The Proof of My Falability - Tudor Black Bay Pro
Even after all this time, and with nearly 60 pieces in my collection, I make foolish blunders in my watch collecting. I wrote this watch off from the first. Too thick. Too large. Don’t like the bezel. On and on. From the second it touched my wrist I knew I was a fool to not seek it out in the flesh years ago.
I had gone to my AD to try on a Cartier Santos and hilariously ended up leaving with a no nonsense modern tool watch.
The Black Bay Pro is, to me, what Rolex was in days of old, a tool watch, purpose made for adventure.
Have you ever made a similar error? What watch did you think you’d dislike until you found it on your wrist and/or in your collection?
Cheers!
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Ethan Roberts
I may have a problem….
Indianapolis, IN
Member since
Last active: 19 hrs ago
17.78 cm
Omega SMP and now my favorite watch I own.
My moonwatch....never thought I'd actually like it that much!
SM300. Intended as a watch for best only, really hard not to use it as my daily.
The fixation with single measurements (diameter, thickness) is reductive. So many things matter more: ratios, proportions, colours, fit, feelings and mood.
I had that with all Tudors initially. I saw the snowflake handset and thought it was ugly. Then I saw them in person - specifically a Black Bay Pro, funnily enough - and flipped entirely. Now, there isn’t a snowflake-equipped Tudor that I don’t like on at least some level, and some that I love.
When I read about Breitling launching a triple calendar moonphase chronograph watch, Datora a few years ago, I was keen to own one until the watch’s MSRP was bumped up twice before I even saw one, decided I could live well without the item, last Friday planned to visit a few guys at one of the ads that I buy from to check out a list of new watches that were on sale from 20-30% off retail. Nothing of interest but saw a Datora in the showcase, tried it on, examined the lovely workmanship, pulled out my credit card, sometimes we need to just respect the impulse.
I love the bb pro 😍
I Have one also. I immediately bought a rubber b strap.
Hard to think of a mens wristwatch with more historical significance than the Santos, so that Tudor must have REALLY made your beanie spin! I have felt the same EXACT way about the BB Pro as you...maybe I was just as wrong? I am going to play it safe and not try it on and find out. I don't need MORE watches to pine after...
For me, both the Omega Aqua Terra and the JLC Polaris are so much nicer in person that in photos. When you know, you know 😄
Congratulations! Great piece 👌🏻
The „real“ Snowflake SBGA211 was one such model for me. Single measurement alone would make it a tad too big for me. Titanium and the „whole package“ male it wear like a dream.
When I read about Breitling launching a triple calendar moonphase chronograph watch, Datora a few years ago, I was keen to own one until the watch’s MSRP was bumped up twice before I even saw one, decided I could live well without the item, last Friday planned to visit a few guys at one of the ads that I buy from to check out a list of new watches that were on sale from 20-30% off retail. Nothing of interest but saw a Datora in the showcase, tried it on, examined the lovely workmanship, pulled out my credit card, sometimes we need to just respect the impulse.
This watch I cannot wait to see on WRUW. I just can’t get over the thickness. Beautiful watch though. Baby Patek baby.
Hard to think of a mens wristwatch with more historical significance than the Santos, so that Tudor must have REALLY made your beanie spin! I have felt the same EXACT way about the BB Pro as you...maybe I was just as wrong? I am going to play it safe and not try it on and find out. I don't need MORE watches to pine after...
The decision to stay away may be wise, my friend. I fell instantly. 🍻
I was the total opposite with this watch. Loved the photos and everything about it so I went to store with the intention to purchase, until I tried it on and realised it looks like a hockey puck.
Nice one dude. Question is when you going back to get the Cartier? 😂🙌
Casio G-shock Square. I didn't like digital watches, and G-shocks were the opposite of elegance. But after hearing the praise and wearing a Casioak, I found the Square just looked better. It looks *right*. It fits me better too. The ultimate beater.
Certain models of Rolex are still ruged adventure pieces.
Sinn U50. I never thought I would like such a stark, modern, almost brutalist design at a size that’s typically too big for me. Now I’m on my second one (unfortunately the steel bezel will have to go). In person, the hands, case, dial, bezel, etc. all come together to form a single design that makes so much sense. Shockingly thin for a 500m diver. It’s immediately familiar when you put it on. The bead blasting and curves even make the metal feel softer. It wears like that comfy pair of jeans you’ve had forever.
Haha buying a dress watch is hard work. Good on you
This watch I cannot wait to see on WRUW. I just can’t get over the thickness. Beautiful watch though. Baby Patek baby.
I am comfortable with Breitling watches because they are almost bulletproof and I am not the most careful owner in the world. I will post in a day or so, busy with some annoying work related issues, haha.
Nice one dude. Question is when you going back to get the Cartier? 😂🙌
Next year. The saving has already begun. 😅
I was the total opposite with this watch. Loved the photos and everything about it so I went to store with the intention to purchase, until I tried it on and realised it looks like a hockey puck.
Isn’t that weird! I have a 7.5” wrist and it didn’t look too pucky in the context of my arm, which of course was the fear. Just goes to show, there no replacement for having it on. Did you end up buying something else that day?
Casio G-shock Square. I didn't like digital watches, and G-shocks were the opposite of elegance. But after hearing the praise and wearing a Casioak, I found the Square just looked better. It looks *right*. It fits me better too. The ultimate beater.
I have so much love for digital Casios because of a childhood connection. My favorite is my modded ae1200w “Royale”. It’s more about function in that case, though. My favorite feature set on any digital watch ever. And throw the module in a bronze case with a metal faceplate and sapphire glass and it’s pretty sharp too. 🍻
When I first saw this watch in the metal I wasn’t sure if it was for me but after seeing and getting the chance to borrow one my opinion has changed it really is a great watch all around …!! enjoy it in good health ⭐️⏱️💯
That's how I felt about my BB41. I never bought into the Tudor hype. But within minutes on purchase, it became the watch, I never knew I wanted.