Tudor Black Bay 58 vs. Pelagos 39 - Which 39mm Tudor Dive Watch Is Better For You? 

Teddy is out here reading our minds and making the video we need. ❤

I've had the BB58 in black/gilt for about 4 months and it has robbed me of dozens of hours of my life just staring at it. I swear it gets a bit nicer each time I look at it and the dial looks a little different in every lighting situation. Damn you Tudor!

Great video. The toughest choices are when there is “no wrong” option! I went with the Pelagos 39 for exactly what you described…I wanted the contemporary “interpretation” of a Tudor Sub versus a modern remake…it’s a subtle difference and both watches are rad! No wrong choice here!

I own both (the black BB58 and Pelagos 39). Completely different watches. The BB58 is a dressy sports watch that works well in most situations. The Pelagos 39 is much more of a tool watch, more sporty, lighter but with much sharper edges (the clasp is extremely sharp). The Pelagos disappears on wrist due to the light weight (although more uncomfortable when touching it due to the sharp edges). Love both and can't really say one is better than the other. The Pelagos has a more modern look and the clasp micro adjustment is great. If you often wear a suit I would go for the BB58. The Pelagos is more aggressively sporty if that makes sense. Finishing is better on the BB58. Both gives you a submariner-esque look while still being very unique. When I bought the BB58 I thought it was the perfect watch. Didn't get that feeling with the Pelagos (mostly because the finishing is not as good) but it is really really good. It really boils down to classy versus sporty. Both watches are awesome value!

The winner for me would be the Pelagos 39, specially if they eventually release one in blue. The square markers, chapter ring that doesn't interrupt the color and the more matte finish are definite winners in my book.

The wearability for me goes to the P39. The centre links of the bracelet fully articulate, the T-Fit on the fly adjustment is brilliant and unlike on the BB58 clasp, the first link doesn't foul on the clasp body making it actually better for small wrists. Factor in the lower mass and the lack of micro adjusts and half links on the 58 and for me, the P39 more than edges it.

Great review, as always. I own the BB58 gilt and love it. I also have a 6.25" wrist so the 39mm size is more appropriate for me. The rose gold edges help to dress up the watch when needed. Merry Christmas to all.

Wow Teddy, what a nice holiday surprise. This video is very informative and helpful with the struggling decision between the Black Bay 58 and the Pelagos 39.

I have the BB58 in Blue and fully intend to add the Pelagos. It's different enough, it's modern, I'll wear it on the rubber 99% of the time. My BB lives on nato

I inquired for both, BB58 and Pelagos 39 at my AD, since both are beautiful. Finally received my Pelagos 39 last month. Last week I got the call for the BB58 and I declined, since the spot for a Tudor diver in my collection is already occupied by the Pelagos. Although it was unfamiliar at first (being my first titanium watch) I love the lightweight nature of the material, it’s so comfortable to wear all day. Also the lume is amazing and i really dig the sunburst bezel and the slight grey shade the grade 2 titanium has. Overall a great watch and I’m not sad I skipped the BB58 as I’m looking forward to put the money I saved on that into an Explorer 124270!

I have the BB58 with black gilt dial. I absolutely love it. If the Pelagos 39 was in steel, I would buy it too. I just don’t like how titanium feels on my wrist.

My wife calls me crazy but I have the exact two watches of this video. BB58 Blue since 2020 and the Pelagos 39 is a Christmas present 2022. For me two totally different watches, one with heritage and charme, and one modern and to the point in all aspects. Great review Teddy, just in time for the arrival of my Pelagos. I am definitely in bucket 3, both watches! Happy holidays

Cool video, thanks Teddy, I am one of the ones who prefer the Pelagos 39

Both are brilliant watches, really hard to go wrong no matter what you choose. I recently picked up a Pelagos 39 and I adore it. The clasp is large, but having owned a couple Seamaster 300m’s maybe I’m used to enormous clasps on my small wrist? Either way, it hasn’t been as much of an issue as I thought it might be. That being said, I tried a silver BB the other day and I might have to add that to the collection soon 😊 Tudor has been killing it recently. Great video as always! 🙏

I have the blue 58. The Pelagos is a different watch. I like my 58 and for $1500 less at todays realistic market prices it is the better watch hands down. However after a year or two the gray market Pelagos prices will make it a hell of a bargain and I definitely will add it to my Tudors. Merry Christmas to everyone!

Got the call for a 39mm Pelagos yesterday. Already own a black BB58. Perfect timing with the video.

Have both, keep the Pelagos on rubber - it is the way to best enjoy the Pelagos. It weighs 74/5 grams on rubber and that's what makes it a game changer.

Just got a BB58 in blue recently, it’s great! 🙌

I actually just bought a BB58 Gilt yesterday! I tried on the Pelagos 39 while I was there, and that wears incredibly as well. Can’t go wrong with either one.

I recently purchased the P39 and I have zero regrets cause it's has great design,materials and super light while being so comfortable.

Love this kind of content. So much attention to detail. If I'm ever in the market for a Tudor dive watch a few years from now, likely I'll be back to rewatch this video. Thanks again Teddy

Got my Pelagos 39 fourteen days ago. The clasp is fantastic. Fits like a dream even though it was not possible to remove an equal amount of links on either side of the clasp. The easy adjustment system works flawlessly. According to precision it is ticking accurately. (It has lost 2 seconds in eleven days - Daily wearing without deliberate positioning). The criticism concerning the slightly weaker lume of the hands in comparison with the hour markers is absolutely justified. Was never a dealbreaker for me, though, since this drawback was mentioned in the early reviews of the watch. Fancy the colour of the powerful lume. This is the utility watch that the (iconic) Rolex Submariner used to be. At half the retail price, which makes it a true daily wearer. Still, the only right watch is the one you wear😎

Picked up my Pelagos 39 yesterday I’m very happy with it. Love your videos Teddy have a great Xmas

I think one point that should have been directly addressed is how each fit within a collection. The Black Bay strikes me as the better pick if you have one great watch, or perhaps even a 2 watch collection, due to its better versatility. That said, I chose the Pelagos 39 because to me it is the ultimate “weekend watch”. I’m fortunate enough to have multiple interesting watches I can wear and so versatility isn’t what I’m after - rather I wanted something that is a little more focused and I leave the heritage aspect to actual vintage watches.

A blue Pelagos 39 would be sick!

Great video and good timing! I’m planning on getting the black/gilt BB58 next week, I just love the color contrast.

My former BB was my adventure watch. So I definitely used it for what it was meant for. Diving. Climbing. Camping. Such a good every day watch. Waiting for my Pelagos.

Thank you as always for your complete forensic break down of 2 awesome study watches. My choice is the"PELAGOS"!

Hey Teddy. Usually agree with most of what you say. But I think your scoring was skewed by the fact you own one! The Pelegos would be the quite obvious choice of the two for me. By the way - hats off to you for converting a passion into such a thriving business. You're obviously living the dream. Well done.

These are both marvellous watches, with similar specs and dimensions but very different characters. I own both the gilt and blue versions of the BB58 and they share wrist time with my 20-year old Rolex Sub date 16610, so you can tell my penchant for this type of diver. They go well with any attire and certainly a suit. The Pelagos is a cool more sporty addition, but the clasp is too long IMO and when I tried one on it felt a too light on my wrist for my taste. I may consider one if they bring out a blue version in steel.

Great video as always ! For me, the Crown guards are a factor to consider. I had the crown ripped out of my old Rolex once, so I prefer the crown guards.

Received a call from my local AD for the Pelagos 39. Will take a look at it tomorrow and make a decision whether to buy it or not 🤷🏻‍♂️

My vote is for the Pelagos. I have the Pelagos LHD and it is a beautiful piece.

I want a nice diver (I don’t dive) and I’m interested in trying Titanium. Always loved the BB58 size but never wanted the “vintage” or “couldn’t swing a Sub” look. Time to go try on the new smaller Pelagos.🛸.

Nice video Teddy. I’ve been debating about exactly those two watches from sometime now. Excellent comparison and I agree with your points almost 100%. One minor aspect that makes the BB58 more attractive for me is that the minute hand extends fully over the minute marks, differently from the Pelagos. It might be psychological, but it makes it a bit more legible than the Pelagos in my opinion. I do own a Pelagos 42 and love the watch, but can’t justify owning a 39 also. Going for the 58 in this size.

BB58 is very nice, perfect for everyday use. But feels like something designed to look good, surfing the wave of vintage inspired watches. The Pelagos is just how the Tudor Submariner could have evolved if its production never ended. Feels like made for purpose. Waited for a 40mm version of it for years, and the P39 looks just right: nothing more than what is needed in a tool watch, without being nostalgic...unless we think that wearing a mechanial watch is somehow nostalgic anyway...P39 is the right choice for me! Greetings

Pelagos for me is the winner by far and is actually more versatile because titanium wears better in any condition. Wearing a Titanium can be more comfortable than anything, you can literally forget about having a watch on your wrist because of this. Another plus for Titanium is that it is Hypoallergenic! This means that you can run till you drop, dance till you drop, hump or do whatever you want till you drop and your Titanium will not cause skin rash or something because perspiration. What can i say..i'm a Titanium fanboy ^^

Great comparison. I agree with all of the points made. The BB58 would be my choice.

I agree, good call with that clasp. Because on my Tudor the clasp really is longer than the l2l of the watch and I hate that about it.

The bracelet on my BB58 is very high quality, but it wears weird on the underside of my wrist. I even tried an Uncle Seiko half-link. The long scissor arms & lack of articulation makes it effectively 50mm+. I got a Forstner “O” & it’s so much more comfortable!

Teddy! Congrats! I subscribed to your channel! Always very informative and full of knowledge, your videos. What I especially like is that you look at all kinds of watches and price categories, not only the super expansive and for most of us not affordable watches! Keep on the good work!

This is how I made the decision of the Black Bay 58 versus the Pelagos. I went with the 41 instead due to my wrist size when I saw the BB58 for the fist time. But when I saw the P39, I bought it right there. The Pelagos LHD was also available. I thought that was grail because I’m left handed. I still went with the P39. I do have a theory about the P39. If the person has ever owned a black dial Submariner, they won’t like the P39. But if you want a homage without the drama of the Submariner, you would like the P39. Great video. I’m sure people made some good decisions after your video!

Definitely saving my money to own both of these, i think their awesome in every sense

Excellent review, thanks Teddy. I have the Black Bay 58 and I love it.

Got the original BB58 in 2018….my most comfy watch!

Another great vid Teddy. I'd go Pelagos myself. Just has more character and style for me. But then again, I don't like dive watches, so I wouldn't get either...

Having worn both of these and currently owning one, I think you nailed every matchup and did a great job covering the small differences between these two. Both are excellent watches for the money.

It was a tough one. I love the Pelagos 39 as I love a simpler and black/white design. But when I saw it in real life, the bezel is not entirely black, it’s kinda light grey/silverish at some angles as compared to the photos on the internet. I prefer BB58’s circular markers too instead of P39’s. So I ultimately went for the BB58!

Hi Teddy, just wanted to affirm your comment about the clasp on the Pelagos. I own a 42mm LHD model, which I love because of the limited production nature of the watch. But the clasp, while brilliantly designed, is definitely something that takes some adjusting to. That said, I'm a diver and a sailor, so the design fits the bill perfectly for me because I use the features regularly. Also, the Lume on the Pelagos is phenomenal. Even on the deck of my boat at night, it really helps when telling the time. Thanks for all your great content. Cheers.

I was a bit concerned about the long clasp on the 39 but I have no problems at all with it after about a month of ownership.

The Pelagos 42mm is the real deal, 500m with helium escape valve. Solid construction with thick walls inside. Not the mini Pelagos.

I like the pelagos but it needs more refinement before I'd buy one. Seems to have issues around lumes on hands not matching up with dial after few months, the movements accuracy I've heard has problems and the bracelet is a mess, needs refinement but I really like the watch, the rubber the titanium the different bezel and 39mm. It's a nice package so I hope they make improvements.

I don't know, the vintage charm of the 58 can't be beat!

I wanted a BB58 and was undecided between the 925 and the bronze but finally got the P39 as soon as it came out. The issue for me with the BB58 is that every iteration had an imperfection: The gilt has that fake gold feeling, blue is a bit too bland, silver doesn't have a bracelet and the bronze should have come in dial/bezel colours of the larger bronze models (grey/blue).

Blue bay 58 is one of the best watches offered today. Especially considering the price. I love the pelagos because of the square markers but the overall style is better from the bb58

I would choose the black bay imo. However, I think some people (maybe collectors) are tired of the flashy look and just want something simple to look at which is not always a bad thing of course. the pelagos is more friendly for daily use since it is more durable and also has an extra strap. When you look at it from this POV I think even people who are not into collecting watches would be more into it for the reasons I mentioned above.

The marker at 6 is misaligned on the black bay 58

Great video! Now too bad I can’t the 2023 pricing!! Better buy now because these prices are only going to keep rising!

Great video Teddy! I was in line for Black BB58, but ended up getting Blue one since it became available. Didn’t love it form day one, but now it gives be me such a great Miami vice vibe :) which is not a bad feeling at all. Would love to see Pelagos in steal, since I can’t imagine liking lighter watch, but I do like looks of it.

the BB58 is beautiful.. the flat black dial and gold hands blows me away.. love it, even as a rolex owner.. it's my fav..

I have both of these. Love Tudor!

This is the video I've been looking for. Thanks. I chose the 58. But may also buy the Pelagos 39 in the future :)

I’ll just add that being old fashioned I really, really loved the old vintage Tudor Subs with basically a real Rolex Sub case, the beautiful Tudor dials and the ETA 2824 movement. I would buy several of them just like that new today. A version with Tudors new chronometer manufacture movement would be icing on the cake for ME. Yes I know, nothing like looking backwards, lol. I have a couple of minty 1970s Tudor catalogs an old timer gave me once and I still drool at them, and I own a 2007 Rolex Sub-date.

Could you PLEASE make a video on a bunch of left handed watches? I feel like that would be a great video and help a lot of people out including myself. Keep up the great work!

Whichever one gets a future update to bring back the smiley dial first would be my first pick.

Super helpful videos Teddy as someone who is just getting into watches. I might be wrong but I think the naming of ‘58’ refers specifically to the black/gilt colour watch. The other ones like the blue, silver case, and gold case (as well as the red bezel) are just ‘black bay’?

I like the watch I got from MAMACOO. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

Hey Teddy, great review and thank you for taking the time to do the comparison. May I ask what watch are you wearing in this video?

Great comparison, you hit on reasons why I chose the BB58 bronze (because the steel ones are quite played out so wanted something a bit different, and T-fit), and for Pelagos, the 39 is too similar to the BB58 so again looking for a quirkier version, got the FXD :)

The Pelagos 39 is the modern submariner in Ti. I sold my 41mm submariner at the height of the insanity & missed it so much, I purchased the Pelagos 39. Much better everyday wear. I still have the Rolex Sea Dweller 40mm 16600 & 116600 & explorer 39 full lume but the Pelagos is my daily wear

For me, it basically boils down to design consistency - the circular markers on the BB58 conflicts with the squarish snowflake hand, imo, where the Pelagos has a more cohesive design with block markers. I used to not like the snowflake, but I like it on the Pelagos. Not that you can go wrong with either, of course, but for me it's the Pelagos 39.

Great at content Teddy, keep up the good work. Wishing and and the entire team and merry Christmas and a happy new year

They both look amazing

Thanks for the high detail shots of these two back to back! I've been considering both, but they each have a few quirks I can't see past (not yet, anyway!) On the Pelagos, really, it's just the sunburst dial. Need to check it out in person.

I personally prefer the Pelagos and it is the one I wanted to get because it looks more modern and I love the titanium/ceramic duo. However, my issue is that I wanted a blue dial and I do prefer the color of the Pelagos as well but it only comes in 42mm which doesn’t fit me. Therefore, BB58 is the way😊

4 months ago i bought a 925 ( the silver one). Today i got the Pelagos 39. Really happy with it

Have both. The Pelagos sees more daylight. Keep thinking to sell the 58

I think this is pretty fair, although the heritage argument could be tied perhaps? They're both referencing Tudor subs but in different eras, the pelagos has the look of the snowflake subs (crown guards, bezel profile, handset and markers) the black bay has that vintage inspiration and only really omits the Mercedes hands. The pelagos is more of a natural continuation of the sub line while the bb is intended as a throwback.

Great review! I got a BB58 Blue and a Pelagos FXD. But if I didn't have the latter, I would definitely add a 39! Happy Holidays!

Great vid, I have both of these - think you missed the optionality and wearability for the p39, as one watch gives 2 options with the bracelet/rubber straps included. Wearability for me is better on the p39 as the T-fit is a must-have in a hot climate! Then you could also argue the price for the Pelagos is pretty competitive vs a bb58 with a bracelet and a rubber strap! Still can’t decide on a favourite though!

I am in the third bucket... actually the Black Bay Pro GMT was my first choice, also 39mm but was way too thick. So I went with the 58 in navy as the blue made it look more modern IMO. But now I also want the Pelagos 39 after trying it. My first choice out of the 2 would still be the 58, it's safe bet. Because of the titanium on the Pelagos 39, it wears much lighter than the 58, this may be an issue for some that want to feel something substantial on their wrist.

Both Brilliant watches! The winner for me is the P39, I love it!

I will end up with both, but still love my BB58 Blue. Just the easiest no brainer watch to take with me wherever I go.

I'm going with the Pelagos just do to my life style being military, off road racing in Baja, surfing etc. I'm very very hard on watch's and titanium I think will stand up much better wear wise for my lifestyle. Great video.

The size of the clasp is killing it for me… I just cant unsee it

Great video. Thank you.

If the 58 had the crown protectors like the Pelagos and Rolex sport watches it would be perfect. Once Tudor gets that feature into the design of the steel Black Bays they will have a winner and I’ll have a new watch!

Either or both, just go with your fancy. Don't overpay for the Pelagos. In my experience Tudor ADs run a fair wait list and every hot Tudor ends up in the window display eventually.

The only thing I'd want from the Pelly39 is the slider clasp, and the clasp itself with its Rolex look objectively suits it better. But, for my OG 58, I got a Steel Reef 5mm clip out extension link (Functions exactly like a diver extension that you'd be familiar with, just not as broad of an extension, just a few mm for comfort in mind, not a wet suit). That does the trick. Oem fit and finish. Maybe a bit pricy for what it is (140usd) but it's up to snuff with the bracelet quality. It's exactly as it would have been if it had been offered from the factory. You would never know it was aftermarket.

I know. So difficult to pick which one to pick up. I decided to get both. Thanks. Specially since impossible to get a Submariner.

I have the bronze bb58, so I have the t fit clasp, it's pretty amazing.

I went for the Pelagos 39 in November - it was very close between the P39 and BB58. In the end, the P39 won out because I already have a Submariner 124060 and Pelagos FXD MN21.

My preference is the Black Bay M79230B-0008 41mm with the white hand set, and matt blue anodised aluminium Bezel insert. Has the retro signed crown with the Tudor rose, Domed sapphire crystal, and Rivet bracelet... I Prefer the slightly bigger size, the clean white hand set(and lume) and the matt blue insert for a bit of color(more in comparison to the very retro gilt version). A modern retro look(LoL), the best of both worlds. I'm aware one is in Steel and the other is Titanium. I'm used to steel watches, and actually don't even notice the weight.

It’s a tough decision. Thank you for the video Teddy, I am hoping to buy a Tudor soon.

Why do you point out heritage section?? its clear that the bb 58 wins because it is inspired by older designs. The Pelagos on the other hand is not inspired at all! (maybe just slightly) so ether you do not count that section, or give a + to the Pelagos.

Love the dial on the black bay, love the Pelagos crown guard

Pelagos for the win. I have never liked the round indices with snowflake hand set of the BB.

I've been looking at a pelegos 42mm as I do feel the black bay 58 is a lot more common. Although stuck between the black or blue one

Buy both. I think they are different enough to enjoy separately. One modern. One vintage inspired. I had the same dilemma when deciding between a Submariner & Se-Dweller. And in the end I bought both. There is so much choice and variations within the Black Bay range you can virtually collect that one model in it's multiple variations and materials.

Great video, Teddy! Being a Mechanical Engineer with just-under a 7 inch wrist, I tend to gravitate toward the Pelagos here. I think the more tool-y vibe resonates for me. I always thought the original Pelagos is cool when seeing it in the wild but fear it's 15mm thickness a bit! The BB58 is just a classic but I worry a bit about losing interest in it a little over time.