Tudor Black Bay: owner reviews and feedback

The Tudor Black Bay, launched in 2012, became within only a few years one of Tudor’s most important collections and the watch that played a major role in redefining the contemporary image of the brand. Initially presented under the Heritage Black Bay name with a burgundy bezel, it does not reproduce one precise historical reference but combines several elements taken from older Tudor Submariners: the general lines of the first 1954 dive watches, the large unguarded crown of reference 7924 from 1958 and the famous Snowflake hands introduced in 1969.

The first generation uses a 41 mm stainless-steel case, domed sapphire crystal, unidirectional rotating bezel, 200 metres of water resistance and an automatic ETA 2824-2 movement. In 2016, Tudor replaces this calibre with its manufacture MT5602 movement offering approximately 70 hours of power reserve and chronometer certification. A third generation appears in 2023 with a slimmer case, T-fit clasp and MT5602-U calibre certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS. The historical burgundy bezel is then joined in 2024 by an entirely black version commonly described as monochrome.

Design & legibility: a combination of several generations of Tudor dive watches

The Black Bay is often described as a neo-vintage watch, but Tudor emphasises that it is not an exact reissue of an older Submariner. Its identity is created by combining several historical codes: domed dial and crystal, large screw-down crown without crown guards, highly legible geometric markers and Snowflake hands. The hour hand has a broad angular tip while the minute hand remains long and narrow, allowing the two to be distinguished quickly underwater. A triangle marks 12 o’clock, rectangles occupy 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and the remaining positions use circular hour markers. The Snowflake hands combined with the large unguarded crown are the two most immediately recognisable distinguishing features of the Black Bay. Early burgundy versions use gold-coloured elements that strengthen the warm appearance of the black dial, while the 2014 Black Bay Blue introduces cooler silver-coloured hands and markers. The black 2015 model combines a black bezel with a dial featuring gold-coloured details. Since 2024, the monochrome Black Bay has almost completely abandoned vintage-inspired gold accents in favour of rhodium-plated hands and markers on a black sunray-brushed dial.

Case, bezel and comfort: 41 mm, but three different generations

The 41 mm diameter runs throughout the history of the classical Black Bay, but the sensation on the wrist changes significantly according to generation. The ETA-powered 79220 references measure approximately 12.7 to 13 mm thick, with a length close to 50 mm and a 22 mm lug width. The move to manufacture calibre MT5602 in 2016 increases thickness to around 14.7 to 14.8 mm, mainly because of the thicker movement and a case with highly vertical sides. The third generation from 2023 returns to 13.6 mm and adopts a 21 mm lug width, creating a more balanced silhouette. The identical 41 mm diameter therefore hides important differences in comfort between the ETA, MT5602 and MT5602-U generations. All retain a domed sapphire crystal, a 60-minute unidirectional rotating bezel and a screw-down crown. Water resistance remains fixed at 200 metres, allowing genuine use for swimming or diving when seal integrity is maintained. Early generations use steel, leather or fabric straps, while recent versions add rubber and especially Tudor’s T-fit clasp allowing quick length adjustment without tools.

Movement: from the ETA 2824-2 to the Master Chronometer MT5602-U

The first Black Bay uses the automatic ETA 2824-2, a widely distributed Swiss movement operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour and providing approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Tudor uses it without a date even though the basic calibre is designed to accommodate that function. This movement now contributes to the particular appeal of the early “smiley” references, recognisable by the Tudor rose and the curved Self-Winding inscription on the dial. In 2016, the manufacture MT5602 transforms the performance of the watch with approximately 70 hours of autonomy, a silicon hairspring, variable-inertia balance held by a traversing bridge and certification by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. The 2023 generation introduces the MT5602-U. The move to calibre MT5602-U adds METAS Master Chronometer certification to the 70-hour power reserve already provided by the previous generation. This certification applies to the complete watch and notably checks accuracy, water resistance, power reserve and operation under a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss. The current Black Bay deliberately remains without a date to preserve the historical symmetry of its dial.

Chronological milestones and main models (2012–2025)

(2012) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Burgundy Gilt:

The first Black Bay immediately establishes the codes that would make the family successful. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79220R-0001 uses a 41 mm stainless-steel case, domed sapphire crystal and rotating bezel with a burgundy aluminium insert, a particularly unusual colour among dive watches of the period. The black dial receives applied hour markers and gold-toned hands with a substantial amount of luminous material. The Tudor rose appears below 12 o’clock and the curved Self-Winding inscription positioned above 6 o’clock would later give this generation its “smiley” nickname. The automatic ETA 2824-2 movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 38 hours of power reserve. Water resistance reaches 200 metres. The watch is offered on a steel bracelet or leather strap, with an additional fabric strap depending on configuration. In 2013, this version receives the Revival prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève.

(2014) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Blue Silver Accents:

Two years after the burgundy model, Tudor demonstrates how dramatically a colour change can alter the personality of the Black Bay. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79220B-0001 retains the 41 mm steel case, domed sapphire crystal, 200 metres of water resistance and ETA 2824-2 movement of the first generation but adopts a midnight-blue bezel. Gold accents almost completely disappear: the applied markers, Snowflake hands and principal inscriptions use silver or white tones. The dial remains black and still carries the Tudor rose together with the curved Self-Winding wording. The oversized crown is paired with a blue tube positioned between the crown and the case. Power reserve remains approximately 38 hours. On its steel bracelet, this execution appears cooler and more contemporary than the 79220R. It also provides an interesting choice for someone who appreciates the characteristics of the early ETA-powered Black Bays but wants to avoid the numerous gold accents of the burgundy version.

(2015) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black Red Triangle:

The third ETA-generation Black Bay combines a black bezel with a small red triangle at 12 o’clock, creating a more understated appearance than the burgundy version while retaining the gold details of the dial. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79220N-0001 uses the same 41 mm case, domed sapphire crystal, 200 metres of water resistance and ETA 2824-2 as its predecessors. Snowflake hands and applied markers have gold-coloured surrounds, while the Tudor rose and “smiley” typography remain present. The crown tube becomes steel-coloured rather than black, avoiding the visual continuation of the bezel colour. This reference has a particularly short production period before the arrival of the manufacture movement in 2016. It has consequently become one of the classical Black Bays sought after by certain collectors. Its appeal comes from combining an extremely versatile black bezel with the visual signatures unique to the first ETA-powered Black Bay generation.

(2016) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Burgundy Manufacture:

In 2016, Tudor retains the burgundy colour that inaugurated the collection but fundamentally transforms the inside of the watch. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay M79230R-0001 receives manufacture calibre MT5602, an automatic chronometer-certified movement providing approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The silicon hairspring and variable-inertia balance represent an important technical evolution over the ETA 2824-2. The case remains 41 mm stainless steel and the watch stays water-resistant to 200 metres, but the case becomes thicker at around 14.8 mm. The dial replaces the rose with the Tudor shield and the curved Self-Winding wording gives way to several straight lines notably indicating chronometer certification. The burgundy bezel remains anodised aluminium and the steel bracelet adopts a riveted design inspired by historical Tudor bracelets. The domed sapphire crystal and large screw-down crown ensure strong visual continuity with the first Black Bay despite the new mechanics.

(2016) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Blue Manufacture:

The blue version evolves simultaneously with the burgundy model and benefits from the same mechanical transformation. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay M79230B-0001 has a 41 mm steel case, matte blue bezel, black dial with silver-coloured elements, domed sapphire crystal and 200 metres of water resistance. Manufacture calibre MT5602 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 70 hours of autonomy, allowing the watch to remain unworn for much of a weekend without stopping. The dial now uses the Tudor shield at 12 o’clock and a more technical presentation of the inscriptions at 6 o’clock. The riveted steel bracelet reinforces the reference to old dive watches while using modern construction. The thicker case is the principal ergonomic difference from the ETA-powered 79220B. This generation therefore better suits someone prioritising autonomy and chronometer certification, while the earlier version remains attractive for its relative thinness and Tudor-rose dial.

(2016) Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black Manufacture:

The black Black Bay also receives the new manufacture movement only a few months after the brief career of the 79220N. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay M79230N-0002 combines a 41 mm case with a black aluminium bezel, black dial and Snowflake hands. It retains several warm details, notably gold-coloured elements on the dial, while adopting the new Tudor shield and straight inscriptions characteristic of the MT5602 generation. The chronometer-certified automatic movement provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve, runs at 4 Hz and uses a silicon hairspring. The case is water-resistant to 200 metres and the crystal remains domed sapphire. The 22 mm riveted steel bracelet gives this version an appearance very close to other manufacture Black Bays. This reference would remain the classical 41 mm black Black Bay for several years before Tudor completely renewed the monochrome approach with the third generation presented in 2024.

(2023) Tudor Black Bay Burgundy Master Chronometer:

The third generation symbolically returns to the colour that inaugurated the collection eleven years earlier. The Tudor Black Bay M7941A1A0RU-0001 retains a diameter of 41 mm but reduces thickness to 13.6 mm and lug width to 21 mm, significantly improving proportions. The unidirectional bezel receives a burgundy aluminium insert, while the domed black dial uses applied markers and Snowflake hands. Manufacture calibre MT5602-U offers 70 hours of power reserve and combines certification from the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute with METAS Master Chronometer certification. The latter notably includes tests for precision, water resistance and resistance to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss. The watch remains water-resistant to 200 metres. The three-link bracelet now benefits from the T-fit clasp allowing fast micro-adjustment without tools; Tudor also offers a five-link bracelet and rubber strap, giving this generation greater versatility than its predecessors.

(2024) Tudor Black Bay Monochrome Black:

The monochrome version applies the same technical architecture as the 2023 burgundy Black Bay to a considerably more neutral aesthetic. The Tudor Black Bay M7941A1A0NU-0003 has a 41 mm stainless-steel case measuring 13.6 mm thick, a domed black sunray-brushed dial and a rotating bezel with a black aluminium insert. The Snowflake hands and applied markers become silver-coloured, almost completely removing the gold accents that had characterised the collection for many years. The watch is water-resistant to 200 metres and uses manufacture calibre MT5602-U certified by COSC and as a Master Chronometer by METAS, with silicon hairspring and 70 hours of power reserve. This reference is paired here with the five-link steel bracelet equipped with the T-fit clasp, although Tudor also offers a three-link bracelet and rubber strap. The result gives the Black Bay a more modern appearance closer to a contemporary dive watch than to a reinterpretation directly influenced by the colours of the 1950s.

Choosing the right version: generation, colour, thickness and bracelet

The first choice concerns generation. The ETA-powered 79220 models are the thinnest and feature the Tudor rose together with the “smiley” dial, elements now sought after by certain enthusiasts. Their approximately 38-hour power reserve is nevertheless modest. The first ETA Black Bays are particularly interesting for someone prioritising relative thinness and historical dial details. They also use a widely distributed movement familiar to many watchmakers. On the pre-owned market, the black 79220N is generally the rarest because of its short production period.

The 2016 MT5602 generation provides a major mechanical upgrade with 70 hours of autonomy and chronometer certification, but it is also the thickest of the three principal generations. Its vertical case sides further emphasise this height visually. Trying on references 79230 is particularly advisable if thickness is an important criterion. For someone who mainly wears sports watches measuring 40 to 42 mm, the diameter will generally present no difficulty, but the height can be more noticeable beneath a shirt cuff.

The third generation is the most versatile choice for contemporary everyday use. Its 13.6 mm case improves comfort, the MT5602-U adds METAS certification and the T-fit clasp simplifies adjustment during the day. The Black Bay 7941 currently represents the most complete balance between historical design and contemporary performance. Its 70 hours of autonomy also allow it to be removed for a weekend without necessarily needing to reset the time on Monday.

Colour strongly influences personality. Burgundy is the historical signature of the collection and remains the configuration most immediately associated with the Black Bay. Blue from 2014 or 2016 is cooler and less heavily loaded with vintage references. Black is naturally the most versatile. The 2024 monochrome version is particularly coherent for someone wanting a discreet Black Bay with as few gold-coloured elements as possible. By contrast, the 79220R or 79230R provides greater warmth and an immediately recognisable neo-vintage identity.

Finally, the bracelet should be selected according to use. Steel is highly suitable for diving and strengthens the robust character of the watch, but it increases weight. Fabric provides greater lightness and represents an important Tudor tradition, while the rubber strap on recent versions is particularly practical for water. The T-fit clasp on current generations provides a genuine comfort advantage over older bracelets. On a pre-owned Black Bay, the presence of all links, accessories and original additional straps also adds interest. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Tudor Black Bay is aimed at enthusiasts seeking a modern dive watch inspired by Tudor history without being a copy of one precise vintage reference. Since 2012, it has retained its principal visual codes while evolving substantially mechanically, moving from the ETA 2824-2 to a manufacture calibre and then to Master Chronometer certification. Early generations appeal through their Tudor-rose dial and neo-vintage character, while recent versions improve autonomy, comfort and magnetic resistance. Burgundy remains the historical colour of the family, while blue and especially monochrome black provide more restrained alternatives. The choice should therefore take thickness, movement, colour and bracelet into account as much as the identical 41 mm diameter.

To compare these differences with real owner experiences of comfort, accuracy, robustness and wrist enjoyment, Dialicious customer reviews provide a useful complement to the technical specifications.

(Updated August 2026)