'BlueBay' 58 review

Ever since the new BlackBay Pro came out, I started to question the recent purchase of my BlackBay 58 in Navy. Well not anymore... Now that the honeymoon phase is over, I simply cannot state how much this watch has grown on me. Starting with the dial and how it magically changes saturation depending on the light. It can be a subtle navy blue in low, artificial light while maturing to a royal blue in bright natural light. The handset will also refract light through the domed bezel making it easy to read the time at a near horizontal level. Oh and I haven't even mentioned the bezel action. It's simply orgasmic. Each of the 60 turns are rewarded with a calculated 'CLICK' all equally weighted until you get back to the 12' which is ever so slightly more recessed to prevent accidentally turning it. The symmetry of the dial is accentuated with text that gains in width as it reaches the bottom of the dial giving it a solid 'base-like' structure. As you can tell, I can't say enough good things about this timepiece. My initial impressions were that it was simply a blue, no-date watch but oh my goodness it grows on you. The best way to view this watch is through the perspective of the Tudor Submariners that were standard issue to the Marine Nationale. Although the Pelagos FXD fulfills that role in a more literal reinterpretation, this blackbay is arguably the more well-rounded choice due to the stainless steel finish and heft on the bracelet. However, my only complaint with this watch resides in the lack of microadjustment in the clasp. Besides this, the bracelet is quite a treat. The oyster-style bracelet has a stepped taper design which is flanked either side with the faux rivets. Whichever side of the camp you're on, they're hardly noticable on the wrist and shouldn't be a deal breaker for you. Reminiscent of the bezel action, the clasp features ceramic ball bearings to make each and every occasion of putting it on a treat.