I got to try on the BB54 at my local AD, and it is absolutely incredible. The dial is ever so slightly domed, with a very slight sunburst effect that you can only see from certain angles. The dial is also more of a glossy black, as opposed to those of the BB Heritage 41 and the BB58 (those two both have a textured matte black dial that really looks more like a dark grey in person). The BB54 for me has blown the BB58 and BB Heritage out of the water. It matches the watch it's referencing almost exactly, (the 1954 Tudor Submariner had the white triangle, no graduations on the bezel, was 37mm, etc.), while the BB58 deviates a little from the 1958 Tudor Sub with the gilt bezel (I've never liked the gilt bezel, don't know why), and the Heritage 41 just looks dated with its ridiculous thickness and the long crown with the weird black tube-stem-thing (honestly the Heritage 41's crown never bothered me until Tudor started showing us that they could do better, with the BB Pro, the updated BB Heritage 41, etc.). You absolutely have to see it in person, preferably side by side with the 58 and Heritage to really appreciate how different it is from the others.
For the bracelet issue, according to Britt Pierce's video, they are interchangeble. You just have to keep the 58 endlink and use the rest of the 54 bracelet and you're good to go
Britt posted a video yesterday and put the BB54 bracelet on her BB58, but she had to use the 58 end links. I’ve heard elsewhere the steel is a different color between the two though.
I think they're almost different beasts that can't be compared. The 58 is bold, warm, has presence. It charms you in a direct way. The 54 is a cool, nonchalant lesson in restraint. It's like going to a party hosted by two brothers. One is gregarious who makes you feel at home the minute you walk in. The other is quiet but you somehow find yourself in easy but engaging conversation at some point in the evening. Incredible how such similar models can give off such unique vibes to eachother. Thanks for the video Adrian!
Yesterday I saw the new BB 36 in my local AD in Glades in Bromley. A very nice Explorer 36 alternative. And I have to say I do like BB 54 too! We need more smaller watches!
6.5" wrist here. Went into Tudor wearing a 200m, 36mm dive watch from the early 70's and tried on the BB54. It's pretty much a perfect modern vintage watch if that makes sense, especially with the t-fit clasp. On the rubber it felt exactly like a 50 year old diver. We've had so many vintage re-editions over the past 10 years including the original Black Bay, the BB58, Longines Legend Diver, Rado Captain Cook, Oris 65, Omega Seamaster 300, Doxa 300 50th anniversary etc, etc.. I've tried all these on and more and have to say that this just feels like putting a beautifully slim vintage diver / skin-diver on. Of all the Swiss brands at the entry/mid price bracket the BB54 (to my mind) has achieved something which feels somehow 'authentic' to it's inspiration. Of the non-swiss brands Seiko's modern take on the 6105-8000, namely the SPB317 has also got it right.
I understand that the new Ranger bracelet, which is 20mm and has the T Fit clasp, will also fit the 58 and has no faux rivets if that's your preference.
I love all the recent discussions about watch size, and it probably does come down to actually trying the watches on in person. But one dimension that is constantly overlooked is the dial diameter, or the proxy of crystal diameter, hardly anyone making videos ever measures it, but it's one of the most influential factors what the watch actually looks like. For the record, the BB58 crystal is 30.8mm in diameter, the BB54 is 29.2mm. Because they're dive watches with rotating bezels, their dials are quite small. Compared to the Ranger, dial diameter is 32.5mm, Explorer36 is 30.3mm, Explorer 39mm is 32.5mm because their case edges are thinner.
That's why I dislike the new sizes of "dress" watches such as the DJ41 or Calatrava 39mm. Their dial size is bigger than the ones on tool watches which makes absolutely no sense.
This is the way. I really wish dial diameter was covered on spec sheets and reviews because I've always found that to be the most important thing for how they wear on my wrist in my experience
The 54 is the Tudor I'd buy. The Explorer 36 is the Rolex I'd be most inclined to buy. Smaller is better. I'd never wear anything bigger than 39. Biggest thing I now have is the '57 Railmaster at 38. Tudor has done exactly the right thing here.
I purchased a BB58 in 2020 and the dimensions never sat well with me so it didn't get much wrist time. This past week I picked up a BB54 and I can already tell it will get much more wrist time. My wrists are 7" and it is smaller than I am used to, but it does not look out of place. What's more is I'll be able to pass this watch on to my daughter in the future and it will fit her just fine!
Love the ID guy shoutout! I like the 54 but to your point I'm planning to try on both the 54 and the 58. I wanted the ingenieur but thats an entirely different discussion....still waiting on your mark xx review!
I tried on a BB54 and asked to look at the BB58 side by side for comparison. I was initially concerned by the difference in case diameter but once I tried it on my 6.5in wrist those concerns disappeared. The thickness visually looked significantly thinner due to its design which was a positive thing but for me the clasp was a huge game changer. I kind of feel that the 54 is a more refined version of the 58… so for me… the BB54 is my preference between these two. The question for me now though is so I prefer the BB54 over the Pelagos39? 😂
Got the call from my AD to say it had come in I went in wearing my Omega Seamaster from 1954. Soon as I tried the BB54 on I knew I had to own it. A true modern vintage diver from 1954 and this version you can actually own unlike the 7922 at the time.
Couldn’t agree more with your experience first trying it on. Went to my AD Thursday and tried it on AFTER trying other larger watches. Thought wow that’s dainty. Saw this video and thought I should give it a fair shake unbiased by the other watches. Went in “naked” this morning and walked out with it on my wrist. Tremendous
Congrats. It’s a great choice. I leant the naked wrist thing when buying my Explorer. I couldn’t decide if I should for 36 or 39. I went in naked and the 36mm was just right.
Tudor basically did exactly what I wanted them to do with the BB58 but on a smaller size watch. I'm still hopeful that they upgrade the 58 with all the 54 goodies. Tudor please give the 58 the crown and clasp from the Pro and the bezel from the 54. Thank you Adrian for this review. 👍
I tried on a blue BB58 and BB54 the other day. I have a 7.25 inch wrist and found the 54 too small and the bezel was a lot harder to grasp. Loved the 58 and walked out with that. Really pleased with the purchase
I tried it in person and loved it. My taste in watches have leaned towards the smaller side now. Wearing Cartier and other vintage pieces has opened my eyes to how comfortable a watch can be. This is good marketing because everyone has a 39mm+ dive watch but I can’t think of another dive watch at this size. Can’t wait to get mine.
Thank you for doing this side by side for us that asked....it is greater than the sum of it's parts. I think you hit the nail on the head, it does feel more vintage vs the 58, whether T went less is more will can only ponder...but yes will have to try it on to actually appreciate. Thx again A!
Tried on the 54 at a Boutique. I’m 6’1” 260 lb former wrestler with 8.5” wrists. I don’t care what anyone said, I loved it. So slender and sleek, wears like my OP. Wear what YOU like!
….. wait. This made it sound like you’re not capable of editing well. WHICH YOU ARE! Gah! I’m worried ive not worded this right! 😂🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️ IM TRYING TO SAY I LOVED THIS VIDEO! And it’s so well edited!
@@BarkandJack Agreed. I just started getting into watching YT for watch enthusiasts last year and subscribed to a lot of different content creators. Managed to trim it down to less than a handful with ID Guy and yours included :)
This is exactly what I’ve heard. The end links on the 54 work on the 58 but is slightly sunken in due to the thinner case of the 54. But the bracelet of the 54 fits the end links of the 58 so all you really need to do is swap the end links if you want a flawless fit. After hearing this I’m really tempted to do with my BB58
@@dieselboi91 FOR BEST RESULTS use your original end links that came with your BB58 you will be swapping the bracelet part only not including the end links that ones with the BB54. If your bb58 didnt come on bracelet your kinda screwed.
I think there’s a lot to say for a small watch that’s light, comfortable, good looking, yet built like a little tank with a superb bracelet and movement under the hood. Of the ubiquitous BMW M3 and less well known M2 I personally prefer the latter. This is the same for me. Well done Tudor. Very sound video as always big man
Thanks Adrian, the BB 54 is everything I have wanted in a watch for a long time for all the reason you mentioned. One more reason is that I have a small wrist. I will do as you say & try them both on the wrist before I buy. Might have a long waiting list out here in Aussie. Thanks again for the review. Love your work! 👍🏻😀
I tried both yesterday at my AD. I put myself on a waiting list for the...vintagy BB54 despite my wrist of 7.1 inches. It is brilliantly understated, raffined and elegant. Simply loved to wear it
I just tried on this Black bay 54 and it’s just amazing how it fits my 7 inch wrist! I am the guy who understands your love for your explorer. I have the same thing with my AirKing. My friends are asking me why i wear the Airking so often having much prettier watches in my collection and i don’t have a proper answer.
I know this watch is a throw back to the 1954 Tudor, but I think with the smaller size and simpler bezel than the BB58, the BB54 makes the ultimate homage to the original Submariner 6538 Bond watch.
Same, I remember paying about £2570 for the 58 when it came out. Paid £3170 for BB Pro in December. The 54 is now more than what I paid for my BB Pro with less complications...
From what I’ve heard in order for the BB54 bracelet to work on the 58, all you really need to do is just swap out the end links. The T fit bracelet fits flawlessly on the 58 end links.
I thought that intro was fantastic when you brought the 54 in over top of the 58! Really well done as usual, Adrian! Tudor now has a diver for every wrist with the option of the blue Pelagos 39 still yet to be played.
Also tried the 54 - absolutely loved it in everyway, wore absolutely perfectly (even when I took off the 43mm watch I was wearing at the time) To me it was almost as close as possible to the perfect watch
Have yet to try one on in person, but the 54s lack of matte dial or gilt bezel seems to have taken away some of the key little characteristics that made the 58 so charming. I do love the idea of a 37mm diver though!
I was lucky enough to get the call for the BB54 and picked it up yesterday. Funny story is, I went to see the watch and felt it was small as I had my Apple Watch on… I slept on it and went back the day after but by then it had sold! Definitely a collector piece , it’s so subtle .. and like you Jack, I also get similar vibes as my explorer 😎
Adrian - Thanks to you for calling attention to IDGuy. It would be sweet to see IDGuy hit a 100K subs. The BB54 is very intriguing for me. My goal is to find a perfect one watch with lug-to-lug distance below 48mm. The BB54 ticks so many marks with its size, being a tool watch, and 200M water resistance. Need to see it in the metal and go from there.
Adrian, thanks for this video. Really love your channel. I think this is my next watch. I wanted the Tudor GMT. I tried it on - it fits, but man, does it have presence - girth, weight, noticability. This watch seems the opposite of that, and I love that. I realize cross shopping these two watches seems silly, but I’m not alone; it seems appropriate that one’s watch journey is about choosing a direction at a crossroad. I also could see giving this watch to my daughter. Love it. Thanks again man - keep it up!
I’ve ordered a 54 and look 4ward to receiving it - if I remember well, I’ve seen someone putting the BB54 bracelet on the BB58 - he only had to swap the end links since the ones of the 54 are slightly thinner - great watch and really nice review, up to the watch! thx - NB : I wish they'd kept the 7922's Mercedes hour hand
It’s a cool addition to the Tudor collection but the not rose gold bezel numbers looks bad as the normal BlackBay in Black. The 58 is more precise and perfectly lookin tbh! Only the clasp could be an argument but this also can be solved with a few exchanges :0
saw it in person finally. It's tough to capture the thinness of it but it keeps strong "shoulders" is the best way I can describe it (2:01 in the video is the closest approximation to real life feel). Closest to a 50s sub as I've ever handled. Now somebody sell one to me for lord's sake.
Look wise the BB58 is giving more presence, while BB54 is more subtle. Yet 37mm might be too small for some people like myself having 19.5 cm. wrists. Regarding the T-fit clasp, it's ridiculously good: to emphasize what a major point it is, before my Tudor Ranger 39mm I was not the bracelet type of guy. Always have used leather, sealcloth or rubber straps. With the Ranger having the T-fit, I like how you can reduce the size on the go on the chilly spring morning and then at noon you can increase it back without a tool when is warmer and your wrist has expanded a bit.
Great video and great release from tudor. I absolutely love the trend to downsize, yet I don’t feel the need to flip my bb58. On the other side, I just boughtaVulcainnatique and what a sleeper of a watchmit is. It seems to fly totally under the radar ( of youtubers) and at 38mm and under 2k it is the wining skindiver of the year for me
This is a great watch in every sense. But it’s crazy how the lume pip in the bezel is slightly misaligned in lots of the bb54s I see out there (mine included). Quality control not on point for a watch at this price point.
Managed to pick up a BB58 a couple of weeks before Watches + Wonders. So will be keeping that for the moment. I like the BB54 but have a BB58 + a BB 925 so will hold those for the moment.
I love the design of the 54. I kind of wish it came out in 40 mm. As Adrian mentioned, the removed traits from the BB58 is what makes it stand out in a positive way
Just got mine this weekend, looked tiny in the box but amazing on the wrist! Surely we're gonna get a Pelagos the same size soon. Absolutely loving this though, wears really well on a small wrist. Only waited 2 days after registering my interest to get the call from the jewellers, really lucky.
I would have love it even more if it had the ROSE LOGO and "smile text" below the dial... These are the things I absolutely adore on the first gen. 41mm black bay. I know they moved away from that as they implemented the in house caliber on their watches... But still. It would have been my goal for the next years: bb54, rose and smile text, and a choice for the eta at cheaper price
I have an 8 inch wrist, I wear from a 34 mm oyster perpetual blue 3-6-9 dial to a 42 mm omega aqua terra annual calendar. The BB 54 looks like a great watch.
I know what you mean my 114270 is one of my most worn watch beat only by 79090 and the rest of my collection is modern divers. I have big wrists but I guess I like smaller, simpler watches and this one looks like it ticks the right boxes. - Thank you for comparing the BB54 to your 114270👍
Here’s some interesting knowledge for you: We live in a universe where every creation is made up of scared geometry shapes which have vibrations. Triangles, circles and squares. This is the reason we find these shapes aesthetically appealing. Hence Rolex Explorer dial simplicity = beauty of geometry
