The Tudor Black Bay Pro: Worthy Explorer 2 or Lazy GMT? 

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How many people go cave exploring? It's probably a little more than those that need an helium escape valve on their Diver for when they saturation dive:)))))

I picked up the black bay Pro and I have been wearing it non stop this watch is just awesome . The thickness is definitely not an issue . The watch wears more like the regular 58 than the Regular GMT . Love it

Another really good and intelligent insight into the BB pro and a lot more accurate than most in my opinion, I tried one on at an AD in April and was very impressed by how it wore and the overall esthetics .

I received this watch couple days ago and I can honestly say that it is my favorite TUDOR WATCH. It’s a 9/10 watch for me. It’s almost a perfect combination, I have Rolex, Tudor, Omega and I can say this it’s a well put together masterpiece. $4,000 can’t be beat

Great video! So thoughtful and illuminating as usual. With the insane price increases we've continued to see from Rolex, Patek and AP I'm so glad you continue to highlight less hyped and maybe under appreciated sports pieces from different brands. So much RU-vid content today highlights the hype pieces and personally RU-vid is the primary way I explore watches. Maybe a future video or series can be literally to highlight some great sports pieces from various brands and maybe highlight "cheaper" Rolex models that are more attainable for people. Keep up the great work. Thank you!

Yup! You have said this sooo well! As time goes on this watch keeps growing on me! And much more wearable for me than the 42mm explorer 2

You do such great content👌The BB Pro on steel bracelet has me mesmerized.

Great job as always; and nice Seamaster - another fantastic vintage look. My Helm Komodo is thicker, so not worried. Hoping mine arrives soon. And dreaming of getting the Explorer II Polar.

A 24 hour indicator is also useful for very specific working conditions, such as those working on submarines. I can tell you that it is extremely easy to lose track of day and night when you're submerged for a month straight.

I am a tudor fan so it was a no brainer to get this. However i was not expecting to love it so much that it would relegate the bb58 blue and the tudor gmt to the reserves. It is addictive on the wrist, business-like, no nonsense. You don't notice the thickness, in fact it feels solid like a SEL rolex compared to its older brethren. Love your videos keep on keeping it real!

I think more than anything this is watch meant to be used and it certainly looks as if it can handle rough conditions. I couldn’t help but notice that this watch looks really amazing regardless of what strap or bracelet it’s wearing. I just like the mentality of that concept. Tudor is definitely getting it done in my opinion. Your thought provoking analysis is spot on as always! Thanks so much!

ID GUY, This Christmas, my brother got me one of your hoodies as a gift. It’s my workout hoodie and I love it! We both are big fans of you, your channel and your content. Sometimes, we’ll even impersonate your accent and cadence (in good, positive nature) when describing a watch. Just wanted to type out my thoughts and show you some support. Wishing you all the success and positivity we can! Greetings from America!

First of all, thanks for the honourable mention! I'm somewhat claustrophobic and wouldn't go into a cave in the first place. But that doesn't matter. There is something to be said about a rugged watch that one can just wear and beat the hell out of and not have to worry. It's *supposed* to have battle scars. I like that watch a lot.

Started to really love Tudor. They've gradually become a very collectable brand in their own right. I'm pleased for them...... (I've had it with Rolex. Sure nice watches but too much going on surrounding them)

I love this channel. I have worn this watch. It is excellent. You put it on, and it speaks to you.

Tudor is at its best when they're not copying Rolex. There's so much more potential with the brand with its original designs. Next, work on the proportions and it could cannibalize Rolex in a serious way

thank you for your opinions, and insight.

The s&g black bay 31 is my favorite release of 2022! Have to try one on. Black Bay 925 is my one and done watch and I'm very happy! This Black Bay Pro didn't do anything for me but I've never been a GMT guy.

Very well articulated IDGuy, I have to agree with your views on this one. The bottom line is it needs.. no demands to be seen in the flesh to form an opinion of your own and not just follow the comments of others. The week it was released I had a call from an AD who asked if I wanted to make an appointment to have a look at it. With the YT videos along with many comments with a lot negative negative I didn't expect much but I did make an appointment for a couple of days later when I would be in the area and I'm very pleased that I did. As you say it is definitely the most tool watch reference in the BB line and it can be worn for almost any occasion that most of us may experience. It's not super shiny or in your face but does the job and does it well. It looks have been inspired by a watch that is no longer in production certainly but this is has modern mechanicals and manufacture. I love the sunray brushing of the bezel, the way that the date is executed to try (and almost succeed) to balance the missing marker at three. The applied plots and markers sans surround are purely functional with decent lume. It would have been nice if it was a thinner but we have to understand that the BB58 does not have a date or GMT hand that will add to the height of the hand stack. It's also worth noting that the GMT hand sits above the hour hand to clear the raised plots like it's GMT sibling. The dial is also mounted close to the crystal like the GMT and Pelagos that aids the already very good at a glance readability. I'm not bothered about faux rivets on the bracelet but also I'm not a fan and it may have been better without them. A big plus is that T clasp that arguably is one of the best on the tool less adjust around. My advice is see it, try it and decide on a purchase if you like it and can justify it. That's what I did.

I’m guessing you picked up a Pelagos FXD. With its square plots, snowflake hands, and crown guard, it has all the classic Tudor elements. There's so much to like about the FXD- the purpose driven design, the titanium case, the Marine Nationale connection. It really is the ultimate tool watch IMHO. Can’t wait for your reveal.

I recently bought the Grand Seiko sbgn003, it's quartz... The size of the case is so great! it's like a vintage size but in 4K.. love it

Amazing review, very well done

Very cool video - enjoyed your view points and it has me rethinking this piece somewhat...

I think this watch, like almost every Tudor is a good-looking watch, at a great price point. I have bought three Tudor watches with the last year, and I’m happy wearing all of them. Looking forward to your reveal… Which watch did you buy?

Fantastic review. Nicely considered and balanced.

Also appreciate you showing the Christopher Ward Anthropocene. That was my first watch over 1k and somewhat over shadowed by my newer collection but still have a soft spot for it cheers

Nice vid as always. For me I'll wait until I get one in hand to see how thick it wears. I'm not a fan of the look, the North Flag was never a popular watch, so I'm keen to see what other dial colours they come out with. The revised bracelet is a nice touch.

Great video as always boykie well done. I’m still in love with the longines Zulu spirit GMT you featured a few weeks ago, not sure between these two. I reckon you went for the 925 taupe black bay 58….

I owned a Steinhart 1655 homage for a few years, I really enjoyed it but the 2928-2 "caller" GMT drove me crazy. It sent me down a very deep GMT rabbit hole finally for now ending with a Panerai 233 (I NEVER saw Panerai coming)! During that long journey I was stuck on the 16570 Polar that is still the only Rolex I would consider owning. When this Tudor showed up it piqued my interest, then I went back and looked at the Polar and my interest faded. thanks for sharing your take on this watch

Great video once again. Also wearing an Omega (older PO with hot metal insert) today. I am waiting to receive this watch. I thing it is really useful and functional. The GMT master has too much focus on it therefore i am no longer wearing it when traveling. So basically the GMT master has lost its function for me. Can’t wait to have the Tudor BB Pro on my wrist. Looking forward to the video in which you show your Tudor. All the best 🥃

I actually liked this watch when it was announced. I think it looks best on the nato, though the clasp on the bracelet is awesome. I, like everyone else, wanted a BB58 sized Black Bay GMT, 1 to 1 copy. But the Pro actually worked design wise for me and it was a little bit unique even though it’s inspired by the older Explorer. I was even thinking of picking the watch up until I saw the thickness spec and saw how thick it actually looks. It’s too much for my small wrist. I love the dimensions of the BB58 but I couldn’t imagine being able to pull off a much thicker version of it. Hopefully a future version brings that thickness under 13mm then I’d be very interested again.

I can’t wait to see what’s coming next in this new collection !

Having round indices and snowflake hands is like wearing a tuxedo with white sneakers! It’ll be fun to see what Tudor you picked up-I’m betting the new Pelagos 😎. Best regards

I really like it. Can't wait to see it in person to see if it's too small for my 7.5" 19CM wrist.

I went with the Pro over the explorer for 3 reasons. 1 Availability. 2. Price. 3. It is better looking in my opinion. I like the vintage style lume and the muted yellow hand then the almost toyish orange hand. On a side note the watch is thick but not in a bad way it gives the feel of being solid and just enough wrist presence 😊. This is my 5th Tudor ❤

I love this piece and was lucky to get the first that my AD received on the bracelet. I already had the 58 and both have a place in my collection.

1. Beginning was hilarious. Hermit in a cave hahaha 2. I believe you’re getting the ranger you’ve wanted tomorrow. Happy Christmas.

i really enjoyed your detail explanation of the design of the watch, the break down of the elements, and it kinds of grow on me, i have a 17mm wrist, and never wanted to go under 40mm case, let alone Black Bay58, with the thickness of the Pro, i actually want to give it a try, maybe just maybe it will be a new addition to my already full Tudor collection...one more question if i would, will there be any "more to come" from Tudor in the 2nd half of 2022?

Good video. I always enjoy your take on watches. It hews close to my own, while continuing to provide new information and insight. I never understood the appeal of the Explorer 2. I always found it a little ugly. Granted, it probably was very modern and stylish for the 70s. Taking into consideration that Rolex did not bring it back, Tudor has done a fine job in presenting its interpretation of a much-loved watch. I like what they did, even though I will not buy one. No laziness there. Just a respectful tip of the cap to its higher-ranking cousin.

@IDGuy great video and analysis as always. Not sure what made me think of it, though it might be good to re-incorporate music into some of your videos. Perhaps at the end, as before? 👍🥃🍷🎸

Excellent video

Would be interesting to see if your new pickup is an FXD. Last November was a great month, my AD called to let me know a Rolex Submariner 124060 was ready for me to pick up to replace my departed Pelagos LHD. Then 3 weeks later, I got an another call from my AD to offer me the FXD - 7 months on, IMO is the best Tudor on sale at the moment.

The new crown is cool 😎 Not sure about the yellow orange hand...lacks contrast. Case size is great I hope they will o e day ad an oyster bracelet and make the triangle at 12 much bigger 😀 (100% agree with you).

Totally agree with the enlarging of indices - it would of stood out as something more, something different - as a 58 owner that eventually got bored, the only thing that would bring me back would be the use of the Pelagos indices on a 58 case, be it gmt or diver, don’t really care which. The Pelagos is a much more interesting piece than endless 58 iterations

Another well thought-out, well-reasoned video 👌. Tudor's current day Black Bay line is the embodiment of what tool watches could- and should be; unafraid of daily wear and tear but capable enough for any occasion, anywhere, any time. Hell, the Black Bay line has James Bond written all over it...especially if you follow Ian Fleming's initial description of 007 being equipped with gear that are less bling and more tool-ish and unassuming. (Sorry for yet another Bond reference, I can't help myself 😀). Cheers 🍺

Tudor has done exceptionally well and this Pro GMT is fantastic. Meanwhile, your Seamaster 300 1957 is timeless and iconic. When you get the Pro GMT, it will add well to your collection. Miss the Saturday Wrist Shot live sessions.

I like it. I have an explorer2 but I'd happily wear this.

Got to try this on today, and i would say i wears bigger than the normal bb38. Because of the thickness it felt purposful and robust. It felt solid and wore more like a good 41 mm than 39mm. So to my fellow large wristed peeps, this is a watch to give a serious consideration if you like the look.

Interesting. Thanks.

This and the zenith chronomaster strikes me the most on latest watches

Great video as always, thank you very much. Besides caves, I think the 1655 must have been useful for polar explorations, where traditional day and night cycles are compromised. Love the "disco" dial, seems very purposeful, although not easily readable. the Tudor seems very nice except for the usual side slab of the case which is too thick, and the faux rivets.

Lazy chunky movement - if Longines can release an affordable slim true GMT at a great price, why can’t Tudor? This could have been so great…

I love mine it's my daily driver , the thickness is no problem if the bracelet is sized correctly it really helps to balance the watch head. I have no regrets in buying the watch and will now sell off other watches , will now be down to four.

Perfect watch! For some reason I'm singing 'we all live in our yellow submarine with our Tudor GMT Pro's'

I have one on the wrist right now, it’s fabulous 👌

Hmmm. I have yet to see it live, so for now, I will take your word. I agree w/o reservations that the Pelagos would probably be cooler. My two gripes, especially because this is perhaps the "tooliest" BB, are the riveted bracelet and the polished sides. Which brings me to another release I yearn for: imagine the steel BB heritage with an in-house movement in a 39mm case. That would be Tudor glory, simplicity brought to perfection.

Great vid! I can’t keep “Luxury Steinhart” out of my head when I see this. Nice watch don’t get me wrong, but idk I’ll stick to my Black Bay. For some reason I don’t get the same vibe from the Blue Black Bay.

Woo! Too much too less. Wouldn't throw my Rolex in a spaghetti bowl for that.

As usual, your version is much better. Tudor's simply has too much wrong with it to consider buying.

Great Video! I feel that Tudor BB Pro is a spectacular piece. As many of us do, I would have preferred a new BB58-sized GMT movement and BB58 case, but I will take this as it is. Tudor has spent the greater part of its entire history since the 50s being an homage to Rolex and more recently to its earlier self. So, why the complaining now? The point is that it usually does it well. We know Rolex is never going to make a vintage re-issue; so, why not Tudor. I own the Pro and don't notice the thicker case because of the smaller diameter and lug length. Would I prefer it used the BB58 case and did not have the thicker case? Most certainly. However, it is a small and virutally unnoticeable price to pay to get a "validated" homage to the Rolex 1655.

Absolutely amazing review, would you prefer the pro over the 58?

I never knew quite what watch my ideal watch would be I saw this perfect size of my wrist but somewhat rugged But it's elegant to And the price Is attainable

I really like it. Probably not enough to actually part with money. But defo my favourite Tudor thus far.

I have been looking for some time for a watch to celebrate my 10th mariage aniversary. I found a new Pelagos 25500tn (eta) at a dealer collecting dust and bought it loving it. It rides lower compared to the newer model (te hight difference is on the underside of the watch) and that made a huge diffence in wearing experience. The back is ingraved for the occasion and i will collect it in october when it is time for the feast. Anyhow, in the boutique they had a bbpro and i tried it on. A lot of peaple find it to thick, i didnt, a lot of hight is in the domed glass and visually it didnt bother me. Still hiped over the original Pelagos, it is so pure, so their own design, as un glossy as can be. Cant wait for otober … for beiing so lucky to have found my partner in life and beiing married to her for 10 years. Seams like yesterday we met.

I hope they make a BB58 Pro, those hour markers and hands are damn near perfect.

I quite like it as looks nice and feels like a tool as opposed to screaming “luxury”. By the way my AD said I can get the new steel Submariner or Explorer if I first get a datejust, so I put my name for the steel, jubilee, fluted bezel, blue dial, stick markers in 41mm. I think it’s a good looking watch. What’s your thoughts on it as a everyday watch? I’m loving my steel Daytona panda but after over 5 years of wearing it everyday looking to add another to the collection to celebrate the soon arrival of our daughter. I think it’s nice to have a story behind it. Cheers mate, hope you are keeping well and fully recovered now 👍🏻

I will be very interested to see how hard Tudor continues to lean into particular Rolex references. @IDGuy have you ever messed around with a Newman-inspired Black Bay Chrono mock-up?

As always you have made a video with plenty of thought. Besides some of the minor design flaws that you have indicated the most obvious lazy effort is the thickness. That will always be the achilles heel of any current Tudor GMT.

I like the BB Pro. Regarding the thickness... I think all one needs to do is give the watch a fair wear for at least a week or two. If you're used to thin or otherwise more compact watches...it may be a bit of proportion shock to have something you'd not normally wear on wrist. But, whether it be a much larger or much smaller watch than you'd normally wear. Forget all the other watches in your collection and just wear the one in question for a good while and it'll all start to feel and look more natural and less offensive than one might have thought at the beginning... Unless it is a truly poorly designed and uncomfortable, then there's no overlooking or getting used to that, perhaps. Btw, your new watch must be the BB925. OR, I think maybe the North Flag. Field watches seems to be your favorite genre of watches and I can see this particular field watch from Tudor fitting in. Idk?.. maybe this video about the BB Pro is your unannounced intro to your new Tudor.. I guess we'll see soon enough.

I have to stop for a minute because I'm laughing so hard. "it's great if you're a hermit" dying.... OK back to the show!

The height worries me. And baffles me. ETA/Selitta, SoProd ect. all have GMT mov’ts that sit well in sub 13mm high timepieces - granted not with a ‘travellers’ feature, a 4hz beat rate and an extended power reserve. Obviously next door the boys and girls at Rolex have managed to fit those bells and whistles into a slim movement. It suprises me that Kinissi we’re unable to do so off the bat. This trend to smaller watches is not only about diameter. It’s about wearability in general- which extends to weight and height.

Can you do a video on the Grand Seiko Sbgw231 please? I’d really like to get your thoughts.

Thoroughly enjoyed this video 👍. Initially I was pretty disappointed with the pro announcement. But seeing it in hand changed my view, it really is a looker, particularly on the nylon strap imo. I bought the fxd as my second Tudor/luxury piece for my 21st a few months back, so I’m all watched-out for now. But I could definitely see myself getting this one day, since I don’t have a gmt yet. Can’t wait to see what Tudor watch you picked for yourself.

Why didn’t they have the bezel rotate? It adds functionality in terms of a third time zone and use as a timer. Seems a little change for a lot of function.

Just picked up mine today on bracelet and a few thoughts...1) it's not "too thicc". Now some of my perception could be thrown off by the fact that I took off my 43.5mm Omega Planet Ocean clocking in at 16.5mm thick that makes the Pro seem much shorter in stature. 2) most vids on YT that I've been able to find discussing the watch don't show it in the wild, in natural light. When I was driving home from the AD, I glanced at my wrist and was surprised to see what appeared to be subtle brown hues in the black dial. I'm not trying to say this is a tropical dial Sub, but it's definitely not the inky black ceramic dial of the PO. Perhaps due to the texturing? All I can say is, if you like they way this watch looks, don't listen to talking heads droning on about how thick it is. For reference, I've got 8 inch wrists and the 39mm case still looks proportioned and stylish. This will definitely be my every day, go anywhere, do anything watch and all for $4,000. BTW, not saying this review was another talking head. Very thorough breakdown, much appreciated!

I love this black bay pro but I think I'd still go for Longines Zulu time GMT as my first luxury watch! What do you think about my decision?

I still really need to try one on the bracelet. It’s great on the strap, but I’m hoping the bracelet pushes it over the top.

Now look at this clock; it is electrical, and goes with a regularity that defies the best chronometers. I have divided it into twenty-four hours, like the Italian clocks, because for me there is neither night nor day, sun nor moon, but only that factitious light that I take with me to the bottom of the sea. Look! just now, it is ten o'clock in the morning." ~Captain Nemo

"Is it a homage watch? Is it original?" Is there Black Bay that isn't a Rolex homage? That in itself is interesting given Rolex's design philosophy of constantly paying homage to the original references of the past so that people can easily trace the lineage of a specific watch line.

I went to the AD today and they had the Pro and two Zulu's. Pro is $4000 and the Zulu's were $3100. If they were in the 37mm case I'd take the Zulu any day of the week over the Pro. That being said, I tried on the Pro and the thickness is a non-issue. And I have a tiny wrist so if I can pull it off anyone can. PS congrats on the Tudor, cant wait for the Tudor reveal party! Just don't start any forest fires when you do it!

Mmmm I really don’t like the idea behind the Explorer II, a frankenstain watch that does not have it’s own prrsonality. This new Tudor doesn’t get anyware as well. Talkin as a watch user and an industrial designer.

Waited for this for ages, 1655 is unobtainium at the prices they go for , but two thirds of an inch thick and slab sided at that, its a bit out of proportion for acceptable bezel:thickness ratio even for a larger wrist. Its a real shame, but its a no for me 😔

I don’t understand why everyone is comparing it to the 1655, it’s only the size and bezel that really match. It’s much closer in design to the current explorer 2 but in a smaller diameter. I don’t think there is anything negative about a “safe” design, I usually take the view it shows the designer has the confidence to pair it back to what’s needed. It’s safe in the same way the chrono, 925 and the ceramic are safe. I do wonder if all the hour markers are too small, in photos they look right but when I look at my wrist the circular markers can look a little small. A wrist shot would be a good way to start a video.

I want them to do this in the 43mm Black Bay Bronze with a OD green dial

I’m torn between this and the Longines Zulu

If I had to guess I would say your new Tudor is the MN pelagos. Either way. I cannot wait for the review

I was never really a fan of Tudor for any specific reason other than to say it was a cheaper rolex to be quite Frank, but since you present such an eloquent case for the watch brand especially this model it is worth a second consideration. When I buy a watch, i buy it for me not to show it off or to get attention. I love the meaning behind the watch and that is why you should buy it. This is such an expensive hobby. Anybody wanna buy a used batmobile with low milage? I hear there is an IDguy watch in the works.

Got one on my wrist now, it is gorgeous, very tooly but the thickness is a bit of niggle. You definitely know you have it on your wrist compared to a BB58 or Explorer.

I love the Tudor Black Bay Pro… to me it’s just perfect !!! Well balanced and just beautiful in every angle. Best release Tudor ever made

After trying one on, for me the thickness is not an issue. So I've put my name on a wait list.........let's see how long it takes for the shop to ring me 🤔🤔🤔

What model is pictured @2:49? Thank you

It is a very cool watch. It has its own identity.

Hmmmmm… that fixed bezel??? Early 60’s accutron astronaut is the OG of all OGs

May be a Pelagos 39 GMT for this year 🤞

In my opinion the thing this watch is missing is a cyclops for the date. These days, even with my glasses on, I have lots of trouble reading the date

I tried it serveral times. I like it but I find it too small a 41mm or 42mm would have been great. I also did not buy it because it would have been redundant with my Rolex 216570 black dial and 226570 white dial. These are hands down my favorite watches in my collection. Wear them every day.

if they updated this with a thinner case, blue lume and got rid of the rivets it would be perfect!

Honestly speaking I would buy this Tudor not because is "born to dare" but because is quite opposite. Evokes spirit and quality of old Rolex , some old times. But problem still persists, Tudor pretends that he cannot survive without milking Rolex. After all of this I do not see the reason we cannot see Tudor Submariner in the future. That will also help Rolex to release pressure of waiting list for Submariner, so win-win situation.

Is it true that this new bracelet uses real rivets? I heard that rumor.