GMTs and watch dimensions
All, you may remember me from my Zulu Time review a few days back. Well, here's the other post I hinted at.
I recently got hands on with the 39mm Zulu Time and the 39mm Tudor Black Bay Pro, both of which I also got to contrast with my Grand Seiko SBGN005, also a 39mm.
To my surprise, the smaller GMTs all wear and look great. Peruse the attached images and you'll see.
The 39mm Zulu Time is smaller yes, but not comically so and is basically, in my estimation, a 9/10 scale 42mm Zulu time. It's a bit thinner and on my eyes and on my wrist, it's noticable. Less bulky and a bit more "streamlined".
To use a firearms reference, the 42mm is the Glock 17 while the 39mm is the Glock 19.
The 39mm wears FAR better on the bracelet on my wrist (goes from ~6.8 to 7.1 inches based on salt, fitness and the weather).
The 39mm Tudor Black Bay Pro was a great surprise. All the talk about thickness melted away the moment I got it on wrist and realized that the caseback sunk into my skin and a decent % of its height was the domed sapphire crystal. Sure, would I like a flat or more gently domed crystal, sure (and I have a VERY strong feeling that the aftermarket will provide that really soon) but it's NOT some gigantic metal lump on the wrist that some reviewers may have you believe.
The hands, dial, and indices all look very cool and subdued, no bling here.
On relation to the SBGN005, the polish, stunning hands and indices along with the color make it so different as to be appropriate for both to occupy a watch box and not feel like you bought the same watch twice.
The Grand Seiko has a sloped steel bezel and the BB Pro has a flat one.
The T-Fit clasp is excellent and needs to be on every Tudor bracelet that can support it yesterday.
So, after all of this time at the ADs, what did I learn. Well, I learned that on paper dimensions aren't everything.
I also learned that...... I'm almost certainly going to be sending my 42mm Zulu Time to a new home shortly and wait till March/April to see what Longines is up to with them this year (Grade 5 titanium Zulu Times as a permanent addition to the lineup????). The 39mm Zulu, especially on bracelet, fits me a bit better. Note that I didn't see a 39mm Zulu last March when I got my 42mm... Whoops.
Furthermore, I have a feeling that a Tudor BB Pro is in my watch box in the future.....
Hope y'all enjoyed the pictures and let me know what y'all think about these watches. 😎😀
Watch collector and enthusiast from Dallas, Texas
I love a GMT 👌that Tudor looks great as well
I am interested in them Zulu time but an concerned about the lug to lug distance. I have a "bony" 7 inch wrist and wondered how it would wear. What are your thoughts?
I am interested in them Zulu time but an concerned about the lug to lug distance. I have a "bony" 7 inch wrist and wondered how it would wear. What are your thoughts?
You'd definitely be ok with the 39mm and probably the 42mm on a strap. I'm fine with the 42mm on a strap but the bracelet is a no go.
Really like the look of the BB pro, must get to an AD and try one on soon .. Domed crystal is not something I like but I must say this watch is really growing on me . A great holiday and travel option 🤔
I love a gmt currently got 6 of them, and that BB Pro is one I’d love to add but they all look great. The Tudor is still number 1 for me but that Longines looks amazing to and 39mm definitely isn’t too small. My wrist is of a similar size too yours and my sweet spot is between 39-42mm, so I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them.
To me, the Longines x Hodinkee GMT collab is the perfect GMT watch. Combines the superior case shape of the Zulu 39 with the colorway and style of the BB Pro. All in Grade 5 titanium.
Very surprised it hasn’t sold out yet. People must really hate Hodinkee.
To me, the Longines x Hodinkee GMT collab is the perfect GMT watch. Combines the superior case shape of the Zulu 39 with the colorway and style of the BB Pro. All in Grade 5 titanium.
Very surprised it hasn’t sold out yet. People must really hate Hodinkee.
Like I said in the post, I have a strange feeling Longines will be making titanium Zulu Times a thing soon
You won’t be disappointed with the Tudor 39
I think both the #tudor & #longines are great watches. But, for me I would say I prefer the #longines over the tudor. For me the #longines Zulu time offers a better package considering price, size & overall proportions compared to the BB Pro.