Tudor Black Bay Pro: The Thinking Man's Rolex Explorer II 1655 

I MESSED UP!!! 💀💀 I have 5.5 inch wrists! Not 6.5 LMAO! And my husband has 6.5 inch wrists. Blimey. I hate myself. 😂🤦🏻‍♀️ Gringa QC took the weekend off.

I absolutely love my BB Pro...I'm wearing it now. I've got 8+ inch wrists so no dimension issues for me (I'm used to wearing my 43.5mm diameter, 16.5mm thick Omega Planet Ocean). I find the vintage-inspired look to be ruggedly masculine that looks great dressed up or down (prob not formal but in most social situations you'll find yourself in these days, you're good). Here's something I've noticed after wearing it in a variety of lighting environments that I haven't heard anyone else mention...in natural sunlight, I swear the textured black dial gives off a subtle brown tropical vibe. Not trying to imply you're getting a vintage tropical dial Rolex Sub if you buy this one, it's just something I've subtly noticed from time to time while checking the...time (way too many uses of the word "time" in one sentence). I also appreciate that where many brands decide to use fauxtina to pull off the vintage-inspired look, Tudor went with a cream color for the lume-ceramic hour markers giving it the same feel. The BB Pro is a stunner of a watch and at the price point, it's easily one of my favorite watches to wear on the regular. Great vid Chica!

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 That intro!

Luke is a real gent. Met him for the first time at the last Bristol Redbar and was really struck by how warm and genuine he was. Great review. I laughed out loud at the bag packing!

Hey Gringa, such a great video. I always watch your videos as soon as they come out and your style, energy and humor have me smiling start to finish. This one was no different. Just a delightful 10 minutes of escapism from the craziness that is 2022. Oh I subscribed today too! The part about making fun of Bark and Jack was hilarious and well done. You and he are my two favorite watch reviewers these days. On the Black Bay Pro...I love it. I'm a long time Explorer II fan, but started finding the lug to lug to be a bit too large so I moved on from it. I don't mind the height of this one - although I wish it were a hair thinner. But 39mm and a shorter lug to lug sounds like a winner. Also, did you notice how bright the steel looked on this watch in person? In your video it looks amazingly bright and shiny. Such a fun video....Thanks for the laughs. It was fun!

i love your energy that is why i subscribed. There never is a dull moment watching your videos. Im a Tudor fan as well ( currently own the 79350). Waiting for the BB58 Blue, but no stock at my AD. i decided on getting the BB58 blue after watching your video and felt your passion on this model. told myself, i gotta have this!

I thought Tudor nailed the look but were very lazy with the movement. A GMT complication is very simple to implement from a technical point of view and could have easily been added to the 58 movement equaling a sub 13mm thick watch (similar to current Explorer II). To add to the evidence of laziness, the Tudor chrono is 14.4mm thick and that's with a date and full chronograph! For 3k id want it to be perfect.

Love the observation about the niche Tudor is fulfilling as the tool watches Rolex used to be. As Rolex has opted for luxury, refinement, and social status, Tudor has dug in as the to go-to for the worry free, everyday, utilitarian choice for watch lovers on the more carefree, adventurous side.

Loved the intro🤣 I was with my Tudor AD only yesterday (I’m looking at a BB ceramic) who told me they are expecting two more new launches this year, one of which is apparently been described by Tudor insiders as “incredible” Tudor are on such a role!

Your Bark and Jack homage was amazing haha an adventure to the 😂 Danish pastry store! I guess you could also do a 24 hour closet camping experiment to simulate a cave hah Nice real addition of his beautiful soft nato strap 🙌 I wish the bezel rotated. Love timing random stuff with a rotating bezel, like how long the steak has been on the grill!

You’re an absolute delight; passionate about Watches; insightful and entertaining. Thank you. Love your excitement about Clasps. Top Woman. Thanks.

This is a polished and yet entertaining and informative video! One of my favourites yet. Well done! I think you provide some worthwhile opinions and personality that are lacking in a lot of peoples videos where fact sheets being read take up a lot of time and they’re repetitive and churny. Keep going!

Personally I love this watch, functional and comfortable. When I had the call from the AD to have a look I didn't really think I'd be able to get over the dimensions but I was very wrong. Yes it is a tad on the thicker side but Tudor using a larger crown with better knurling IMHO than the BB58 keeps the proportions in check. It's also worth remembering that the crystal is boxed so adds to the height. On my 7" spindle it's very comfortable on the bracelet and the T-Fit tool less adjustment is one of the best I've used. Using the GMT have as a 24 hour indicator makes sense in any environment where you can't see the outside world, my happy place has no windows so it's really useful when I'm there.

Great video. Can't wait to get one of these for myself. Tudor have been killing it in the last year or so; 925 Stirling Silver, Black Bay Ceramic, FXD and now the Pro.

I have the BBPro on bracelet. It is an awesome watch. Great for traveling (esp when i don't want to travel with my BLRO), 200m water resistant, t-fit clasp, rugged all steel. I have 6.75 inch wrist and the whole thickness debate is over blown in my opinion. Once on wrist it wears like any other SS Rolex or Tudor. I have SD4K, which is my favorite diver, and the BBPro is thinner. And the whole faux rivet thing? if given the option I'd go without it, but with it? not a big deals once on wrist. I have not given it a second thought about the rivets - don't notice them at all. All for $4,000? no brainer!

Hey Brit, on point as ever!! Loved it… when I watched Adrian’s video the only real grumble was the lack of pastries - in Gringa swoops ha ha it’s such a cool watch too!! Maybe a yellow rubber b or nato would make it a cool summer watch too!!!! 🍻🥃

Love the Bark and Jack homage intro…hilarious! I got this watch a couple weeks ago and this review is on point…although this watch does look a lot like the 1655😛.

You just helped cement my next watch purchase of the Tudor BB Pro! Obviously can’t afford the Rolex 1655(fav watch of all time), but the BB Pro is clearly the next best thing! Thank you for your review to help me out on this next big purchase!😊

As someone who also has tiny little wrists (~6.25”), I was also really worried about the thickness. But I put it on, and honestly it does not bother me. Would a little thinner be preferred? Absolutely - but it was not even close to deal breaker for me. First, it’s a sports watch with solid depth rating, so it is not expected to be very thin. Second, I think it hides the mms very well due to caseback disappearing into the wrist, large crown visually breaking up the slab, and the gentle/smooth sloped progression of the bezel and crystal. I was prepared to see it in person and just pull the trigger on a white 16570 if I didn’t like it, but I ended up buying the Pro. And now I’m genuinely wondering if I still have any itch to scratch with the 16570. Love your stuff. Great parody intro 😂

Great video! Thanks for the information. Just went to try this one on today and fits me perfectly. I was concerned about the thickness and faux rivets before trying it on and was pleasantly surprised that neither of those concerns hold any weight in person. I too, also love the fact that there is no cycleops lol!

Tumble into your channel and I love it. So much fun and energy for a watch review. Keep going girl cause you have my subscription.

Hated it when they first showed it but now I really like it. However I just bought a 37mm ~9mm thick Nomos and I am absolutely in love with the size (I am also IBWC). I will try it out once it's available at an AD near me but I don't expect it to fit me all that well. We'll see!

Like, commented, subscribed. Algorithm complete. You are fun and bring an enjoyable playfulness to the watch community. Getting excited about small, yet ultimately big, details remind us how we viewed watches before we became jaded and too informed. Thank You! Industry politics can be fun but ultimately I just want to smile when I look at my watch.

I believe tudor is a representation of what rolex began, with their own subtle nuances

Laughed super hard at the intro. Well done! I chose the Tudor GMT S&G over this one. Mostly because it was so much more different than the other watches in my collection.

Great content, knowledge and most importantly, vibes! Subscribed!

I do like the new BB Pro, but man I'm so sad that when Tudor does something new and unique it wasn't taken up well by the watch community. The North Flag (Ref: M91210N) is one of the coolest timepieces made by Tudor SA, yet was unloved by the general consensus. I adore mine, and it's extremely tough, but is time and date focused so loses functionality to GMT, including Tudor BB Pro. Design-wise I do love the controversial power reserve disc, yellow accent colours, and mix of materials with stainless steel and ceramic mid-bezel. BB Pro has a (lighter) yellow accent tones too, and looks AMAZING with the SS GMT Bezel; my preferred choice! I prefer BB 58 for my wrist size, and certainly do like the BB Pro, a lot, but see Tudor borrowing design details from Rolex Explorer II without much of an interesting back story. I actually consider the story of Tudor The North Flag, taking inspiration from Tudor Ranger II and Rolex Explorer timepieces alongside the story of The North Greenland Expedition, far more fascinating and with real heart, and this is evident with the end result design that is The North Flag! Tudor P01 is similar in unique design but not well considered, but though not my cup of tea it alongside The North Flag are exactly the direction I like Tudor to travel!

LOVED this! LOL!!! The trip to the pastry store was the best part! Totally agree that the height/thickness is a dealbreaker :( Your videos are the best!

Well, as some other people over here, I also thought that the 39mm case of the Black Bay Pro shouldn't be really thicker than the Black Bay Pro, but it happens that the caliber Black Bay 58 is smaller than the base caliber for the Black Bay Pro. I thought this GMT caliber was based on the same caliber as the Black Bay 58, but NOPE..., it isn't, and this is why Tudor's GMT watches are so FAT. The Caliber of the Black Bay is the MT5402, with 4.99mm thickness and 26mm on diameter (27 jewels and 70 hours power reserve) and the GMT caliber in the Black Bay Pro is the MT5652, which is "just" 7'52mm high and 31'8mm on diameter (28jewels and 70 hours power reserve) based in the MT5602, with exactly the same diameter as the previous one at 31.8mm and around 1 mm thinner (6.5mm) or, better said, around 1 mm less tall and thick and chunky...(25 jewels and also 70 hours of power rserve). And this is why many Tudor watches are WAY THICKER than they should basing on their water resistance. If they tell me that the Black Bay Pro is 500-1000m water resistant..., I would LOVE it and would see that thickness way understable, having present that the Sea-Dweller on 40mm was thinner if I'm not mistaken. Said this, I liket he 200m of water resistance of the Black Bay Pro, though I would love it to have crown guards for a better protection, placing safety and functionality over design and pure aesthetic.

On the verge of 23 thou. That didn’t take long. Oh! We’re rolling now.

Great looking watch. Case size for me is too small for a tool watch on my chunky wrists. I think it’s more of a looky likey than a true homage, but arguably both camps have a fair point to make. Micro adjust bracelet copying the Boutique bronze is a no brainer and good touch. I also wonder exactly how many people do actually actively use the GMT function. It’s a good weight and the case thickness is ok too.

Loving the Black Bay Pro..! First time viewing your channel... loving the fun and refreshing presentation..!! will subscribe now..!

Very entertaining and full of usefull information.Thanks Gringa!

Great review. Really enjoyed your adventure to the bakery. On a serious note, I have this watch and the thickness does not bother me at all. It doesn't feel top heavy on my 18cm wrist and wears extremely well.

Great review Britt. I have this one on my wish list! Keep 'em coming...

Thanks Gringa for the fun content! When the sister brand to Rolex, the originator, does a similar model, I seriously don’t see that entering homage territory. Technically maybe, but they, more than anyone else, have a legit claim and right to do so. Tudor is a sister brand and fully complementary to Rolex and this design stays true to that relationship. So imho… Go Tudor (and go Gringa!)

Fret not if you love this Tudor but have a small wrist (like myself) and can't see yourself wearing it. The Seiko 5 GMT is coming out very soon. Just change out the bezel or bezel insert and you have a great looking alternative to the Tudor at a fraction of the price

It’s a predicament for me, keep the og 58 or trade up to the pro!?!? Aghhh I can’t decide…. The clasp is a big plus on the pro but the lack of rotating bezel for when I’m timing my oven chips…… 😂 and the tubbyness, I just can’t decide. Certainly looks amazing though. Great review as always gringa 👍

Another cracking review. Well done. It's a gorgeous watch but just not how sure it will look on the wrist of most of us mere mortals due to it's thickness. Guess I'll have to try it on and then decide.

Excellent video, keep more of these coming. Bravo!

Possibly your best video yet, but don’t underestimate your ability to pull off wearing this size watch. You can rock it!

The case is not too thick. My wrist is 7.25 and it’s just great! My favorite GMT still.

Great video as usual! I recenlty bought BB58 black (also thanks to your video in the past) and even though I do not generally like GMT function on the watch, I am starting to like this watch... (guess why...)

This video made me subscribe! Great intro and general humor.

cool video Gringa! i had mixed feelings about this watch but i gave it a chance and i'm more than happy with it. i got it on the bracelet, i thought it would be the best option. than i tried it on a black natostrap and was impressed again. it makes it a lot better looking watch imo.

Fantastic video Britney! The beginning was hilarious.

Great video and do think Tudor is really the only watch brand that can take design cues from Rolex with validity. It’s all the same family. It seems Tudor is really doing well mixing in vintage Rolex designs with their watches while Rolex move on to their own thing. Not a bad problem. I think Tudor watches present great value and really look forward to the new black bay steel and gold watches this year. Could be a hidden gem. New case that is similar to Rolex OP cases, upgraded movement, resized hands with lollipop seconds hand, new clasp. Lots to like.

Starts really funny and goes into a really good review. Thank god my wrist is 7 inch so I am looking forward to getting a Black Bay Pro.

Great content as always 🐐

So refreshing to see you getting pastries! Would love to see more of your daily life outside of watches AND I prefer the BB58 over the Pro anytime!!

Lol, loved the intro. I think Tudor absolutely have the right to homage Rolex, especially when they're produced in a factory that says Rolex on it. And 15mm thick can wear pretty slim if the thickness is hidden in the caseback and bezel; unfortunately the BB is pretty slab sided.

I like how the watch was kept in a Patek pouch!

🤣🤣Brilliant intro. Hope to see you on bigger adventures in future. Collab with Adrian would be awesome!!

This watch has really grown on me a lot and tbh I’m really tempted to get this as my first proper Swiss watch, tho do you think this watch is capable of being dressed up? Also best intro ever…

The videography on this video is in another level…….you are the best 👍🏻😎

You left those of us with 7-71/2” wrists out. I think it’s probably fine for 7 and above. Maybe 6.75” and above? I can see why it was too much on your wrist. I think this is a great release. I would say it’s clearly inspired by the 1655, but it’s not an homage in the sense the watch community uses that term. The dial markers and hands are so different, and then there is the lack of cyclops on top of that. The yellow GMT hand further differentiates it, but honestly my only niggle is I would prefer if it was the more homage-like orange. I just have a preference for pops of orange over yellow. I need to go try one of these on, but I really like the Pepsi BB GMT design and have the 7.25” wrist to pull it off. That and I am hoping they are easier to get a hold of now. I bet there is a bit of a wait for the BB Pro at most ADs.

Great review Gringa!

Hilarious intro! Youre Terrific (pun intended) and Watch Gringa are the best watch RU-vid channels that keep the hobby light and entertaining!

Hahaha first part of the vid with the wine bottles had me in stitches, brilliant

Genius intro! I’m sure B&J would love it too! 😂 awesome 👍

I own it and I love it. With my 8” wrist under, it looks just perfect. Deadly accurate as well keeping time. Will double of that wonderful girl’s advice - buy the bracelet flavor. It has built micro adjustment mechanism which makes it better than many Rolex bracelets. Cheers!

I will definitely get a Black Bay Pro, as soon as my AD gets one in. I love the steel look of the Pro. I lucked into a Tudor GMT "Rootbeer" at my AD, and I love it. The thickness of these cases/movements do not bother me at all with my 7.5 inch wrists. Now for Tudor to offer the Pro with a white face!

First time viewer. Great videos Britt! I just got the BB Pro about a week ago and I absolutely love it. Not sure if im doing something wrong but the GMT hand doesnt keep up on mine. For every hour that passes on the normal hands, the GMT hand only moves half way between numbers. For example, if i set it to 12 noon EST and then the GMT to 5 pm English time, at 1pm EST the GMT will be half way between the 5 and 6 o'clock position. I may need to see if there are any service centers to check that out. Otherwise I absolutely love it. I have a 7.5" wrist and I dont notice the thickness one bit.

nice take on Adrain and setting the GMT to the bakery opening time is essential

Each video gets better and better

That ABSOLUTELY adorable intro made me sub instantly. The rest of the video is just icing on the cake.

Nice watch. I was never a fan of the 70s Explorer II; but I know that have armies of fans. If Rolex had no intention of bringing back that version, Tudor did the right by putting out its version. It is a faithful interpretation with just enough of its own identity.

They had one in the window of watches of Switzerland at Gatwick airport, and it was for sale the manager told me. The watch was on a strap and I have one on order with them on a metal bracelet, boy was I tempted to buy it , but I thought I would wait for the bracelet version. I was very very surprised that such a new watch on sale and not an exhibition piece . The manager said he put it in the window Half an hour before I got there I told him it will probably last about another 10 minutes before someone buys it 👍🏻

You're spot on, it's a brilliant watch that is a tad chunky. Wish it was thinner. But all in all a very nice watch.

Having the GMT hand as an AM PM hand isn't so bad. It's quicker to adjust the correct date and time when the watch stopped.

First watch video that actually made me laugh in a long time, thanks for the great intro & video. I wasn't sure about BB Pro when it was announced so bought Steinhart Ocean GMT 39 (Olko) to try it out beforehand. Well, now I know for sure that I like the design and fit... but Steinhart has scratched the itch little too well and it has been my daily for the past few months. Just a tip for anyone interested in either watch. I might be going for the Pelagos next, who knows! :)

I love that you took it exploring to the bakery - that danish looked yummy! The BB Pro looks better than a 1655 to me, dial is cleaner. It is too porky height-wise for me, but other than that, it looks like a winner for Tudor. Love your enthusiasm, it is very contagious.

Outstanding job on the vid Britt

I own the BB GMT and BB 58 Navy. I'd go for the BB Pro if they offered a white dial, similar to the BB Chrono. It would be different from the other two I own. I've got an idea for your next extreme adventure... The car wash...

Love your videos! 😁

Just purchased one and it looks excellent!!!!

Very cool vidéo! I dont know if you could put the Centimeters aswell on your video ! As a frenchman that would help ! Thanks for the great work!

I really didn't understand what the fuss was about when this was announced... I thought it was ugly and that as a tool watch it would likely last about 2 months on my wrist before that raised edge of the crystal and polished case were destroyed by my life... ...but there's something about it that's growing on me... the cyclops on the explorer 2 kills it for me and Tudor omitting that has me thinking about the pro even more now.

I have not tried the BB Pro on but I have tried the BB GMT and on my wrist and it felt fine, I think the lug-to-lug is good on these Tudor watches. I have seen the BB GMT out in the wild and, like in this video with the BB Pro and other RU-vid channels, the watches look like bricks on peoples wrists! So looking top down might be fine and they may even feel comfortable on the wrist but my view is they don't look quite right on other people's wrists (and therefore won't on mine) - each to their own of course, but it's a deal breaker for me. (I feel I also see a lot of BB GMTs on the used market which suggests that people get tired of them quickly / wear-ability becomes an issue with time.)

I normally can't tolerate women's reviews about men's watches they haven't covered things from a perspective I've enjoyed... I'm so glad I've listened to your review really great covered well and I'm not the easiest person to laugh And I loved this and your other review and its a kick in the absent nuts for urban gentry who has humour but sings for his dinner and the reviews lack reviewing.... Nice one have subscribed great channel keep it up look forward to new reviews, can you do one on seiko sla037 or sla043 please

I ❤️ that signature outro. Bye-eye!

Marvellous, your vids always have me rolling! 🤣🤣 so funny! This does have me confused though, Papi mentioned it was posher than a Rolley, or was that referring to a different upload? 😉 Keep em coming, always great fun! I hope you get a better than cheap sponsor, you deserve it! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Great, fun video, thanks very much! I think I could live with the thickness, but the polished (rather than brushed) sides are off-putting in such a tooly watch. Might ultimately go for a GS SBGM247 instead....

Ok great video as always Britney. My thoughts on the Black bay pro if you want a 1655 and do not have or want to spend 20-40k on one buy this watch you will not be disappointed. If you want 1655 but really do not want a vintage watch buy the Black bay pro. The watch is well made with a fantastic bracelet and a great new Tudor designed clasp. Do not let the movement scare you yes they had there date problems at first but Tudor has overcome them. The movement is very good at keeping time my Tudor GMT is + 1 to 3 seconds a week and it has been that way for a year now that I have owned it. To be honest Tudor is bad for my bank account as keep coming out with watches I want to buy. If you want a vintage watch get the original 1655 but remember it is a vintage and not a GMT like the pro that being said it is a fantastic watch wish they were cheaper. Great video Britney keep them coming.👍💯

I love this watch, and can not wait to get my hands on one. And on a side note. You should really get that off loan and get one it looks stunning on you

The Rolex 1655 was my MOST favorite watch of all time. I like this Tudor, but the round indices make it not stand out for the crowd like the old Explorer II did. It's the same reason I'm not a huge fan of the current Explorer II. The original Explorer II - without the mercedes hands and the round indices was uniquely wonderful. I wore one for over twenty years! But I don't need or want a $30,000 wristwatch. 🤔😂 So it's gone - and a Steinhart Ocean 39 Olko Edition homage scratches that itch for me these days. Love your review style. Subbed! I haven't looked through your video list yet, but if you haven't reviewed the Steinhart line yet, please do! They are AMAZING watches at very reasonable prices.

For me the black bay pro fits my view of an homage with a watch that takes inspiration from the design of another watch, but still puts their own spin on it, which is something I'm fine with. I love the explorer 2, buy where I live I can buy 2 of these and a still have about $2,000 left, instead of buying the explorer 2. The only thing that I'm not sure about is the size at 39mm. I haven't held one so I can't say for sure, but it has the look of a fat guy (I am one so I'm allowed to say that) that is sucking in their gut. We're big and we look odd when we try to hide it, and I feel like it's a case of this is a big watch that's trying hide it at 39mm.

I love your uniquely Gringa perspective. I personally thought the BB pro looked good on you. Its definitely my next watch!

Love that you packed the Lagavulin 9 !

The start was class :) Love it

I love this black bay pro , unfortunately I own the P01 which I love ,I got a thing for querky watches Maybe there is room for a gmt in my watch box

I’ve seen one in person and I really like it (more than the Rolex tbh, but maybe thats because I’ve never liked the Explorer 2 anyway). It wears fairly well on my 6.5 inch wrist, but I don’t know if id get it tbh. I’m really in two minds about the plain silver bezel. Maybe if it was blue or black I’d have gone for it. Thickness really isnt that bad for anyone with a wrist over 6 inches. It won’t disappear on the wrist, but its not chunky like a Valjoux 7750 based chrono..

Absolutely epic Ms Gringa 👍🏼

I recently chose to decide between a BBPro and BB58 Bronze. Was close but I went with the bronze cos i used to have the Bronze 43 but it was too big for me and I also thought it would be a good companion to my Bronze IWC chrono. It was a close thing tho because the pro is a cracker

" she's s beefy b " that made me laugh. Great video

oh man, I was super tempted by this but after watching this out you just made me hit like a solid 9.7 on the geek scale!!

Niece piece. Thank you for the engaging review.

Loved the intro, that was hilarious. 🤣😂🤣😂❤

Love this watch awesome video

This watch is absolutely gorgeous and handsomely rugged. May I ask what kind and brand of gray strap you have it in? This is going to be my next treat to myself :)