NWA - Tudor BB41 and a short digression into why collecting watches may be slowly driving me insane
So I got this new watch that I really like. I think it’s close to perfect for me. Let’s do a quick recap of the past month and how we got here.
Sometime in March I decided that I needed to plug a hole deep inside me with a watch - I’m sure many of you can relate.
This sudden urge happened to coincide with a period of time where I was watching a lot of YoureTerric watch videos on the YouTube. Simply one of the best watch related channels out there; please do go check him out. Anyway, he’s got a vintage quartz Tag Heuer that caught my eye. So I thought to myself, “maybe that’s the one!”
Long story short, came in the mail, too small, sent it back. Next!
You all may recall that during this same time period there was a micro brand march madness tourney with the championship going to Baltic. Well there you go! Obviously I need to score an Aquascaphe and be done with this.
Ordered one, slept on it, and cancelled the next day. Do I want a microbrand, is this really the one, is it versatile enough, how is the QC really though? On and on.
I would have considered a Lorier if they ever had any in stock but I suspect I would have had the same misgivings.
I knew things were getting pretty serious now so I sold two watches to convince my wife that I am being responsible and financially prudent. Bye to an old Seiko Flightmaster and Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic.
Obviously my next move was to order a Christopher Ward C65 Dune Automatic. So many good reviews and positive feedback! Love their designs and retro inspired line up. Ordered one, tried it on, love the look and the finishing, but 38 mm just not doing it for me. Sent it back. I’ll be keeping my eye on their lineup.
Ok so now what? Formex, Tudor Ranger, various Sinns? How is it that I don’t know what I want but I’m dying for something at the same time? This is dumb. I spent hours and hours looking at websites, YouTube reviews, all over the crunch.
FINALLY THERE IT WAS! Some beautiful wrist (maybe Random Rob?) with a Tudor Black Bay 41 on it. Couple weeks later here we are. I got the watch yesterday and love it.
The dial, the bracelet, no date, legibility, the hands, the oversized crown, the versatility. All of these things work for me. The perfect GADA watch that I’ve been looking for. My soul is at ease, finally. But for how long?
I enjoy learning about watches.
This Tudor is super clean. I really like this specific model. 🤩👍
… not … for … long 🤪
Enjoy while it lasts 🤝
Turn off your social media/YouTube updates until after you find yourself getting bored with this one. :-)
And by the way, I agree this timepiece is really striking in its beautiful simplicity and take-you-by-surprise boldness.
This Tudor is super clean. I really like this specific model. 🤩👍
It works for me.
Turn off your social media/YouTube updates until after you find yourself getting bored with this one. :-)
I will do my best!
Stick with a watch longer. Sometimes it takes time to truly appreciate a watch. It’s easy to get caught up. Spend more time just wearing and enjoying.
Stick with a watch longer. Sometimes it takes time to truly appreciate a watch. It’s easy to get caught up. Spend more time just wearing and enjoying.
Fully agree, I plan on keeping this BB41 forever and I haven’t watched any watch review videos in over 36 hours!!
I had a similar saga for the last couple years. I'm kind of a one-watch person, where I have one that I wear 90% of the time, and a couple others for rare occasions. I'm super happy for you and your Tudor! Congrats and I hope this period of relief lasts for you!
I had my saga end with a 40mm Omega Railmaster about a month ago. Still definitely love it and hope that this feeling of relief lasts for me as well!
You are one of us. It is weird how our tastes change. Is it because there is something about the watch that I would improve? Or am I being influence by an outside factor telling me to look at something else (AKA marketing). They are very good at telling us that whatever we have is not enough and it can be cured by spending more money.
Great posts. I feel I’m a little like that just starting my love for watches. Am i comfortable with microbrands like Monta or Formex for the value proposition or go for something like this Tudor which is double the cost?
I had a similar saga for the last couple years. I'm kind of a one-watch person, where I have one that I wear 90% of the time, and a couple others for rare occasions. I'm super happy for you and your Tudor! Congrats and I hope this period of relief lasts for you!
I had my saga end with a 40mm Omega Railmaster about a month ago. Still definitely love it and hope that this feeling of relief lasts for me as well!
That’s a beautiful watch! I’m the same way in that I don’t really rotate watches often. I’m sure you are going to be all set for a long time - wear it in good health!
I struggle with the same thoughts constantly! Very recently actually…
I just sold one of my watches cause I feel I don’t always wear my “core” often enough and yet I keep thinking to myself, “I sold one - buy another!”… I decided to compromise, get some new straps, and trick myself into thinking I got new watches by put them them on some new shoes lol
I have always loved the BB41 though. Great GADA watch and so much value!
This puppy is on my radar, but can't decide on dial colour (black, blue, silver).
Welcome to the fun of the hobby! For whatever it’s worth… I picked up a Tudor Black Bay 36 a few years back and that “at ease” feeling hasn’t yet gone away. I have an appreciation for Explorers, Aqua Terras, and Railmasters, but nothing has seriously threatened to draw me away from it.
Great posts. I feel I’m a little like that just starting my love for watches. Am i comfortable with microbrands like Monta or Formex for the value proposition or go for something like this Tudor which is double the cost?
There is no right answer. Follow your heart.
This disease worsens over time
I think there’s nothing wrong with a period of aggressive acquisition, where you buy a bunch of pieces to try, and decide what you like. What you’ve clearly done well is have the restraint to send back when not exactly what you want (I have been a lot slower to move on / sell 😂).
I’m now in a period where I’m happy with what I have, and am sorting through which I like the most. And then likely will trim down a bit.
Enjoy the Tudor - can never go wrong with that beautiful dial
Can 100% empathise, I bought a Titoni Airmaster millions of years back & remeber thinking “this watch is the only watch I’ll need” 39mm day date, steel bracelet all boxes ticked. I wasn’t a collector back then just liked watches, two watch boxes now almost full & still hunting for THE watch. Blame YouTube.
Peter Kotsa has a good philosophy buy what speaks to you & ignore brand marketing. The problem is once you are a collector/enthusiast there’s always another watch waiting in the back of your mind. Enjoy that beautiful Tudor in the meantime😀
That’s a beautiful watch! I’m the same way in that I don’t really rotate watches often. I’m sure you are going to be all set for a long time - wear it in good health!
Thanks, Scipio! I heard someone on here say that "comparison is the thief of joy." I will try to remember this going forward as I'm sure something new will come out that will draw my eye. Good luck to you!
I can relate. I searched for the perfect GADA watch for years. Black dial, steel bracelet, 100m wr or better. I bought and sold many but none of them were the one. Then Tudor released the Black Bay 36. I was in love. Went to my AD to try it on and…way too small for me. The hunt continued until a year later they released the BB41. It’s been with me ever since.
I can relate. I searched for the perfect GADA watch for years. Black dial, steel bracelet, 100m wr or better. I bought and sold many but none of them were the one. Then Tudor released the Black Bay 36. I was in love. Went to my AD to try it on and…way too small for me. The hunt continued until a year later they released the BB41. It’s been with me ever since.
I’ve come to the realization that 39mm is as small as I will likely ever go with a dial. Smaller sizes just don’t fit what I’m looking for in a watch. I agree that this watch is the perfect GADA (for me!) and I’m so thrilled with it.
I think there’s nothing wrong with a period of aggressive acquisition, where you buy a bunch of pieces to try, and decide what you like. What you’ve clearly done well is have the restraint to send back when not exactly what you want (I have been a lot slower to move on / sell 😂).
I’m now in a period where I’m happy with what I have, and am sorting through which I like the most. And then likely will trim down a bit.
Enjoy the Tudor - can never go wrong with that beautiful dial
Thanks! I appreciate that perspective, I hadn’t thought of it that way.
This puppy is on my radar, but can't decide on dial colour (black, blue, silver).
I don’t think there is a wrong answer!
Have the poor man's version.
Have the blue dial 41..absolutely the best all rounder gada watch!!.took it to hawaii, take it to work in construction doing plumbing,swimming in the summers and hiking in Appalachia!..had it since 2018 and never failed me..wear in good health! Congrats my friend!
This should be the motto of every enthusiast everywhere. 😊
Sanity is overrated
This Tudor is super clean. I really like this specific model. 🤩👍
I think I might like that Tudor better than the Rolex Explorer I.
Great choice! Have fun putting it on every strap you own!