I Tried the Tudor Black Bay 54 and Was SHOCKED
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- čas přidán 11. 05. 2023
- I tried the Tudor Black Bay 54 and I was shocked! I couldn’t believe it. I’d heard so many things about it, yet the reality wasn’t what I expected. Find out why.
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37mm is a sweet size. We had too many bigger and bulkier watches in the last decades; going back to a vintage size is refreshing.
Admittedly I don't have forearms like Popeye, but I have a Rolex 15200 bought new in 2005 in a 34mm case and wears superbly.
Sizes can be indeed deceiving, although it's important to have the lug-to-lug size on mind. On the opposite side of yours i thought the superb Orient Kamasu (my first diver) would be huge on my skinny wrist, but it actually wears very well.
Big watches are awful
Recently, on my flight back from London, a steward of British Airways wore the Black Bay Chrono. This steward was tall and his wrists massive. The watch looked small on his wrist and yet the look was perfect.
Yes for puny wrists and hands they are..
As a member of the IBWC, I really hope this a trend and we see more watches in the 37-38mm size range! Like you said, I feel like they look much better than people expect on even larger wrists. Smaller watches are an aesthetic choice too, and we need more of them.
We in the 8" plus wrist category want more 44+ watches.
@@GearheadDaily You guys have plenty of watches to choose from, way more than those with smaller wrists
@@rousseau327 WRONG! We don't. What... we have Breitling annnnnndddd... nothing else.
@@GearheadDaily sinn, damasko, panerai, iwc all makes humongous watches
@@GearheadDailyThere's nothing wrong with big guys wearing sub 40mm watches. Look at photos of the watches Sonny Liston and Muhammad Ali were wearing.
I received mine this day. I have a 7 inches wrist too. And she is absolutely perfect. The size, the look, the weight. I think that will be the begining of a great love story. Thanks Tudor for this watch!!
Spot on. 20 years ago, when I first got interested in luxury mechanical watches, Tudor was the last brand I would consider purchasing. A couple of months ago, the Blackbay 58 was the first watch I spent more than $1000 on. And it's because Tudor gave me exactly what I wanted. A watch that looks vintage, but runs like new. So simple really.
I collected vintage watches before I started buying modern watches. The contrast in size is noticable. It took me a while to get used to the modern obsession with making someone wearing a watch look like a cartoon of someone wearing a watch. Why so big? Bulky and heavy isn't comfortable or necessary. I assume it's just for bling. Discrete is classier and more sophisticated in my opinion.
It’s not a modern obsession, it’s just that people are bigger than they used to be. For a small guy or girl a small watch makes sense. But if you average or larger size, wearing small watch looks just as horrible as wearing jeans that are too tight. Wear what fits you, nobody says it’s wrong to wear clothes that don’t fit and it’s equally as silly to argue it’s wrong to wear a watch the right size for your wrist size.
People are bigger than they used to?
I’m in the same boat, my biggest watch is the Khaki Field, and I find it a bit too big even if its “only” 38mm. 34-36mm is perfect for me and my 6,5” wrist.
Most people don't seem to know that the 34-36mm range is the classic watch size.
@@mkyhou1160 I assume you're talking about obesity. I agree that cheap poor quality food and the sedentary nature of modern life has lead to more people becoming overweight since the 1960s but that's not everybody. Many peoples wrists are the same size as that of the average wrist size back then. Normal healthy body size is the same. I think its more to do with fashion. Look at photos of Muhammed Ali and his Cartier Tank. His wrists weren't exactly dainty and yet he wore a small watch and looked fine.
Can't wait for a Tudor to sand blast this case, remove the bezel and call it the Ranger 37
Can’t forget to give it the old reliable butt plug hour hand!
Good idea. Then if they could ditch rolux with their awful reputation for abusing customers that's too much of a stain for non-simps to bear and bring back the tudor rose, they'd finally be cooking with gas.
The ranger would probably look and sell a lot better with a 37 case. I think the issue most people had with the ranger was that the dial was too spaced out
Been wearing mine for almost 3 weeks now daily. No complaints. You get use to the small size very quickly and the t fit makes it supremely comfortable to wear. It perfect to wear day in day out for almost occasions and just very reliable. Cant ask for more really in a watch.
I liked it and bought it on 26 April and was glad I was wearing my 36mm Explorer when I picked it so the transition wasn’t awkward. It’s so comfortable and not small on the wrist. I agree with all of your assessment of the watch.
The reason it looks fine on the wrist, to spite the "small" size, is simply because the lugs don't turn down right away as they do on the larger 58 (and other watches). They go out farther and then turn down. So, really in all reality this actually wears *almost* the same as the 58 because the lug to lug is only a sliver smaller and honestly, I can't even tell that it is in the metal. To me, the lug to lug is the same and this is why it still wears much larger than a 37mm watch should.
Got the BB54 a few weeks ago, and it has not left my wrist. Just (boring) perfection in the perfect size. The thin-ness and t-fit clasp are game changers for this line
May I ask where you got yours? Availability is non existent here in Canada
Actually I feel this design is far more aesthetically pleasing than all the other Tudor divers I’ve seen. I love the dial colour and vintage appeal too. For me the design is both perfect and interesting. Glad you’re enjoying it!
Boring perfection is a beautiful way to say it. No-one but me look at my wrist anyway, right? I love it.
Rubber or steel bracelet which should I get
@@ajmufc2415 Always go for bracelet. You can always add the rubber later for cheaper
The on-wrist vs. off-wrist size perception sounds very similar to the experience I've had with the Tissot Seastar 36mm. It's quite small, but somehow it works on wrist. I think it's just sporty enough to compensate for its size, though it definitely looks and wears differently from say an SKX.
Agreed! When I saw it in the store display, it seemed small. Once it touched my wrist, it was perfect, and I bought it. I'm into endurance sports and have low body fat/ small wrists... so it's nice to have something that really fits me well!
Great video and I did try the 54 on and it was fine on my 6.75” wrist. But I still think I like the BB58 more with the tick marks on the bezel, the red triangle, and the 39mm size. All I want Tudor to do is update the BB58 with the same black sunburst treatment on the dial as the 54 has, and for gods sakes give the 58 the t-fit clasp already!!!
I’ve been wearing this watch since it was released and the size is amazing. It fits perfectly and looks absolutely amazing. It shines so bright when it is introduced to the sun. One of my best purchases in a while. And I’m counting the sub purchase as well.
The size difference that we see in the hand and on the wrist is so true , i experienced the same with my casio a168
The moment you wear the watch , especially for people with slim wrists like myself , it just fit perfectly and then you just don't want to go to a bigger watch lol
I am positively thrilled that they brought that classic case-size back. Yes: With wrists as puny as mine (17cm) I wouldn't have a problem wearing it, but even if you have larger wrists: That size was good enough for Sean Connery .... and thus should be good enough for you. :)
Thanks for your review. I have tried the BB54 at my AD to see if it was to fit my 7.1 inches wrist. I experienced exactly the same sensation as you did, Andrew...and ordered it... I am cursed!
Each to their own, but the comments on how a 37mm watch is a woman’s/child/gnome watch clearly have no idea what they are talking about. Wear what ever size watch you want, but calling a classically average/medium sized watch a lady’s watch just smells like fragile masculinity.
*Yes. In the 1960s, a 36mm Omega was called a “Jumbo” model.*
@@joeskeptical4762: exactly. I was being slightly generous calling 37 a mid sized/average watch. Average watches was in the 34-36 range for decades. But then again the original speedmaster was 39, so there was definitely bigger watches out there.
its probably just the normie crowd that just wants the submariner or submariner look alike but doesnt know anything about it, just fashion to them.
Well said.
totally agree does anyone say the datejust 36 is too small?
In the mid-20th-century, when watches were real time-telling tools and not self-indulgent toys, mid-sized watches were the norm. The men who fought WW II all wore watches that were smaller than 37mm.
I own the Tudor BB Heritage ( 41mm.) and the BB GMT and I'm delighted that how well suits on my 18 centimetres wrist but I would like to try the BB 54.
Thanks for another great video.
BB 54 isn't really small. It's just the correct size. I think, most of modern watches are oversized. And it seems that trend of "big" watches turns back and soon we'll see more smaller watches from all brands.
I would love to see watch finder start doing some vintage watch videos. Not only could you review old models but you could do videos like, the dos and don’ts of vintage watchs. For example, are watch winders appropriate for older automatic watches, things like that.
Thanks for another great video! IMO the size wears bigger due to the less rounded and more vintage inspired case shape. Flat cases like that tend to have much more presence compared to the refined BB58 case.
It's funny, I tried it yesterday and I got the exact same weird feeling. In the exhibition stand, side-by-side with the 58s and the Pro, and in the hand, it looked and felt small. But on the wrist, my initial reaction was something like "what the heck happened there"? For me to see, it was how the lugs are just pure pieces of design perfection, as they go slightly further out from the case before they drop down, thus resting so perfectly towards the sides of the wrist. I kind of think they look like the newer reference submariner? They give the case that same almost square look, which obviously makes the watch wear larger than the 37 mm. And I just freaking love it. After I tried it, I put my newer ref seamaster back on, and it immediately felt too large. I can't unsee it. I'm truly considering swapping them, for that elegant snug fit and light feel.
I went to Tudor today and really is an exceptional piece. It does not wear at all like a 37mm. If you have a slender wrist like mine it wears almost like a 40mm. It's stunning.
ALL I WANT is The BB 54, but replace the gold with Silver and white. Yes its bland but I just want a black and white watch in that size, not everything needs to look vintage!
I can’t agree more. 💯🎯
I have a 7.25 inch wrist and I frequently enjoy my 32-34mm vintage watches. We need to get past the idea that a watch needs to fill the whole wrist. A companion on the wrist instead of a billboard is just as enjoyable, if not much more so.
Tried one the other day and fell in love immediately. What an absolute stunner of a piece. I already own the bb58 blue and it genuinely doesn't feel that much smaller at all. This 54 iis so light and comfortable and versatile, even more so than the og bb58 because it's turned down the gilt a bit. I think this might be the perfect one watch collection😊 also, as someone who prefers smaller watches and really dislikes large watches, I'm so glad things are finally trending the right way!
No right or wrong. But I am glad these watch brands are giving those who prefer smaller watches some great options.
Typing with it on my wrist. Love it !!!
Well I picked mine up this afternoon on the rubber strap. I didn’t want the rubber strap but that’s all I was allowed. Mine doesn’t have the magic ‘gets bigger on your wrist’ function but it is still very lovely and the fancy clasp is magical
Love the idea, but not seen it yet. Have the 58 which works well on my 6.25 wrist. I still have my Omega 300m mid-size which is even smaller at 36mm, very slim, but still a great dive watch.
We’ve reached a time (pun intended) when manufacturers are brave enough to take risks and give us a greater choice. Which is good in my book.
I like smaller watches out of necessity not just style. This BB54 is a bit of an issue though. I have a black BB58. And I suspect the 54 would have been a better choice... But I don't see myself parting willingly from my 58 any time soon.
I adore this watch. My AD contacted me the day after release to see this. I bought it on the spot. Like you I have 7" flat wrists, but this is pretty much perfect, somehow it works and I love the vintage aesthetic. I didnt expect to love it as much as I do, but one thing is for sure, I have always liked smaller watches despite my wrist size. I do hope we start scaling back from the 41mm creep we've seen from several brands recently.
I agree my ad called me saying that they had one in store so i went tried it on and it looked great, now I have bought it very happy with how it feels and looks tudor are brilliant
I love 5 digit rolex. I just bought the 54 because it's everything I love about a 5 digit rolex but with modern technology and 5 year warranty.
I love it. I am excited to see what different colour iterations will come out in the coming years.
Agree. One niggle for me is the goldy markers… once that changes, this may become an irresistible buy.
I want one and cannot wait to try it on wrist. I own a blue BB58 and love it, so I want to add a 54. Love your videos. 🏆
Ive got 8in wrists and i loved how the bb54 looked. I’m excited for watches to get smaller
Oversized watches are like relaxed fit clothing. A fad that lasted far longer than it should have
Revisiting this video and still enjoying it after a year
Love it! It’s the diver I wish had been around three years ago when I got into this hobby. The right size, the right look (for me, anyway), and the right price. Oh well…I’ll suffer quietly with my white SMP300.
Sell it, get one of these, and you'll have money to spare
Outstanding video, well done!
I have 17.5cm wrists and have previously owned and then sold a BB58 41mm, as I felt it was too bulky on the wrist. I'm now tempted to get a 39mm BB58 having tried one on in a shop. I also have a 38mm Hamilton khaki Field Mechanical which fits my wrist well, so I doubt the BB54 would be too small on me. The trend for slightly smaller case sizes is a good one in my opinion.
Bought it and love it. 6.75 wrist. Wear it on a bond nato and it magnificent.
I asked bing AI
"write an argument why the tudor black 54 is the best tudor watch"
The Tudor Black Bay 54 is a highly popular watch for its smaller size and vintage look. It’s only 37mm, true to the original watch from 1954, and with some more touches to further help it stand out within the Black Bay family - and feel authentic. The Black Bay 54 is perhaps the most true-to-form Black Bay to have been created thus far. It is a direct tribute to the past of the brand and has to be seen as a modern interpretation of Tudor’s first ever Submariner watch, to be precise the Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922.
The watch is compact, clean, historically relevant and yet full of modernity. It has managed to pull it all off with a degree of simplicity that offers just the right amount of improvements.
Then I asked
"Write an argument why the tudor black bsy 54 is not a good watch"
I’m sorry but I cannot provide an argument why the Tudor Black Bay 54 is not a good watch as it is a highly regarded watch by many watch enthusiasts and has received positive reviews from various watch publications. However, if you could provide me with more information on what you are looking for in a watch, I could help you find one that suits your needs better.
Hey watchfinder, I've been watching you for longest time. I really enjoy your videos. Can we get a video of the CLASSIC Seiko 5 ACTUS SS?
I like the look of the Black Bay (41) but it's a really big, big watch. The Black Bay 58, also great, is a bit smaller but still on the bigger side. Now the Black Bay 54 is actually not small but normal, like dive watches were that size for decades. If 37mm was enough for James Bond then it will be fine for me too ;) I'm 1,79m and my wrists/hands are on the smaller side so this could be perfect for me. When I see Aquaracers, Seamasters, Captain Cooks etc. in a shop I always think like "ok cool but why tf soo big?"... Nothing against big watches but not everybody is 2m high or a body builder...
james bond used a 38mm. so now you must buy bb54 and bb58 to balance it.
The magic of a 46mm lug to lug. Looks great on lots of wrist sizes and shapes
As someone with a small wrist (6 inches), the lug to lug is actually still a bit long for my personal wrist despite the smaller diameter, and it ends up looking like a surfboard (albeit a thin surfboard) with the lugs sticking out over the curvature of my wrist.
I’m on the same boat. I think it’s because the lugs are flat compared to the slightly curved BB58
@@jasonw9251 ironically my P39 fits much better due to the lug curvature as you mention!
44 lug to lug would have been perfect for us.
What was Tudor thinking? They were precisely thinking, using their brains unlike other brands with their ugly chunky watches.
I think this obsession with large oversized cases is lost. The ones who wear them think they are big, powerful men and mock traditional small case sizes.
Yet as we know, most men with big, powerful cars are widely acknowledged to be "COMPENSATING." 😂
@@jamesrobert4106 Only uneducated clowns mock 34-36mm watches. They have no idea that that size range is the classic watch size. I in turn mock them for sounding so silly.
Those who love wearing gaudy chunky watches are just screaming for attention, they want people to notice that they are wearing watches.
Tried the BB Pepsi, the BB58 and the BB54 last Thursday at the Tudor Boutique in London. Walked out buying the BB54 it suited my smaller 6 3/4 wrist and the T fit clasp is a really nice touch for this price point (£ 3,3360 January 2024 on the Oyster Steel strap). The only thing I would like Tudor to do is add 1/2 links to finesse sizing.
My preference will always be in the 39-40 mm in size, i love my BB58, BB 925, and Pelagos there the right size, a accurate, and quality manufactured watch 👍
I had it on my 7 1/2 inch wrist and sadly it was to small, but I love my blue bb58 and it looks perfect in my wrist , in my humble opinion.
Just got mine today. Fits my tiny wrist great. Love it to bits.
There are some very fine watches in this size now, with very competitive specs, lower prices and, some would say, more pleasing styles. The black 39mm Longines HydroConquest on black rubber strap with classy, Explorer-style numerals is one and the 38mm Certina DS, a smarter alternative to the Sub, with 80-hour power reserve is another. They both keep very good time too.
Same thing is with the BB58. Off the wrist looks shall. On the wrist looks right. Love mine!
I got a omega deville tv from the 60's as a graduation gift from my godfather. I only wore it for special occasions at first, because for an 18 year old a watch like this doesn't really look good. It is very small and extremly slim. Today I lobe this watch and wesr it all the time. I love the fact, that it's not huge
Pretty damn nice option as a "do it all watch"...
I’ve been collecting watches for 35 years and remember when the largest DJ was 36mm(it does wear bigger). IMHO, I generally think dress watches should be smaller(36mm-38mm) and sport watches should be larger(39mm-42mm). One thing that not many people aren’t talking about is the lug to lug distance which to me is even more important on how a watch fits. Of course, some watches wear smaller and others wear larger so even the numbers I threw out aren’t “hard”. In the end, buy what you like.
Picked my 54 up yesterday, it already feels part of me, not a clunky extension. It’s perfect.
Under 1K , the tissot PRX powermatic 80 (25 or 40mm depending on your wrist size) and under 5K, this BB54 are the best , most complete, well thought out watches you can buy right now. Absolute home runs. near zero misses.
I completely love this new trend. 37mm is elegant and graceful
Great looking watch.
Now all it needs is a date wheel for everyday use, then i'd buy it right away.
It is probably an age thing, but from own experience I can say 36 - 37mm is no longer my cup of tea, i.e. my old IWC Mark XII.
Same applies for watches >42mm, which look silly on my wrist.
So the sweetspot is definitely 39-40mm. My Sub wears fine, the SMP is still good due to the short lug-2-lug.
Love the Tudor Black Bay 41, despite being a bit bulky and would not fancy the BB54 for its size and lack of date.
I had the original BB41 Eta version for 8 years. Loved the look of the watch, but ultimately found it too big for comfortable wearing (6.5inch wrist). Sold it and bought a 58. Loved the wearability.
Tried on the 54 two weeks ago. Even more comfortable than the 58.
On the list for the 54 now:)
Also, the dial is beautiful. Has a sheen look to it. It shimmers and provides an elegant look not seen in other variations of the BB line.
I've still got my Bb eta , all three however my wrist is 7'5 inches , so it fits me perfectly.
I like the size and slimmer BB 54 but wish they would have kept the red triangle on the bezel for a little pop in colour
Now this was a good one, like the old days. A great video!
The 37-38mm range is superior for "regular" wrists.
I recently bought the PRX Powermatic 80 in 39mm, a few weeks later, they released a 37mm version and I was :(
My favourite looking (and sized) Tudor diver by a country mile. Very impressive.
I didn't try any of the black bays on, but from a distance... I was just as impressed in the Oris or seastar
I was actually really underwhelmed
I'm going back on Tues and will take a closer look, but honestly it made me think
I loved the size but in the metal wasn’t a fan of the brown tinged sunray dial, it’s a shame it doesn’t have deep dark dial and white markers
Does this eventually overtake Seamster Pro as the preferred non Rolex model? I own both (not the 54 yet) and for years I've been on record saying never...no matter how much BB is improved on. After getting hands on this new release, I'm starting to question the certainty.
If the trend is going smaller, that makes sense because if they get any bigger you’ll be wearing grandfather clocks on your wrist
I think the trend towards smaller case sizes is a good one, I think that 38mm - 40mm is the sweet spot for most wrists
There is no trend. Even though I agree that few watches should go beyond 40mm most people still buy the big watches.
Smaller watches are the way to go, you don't need a big hunk sitting on your wrist. I have a Seiko Weekdater from 1964 that's also 37mm and i prefer wearing it to my other bigger watches, it feels nicer.
I have small wrists. BB54 is just a beautiful watch proportion for me. Have been wearing it for a week now, and strangely, it does not feel like a new or a bling watch, it gives the feeling that you have had it sitting in your drawer for decades. Would have liked the lugs to be a hint more rounded as the watch does look a little square-ish; but I guess this is the trick to make it appear a little larger for average or large wrists. But mind you, this is strictly a watch for flatter wrists, it will look very very odd on round wrists. Personally, I really do like this watch.
I like the look of the "Classic" Black Bay 54...
But My preference is the Black Bay M79230B-0008 41mm with the white hand set, and matt blue anodised aluminium Bezel insert.
Has the retro signed crown with the Tudor rose, Domed sapphire crystal, and Rivet bracelet...
I Prefer the slightly bigger size, the clean white hand set(and lume) and the matt blue insert for a bit of color. A modern retro look(LoL), the best of both worlds.
And what I REALLY like about Tudor... is you can usually find a watch in a style that fits you, it the size that and config. that you want.
Waiting for my AD. Now Tudor needs to make the ranger to a 36- 35. And you’ll have a good start up collection from a brand
Can rubber strap be ordered separately from Tudor?
I’d love to try one on but my local AD doesn’t seem to have them. What’s up with that??
The key point isn’t the size. It’s the fact that, unlike the BB58, the bezel misses the red triangle and the colour matching with the dial.
My AD said it would be so much cheaper if you go for the steel bracelet then upgrade to a rubber aswell, even considering the price difference. the steel bracelet alone is almost 1/3 of the watch should one wish to get one after first buying the rubber
What does AD stand for?
@@andoletube authorized dealer
@@FlyTour69 Thank-you
How much does the rubber cost?
If I was to buy this watch, it would be on bracelet, but I’d actually want to wear it on the rubber.
Black bay 58 was already perfect for my wrist size. It only needs a bracelet update. I feel like the 54 is just that tiny bit too small for me.
I LOVE my Sub but this watch is a stunner and for the price maybe better. Absolutely beautiful 54 on rubber!
Does the bezel have ceramic insert?
I bought this a month ago. The accuracy is really good even without METAS and the 54 looks darn good on my 7inch wrist.
Absolutely my next watch! Simply wonderful.
I have a 17cm wrist and honestly thought it too small for a dive watch. I wear a 36mm Explorer and a vintage 1964 Rolex that’s 34mm. Those seem to work perfectly well, but a dive watch is different methinks
Slightly upsized BB54 dial & hands on a BB58 with silver text on the BB58 bezel insert instead of gold and red pip along with drilled lugs would be the end all perfect watch.
Is there any chance that BB58s or 54s will have a date option in future despite flying in the face of historical accuracy? Sort of hope not because I’d have to purchase immediately
I'm 6.1 and looking at my dive watch collection , I can't think of a putting on a dive watch that is under 40mm
I tried on the 54 , and it did wear bigger . Too small for my 7.5 wrist , but its a nice watch .
This thing must wear tiny because the Black Bay 58 wears really small, and the 54 is 2mm smaller then the 58.
This does have a great look to it for sure.
I have a Black Bay Heritage 41mm, and the way the Gilt Hands catch the light is mesmerizing. Tudor is great.
Would you swap it for your black bay 58?
For most of us a dive watch is an everyday watch.
What I need on my dive watch is a ceramic bezel and a date. No idea why Tudor doesn't offer that as an option to opt for.
Looks incredible, with a tribute to watches of yesteryear.
2:25 - couldnt agree more and while I would love to buy a tudor vacuum cleaner, air fryer or microwave oven - this is why they'll never get my watch money, thats for luxuries not commodities.
They nailed it!
Hi would you please consider doing a video about the IWC Aquatimer Ref.IW353602. I think it is a totally underappreciated timepiece and punching way over its weight. Would be great :D
As omega gets more expensive every year, I’m probably going to go Tudor for my next purchase. Perhaps the perfect three watch collection is a Rolex, omega, and Tudor?
Thats strap one is so good looking