Tudor Black Bay 36

As a brand, Tudor needs no introduction. 

Although for years the company had labored under Rolex’s shadow, since its relaunch in the U.S. roughly a decade ago, it has attained an identity all its own. Part of the appeal lies in watches like this one, the Black Bay, which bridges the gap between vintage and contemporary in a way that’s hard to argue with — even for purists like us.

The Black Bay is, along with the Pelagos, the brand’s take on classic Rolex and Tudor dive watches. In creating it, Tudor started at the very beginning of Tudor and Rolex dive watch history: It incorporates the “big crown” of the first reference of Tudor Sub, the Reference 7922, which had an 8mm crown like its Rolex counterpart. For the hands, the Black Bay makes use of the same handset as the most famous of vintage Tudor Subs, the Reference 7021 “Snowflake.”

Since the Black Bay's debut in 2012, Tudor has expanded the line, now offering a wide range of models with varying design features, complications, materials, and sizes.

This particular Black Bay, a Black Bay 36, exists as a slightly paired down alternative to the larger divers and chronographs within the range. It features a 36mm stainless steel case with a sapphire crystal, a 'rose' signed crown, a smooth polished bezel, and a deep, luminous glossy black dial with a matching 'Snowflake' handset.

Powered by Tudor's Calibre T600 automatic winding movement, it comes fitted to a signed, distressed taupe leather strap with a matching signed steel deployant clasp.

If you're looking for a versatile, do-it-all piece with outstanding build quality, timeless looks, from one of the great names in watches, we simply cannot speak highly enough of this watch as an entry-level daily driver, for any wrist. It is simple, robust, and yup... timeless.

Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf created Tudor in 1926 for the everyman — for miners, construction workers and all sorts of tradesmen. For your everyday person Rolex was sometimes — and is now more so than ever — out of reach. It was meant for the explorer and the businessman, whereas Tudor was to be a different creature entirely.
In creating Tudor, Wilsdorf wanted to offer “a watch that our agents could sell at a more modest price than our Rolex watches, and yet one that would attain the standards of dependability for which Rolex is famous.”
Tudors were in many ways Rolexes in all but name, with the same waterproof Oyster cases and similar styling. However, in order to keep costs down, the brand used off-the-shelf Swiss movements rather than their own in-house calibres. What resulted were watches that were more affordable than Rolexes to the consumer, but still uniformly tough and reliable.
Today Tudor has certainly defeated any impression of being the redheaded stepchild of the Rolex family, and their current timepiece collection — as well as their vintage counterparts — are getting the recognition and respect they most rightfully deserve. From the colorful “Home Plate” chronograph to the complicated Advisor, these models often picked up where Rolex left off, daring to be more bold and playful in their design. And now that the brand has introduced in-house movements while still managing to keep pricing modest, the company is better poised than ever to win the hearts and minds of millions of new watch enthusiasts.

Our Pledge

Analog:Shift stands behind the authenticity of our products in perpetuity.

Condition

Since our pieces are vintage or pre-owned, please expect wear & patina from usage and age. Please read each item description and examine all product images.

Warranty

We back each Analog:Shift vintage timepiece with a one-year mechanical warranty from the date of purchase.

International Buyers

Please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.

All of our watches include complementary insured shipping within the 50 states.

Most of our products are on hand and will ship directly from our headquarters in New York City. In some cases, watches will be shipped directly from one of our authorized partners.

We generally ship our products via FedEx, fully insured, within 5 business days of purchase. An adult signature is required for receipt of all packages for insurance purposes. Expedited shipping is available at an additional cost. We are also happy to hand deliver your purchase in Manhattan or you may pick it up at our showroom.

Returns must be sent overnight or by priority international delivery, fully insured and paid for by the customer. A restocking fee may apply. Watches must be returned in the same condition as initially shipped.

We welcome international buyers, please contact us prior to purchase for additional details on shipping and payment options.