TUDOR Black Bay FIFTY-EIGHT

Tudor has released a new Navy Blue version of their flagship diver’s model, known as the Black Bay Fifty Eight, a watch for the faithful.



The BB Fifty-Eight presented in traditional Navy Blue color codes takes its moniker from the year that Tudor’s first diver’s watch was born; 1958.



The OG Tudor divers’ watch is a bit of legend in certain circles. The 200 meter water-resistant dive watch, known by its reference number: 7924 or simply as Big Crown, was first presented in 1958.



The 2020 BB 1958 recalls several aesthetic historic design features, such as its modest 39mm case diameter which is not only in line with 1950s trends, but also today’s.



While the size is ideal for a smaller wrist, there is this growing trend among those with a more purist approach to vintage and retro wristwatches that prefer a more compact size.



Talking once again of color, Navy Blue doesn’t quite date back as 1958 as it was 1969 that Tudor introduced a divers’ watch with a blue dial and bezel.



The other sports models in the collection were soon also dressed in blue, immediately creating a lasting aesthetic signature which came to be known as Tudor Blue.



That watch was soon adopted by the French Navy during the 1970s, who continued to receive service watches is the famous Navy Blue livery.



This is a colour that Tudor have employed on the BB 1958’s synthetic soft-touch fabric strap. Below are all the Key Features of the Black Bay 1958 Navy Blue:



The 39mm watch case is in 316L Stainless steel. The dial is domed as in a Navy Blue with a matt grained finish with applied hour-markers.



The dial comes with Tudor’s legendary Snowflake hands, a hallmark of all Tudor divers' watches, since 1969. These are with grade A, Swiss SuperLumiNova.



Power comes from a Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5402, COSC-certified automatic mechanical movement with an Si (silicon) balance spring and an autonomy of up to 70hrs.



Actually I am not sure on MSRP, but I can tell you that the watch comes with three straps/bracelet options: a blue Jacquard fabric with a silver band, blue soft touch, and riveted steel.



Thoughts? If I was in the market for a new watch – this one makes me wish I had a smaller wrist. Although I wear a Rolex as my daily, I feel that the BB perhaps is a classier option.

I imagine that Tudor fanboys are running round with the legs crossed for fear of wetting themselves but despite the classic style and tasteful colour codes it’s a quite a familiar look and you know what familiarity does.



But what do you think? Is it too small or does it hit the sweet spot with its 39mm size and Navy Blue?