Tudor Black Bay 58: Good everyday and first luxury watch?
Im looking to purchase my first luxury watch, I'm looking for an everyday piece that can handle daily life and also be dressed up a bit if the occasion arises. The clear candidates were the omega aqua terra and the cartier santos but recently I've really been looking at the black bay 58 and really love the entire package. It definitely fulfils the daily wear category as its rugged but I'm wondering if it can be dressed up if the occasion calls for it. Does anyone have any experience with this and can confirm wether or not the 58 can hold its own in a more dressy scenario or in general if its a good GADA watch?
Thanks in advance!
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It’s not really possible to answer that question, as a lot of it comes down to your personal preferences and how you feel about the watch. If you are in love, not lust, go for it. These little trinkets of ours tend not to be cheap, and it’s easy to take a loss if you have to flip it (like a car, it loses a ton of value once it has left the showroom floor and the stickers have been peeled), so be positive it‘s really what you want before pulling the trigger, and make sure you don’t or won’t — SQUIRREL! — get distracted by something that comes down the pike in a month and regret your choice.
However, I will say this. There is a reason that the Submariner is so popular. James Bond made it socially acceptable to wear a diver in a dinner jacket in Goldfinger (on a NATO, no less!) in 1964. The Black Bay is an extremely similar watch to the Sub. As the owner of a BB GMT, which is relatively similar to the 58, I find that it can be dressed both up and down — BUT, the BB is never going to be as dressy as a true dress watch. So long as you are OK with all of that, I’d say go for it if your finances are in order for it. In this economic environment, if you have to finance, I’d wait.
The 58 is a pure tool watch. It can go anywhere, but not necessarily dress up. If you aren’t someone who dresses up often and this is your only watch, you’ll really like it.
I have the black dial variant.
have been wearing it for close to two weeks in the 1WC.
I have worn it to work (more dressy) to outdoor events (extremely casual). etc.
IMO it really is a GADA Watch and I can recommend it 100%. The black dial variant can be dressed up quite a bit with the right strap. Don’t let other people fool you. It works just fine.
BUT if I go to a wedding I would rather have my two tone datejust with me. But if the BB58 was my only watch. Hell yeah I’d wear it.
i think tudor 58 is a great watch, but i dont think it is a GADA watch as it is on diver category. but i think it would handle formal occasion very well. if james bond can rock a submariner with a nato strap to a party then tudor will do the job as well
It’s not really possible to answer that question, as a lot of it comes down to your personal preferences and how you feel about the watch. If you are in love, not lust, go for it. These little trinkets of ours tend not to be cheap, and it’s easy to take a loss if you have to flip it (like a car, it loses a ton of value once it has left the showroom floor and the stickers have been peeled), so be positive it‘s really what you want before pulling the trigger, and make sure you don’t or won’t — SQUIRREL! — get distracted by something that comes down the pike in a month and regret your choice.
However, I will say this. There is a reason that the Submariner is so popular. James Bond made it socially acceptable to wear a diver in a dinner jacket in Goldfinger (on a NATO, no less!) in 1964. The Black Bay is an extremely similar watch to the Sub. As the owner of a BB GMT, which is relatively similar to the 58, I find that it can be dressed both up and down — BUT, the BB is never going to be as dressy as a true dress watch. So long as you are OK with all of that, I’d say go for it if your finances are in order for it. In this economic environment, if you have to finance, I’d wait.
Thank you!
The 58 is a pure tool watch. It can go anywhere, but not necessarily dress up. If you aren’t someone who dresses up often and this is your only watch, you’ll really like it.
Don't really dress up a lot and the only other watch i have is a seiko dressKX so maybe that can cover me if need be hahaha
Don't really dress up a lot and the only other watch i have is a seiko dressKX so maybe that can cover me if need be hahaha
Then I'd say you're golden. IMHO there's no such thing as a watch that can go anywhere BUT feel my BB58 covers most everyday occasions. And have been in love since I bought it. Not overly previous about it, if it gets a bit scratched that's fine. So happy to wear it anywhere really.
To me the BB58 black dial is the perfect choice. Something dressier isn’t going to work elsewhere, and most of us don’t dress up nearly as often as we do other things.
The other thing I’ll say is to people not into watches, anything a little shiny and expensive looking can be dressy. my friend thought my bronze Oris was rose gold. Even I wouldn’t be that casual with a gold watch, but goes to show what people know.
It's a wonderful watch and I think you will enjoy it. Everyday, yes I think so.
Yes, but you may want to look at the Black Bay 36 as well if you are looking for a GADA in Tudor’s catalog.
My big issue with the BB58 is the bracelet. After a couple of days in a row wearing it, I can’t wait to get it off when I get home. I don’t find it all that comfortable over time and there’s no micro adjust to make it right. This is why I didn’t choose it for the 1WC. On paper, it would be the better choice but I couldn’t wear it for a month. But that’s just me.
Yes, but you may want to look at the Black Bay 36 as well if you are looking for a GADA in Tudor’s catalog.
was thinking of that but i really like rose gold aspects on the 58: the 36 lacks some character in comparison. all my opinion ofc
My big issue with the BB58 is the bracelet. After a couple of days in a row wearing it, I can’t wait to get it off when I get home. I don’t find it all that comfortable over time and there’s no micro adjust to make it right. This is why I didn’t choose it for the 1WC. On paper, it would be the better choice but I couldn’t wear it for a month. But that’s just me.
Check out bb_owners on Instagram. They're selling nifty little extensions. Currently out of stock but you can pre order one. I usually wear mine on a higher micro adjust so it's not too tight but a bit of flex would be useful.
I have a 6.25” wrist. The BB58 39mm case and 48mm lug-to-lug fits well in my wrist. Yes it’s tool watch, but I think it does a decent job in formal occasions too. And at 12mm thick, it is able to slip into my sleeve quite easily. Here is a pic of my BB58 in long sleeve.
I have the BB58 and feel that it's a great watch, but I don't feel that it fits the GADA characterization quite as well as the Aqua Terra does, since the AT can handle "dressy" better. I don't have an Aqua Terra, but I have several pieces from Omega, and feel that they make great watches. For someone looking for just one watch rather than a collection, the Aqua Terra would be a great choice.
Check out bb_owners on Instagram. They're selling nifty little extensions. Currently out of stock but you can pre order one. I usually wear mine on a higher micro adjust so it's not too tight but a bit of flex would be useful.
Thanks. I’ll have to figure out how to get onto my Instagram. I think I’ll have to check my wife’s list of followers to remember my username. LOL
My big issue with the BB58 is the bracelet. After a couple of days in a row wearing it, I can’t wait to get it off when I get home. I don’t find it all that comfortable over time and there’s no micro adjust to make it right. This is why I didn’t choose it for the 1WC. On paper, it would be the better choice but I couldn’t wear it for a month. But that’s just me.
maybe they release a micro adjust version in the next years?
I have the BB58 and feel that it's a great watch, but I don't feel that it fits the GADA characterization quite as well as the Aqua Terra does, since the AT can handle "dressy" better. I don't have an Aqua Terra, but I have several pieces from Omega, and feel that they make great watches. For someone looking for just one watch rather than a collection, the Aqua Terra would be a great choice.
I dont think this will be my first and last, but as a first i would like something that i can wear everyday and not worry too much about
Thanks. I’ll have to figure out how to get onto my Instagram. I think I’ll have to check my wife’s list of followers to remember my username. LOL
Email blackbayowners@gmail.com and ask for prices/details. They aren't cheap but apparently very good. Worth the investment.
Email blackbayowners@gmail.com and ask for prices/details. They aren't cheap but apparently very good. Worth the investment.
Better still...
Hi there, thanks for getting in touch!
Due to unprecedented demand extension links for the Black Bay 58 are currently out of stock, however a no commitment pre-order can be made.
Links for the following models are in stock:
BB36
BB41
BB Harrods
BB GMT
BB Chrono
BB Steel
All links are $149.99 (plus $10 worldwide shipping) or £119.99 (plus £5 shipping) or €139.99 (plus €10 shipping)
If you wish to purchase a link or pre-order for the BB58 please send an email to blackbayowners@gmail.com including the following:
Name
Country
Tudor model
Instagram username
Many thanks
BB_Owners
Check out bb_owners on Instagram. They're selling nifty little extensions. Currently out of stock but you can pre order one. I usually wear mine on a higher micro adjust so it's not too tight but a bit of flex would be useful.
I had the same concern about bracelet fit before I bought my GMT but saw that Uncle Seiko sold half links and figured if I had a problem with the bracelet, I could pick up a half link or just switch the bracelet for a NATO, rubber or leather strap (I know, leather on a diver!?!?!).
Luckily, I got the bracelet to fit just right so I have no personal experience with Uncle Seiko's half links but read in online forums that others thought they were pretty decent to pretty good so take it for what it's worth.
I just took a quick look and unfortunately it looks like the Uncle Seiko BB58 half links are out of stock. https://www.uncleseiko.com/collections/black-bay-58/products/tudor-bb58-1-2-link-for-stock-bracelet
@Mike23, thanks for pointing out bb_owners on Instagram.
I think ive seen someone on yt use the pro clasp on the 58 but as u said expensive fit. Ive never actually tried the 58 on and would like to when I get the chance but hopefully the bracelet is a good fit as I have a 16.5cm wrist and the watches proportions should fit that nicely. I think I'd get it on the bracelet regardless and pick up a nato or something for summer/more casual wear
I had the same concern about bracelet fit before I bought my GMT but saw that Uncle Seiko sold half links and figured if I had a problem with the bracelet, I could pick up a half link or just switch the bracelet for a NATO, rubber or leather strap (I know, leather on a diver!?!?!).
Luckily, I got the bracelet to fit just right so I have no personal experience with Uncle Seiko's half links but read in online forums that others thought they were pretty decent to pretty good so take it for what it's worth.
I just took a quick look and unfortunately it looks like the Uncle Seiko BB58 half links are out of stock. https://www.uncleseiko.com/collections/black-bay-58/products/tudor-bb58-1-2-link-for-stock-bracelet
@Mike23, thanks for pointing out bb_owners on Instagram.
I have the Uncle Seiko half link. It matches the factory bracelet perfectly. Zero issues with Uncle Seiko. I wore it for a while until my wrist changed and removed it.
Even with the bracelet perfectly sized, I (personally) don’t think the BB5’s bracelet finish is up to standards.
On the other hand, I have a BB41 that fits a bit snug but is perfectly comfortable any time I wear it.
My view is that the BB58 Bronze on the Bronze bracelet is a full-on GADA. It has the specs to out-tool most tool watches, and it looks stunning on the wrist - can be easily mistaken for a "Root Beer" so fulfills the dressy box as well. It also is wrist-friendly to almost all wrist sizes.
I mean just look at that...this is one watch that could easily be a 1WC...
Ill keep that in mind thank you!
Personally, yes I do feel that the Black Bay 58 (black dial) can handle any situation! The case dimensions and colour scheme make it dressy enough while inherently still being a diver with good water resistance, lume, and bezel action! I believe you will not regret getting it😁👍🏻