see or can't be supportive then there are plenty of other channels out there. Go and enjoy those my friend.
The Tudor explorer 2 would be a better name
Lovely watch and great review. I thought it should have been called the Tudor Black Bay Ranger GMT since I thought the GMT complication made more sense in the Ranger/North Flag end of Tudor's catalog.
Thanks James!
There's a new Tudor release due tomorrow that many are speculating will be a re-issue of the Ranger. Personally I think it could be a polar dial version of the Black Bay Pro!