TUDOR BLACK BAY GMT | 3-YEAR REVIEW
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- čas přidán 17. 08. 2023
- In this video, your host offers a highly comprehensive review after 3-years of ownership with his Tudor Black Bay GMT watch.
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I purchased this in 2021, shortly after my only daughter was born. Used this watch almost every time we travel or have big events. I, too, intend on never selling this and instead will hand it over when she gets a bit older. Hoping the memories made with the family would transcend to her while she wears this in the future. Never once regretted buying this watch and always enjoy seeing it on my wrist. Great entry level piece and a definite staple in any collection.
Great review. I’m a larger guy so for me both of those sticking points you mention are non-issues. I absolutely love it and I just can’t justify going and paying 4-5x the money for the Rolex (and certainly not the new, which I don’t even like due to the jubilee bracelet and the ceramic bezel)… to each their own! Thank you for a solid, well-thought out review!
Totally agree with your opinion and I'm more than happy with my BB GMT. By the way, the Rolex GMT is a great watch, but I don't like it because is too glossy for me and fits better on my wrist the Tudor.
Thank you for a great review Ash. One often overlooked benefit of the GMT movement is the ability to jump the hour hand without stopping the movement - this is very handy when travelling and arriving in a new timezone. At most I use the GMT hand to keep track of home time when travelling
Very refreshing to see an honest watch review warts an’ all, thanks Ash.
GMT is what I’ve craved for for a long time due to my business that’s dependent on three different timezones and I’m about to get this in a few days for myself as a Christmas gift.
Sir, your son is a lucky young lad for having a Watch-Dad. Thank you for you review.
Great review i have had my tudor gmt for 2 years and absolutely love it
I bought my BB GMT 2 years and 8 months ago and still I love it. Everything works perfectly and I don't have any problem with the thickness or weight and of course, I don't care what some people say, my experience with this timepiece is the only thing that I care.
Thanks for the video and to share your opinion about the watch.
Great review as always 👏🏻
I picked one up a few months ago and love it + i dont have an issue with the size (7.25" wrist / 6.2ft tall).
Because a have a BB 41 on the same bracelet I have put the Pepsi case & clasp on a Jubilee bracelet and it has elevated the look & feel.
Really enjoy your channel, thank you 👍🏻
I bought my GMT after watching your videos on it but I’ve since traded it in for a Chrono Panda. The difference in thickness on paper might only be a few milimeters but on the wrist it’s night and day. That slimmer midcase of the Panda really helps with wearability and thats saying a lot as I live in 35C+ weather most of the time.
I have a 6.5 inch wrist and I always love wearing this BBGMT, I have other watches (Rolex, Omega, Grand Seiko etc…) however this GMT always puts a smile on my face. It’s easy to pair with my outfit which is casual- smart casual, and I do prefer the snowflake hand to Mercedes hand, the rose crown means I do not have to worry about the orientation of the crown. Just a lovely piece
I put my GMT on a Vanguard rubber bracelet and it’s becoming immensely more wearable. I think it also plays up the charm and the diver aspect of it.
Ash the bracelet is the same as my bb58 and I had exactly the same problem with the fit due to the lack of micro adjustment. Not sure if you looked into it but uncle seiko sell a half link which solved the problem for me and now I get a much better fit albeit there is a still a compromise that you need to size the watch slightly lose to stop your wrist hurting on hot summer days. All the best.
My wife bought me this watch a few months after you. Also for my 50th birthday. I have an 8.25 inch wrist. I absolutely adore this piece and feel that the Rolex GMT would be smallish for me. It’s a lifer for me and lives in my collection honorably next to Rolex, JLC, Omega and IWC. Great review. I really enjoyed it. I have the Black Bay Pro on T-Fit. It’s brilliant. The BBGMT with Ceramic and T-Fit would absolutely destroy the Rolex (which is precisely why they won’t do it). Cheers!
It’s definitely a proper masculine watch. I have the Tudor BB Chrono, which I believe has similar dimensions. It wears quite nicely on my 8.2 inch wrist. I personally like the bigger crown, since I have trouble turning small crowns. I agree they need to put the T-fit clasp on this watch! Great video, you got yourself a new subscriber. Cheers from Tampa,Florida, USA.
About 18 months ago I decided to go back from a 10-piece collection (with a load of straps) to a single watch collection. Due to the 10 pieces - all with complications - I was able to drill down to the one type of watch I wanted. A GMT, but a travellers one. Since then I own this Tudor BB GMT. I did experiment a little bit with straps - the original steel, a gorgeous leather rally strap and a dark blue rubber rally strap (the latter two with a Tudor clasp, so you really need to search for 22 x 18mm straps - not easy!)
For the past 18 months, there was not one day that I wanted a second or other watch. I have never been so confident and happy as with this one. At this moment I wear it almost exclusively on the dark blue rubber as that brings for me the best combination: losing the chunkiness of ALL steel, keep a watch for all seasons and climates and still respect the tool character - including waterproof conditions which I have not with the leather strap. It has become a real international travel companion. It also saves a bit of weight, it gets less attention on rubber. All in all .. best decision ever.
I wear my watch on a black rubber B and I agree. The rubber tapers down the watch to the wrist and the watch no longer feels thick.
Great review. I’ve had this watch for about 18 months now and even with, as I have, a 7 inch wrist it feels large. I bought an Uncle Seiko jubilee style bracelet which is specifically made to fit this watch and it has really transformed the experience. It’s still a large watch but it’s now much more comfortable on the wrist. I’d definitely recommend trying it. That said, the thickness is still an issue - I almost bought the Black Bay Pro but I thought better of having two thick GMTs in my collection. Hopefully I’ll add the Rolex Pepsi to my collection one day.
I like ur vedio and review on black bay GMT.
I had same watch, I was wearing it for two years but I sold it up becuse of weight, thickness and lack of easy micro adjustment.
I’ve had my GMT for two years now. I love it, date wheel issue and all.
Nice video...I also struggled for the perfect fit....so I got the half link from Uncle Seiko and now it´s perfect, never too loose or too tight......those on the fly adjustments in the clasp are great yes, but honestly, I never use them (got it in my Sub, IWC Mark XVIII and Omega SMP 300).....perhaps I am just lucky and my wrist never expands in hot weather
I encourage you to consider another go IF they ever offer a better clasp. Better fit will help experience is my opinion.
Thanks for review
Great review Ash, thanks. I have a Tudor GMT as my daily watch and agree with your comments about the bracelet. I swapped the original bracelet on mine for an Uncle Seiko bracelet and found it fits my 7 1/4 in wrist perfectly. I have a 1969 Rolex Submariner 5513 for best and in comparison the sub does feel like a kids watch. Would love a GMT Master Ii but I don’t think I’d feel as comfortable kayaking with it given its price. The Tudor is agricultural, with the new bracelet the fit is perfect and I love it to bits!
I owned both gmt bb and gmt rolex Pepsi . I am telling u, I wear the gmt bb daily including travel and swim , the rolex is just for museum lol
Ash the fact that I didn't think I would ever really need or use the GMT complacation is why I haven't procured one for my collection. When I was still working a customer of mine had the Tudor like yours and he let me try it on. I liked it but must agree it's a little too big. Cheers Ron
Thanks for your thougths about this great timepeace. I understand that very well. In contrast to you the thickness, the size and the weight do not bother me. On the contrary, in my opinion it gives the watch a well deserved wrist presence. I wear it quiet often. I just love to look at it. And youn now what? It was a gift from my wife to my 50th birthday.
I love that tie and pocket square combo.
Great review.The Tradesman watch you know it’s there just the right weight and size I have mine on a nato bracelet very comfortable. On site with me carpenter by trade or traveling around the world even wear it playing golf love my M79830RB
Lovely review! Check out the Steel Reef half link ‘on the fly’ adjustment link. Not cheap but works a treat. I sold my Pepsi BB GMT for the BB Pro GMT, the smaller diameter makes it much more wearable over the Pepsi, I don’t find the thickness an issue.
It's my hope they make a smaller variant, for I would be quick to purchase. With the exception of the large size, it's a beautiful, timeless piece that will be worth lots if the model is discontinued.
love my Opaline version - I put it on an Uncle Seiko Jubilee bracelet - dresses it up and with more supple links its way more comfortable than the OE bracelet
If you like steel bracelet, buy a jubilee bracelet and use the stock Tudor clasp and it will fit perfectly. I bought an uncle Seiko jubilee bracelet on my BB58 gmt and BB58 39mm and used my stock clasp . The reason why is the links on the Tudor is a little big. Try it, it will change the watch and you will probably like it
Watch this video in 2024. Although I dont have tudor gmt for myself, I have tudor chrono which thickness almost the same. I wear my tudor almost everyday because somehow I feel its not save to wearing my rolex submariner 124060 as daily watch. Tudor still feel thick in my 7 inch wrist but I fell quite confident because its quality.
If you want a watch that has a smooth wind try an Omega. I have three Tudors, including the GMT, and they are fantastic watches. Love this review. Thank you.
Very similar story of my purchase of the black bay gmt…
1. Wife bought mine as well for my 50th 🎉
2. Two years on my wrist
3. Love it still ❤
4. Don’t mind the bulk actually. I like knowing it’s there on my wrist. Lol😂
Thank you for making this video. I’m looking for my first Tudor and was strongly considering the GMT but the size is a concern. My wrist size is closer to 6.25. I also don’t what an overly chunky and heavy watch. I plan visit my AD and try it on but I really doubt the GMT would be for me.
Pretty good review and agree on all the points mentioned. I have the opaline dial Blackbay GMT and I find the complication useful because I travel multiple time zones in one visit and it is a good tool the have at hand to track the home time zone. I think once you get the Rolex GMT II this watch becomes redundant but the question is.... is it a good idea to take Gmt II into woods? Why not use it as an adventure watch?
I don’t know why but you’re BB GMT content is some of my favorite. I’ve repeatedly enjoyed watching all three videos and following your journey with it. I personally have waffled between wanting and not wanting one. Whenever I see it on the factory leather strap, the watch madness comes back to bite me in the 🍑. If only it had a cyclops…..
Glad you like them!
I love mine and have had it for a few years now. It fits my 21 cm wrist quite well. I love it even more since getting the Steel Reef Extension Link which is similar to the mechanism found in the Explorer's bracelet. Steel Reef is in your "neck of the woods." Nottingham, to be exact. You will find this device to breathe new life into your watch wearing experience. Extension link notwithstanding, I've received a number of compliments on this GMT.
I second this comment, it's a game changer! Got one for my Tudor GMT and Chrono.
@@chrismc6411 His son might just have to wait a little longer before staking claim.
I've owned this watch since November 2018.
I had the date jump issue 1 year into ownership. Sorted within 4 weeks. These things happen.
The size doesn't bother me, I owned a 42mm Omega Planet Ocean and that was massive! But I agree an adjustable clasp would help. I'd gladly upgrade if Tudor would sell them.
I love the snowflake hands as it's unique.
Anyway, just my view. Wear in good health Sir.
I have the Root beer version … really great watch
Great review! The color combo on this piece has always called to me. Unfortunately, in person, the thickness put me off. I wish that the in person experience had been better because I'm a fan of the look.
Yes i have watch excellent make & quality 😊
I have the same sized wrist as you and am a former Tudor owner. From experience, an Uncle Seiko half link, which is equal in quality to the OEM links, will solve your fit problem and transform the watch.
A T fit clasp won't fix the issue, as the bracelet will still be too long on the six o'clock portion when sized to 5 links and too short when sized to 4.
I adore mine as well❤
I got a half link and it's lovely
I love this Black Bay GMT. Tudor tripling-down, if ever there is such a word, on the snowflake hands.
I have the Pepsi Seiko PADI I absolutely love this watch
Congrats, a great Video made with a lot of class and Taste. Faraway from the majority of CZcamsrs of today.
Thanks! 😃
It was a gift, keep it and pass it on 👍🏾
Thinking of pulling the trigger on a Tudor Black Bay Pro. Secondary prices for a 2022 example are heading towards £2,000 which would be a great investment for sure. Lot of watch for £2k
Go for it. I had the BB GMT Pepsi but sold it for the PRO GMT; much better fit for me.
I wouldn’t look at Tudors (or most watches) as an investment. It is highly unlikely to increase in value, however, if well maintained and cared for you should not lose any or much money on it. Buy used and let someone else take the hit for the initial depreciation…
I bought my Tudor GMT back in 2019 to with the intention to wear it on the many overseas trips I do as part of my job. I found an appeal to wear a nice GMT watch that doesn't attract as much attention as a Rolex (especially when you travel to less safe places). However, I found the watch heavy and the adjustment on that steel bracelet is indeed very difficult, especially when you go to hot and humid countries. For a while I found the GMT watch to be actually disappointing for his purpose of traveling!
To not give up on the watch, I got the leather and nato bracelets and it was a game changer. The leather just makes it look like a different watch and "hides" the thickness in a more subtle way. The nato is perfect for traveling as the watcher gets lighter, the adjustment on the wrist is very easy and it is more comfortable.
In a normal working day in the UK, I still think the steel bracelet looks better and does the job perfect. For a few days away where I would have to wear it for long hours every day, the steel bracelet is definitely not the best option.
My favo everyday watch, it is part of my identity as people can recognise me from far and it stands out but at the same time it is a very tone down watch. It doesn’t look big as the case is very “fit” looking . The case is a little thick and overall heavy, but it doesn’t stay in ur mind for more than 30 sec and u get on fine in life each day. Probably the best valued watch given it’s low market price and not to forget in 20-30 years the bezel fade will represent the story of ur life
Had the same problem with both Tudors that I owned so let them go. Just coudnt the right fit. Strange because I have a 2009 seamaster and 2018 moonwatch with no micro adjustment but they both fit and feel so much better on the wrist
The BB GMT is my daily. The thing I would change is putting lume on the bezel.
Wear it in good health ✌️great travel watch
“Unrefined” . That’s exactly how I felt with the Tudor Pepsi when I tried on. Once you dable with Rolex there’s no going back
If you're interested Uncle Seiko do a very nicely crafter half link for this watch. It makes getting a fit much easier.
I hope Tudor will add the T fit clasp to the gmt line.
What a distinguished gentleman. ..meme reference but...I like the presentation 😎👍 very British
The CZcams algorithm brought me here and I just realized you are not a dedicated watch channel but rather a "cultured man" channel. I appreciate that in a time where looking appropriate is kind of a lost art to most people. I binge watch now your videos and you have a new subscriber!
just got a two year old one for £1850 so someone els has took the hit, i have a 6 3/4in wrist and I'm finding on the canvas strap its fine as you can have it a fraction tighter so its snugger to the wrist
At 911 ... the watch inflates? I'm sure you mean the wrist. I personally like the thickness and tool look. I don't have a need for a gmt right now and won't get one just to have it, but would seriously consider this along with one or two others.
Must admit I’ve just been to Tudor and tried one on and honestly it just didn’t pop for me, the snow flakes didn’t work and I found the face to have a lot of space. Looks like I’m gonna have to bite the bullet and go pre owned Gmt Master 2 pre ceramic.
Just wish that ceramic bezel was an option on it or offer a model with it. Aluminum bezel on a dive watch does not last long in my experience
Thanks for sharing Ash. As you wear your Rolexes daily like me, have you got any dings on yours and does it bother you?
I have worn my Daytona nearly everyday for five years and only got scuffs - luckily no scratches or dings. But I got a small ding on the lug of my new Submariner….not sure whether to get it lightly polished or just leave it. What would you do ?
I have many signs of wear on all my watches and I have no issues with these small marks and blemishes - they are signs that I have worn and loved the watches. A watch in perfect condition suggests that it has not been worn and hence cannot be truly enjoyed by the owner.
Its a beautiful watch, it reminds me of a Rolex from the late 1970s early 80s, but my only real criticism, is its weight,
You certainly know your wearing it on your wrist, and if your of slim or slight build, you might find it a bit too heavy for daily use
That's my only criticism of this high quality timepiece
The so-called “paint” is actually obtained in an electrochemical process called anodizing. The color is both ON the surface as well as IN the pores of the aluminum. It is not an applied layer as paint would be.
I purchased mine in opaline dial. The look is so Red white and blue….
Ash, as an engineer I have to travel the country from coast to coast. I own both a Batman and BB GMT. If I know I am not going into the field (on-site) I will wear my Batman. If I AM going to go into the field and be completing tasks, physical labor with instruments, etc. I will wear my Tudor because it is an absolute monster. I also work part-time doing aquatic maintenance and spend a lot of time at the beach. My BB bezel is fading a bit and I know that is due to the chlorine and then being exposed to sunlight for prolonged amounts of time. I love them both. I am not sure whether to have the bezel replaced or not considering it tells the story of what I do and where I have been. Loved this review and especially the mention of the "T-Clasp" on certain models and the need to incorporate it. Thanks so much!
Nearly got this a few months ago. No point buying new in the UK as it seems 90% (well lots) of people that buy them, sell them on within two years. Anyway it was this or the 39mm Hanhart 417ES. I couldnt make my mind up so I showed pics of both to my other half to see what she said. She picked the Hanhart, apparently the Tudor was too much like my other watches to her. Have to say I love the Hanhart and don't regret the choice...she made!
Exactly how did you arrive at a 90% conversion rate on the Tudor GMT?
@@michaelriera6277 thanks for taking a random Internet comment so literally. Sorry it upset you I have edited for clarity.
I have the BB GMT and yes it’s top heavy and redundant against the Rolex GMT… however the Rolex GMT is unobtainable…
Ash, how to do you feel about the watch in the context of it being your 50th Birthday watch? Do you not feel a sentimental attachment and are drawn to wearing the watch because of that?
I’m not really sentimental about an inanimate object. It has good memories, but they will remain after the watch has gone.
Great review, Ash. As others have noted: Warts and all. Obviously, there's nothing wrong with the Tudor. It performs well, looks good, and fills a definite niche.
PS: Your son is a very fortunate young man. For a whole host of reasons......
It's the lug to lug that makes it feel bog as well as the thickness. I think ur wrist is too small for this particular watch. The hour jump is the best thing about a GMT. I also couldn't get a good fit with the bracelet and put it on leather.
I have the Tudor GMT love it, I absolutely would love the Rolex GMT. Can I ask you did you have to wait very long before you got it and what was the cost. 🇬🇧
I waited 3-years and paid retail price (£7750). Sadly the wait is likely to be much, much longer now and the price has risen to £9000 at retail.
@@TheChapsGuide Thank you for your reply, It’s a brilliant watch. 🇬🇧
This tudor never interested me... but the white dial 1 looks very nice.... the only Tudors i like tudor panda the pelagos 39mm and blackbay 39mm are the only Tudors for me personally.. 👍
Please compose a vid update of the best Rolex out there…the 114060 Sub.
I will be doing that one in 2024 - 5-years on the wrist.
@@TheChapsGuide thanks!
It could be useful for traveling if you hesitate to wear the Pepsi in London or abroad.
I reckon the tudor is even risky in london
Such a sad sign of the times that a watch especially designed for traveling is too risky to be applied for travel@@gman4473
I’ve been wearing my Tudors, including the Pepsi GMT, around my hometown of London for several years. Watch crime happens but it’s nowhere near as prolific as some CZcams channels would have you believe…
I really enjoy the Tudor models of these past years, but having purchased and worn an early black bay, a heritage chrono, and the Pelagos 39, I’ve always returned to the Explorer, which on my wrist feels a lot more comfortable. A bit of a shame because Tudor makes great watches, but Rolex is just better (😢).
Interesting. Can you share what makes the Explorer a more comfortable and better watch compared to the P39.
On paper, based on dimensions and weight, the P39 should be the clear winner. I'm very interested in hearing, in more detail, why you think it wears more comfortably and is the better watch.
Which model do you own? 36, 39, or 40?
Thanks for taking the time to reply! I'm trying to figure out my next purchase.
@@NeoWahNah Hi, I own an Explorer 39 MK2 for 5 years and recently acquired a Pelagos 39. Purchased the Pelagos because on paper it look great. The issues I had was that the clasp wasn't sitting flush with the bracelet ( I tried to adjust it with the dealer as best we could), and the edges of the case and bracelet felt sharper on my wrist (16.5 cm) than the Explorer. Maybe I didn't wear long enough to get used to it, but. I simply preferred the comfort of the Explorer. The previous Tudors I owned were simply too thick to wear especially compared to the flush crystal of the Explorer. Don't get me wrong, Tudors are great watches and over time their watches have become better and thinner no doubt, but still not on the same comfort level as the Explorer, which I have to admit, ticks all the boxes for me, as I keep on wearing it daily. If I had to wear the same watch for the rest of my life... it would (will?) be the Explorer.
@Thomas-vq5pb Thank you for the very detailed response. I understand all of your points. Comfort is everything. If you were able to get the P39 clasp flush, do you think it would wear more comfortably than the Explorer? By chance, did you try a Uncle Seiko half link.
@@NeoWahNah I don't know, it comes down to personal connection with a watch or not. I'm absolutely certain you can bond with the Pelagos 39, it just wasn't my case. And it's certainly not a brand issue either as Tudor is a great brand, but in my opinion the Explorer is just more refined (in a comfort sense).. Hopes it helps.
I have always been wondering why you still holding on the Tudor GMT despite having two Rolex GMTs and if it gets a wrist time.
It’s a real dandy. One day, eventually, I will own a dandy of a watch as well.
Unless you have been on IG like everyday, why did you buy a Tudor before a Longines??? Longines GMT and, Longines triple calendar with a Moon Phase is just great, Rolex and Tudor would be in trouble thinking about triple calendar and Moon Phases you know..
It is really a good watch and high quality as well，I bought and no complaints on the watch 🎉
Glad you enjoy it!
I’ll where mine anywhere. If it was a Rolex? Not so much.
That was a gift, you should never sell it or give it away. The British are not know for being sentimental people.
I'm pretty sure it's anodised aluminium and not "paint".
That is essentially the same thing sir.
tudor gets right up to the the goal line and then drops the ball with their ridiculously thick cases. such a disappointment.
Concur.
Ash, as a legally blind guy I just don’t get the fascination with watches. It’s crazy to me, but buy all means do you.
Hobby like any other ,
You don't have to get it .
@@julienfroidevaux1143 I guess what boggles my mind is how expensive they are for what they are. That said, it’s an appreciating item, so apparently people aren’t losing anything.
You seem to be casually bashing and scraping your £3k timepiece across a wooden deck table! Do you treat all your watches like this?
If you mean - do I use my watches like they are watches and not false idols - the answer is yes indeed. They are made of steel sir, they can take a bit of rough and tumble.
@@TheChapsGuide LMAO 🤣 false idols is a bit extreme?! Can't wait to see a video of you doing this to your 126710BLRO 😉
Watches have generally become too large, partly due to the prevalence of obesity across the Western world.
It’s a man’s watch. If it doesn’t fit don’t buy it.
Why buy it if it’s big 🤡 .
YOUR WIFE HAS EXQUISITE TASTE