Would you sell your Tudor Black Bay 58 for a Black Bay 54
Ever since the announcement in W&W 2023 of the Black Bay 54, I've been thinking quite a lot about it. The fact was that they didn't make the perfect watch, but it still ticked the right boxes.
I've owned a BB58 since 2018 and when I first had it, I felt it was slightly small. I've never owned a 39mm watch before. 39mm was an illusion, in the sense that it was the bezel size. The dial was smaller. I grew into it.
As time goes by, I've noticed smaller watch sizes trending in my collection. The Zenith A384, the Grand Seiko SGBW283, the 36mm Datejust. They all work well. As someone with small wrists, I try to avoid overhang and most of them with their small lug to lug width has worked well.
Yet when I get back to the BB58, that 2mm overhang always make me choose another timepiece to wear. Ironic how I was simply complaining of a 2mm overhang. When the Black Bay 54 was announced at 37mm, I was caught by surprise. How I wished Tudor didn't read my mind. I was already in awe of the Tudor Submariner 7922 which was why I chose the BB58 because of the homage. Now they had to go release somewhat of a revival timepiece.
Not saying that the BB54 is a perfect timepiece. It was quite a bold move to release the 37mm version. People complain of the plain colored bezel and the colorless lume pip. Honestly I don't care. What I care is whether it wears well.
Anyway, if anyone has bought one, didn't like it and wants to sell it off cheaper, do look me up LOL!
Just another average person with an interest in watches.
It's nice enough but prefer the BB58. Nothing is making me consider a switch.
The BB54 maybe true to the original size of the Sub but I think Tudor aimed the BB54 for a more varied audience. Looking how they marketed the Pelagos 39 like a daily lifestyle watch, the BB54 is following the same steps.
If you a BB58 and it fits you well the there i snot point replacing it with a BB54. The T-fit clasp is a good addition but Tudor will eventually update it sometime in the future for the BB58 too. Small size divers are gaining popularity and now you have a new option. Also the lugs on the BB54 is ever so slightly curved so it should sit on the wrist better than the BB58 which sat flat on the wrist.
Go try one on. If you think you’ll enjoy wearing the 54 more and it’s a better fit, go for it.
https://youtu.be/AlmtJOdMpt4
Nice comparison from an owner of both in the video above.
As an owner of neither, I think I would probably go for the 54 for the vintage sizing and case thickness. However if people were selling off their 58s for a lot less than the rrp of the 54 that might be enough to push me to the 58, differences aren't huge. I do like the lollipop seconds hand on the 54 though.
I love my vintage style divers, and let me tell you the BB58 did not suit me. The BB54 however is right up my alley. Not so much because of the size, mostly because of the colorway and a very subtle change...the seconds hand is a pip not a snowflake.
I like boring black divers and I think the BB58 has too much guilt/fauxtina. The BB54 however looks cleaner with the white text bezel and is truer to the original. I am now much more likely to buy a Tudor. But still about 3rd or 4th on my list below Omega and GS.
If I were you I would buy the 54 on a bracelet and keep the 58 on a strap.
https://youtu.be/AlmtJOdMpt4
Nice comparison from an owner of both in the video above.
As an owner of neither, I think I would probably go for the 54 for the vintage sizing and case thickness. However if people were selling off their 58s for a lot less than the rrp of the 54 that might be enough to push me to the 58, differences aren't huge. I do like the lollipop seconds hand on the 54 though.
It was seeing this video that made me start to love the BB54 rather than being confused by it. As someone who owned the BB58 in the past, I thought it was already the perfect size for smaller wrists (mine is 6.5 inches). Seeing it in the video on the same size wrist was eye opening. It looks incredible! Also, I really love the 54 Tudor Sub. 50's and 60's Subs are my favorite and this new 54 seems like an incredible re-creation. I love that the bezel is more monochromatic also. Overall, if I were to get a Black Bay again, this time I think I'd go for the 54.
The more interesting question is what would someone do when the Black Bay 58 gets updated. The case changes and hand changes are going to roll out to the rest of the Black Bay line in due time. Probably the regular Black Bays first, and then the 58's after. When the 58 gets a slightly slimmer and less slab sided case, and the new hands, would you rather have that or a 54?
I wouldn’t, because it would be too small for me, but this is all about fitting you and your preferences. Try it out, and go with the one you like the best.
The gilt bezel and red triangle makes the BB58 the winner in my mind
However, I understand the appeal of the BB54 from a size perspective...to me, the lack of color on the bezel with unmatched gilt dial give the the watch a cold, lifeless personality
I wish Tudor matched the dial to the bezel or vice versa because design-wise, the BB54 just lacks...something....but it is heavily vintage inspired and will sell like hotcakes
It was seeing this video that made me start to love the BB54 rather than being confused by it. As someone who owned the BB58 in the past, I thought it was already the perfect size for smaller wrists (mine is 6.5 inches). Seeing it in the video on the same size wrist was eye opening. It looks incredible! Also, I really love the 54 Tudor Sub. 50's and 60's Subs are my favorite and this new 54 seems like an incredible re-creation. I love that the bezel is more monochromatic also. Overall, if I were to get a Black Bay again, this time I think I'd go for the 54.
Yeah, it was a nice overview. I have the same size wrist so was immediately interested.
I like the lack of minute markers 0-15 min.
The 54 really is a very close match to the original tudor 7922, bar the tudor rose and self winding smiley text.
I would be afraid to try the 54 on, maybe if I leave my wallet and phone at home...
This is the watch that really caught my attention. And got me seriously thinking about Tudor. I had a fleeting thought of calling my Rolex AD and telling him forget it, I'm going Tudor haha.
The 37mm is the sweet spot for me. But so few watches are released! I'm constantly on the look out for such watches. So this has definitely caught my interest.
My only issue is the faux rivets. I really can't do those. Maybe it will grow on me? When I looked at the 58, I was excited until I saw the rivet and then said no. I found a San Martin homage that actually felt better on the wrist, with no rivets on the oyster bracelet. So I lost interest.
BTW, I'm also looking at the GS and have asked for a 36 DJ. Have you considered the Longines 37mm Spirit?
I would not change my blue BB58 for the BB54 but I am drawn to the Pelagos 39 and might make that swap.
Another 37mm diver option is the Rado Captain Cook shown here on my wife’s wrist.
no, I would not 😀
This was me trying the 36 Explorer awhile back and it just visually looked too small for me. With that said, I prefer the medium Santos even with its smaller size (white dial, square shape), it just works. But a black dial small round watch on my 19CM (7.5”) wrist just didn’t quite gel.
I worry, but want to try it on, that the BB54 will also be too small. If it fits slightly bigger than the Explorer 36, I’d put it on my list even over the Pelagos 39.
I will wait for a different color for the Black Bay 54 as I already have a Black Bay 41 (the one with the rose logo and smilling text) in Black. The 54 looks great, despite these annoying faux rivets. If they release a version in Blue or Green i won’t probably be able to resist
The BB54 maybe true to the original size of the Sub but I think Tudor aimed the BB54 for a more varied audience. Looking how they marketed the Pelagos 39 like a daily lifestyle watch, the BB54 is following the same steps.
If you a BB58 and it fits you well the there i snot point replacing it with a BB54. The T-fit clasp is a good addition but Tudor will eventually update it sometime in the future for the BB58 too. Small size divers are gaining popularity and now you have a new option. Also the lugs on the BB54 is ever so slightly curved so it should sit on the wrist better than the BB58 which sat flat on the wrist.
The only difference being is that BB54 borrows from an already proven design from the Tudor sub 7922. You can say that the Pelagos 39mm size borrows from the BB58.
https://youtu.be/AlmtJOdMpt4
Nice comparison from an owner of both in the video above.
As an owner of neither, I think I would probably go for the 54 for the vintage sizing and case thickness. However if people were selling off their 58s for a lot less than the rrp of the 54 that might be enough to push me to the 58, differences aren't huge. I do like the lollipop seconds hand on the 54 though.
This introduction might cause the BB58 to fall in price in the secondhand market. Again if you have large wrist and you are fine with 39mm, it would be a bargain.
It was seeing this video that made me start to love the BB54 rather than being confused by it. As someone who owned the BB58 in the past, I thought it was already the perfect size for smaller wrists (mine is 6.5 inches). Seeing it in the video on the same size wrist was eye opening. It looks incredible! Also, I really love the 54 Tudor Sub. 50's and 60's Subs are my favorite and this new 54 seems like an incredible re-creation. I love that the bezel is more monochromatic also. Overall, if I were to get a Black Bay again, this time I think I'd go for the 54.
Took the words right out of my mouth! My confusion was that I thought nothing in that price range and made by Tudor could better the BB58 for me. But I knew inside that if they made it slightly smaller it would be a win for me. Imagine if, instead of the Black Bay GMT Opaline 41mm, they made it in 39mm. It will drive people nuts!
So many amazing and very good comments! I wasn't looking to be deinfluenced. All your comments sums up the feelings that people have about the BB54 and its all good.
This was me trying the 36 Explorer awhile back and it just visually looked too small for me. With that said, I prefer the medium Santos even with its smaller size (white dial, square shape), it just works. But a black dial small round watch on my 19CM (7.5”) wrist just didn’t quite gel.
I worry, but want to try it on, that the BB54 will also be too small. If it fits slightly bigger than the Explorer 36, I’d put it on my list even over the Pelagos 39.
I actually think that Explorer looks great on your wrist!
I have a small wrist and think the 37 would be ideal switch for me. I am leaning towards getting the 54 but would largely depend on how the pre-owned market would be for the 58 now.
So many amazing and very good comments! I wasn't looking to be deinfluenced. All your comments sums up the feelings that people have about the BB54 and its all good.
You know it will end up on a Bond NATO 👌
my question would be "would you notice"?
No 54 for me. I love small dive watches (I wore an SKX013 as my daily for 8 years) but the 58 just feels so right. It feels like the perfect middle spot. It’s small enough to be a comfortable daily but just hefty enough to feel like a tool watch. Have said that, I was really excited to see the 54 come out and I would love to see small dive watches grow with enthusiasts.
Hi Faz. I feel you. I'm also a guy with a small wrist (around 14-14.5cm, yes yes kid size). I once owned the Seiko Presage GMT with a 50-51 lug to lug. And I couldn't get over that overhand of lugs. In the end, I sold it.
These days, I begin to find my sweet spot (for the lug to lug) is around 44-48mm. I haven't got the chance to own any watches with diameters smaller than 38mm. But I'm beginning to be attracted to 36mm sizes (like the Black Bay 36 and Datejust 36).
Yet now I'm very torn between choosing between the new Black bay 36 blue vs the Black Bay 54. Both are rare gems in small-size watches with sweet lug-to-lug lengths.
Hi Faz. I feel you. I'm also a guy with a small wrist (around 14-14.5cm, yes yes kid size). I once owned the Seiko Presage GMT with a 50-51 lug to lug. And I couldn't get over that overhand of lugs. In the end, I sold it.
These days, I begin to find my sweet spot (for the lug to lug) is around 44-48mm. I haven't got the chance to own any watches with diameters smaller than 38mm. But I'm beginning to be attracted to 36mm sizes (like the Black Bay 36 and Datejust 36).
Yet now I'm very torn between choosing between the new Black bay 36 blue vs the Black Bay 54. Both are rare gems in small-size watches with sweet lug-to-lug lengths.
I agree. I like the bb36 but told myself that for the same price, I'm going with the diver bb54
I agree. I like the bb36 but told myself that for the same price, I'm going with the diver bb54
That's true. I thought of the same thing. But I might still gravitate more toward the more modern-looking BB 36. And wonder would the BB54 have new color or material next year 2024. Seems everyone is giving their love for the BB54, but not much for the BB36.
That's true. I thought of the same thing. But I might still gravitate more toward the more modern-looking BB 36. And wonder would the BB54 have new color or material next year 2024. Seems everyone is giving their love for the BB54, but not much for the BB36.
It's a Stellar watch. Been waiting for my local AD to stock. I'm still waiting for my Horage Supersede so I don't want to rush to get another diver just yet. But I am always looking for a watch to upgrade my sarb033 as an everyday watch that can be worn on dressy occasions. I tell myself I don't need an exp1 when something like a Monta noble is similar but would like a speedy sapphire sandwich if I can convince myself it can be worn in dressy environments