Tudor's Definitive Black Bay? In-Depth Review of my BB54



A Discussion and Hands-On Review of my Tudor Black Bay 54. The video looks at the History of the Early Tudor Submariner & Heritage collection, asking the question: Is this the Definitive Black Bay? Since it was first introduced in 2012 until now, over 10 years later, with all the small updates and improvements in every area, does this watch epitomise the original vision of the watch and what it now represents?

#tudorwatch #blackbay #blackbay54

Intro 0:00
Rocky Relationship with the Black Bay 1:41
The BB54 Announcement 3:15
Two Watch Categories – Reissue & Modern 3:49
Tudor Submariner & Black Bay History 5:55
Black Bay 54 Review 8:48
BB54 Criticisms 10:41
BB54 37mm Size 11:20
FXD vs BB54 12:00
BB54 vs BB58 12:58
Did the BB54 Convert me? 14:14
Conclusion 15:47

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This Post Has 38 Comments

  1. IDGuy

    I have never before looked at the Black Bay collection from an owners perspective and never considered owning one myself (preferred the Pelagos as a property) So I purchased the BB54 on a whim with an idea that this watch felt like the definitive answer but unsure whether it would be able to sway my opinion. Safe to say it has been one of the biggest surprises I’ve ever had. Refinement, refinement & refinement. Enjoy the clip!

  2. Humble Gent

    It is a nice looking watch that feels solid. Tried loving it but with my 7 1/4 inch wrist it just felt too small for a dive watch. Sold it after 2 weeks of ownership.

  3. Kirk Bickley

    I bought this on the rubber strap and it is fantastic having the T Fit clasp on the rubber. So lightweight and comfortable. Brilliant daily driver.

  4. mac daddy

    Great video. If it had drilled lugs, the Tudor Rose on the dial and red text that said 'Submariner' I would buy it. But it doesn't so no sale.

  5. Allen Montrasio

    I can't help but think that this unanimous praise of smaller watches is being deftly orchestrated by the brands' press offices.

  6. Scott S

    Great video as always and congrats on your new BB54! It's a great looking watch; and I think it could check all the boxes for many people. But with my 7.75 inch wrist, I think a 37mm case might be too small. I don't like anything too big either. But for my wrist size, I think 39-42mm cases are more of my comfort zone. However, I do love many of the features on the new BB54; and it's my hope Tudor will upgrade the BB58 next year, to at least include the new T-Fit clasp (which I kind of think they will). Since Rolex is getting so expensive (even if you could buy at retail), I have high hopes for Tudor in the years going forward!

  7. Lillee

    I agree that it is probably what Tudor wanted to end up with but I think 10yrs ago Tudor was “not allowed” to release something like this by the Big R for fear that would have cannibalised from the Big R’s offerings at double the price. 10yrs later after proving to Big R execs that both the Tudor and Submariner and it’s variants can live side by side and hence today we have BB54. Just my thoughts

  8. southgooner86

    You are hard to listen to because you sound so disingenuous 😂 like kudos for admitting you’re doing it for views, but to suggest you’re into the exact model they’re mimicking? That’s what everyone’s doing right now 😂 I got nothing out of this and you got my comment and 30% retention, gg

  9. Mikael Nilsson

    I don't think this was the original vision for the black bay. I don't think this will be the main focus for Tudor right now either. This is (to me) a variation of the black bay to accommodate more people with different taste. I believe the 39mm BB58 will remain the "flagship" in the lineup. It's a very nice watch, but i think the perceived size will be wrong for many people. I think that is great too see variation in size. Now you can get a black bay in any size no matter your own dimensions.

  10. Kumar Iyer

    do u forsee an Explorer 1016-esque Tudor Ranger ? (sizing, case thickness, fonts, lume, potential gilt &/or matte dial etc?)

  11. CJ Solar

    When they give the 58 these kinds of refinements with clasp/crown/maybe METAS, I’ll probably have to upgrade but I love the direction they’re heading and can’t wait to see more of their watches get these treatments.

  12. Chris Grieves

    Good video, brother! I guess it depends on what you want. Whilst I appreciate these well-made points, my blue 58 is for me a Goldilocks watch. It has everything I want in a modern, well-made, practical, versatile watch. Everything works as you should expect and its quirks make it all the more endearing. These days on a Forstner Model J and that is a home run.

  13. Bobby Smith

    Awesome review….glad you got this watch for review. You are one of the best on YouTube

  14. Partha Jyoti Das

    After Cole Pennigton, Tudor should hire IDGuy! The poetic and artistic vision of this BB 54 has never been well explained before.

  15. The other very important point that you made, was that this does not wear as small as so many people think. Once I went to try it on at my local AD, I was shocked at just how much it felt like my BB58 in terms of overall size. It was just the weight and thickness that struck me as different. The rest seemed to be about the same. So, it really does wear larger that I would have expected, and I am sure larger than most all other 37mm watches.

  16. Tito R

    Looks great. Congrats and yes I think this is the way they wanted it to be.

  17. No one will ever, ever make a video as great as this over the BB54. Congrats! This was amazing. Thank you.

  18. Eric Kohl

    Nice, wev'e been waiting for review and thoughts, thanks.

  19. Chris Con

    Outstanding video! I wear a blue BB58 daily. I really like it! I think I would love the slightly smaller & lighter BB54 with the better clasp, however.

  20. The_Shadow_Realm

    The blue Pelagius definitely fulfils a different purpose than the BB54. These two alone would be a great 2 watch collection.

    Will the BB54 compete with the Omega Seamster 300 for wrist time?

    I think you can sell the Omega and have a clear conscience.

  21. leomore _it

    As often, and I must say, so far you’re the only one who actually got it just right. It couldn’t be explained better.
    As for the criticisms we hear, again, your comment on those is spot on.

  22. TIHS ON

    Wonderful melding of a 7924 and 6538. Dare to wear a 16mm strap on this 54…

  23. IL MOSTRO

    I love it but for the hands appearing a bit thin. It might be the videos and pictures, but are the straight sections of the hands the same width as the rectangular 3 6 9 hour markers? Because I feel they should be equal width but the hands appear thinner which bugs me. I love the look of slightly oversized hands and hour markers in general on these types of watches and the hands on this 54 just seem a bit dainty.

  24. alex mood

    With the exception of power reserve and the clasp I prefer Christopher Ward C60 Trident in every aspect of the watch. The dial has better finish, the case is more original, loom is better… Except the name I don’t see any added value with Tudor

  25. Watchkar

    I have fallen hard for this watch, basic though it may seem

  26. Big Iona

    I picked up the Harrod’s heritage just two weeks ago and adore it. But it’s not the design per se, it’s because that was my first trip to the UK/England/London, I saw friends I hadn’t seen in 18 years, I met up with a great group of watch nerds, and I got to see some amazing sights. So it’s 100% an experience watch. And I’m a sucker for an exclusive model. And at 6’7” and 275lbs with over a 7” wrist, it’s a great fit, even if a bit thick.

    Great video as always!

  27. Mark P

    Congratulations my friend on both the watch and the outstanding video 👏🙏🥃

  28. Dc1 Dc1

    Respect your passion for the BB54, but I don’t think we can will this model to be Tudors finest and something to do with brand confidence. It’s rare to capture lightning in a bottle and in my opinion the BB58 still remains the one time Tudor really achieved it. Very rare for brands to do this multiple times to different products, let alone a sun range of the same product

  29. RH Grabowski

    All I have to say young sir is that you made a wise business decision! I trust the BB54 will remain in your collection for years to come. It has the roots from 1954 – classic – , and it has presence in its form – currency & robust. The perfect blend. I truly want to see this one in the metal. As always, you continue to hit it out of the park with your reviews! 🔥 🥃

  30. Roamy360

    I thought the 39mm Pelagos might be the answer to the long awaited Tudor Sub. But it seems as if this Tudor 54 is the heir apparent and is as close as we may ever get. And this is fine with me. I would take the original 2012 Black Bay without the crown tube and with a micro adjustment in the clasp as my all-time favorite. If only!

  31. K

    I have to admit, for someone who likes smaller watches even for a 7 in wrist, the 37 is just perfect for a sports watch like this for the casual outing days you have. It's vintage looking, but new internals/bones, and very well sized!

    If I had the money, I would buy it absolutely!

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