Tudor Blacky Bay 41
There is no debate, Tudor has stepped up its game over the past decade. Tudor watches are even to a point now where certain models have a waitlist, which is remarkable. A watch in their Heritage collection that has earned the attention of many watch enthusiasts is the Tudor Black Bay 41. The Tudor Black Bay 41 is part of a size variation that comes in a combination of 32mm, 36mm, and 41mm. With this being a Tudor Black Bay 41 review, we’ll go into what makes this variation one of the best in the Heritage collection and maybe even the entire Tudor lineup.
For our Tudor Black Bay 41 review, let’s start with the specs and then we’ll dive into what we love and what we think needs improved on this watch.
The Tudor Black Bay 41 is a mechanical self winding movement with a 38 hour power reserve. The calibre for the Tudor Black Bay 41 is the trusted ETA 2824. The 2824 is one of the most common and reliable movements for 3 hand watches and we can personally attest to its reliability and accuracy.
Obviously the diameter for the Tudor Black Bay 41 is 41mm. The watch also has a lug to lug length of 50mm, case thickness of 11.2mm, and has a water resistance rating of 150m (500ft). This larger size fits the current trend of modern day mens watches. What’s impressive is that Tudor maintained a 36mm version in the Black Bay lineup. Most watch manufacturers don’t typically have a size variation within the same collection. Tudor isn’t just any ordinary watch company. Tudor is a watch company that just so happens to be owned by the famed Rolex. Rolex is another manufacturer that gives its consumers not only choices in size but also in color variations. Further in this Tudor Black Bay 41 review we’ll go into more detail comparing this watch to its most common comparison, the Rolex Explorer.
To see how this watch compares to the Rolex Explorer, check out our article comparing the Tudor Black Bay 41 to the Rolex Explorer.
When we were doing our research for our Tudor Black Bay 41 review, one of the first things that really stood out was the quality of the steel bracelet and clasp. This segment of the watch makes it clear where the synergies between Tudor and Rolex really become visible. Engineering a comfortable and secure bracelet / clasp is harder said than done. The Tudor Black Bay 41 is a watch that delivers this combination and is comparable to alternatives that cost 3x-4x the amount.
Tudor Black Bay 41 Lume
The hands and dial on the Tudor Black Bay 41 off lots of surface area for luminescent material. The perfect design of the hands and markers have really made the Tudor Blacky Bay Lume one of the best features of this watch. You’ll have the ability to go to bed with lume and wake up at any point during the night and still be able to read the time.
Tudor Black Bay 41 Blue
The Tudor Black Bay 41 Blue version is one of the most sought after references to Tudor’s entire lineup. One of the things Tudor does well is providing its consumers choices and variations. Blue dials are hot in the market right now and the Tudor Black Bay 41 Blue is a perfect example of Tudor bringing to market quality watches that consumers want to buy. When we met with one of our local ADs when preparing for our Tudor Black Bay 41 review, we only had access to the black dial version. I can speak for all of us when I say we are anxiously awaiting to see how beautiful the Tudor Black Bay 41 Blue watch looks on a blue dial.
Tudor Black Bay 41 S&G
The Tudor Black Bay 41 S&G is definitely the more elegant and dressy variant of the Heritage collection. This reference is offered in a combination of yellow gold and steel. The price point for the precious metal version is very competitive in the watch market at $4,200 MSRP. The jubilee bracelet is now making another appearance with the Tudor Black Bay 41 S&G. Even though we don’t believe the all stainless steel black dial is similar to the Rolex Datejust, the S&G definitely comes close.
What We Like About the Tudor Black Bay 41
The advantage to do reviews and especially our Tudor Black Bay 41 review is that we get to learn so much about a particular watch. What stood out most to us is the value of this watch. With a retail price of $3,050, the Tudor Black Bay 41 is one of the best value proposition watches on the market. This watch is in simple terms, a solid watch that can last a lifetime. All of the components of the watch are designed to pleasure and details well thought out. There isn’t hardly anything to complain about this watch.
The versatility of these watches are just amazing. With only a dial change, the Tudor Black Bay 41 Blue is a different watch and commands a whole new view.
One thing we found when discussing this watch with collectors while conducting our research on the Tudor Black Bay 41 review article was that it’s often compared to the Rolex Explore. To be honest we can see the similarity in the perspective that Rolex owns both watches but to us, that’s where it ends. The Tudor Black Bay 41 isn’t pretending to be a Rolex Explorer and has made itself very different. Our suggestions to anyone who wants a Rolex Explorer is to buy the Rolex Explorer. Our conversions with the community has shown that collectors who buy the Tudor Black Bay 41 to scratch their Rolex Explorer itch are hardly ever satisfied. That is because these are two entirely different watches and unfortunately buyers sometimes find that out the hard way.
What We’d Like To See Changed
This is getting very nit picky but we’d like the see the black rubber eliminated from the crown of the Tudor Black Bay 41. We understand that it is a unique element but it’s not necessary to the overall function of the watch. Another change we’d like to see is changing the text at the six o’clock position. The Tudor design / marketing team can come up with something better than “Self-Winding Rotor”.
Overall
Overall the Tudor Black Bay 41 is an excellent timepiece that should deserve consideration for any first luxury watch buyer, anyone looking for a good tool watch, or anyone looking to buy an everyday wear wrist watch. The Tudor Black Bay 41 is readily available at most ADs and can be bought in the stainless steel edition for $3,050 and $4,200 for the S&G.
Tudor Black Bay 41 Specs
- MSRP: $3,050
- Case: 41mm
- Water Resistance: 150m
- Movement: Eta 2824
- Power Reserve: 38hr
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Bezel: Smooth
