Is This Tudor's Answer to the Rolex Submariner? (Black Bay 41 Monochrome)

A Discussion around the Tudor "Monochrome" Black Bay 41mm. One of the most subtle releases from the brand in a long time but in fact the simplicity is what has won so many people over. Almost a decade since the brand last gave us a B&W Black Bay Diver - is this Tudor's answer to the Rolex Submariner? Now with so many brands raising their prices but still not delivering on every detail, a simple watch like this shows how far Tudor has come as a brand.

#tudor #blackbay #tudorwatch

Intro 0:00
The Monochrome Black Bay 1:30
When did we last get a Black & White Black Bay? 2:24
Simple, Great Quality, Well-Designed Watches 3:31
Choosing a Monochrome Colour? 5:34
Is this Tudor's Submariner? 6:24
Conclusion 7:40

All Images are Sourced from either Press Release Photos or Public Listings.
Below are a list of the common sources that are used in no particular order:

Bob’s Watches | Revolution Watch | HQ Milton | Hodinkee | Monochrome Watches | Jomashop | Analog Shift | Bulang and Sons | Robb Report | Watchfinder | WatchBox | Phillips Watches | Christies | Timekeepers Club | Fratello Watches | Bexsonn | Worn and Wound | A Collected Man | Oracle Time | Time + Tide Watches

[ID-Guy]

Just another Black Bay or something more significant?
What are your thoughts on this years Black Bay Monochrome? 🥃

[BenS]

What I love most about Tudor is you're allowed to buy them.

[timothyjones]

Tudor seem to be filling the void that Rolex left when they decided to drop the “high quality professional watch” branding for “exotic status symbol” branding. The movement in this direction by Rolex must have been made at a corporate level some time ago, so it makes sense for them to want the sub brand (no pun intended), Tudor, to step into that void, starting with the original Black Bay and developing over time until we get the Tudor Submariner, without actually calling it a submariner so as not to dilute the status symbol factor for Rolex. It’s really clever marketing that has worked quite beautifully.

[BandrewScott]

The thing that appeals about this watch to me is that it harkens back to the 90's subs. Modern day Rolex is much flashier. This gives you that more subdued 5-digit sub look with the added Tudor-isms, and with modern build quality. Absolutely stellar release in my opinion.

[arthurmontiel]

The hype the monochrome is receiving on reddit and other groups reminds me of the original hype the burgundy black bay received. It's crazy.

[mickbrown]

Pretty much spot on Mr. I D. I have been a watch enthusiast since 1963 (when my parents bought a me my first watch; a Swiss made 'Commando Sport' for Christmas in Cleary's Department Store in Dublin. I was 13 years old. It cost about 2 Euros in today's equivalent money.Throughout the years since then, though never a collector, I have owned countless wrist watches, a couple of pocket watches and a few clocks. I've seen it all come and go, especially in the last 30 years. Most of it has been overblown overpriced and overdone hype. No doubt there has never been a better time than now to be a watch enthusiast; for many reasons. However, the bottom line is 'less is more'. I have had for example a Rolex Sub - 1976, an Explorer 1 (1016) late 70s. Omegas, Brietling, Longines, Eterna, IWC, Seiko, most of them being tool watches, all gone now. I have seen the models I have owned being turned into 'icons' status symbols, biged up and blinged up, polished up, priced up and turned into jewellery - though with great movements. I am back, more or less where I started. I have a Tudor BB 54, A Tudor Ranger 39mm, though I would prefer a 36 mm version. A BB 36 mm, first edition with the ETS 2824 bullet proof movement. I have a Longines Heritage Silver Arrow, A Seiko Solar 38mm Divers, A Seiko 39mm Speedtimer Chronograph and a couple of genuine 1960s hand wound pieces. The rest you can keep ! Yes the Omega 1957 Seamster retro. from 2017 is grand but give me this new Tudor any day even though it is too big for mine and no doubt many other six and a half inch wrists. Keep it simple is best, followed by robust and reliable movements which do what a watch needs to do which is tell the time, with understated style and simplicity. Love your vids, they are concise, informed and honest, they have already outlived the countless UTube hypes of the last 10 or so years. Rock on man and give us an aul tune on your guitar now and again. Mile maith agat a chara ; many thanks my friend.

[charlesthehammer]

I am seriously considering this as the watch to buy to celebrate one of those milestone birthdays. I don’t have a watch in my collection of this price and quality.

It’s still between this and the Omega Seamaster M in white. With Tudor and Omega, they are accessible now. No games to be played, no waitlists. And while Rolex is one I would love to own one day, I feel that when you treat your customers as if you are doing them a favor, it’s is not an attitude I appreciate.

I just found your channel about two weeks ago and love your content. Your voice is relaxing and commands attention and this video was far from disjointed.

[jkozeow]

nkuwan You are so well-informed about luxury watches. You've obviously done your due diligence and the comparison to the US is very informative...because of course, I live in New York. thank you very much

[roelvandenbergen]

I understand the attractive side of this watch. My daily is the OG Pelagos (two liner) and when i droole over other watches i ask myself if i would put away my Pele. I never do, it is for me my perfect daily wearer. I wouldn’t choose this BB over mine, the difference is there, but i understand why some people would want this for their yourney in life.
Nice vid, as always.

[mrlong]

I own a pretty big collection but my two most worn watches (one on each wrist) are my Tudor Bb GMT and Omega prof Seamaster in blue with the original bracelet. The Tudor reminds me I need to travel more and the Seamaster brings out my inner Bond. Cheers ID Guy! Another great video to start my day 😊

[ID-Guy]

There is no “one watch for everyone” absolutely. As much as I dig the Explorer, today I’m wearing the Seamaster… could equally wear either as a “one watch” - but then this week the FXD barely left my wrist 😆 Great opinions as always Ian! 🥃

[robertschmidt]

Tried on the new black Black Bay yesterday. It’s a darn nice watch. It’s what we have been asking for and it’s right in front of us.

[garybunting]

Just tried it on in my local AD and it looks better in be my next watch purchase and might replace my BBPro for most wrist time 👍👍

[AnaInThSky]

I am SO excited to see what Tudor does with the new GMT movement. A "boring" monochrome (+red GMT hand) version with a jubilee bracelet would be killer 🤞

[AbdulRWatches]

I feel that Tudor is making the Black Bay the perfect Submariner alternative. I feel that the BB is where the Sub was in the 80s and 90s, a tool watch that is luxurious but functional and easy to get. Thanks brother for the great video 👍🏽

[omegafanboyian]

I personally believe that Tudor are going forward in the right direction & most of all listening to want we want. But the one watch that pleases everyone Does NOT exist, Fact !
While I like this Monochrome version will be in no rush to change from my Mk2.
Great content as always & thank you 👏👍👏👍

[rampageashton]

I very much enjoyed this style of video. It feels more conversational and less scripted monologue. Keep these in your repertoire.

As a Tudor owner and a 40mm Sub owner, my opinion is it's a very well-rounded watch. I can see many people hoping for a Sub to pop up at retail ( not happening) who will just pull the trigger on this. I would be one for sure.

[WestCoastAce]

If I didn’t already have the Pelagos 39 and be waiting on the GMT, I’d buy this in a heartbeat. Beautiful, clean design done right; METAS very. The only thing anyone could complain about is the lack of crown guards.

Thanks for the video as always.

[craig]

Insightful chatter, and right you are. Wish Tudor would slim these down a touch, but with that said, I do love Tudor

[paulanthonyjohns]

very good. I loved the more organic narrative. The passion and playfulness comes out more. Great work as always thanks