HAS THE SNOWFLAKE MELTED?

I have always liked Tudor and the gorgeous snowflake dial of the original 7016/0 which was produced from 1969 to 1975. It has been my Grail watch for many, many years. The square hour markers and unique hand style made this watch stand out from the crowd and differentiated it from its older brother, the Rolex Submariner. 

Maybe I relate to Tudor as the younger (by 10 minutes) brother to Neil? I’m not saying he is Rolex and I am Tudor (that’s a hilarious comparison), but I like the fact that Tudor did something different to stand out. 

Last year, I decided to buy a watch with some money my mum left me before she sadly passed away in 2019. I wanted something different, something that stood out and the Tudor Black Bay 58 came to mind. Its a great looking watch, perfectly suiting my 7” wrist with a 39mm case, very wearable – and with snowflake hands, it was perfect. 

On visiting my local AD and after trying one on, I decided to pull the trigger. However with a 6-9 month waiting list, I’d have to be patient, which is not my strong point. I paid my deposit and waited for the phone to ring – all of about three days. 

It was then that I discovered a new Black Bay 58 was due to launch on July 1st, just a few weeks later. Following much speculation online, the rumour mill was expecting it to be a blue dial. Just like the original 7016/0. I knew at that moment, I had to have it. 

RIGHT PLACE, RIGHT TIME

I called the AD and asked if I could switch my deposit to the new Black Bay 58 that was due to arrive soon. He want away and after a few minutes of silence, came back and said that although he couldn’t confirm the new model was blue, there was a new model launching in a few weeks. He said he’d transfer the deposit for me and to expect a call as soon as the new model was confirmed. The following day, I  had a call back from the AD who confirmed the new model was blue (as I had hoped) and the press shots were available on the Tudor website.  What a result – I was ecstatic. I had the first order for the new model and could collect it on launch day! 

July 1st arrived and although this was relatively early during the Pandemic, it wasn’t going to stop me from catching a train into town to collect my watch. This was my first experience buying a new luxury watch and the AD treated me like royalty. A glass of champagne, a lovely introduction to the watch, a quick bracelet sizing and even a selfie with me for their internal magazine. 

HOW GOOD IS IT?

I’ve now has the watch for 10 months and its still a thing of beauty – even though its just been borrowed by Neil for a week. I just hope he remembers to return it! 

I purchased the Black Bay 58 on the steel bracelet and have swapped that for now for a blue Erikas Original MN strap. It makes the watch lighter to wear and now it is getting warmer, makes it even more comfortable. It also transforms the look of the watch which I like. 

The Calibre MT5402 COSC certified movement hasn’t skipped a beat and keeps perfect time and with the 70 hour power reserve, is usually there waiting for me to pick it up and wear it without winding it up during my weekly watch rotation. 

I took it on holiday last year and it is a great summer watch. The blue dial and white snowflake hands really pop in the sunshine. 

There has been much discussion over the fake riveted steel bracelet which many watch critics don’t approve of. To be honest, I’m not fussed by them. The bracelet is very comfortable and doesn’t catch my hairy wrist at all. My only criticism is there is no micro-adjustment available. If it has the same as the Pelagos, it would be perfect. 

This is a hard watch to fault. It looks great, keeps perfect time and stands out from the crowd. A keeper for sure and one I can’t wait to get back on my wrist. If I get it back…

DIMENSIONS

38mm

19mm

48mm

13.5mm

Neil: This really is a stunning piece, Tudor really has marketed the Black Bay 58 so well. I haven’t had a chance to wear it much yet, but I’m sure Mark will let me take it out on a test drive soon. The Silver and Gold versions of these have just been released and the reviews of them so far, back up Tudors standing. Maybe one day I’ll own one, but it will more likely be a vintage piece, as personally, I’m drawn to them more so than new watches.