Tudor Black Bay GMT Owner Review : Adventurous, professional and surprising

There are already many reviews on this Blackbay GMT but mine may be interesting because it didn't appeal to me at all. Not really a fan of diving watches, I still wanted one for my collection. I was looking for a rather classic model with a GMT complication and a two-tone bezel. I first tried an entry-level model, a Mido OCEAN STAR GMT, but I wasn't convinced. The winding and setting of the hands seemed slow to me and the whole watch lacked quality. Obviously, I also knew the Tudor Blackbay range but I didn't really like their design and found them a bit expensive. To tell the truth, I didn't understand all the hype around the brand among watch enthusiasts. It was only when I bought another watch (see Montblanc Heritage Chronométrie review) in a second-hand store that I took the opportunity to try a model on display. And there, I must admit that when I wore it, my gaze changed radically. It was probably the fact of having tried an entry-level model beforehand that made me appreciate the manufacturing quality of this Tudor. Everything about this watch exudes robustness and reliability. When you put it on your wrist, you become another man. The quality of the machine gives a natural assurance to whoever wears it. The model with a black background highlights the mirror polish of the snowflake hands, characteristic of the brand with the shield. These move harmoniously, the snowflakes cross without obstructing the view in order to guarantee foolproof readability. They are powered by a Manufacture movement, Caliber MT5652, guaranteeing 70 hours of power reserve and COSC certified. The case is brushed on the top and polished on the sides. I find this choice judicious to give it a certain class without it being flashy when you look at the dial. The latter is topped with a bidirectional and two-tone bezel typical of GMT watches. The tones are at the crossroads of a “Pepsi” and a “Coca”. We are on a very dark blue that can appear black depending on the light and a rather garnet red. Allowing to read a third time zone, turning it is a real pleasure. Its clicking sounds are singing and its fluidity is flawless while guaranteeing a certain firmness. We feel that we can manipulate it endlessly without wearing it out. Adorned with the emblematic Tudor rose, the screw-down crown inspires robustness. That said, once unscrewed, it reveals its silkier side. The winding is very gentle while being firm at the same time. At the first notch, the crown allows to set the local time without stopping the second hand or the minute hand. This “jumping hour” option found on the “true GMT” is very practical when changing time zones or from summer time to winter time. Again, this is done very smoothly here while feeling the directness of the notches and it is a real treat. Another positive point of this watch is the possibility of changing the strap. I had two when I bought it, a very well-made two-tone Nato, ideal for summer, and a very comfortable and more dressy rubber-leather hybrid. This one has an elegant folding clasp but the detail I appreciate the most is the clasp, polished and brushed, which takes up the brand logo, the famous Tudor shield. As for the negative points, some will note a certain thickness but personally, it does not bother me, I find that it is part of this style of watch. To find a fault with it, I regret the completely empty case back. Being a tool watch designed to be robust, we do not expect a transparent back, of course, but it might have been nice to find a Tudor logo or a map of the Time zones, which is found on other watches. Finally, my opinion on the Tudor brand: Some people criticize it for being “the poor man’s Rolex”. However, it is not just a question of price, there is also a certain image that comes into play. Any watch enthusiast recognizes the importance of Rolex in the field, but many prefer not to be associated with a clientele interested only in the status that the brand confers. We could also criticize its marketing strategy of reduced offer and waiting lists or its lack of innovation by relying solely on its iconic models. On the contrary, its little sister Tudor was relaunched in the 2010s with the slogan “born to dare” because it dares to think outside the box. For all these reasons, I have the impression that many collectors prefer its little sister Tudor. Diameter: 41 mm Thickness: 14.8 mm Power reserve: 70 h Year: 2021 Ref: M79830RB Depth: 200 m Caliber MT5652 COSC certified