The Tudor Black Bay is one of the most successful watch families of the last decade. It started as a single heritage-inspired dive watch and has grown into a whole range: classic divers, smaller vintage-sized divers, a GMT, a chronograph, a "Pro" and a line of everyday watches without a diver's bezel.
That range is the reason for this guide. Below, we explain each version, how they differ, and what to look at before you buy.
By the numbers: Switzerland exported CHF 25.9 billion of watches in 2024, 2.8% less than in 2023, in 15.3 million pieces (9.4% fewer), according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (swissinfo.ch, 30 January 2025).
A short history
Tudor was registered as a brand in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, to offer Rolex-level reliability at a more accessible price. In the 1950s Tudor made dive watches for professional and military divers.
The Black Bay, launched in 2012, took its design from those 1950s divers: a domed crystal, a large crown and the angular "snowflake" hour hand that Tudor first used on its divers in the late 1960s. From 2016, Black Bay models moved to Tudor's own manufacture movements, and several recent models are certified Master Chronometer by the Swiss federal institute METAS.
The Black Bay family at a glance
| Version | What it is | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| Black Bay (41 mm) | The original-style diver with a rotating bezel | Anyone wanting the classic Black Bay look |
| Black Bay Fifty-Eight | A 39 mm diver inspired by Tudor's 1958 dive watch | Smaller wrists, vintage proportions |
| Black Bay Fifty-Four | A 37 mm diver with a simpler bezel, inspired by Tudor's 1954 dive watch | Those who like small, minimalist watches |
| Black Bay GMT | A diver-styled watch with a second time zone and 24-hour bezel | Travelers |
| Black Bay Chrono | A chronograph with a fixed tachymeter bezel | Those who want a sporty chronograph |
| Black Bay Pro | A 39 mm GMT with a fixed 24-hour steel bezel | A tool-watch look, travelers |
| Black Bay 31, 36, 39, 41 | Everyday watches with a smooth bezel, no diving bezel | A simpler, dressier Black Bay |
Browse all of them in stock in our Tudor Black Bay collection.
The divers: Black Bay, Fifty-Eight and Fifty-Four
The three dive models share the look but differ in size and proportions:
- The Black Bay (41 mm) is the most robust-looking and has the most presence.
- The Fifty-Eight (39 mm), launched in 2018, is slimmer and closer to the proportions of 1950s divers. For many people it is the most comfortable Black Bay.
- The Fifty-Four (37 mm), launched in 2023, is the smallest diver of the family and has a simpler bezel.
How to choose: the 41 mm for presence, the 39 mm for balance, the 37 mm for a small, vintage feel.
Travel and complications: GMT, Pro and Chrono
- The Black Bay GMT has a 24-hour bezel and an extra hand to track a second time zone.
- The Black Bay Pro is also a GMT, but in a 39 mm case with a fixed steel 24-hour bezel, giving it a tool-watch look.
- The Black Bay Chrono is a chronograph with a fixed tachymeter bezel, for timing events.
The everyday Black Bay: 31, 36, 39 and 41 mm
These models drop the diver's bezel for a smooth steel bezel, which gives a cleaner, dressier look. They are available in steel and in steel and yellow gold ("S&G") versions, and in sizes from 31 to 41 mm, which makes them some of the most versatile watches in the range.
Materials and special versions
Most Black Bays are made of steel, but the family also includes:
- Steel and gold ("S&G"): a steel case with yellow gold on the bezel and the bracelet's center links.
- Bronze: a case that develops a unique patina over time, darkening as it is worn.
- Ceramic: a black ceramic case, with one of Tudor's first Master Chronometer-certified movements.
Dials range from black and blue to burgundy, green and silver, often with gilt or white details and the snowflake hand.
Living with a Black Bay
The dive models are water resistant to 200 meters, with a screw-down crown, so swimming and diving are no problem as long as the crown is screwed down. Many recent models also come with a fabric or rubber strap in addition to the bracelet, which makes it easy to change the look. Like any automatic watch, a Black Bay keeps running while you wear it; if it stops after a few days off the wrist, wind it a few turns at the crown and set the time.
A tip on sizing: the Black Bay's case is relatively thick on some models. If you have a smaller wrist, the Fifty-Eight or Fifty-Four will usually wear more comfortably than the 41 mm.
What to check before you buy
- The reference on the warranty card should match the watch. Tudor references start with M followed by five digits, plus a suffix for the dial and bracelet version (for example M79660-0004).
- The bezel on divers should turn one way only, with firm, precise clicks, and the insert should have no chips.
- The bracelet or strap: check the clasp. Many recent Tudor bracelets have the T-fit clasp, which adjusts length without tools.
- Size: models with similar names (Black Bay 39 vs Black Bay Fifty-Eight, both 39 mm) are different watches. Compare the reference, not just the name.
- Box and papers: a complete set and the warranty card make a watch easier to resell. See why box and papers matter.
Every watch we sell is checked by our specialist before it ships. Read how we check every watch.
Black Bay or Rolex Submariner?
The Black Bay is often compared with the Rolex Submariner, made by Tudor's sister brand. They are related but different watches, at different prices. Our Rolex Submariner vs Tudor Black Bay comparison explains how they differ.
Which Black Bay should you buy?
- Your first Tudor, all-round: Black Bay Fifty-Eight.
- A bigger diver with presence: Black Bay 41.
- For travel: Black Bay GMT, or the Black Bay Pro for a tool-watch look.
- A dressier everyday watch: Black Bay 36 or 39 with a smooth bezel.
- A smaller vintage diver: Black Bay Fifty-Four.
See all our Tudor watches, including the Black Bay and the titanium Pelagos.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tudor owned by Rolex?
Tudor was founded by Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, and the two brands are related. Tudor has its own designs and its own manufacture movements.
What is the difference between the Black Bay 58 and the Black Bay 41?
Size and proportions: the Fifty-Eight is 39 mm and slimmer; the Black Bay is 41 mm with more presence. Both are dive watches with a rotating bezel.
Does the Black Bay have an in-house movement?
Since 2016, Black Bay models use Tudor's own manufacture movements, and several recent models are certified Master Chronometer by METAS.
What is the Black Bay Pro?
A 39 mm Black Bay with a GMT function and a fixed 24-hour steel bezel.
What does S&G mean on a Tudor?
Steel and gold: a steel case with yellow gold elements, such as the bezel or the bracelet's center links.
