This review is going to be largely very positive because I simply have a good deal of good things to say about this timepiece. When Tudor errs, I am pleased to point out it, and frequently “assess” the brand when I believe that its advertising or product design choices aren’t on par with what the storied brand deserves. When Tudor makes it right however, they produce something similar to the Pelagos LHD, which will be a truly phenomenal contemporary diving sport watch.Let’s first talk a bit about the contemporary history of this Pelagos and how the Pelagos LHD matches into the Tudor Pelagos family, which includes a couple of models. In short, the Tudor Pelagos LHD is distinct from the “standard” Pelagos models in largely superficial ways — but purposeful ways. If the normal Pelagos is the awesome, contemporary dive watch with a no-nonsense stance of design and functionality, then the Pelagos LHD is your slightly quirkier model for experienced enthusiasts that delivers all of the same performance and usefulness since the normal Pelagos, but with only a bit more personality.Tudor initially introduced the Pelagos dip watch collection in 2013 (aBlogtoWatch review here). To call the opinion truly modern is a small misnomer because Tudor certainly pulled a great deal of design language out of yesteryear. Tudor and Rolex are part of the identical foundation, and it’s long been apparent that Tudor is the slightly more risk-welcoming arm of the group, and of course offers more affordable watches. People often thought of the Pelagos as the contemporary Submariner. In a lot of real ways they are competitors, even though the Submariner at retail can be roughly twice as much money.
Although nothing here (besides the stainless steel insert) is really all that new, 6 Tudor Grove have yet again proven their capacity to produce solid offerings among their particular multitude of watches such that there is something for everybody’s own personal preference. One thing is for sure, the Tudor Black Bay Steel and indeed the entire Black Bay line present a strong argument for worth equipped with in-house manufactured motions priced at $3,800 about the stainless steel bracelet or $3,475 on an aged leather strap. In addition to sorting out all of the facts to learn about a watch, some watches you just won’t know whether you’ll like until you place them on. It had been that way using the “two-tone” Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G (steel & gold) 79733N. Appreciating a watch is truly a combination of three items. First is liking the way it seems. Second is enjoying the way it feels while wearing it. Third is an ability to feel the value is well worth the asking price – particularly when compared to the contest. Walking by the window of this Tudor booth in Baselworld 2017, ” I didn’t think a lot of the “me too” two-tone Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G using its appealing but predictably handsome gold and steel looks. Then, wearing it, I finally realized that it had been, for me, Swiss Tudor’s star of this show.I can’t speak for the whole world, but I know that in the USA the Tudor Heritage Black Bay collection is easily the strongest and best selling of Tudor’s watches. Because of this, Tudor has created a fairly large family of Black Bay versions, while at the same time trying to offer a healthy degree of selection (versus mere color adjustments) between the various models. For the most part, I can endorse nearly all of them as great options for those searching for a decently priced classic-looking sports opinion. Although I don’t personally have one yet. Eventually, I probably will. One good reason behind that is that I am pretty stuck on Tudor’s big brother Rolex, though I do feel that Tudor supplies a great deal of value for those whose price cap is roughly $3,000 – $5,000.
The off-white look is a bit easier on the eyes compared to the stark white of the normal Pelagos versions, but retains an superb level of contrast with the black dial — which makes for very good legibility. More so, the combination of black, titanium grey, and beige colours, in my opinion, works together very well.The dial of the Pelagos is really where you can make the most distinction points between it and a Rolex Submariner. The Pelagos dial is very useful, quite legible, and excellently made for visibility as a dive watch. The longer one uses a Pelagos, the more I believe one comes to love the utility of this dial in a variety of light and reading surroundings. The apartment, AR-coated sapphire crystal allows for exceptional legibility even at extreme angles, and overall dial materials and proportions make for a really good tool.I keep saying “tool” over and over again in this review because I am attempting to reinforce the point which the Pelagos is so powerful in my opinion because it is first a tool, and then a luxury object of need. Watches like the Heritage Black Bay are less about being more and tools about offering a “look.” The Black Bay is an excellent timepiece choice for a great deal of individuals, but I feel if you are interested in dive watches for their utility, and appreciate a run design touches related to this, then the Pelagos is far and away the path to take at Tudor.
Rather, you have center links wrapped in a coat of stone, with steel on the interior. This isn’t plating, just, but a jacket of gold. This accounts for the still acceptable cost. In any event, I see such as high quality but a “bad man’s two-tone Rolex Submariner. More gold colour is used on the bezel text, as well as on the dial for the hands and hour markers. If you enjoy the look of a two-tone classic diving watch and can’t afford the $10,000-plus Rolex Submariner version, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G is going to be your very best bet. Two-tone looks like that (especially against a black dial) are very handsome and masculine, in my view, but also offer a welcome quantity of flashiness. It isn’t a look that’s for everyone, but I happen to enjoy it a lot.The Tudor Black Bay situation is 41mm wide, which is 1mm bigger than the 40mm broad Rolex Submariner. The case is water-resistant to 200m with a radically tall “box design” sapphire crystal whose layout is supposed to hearken to classic timepieces. The gold components of the bezel and crown are all apparent but, honestly, much less noticeable in the version of this reference 79733N on a strap versus a bracelet.
There are a Couple of strap Selections for the Black Bay Steel. Tudor’s riveted oyster fashion bracelet, that is used on many other but not all Black Bay versions is a standout. As a note, Tudor’s implementation of a contemporary “riveted style” necklace is one of the best on the market, combining contemporary functionality with twist bars and modern adjustability for the classic look of Submariners from years ago. In another move to reinforce the army feel, a canvas NATO design strap in olive oil is included using the Black Bay Steel whether you opt for the stainless steel bracelet model or the also available black leather strap version.Viewed collectively, the Black Bay Steel is yet another nice looking addition to the Black Bay series. Although it’s hard to think there needed to be another Black Bay, the subtle change in bezel add material and inclusion of this date function may grab a few enthusiasts who are currently precariously perched on the 7 Tudor St Belmore purchasing weapon. Tudor’s latest Black Bay might wind up serving together with the Pelagos in a little bit more of a tool watch niche than its predecessors, which seemed to be more interested in style than utility with their coloured bezels and more symmetrical dials.
Instead, you’ve got centre links wrapped in a jacket of gold, with steel on the inside. This isn’t plating, just, but a coat of gold. This accounts for the acceptable price. In any event, I see such as high quality but a “poor man’s two-tone Rolex Submariner. More gold color is used on the bezel text, in addition to about the dial for those hands and hour markers. Two-tone looks like that (especially against a black dial) are very handsome and masculine, in my view, but also offer you a welcome quantity of flashiness. No, it isn’t a look that is for everybody, but I happen to enjoy it a lot.The Tudor Black Bay case is 41mm wide, that can be 1mm bigger than the 40mm wide Rolex Submariner. The circumstance is water-resistant to 200m with a radically tall “box style” sapphire crystal whose layout is meant to hearken to vintage timepieces. The gold elements of this bezel and crown are apparent but, honestly, a lot less noticeable in the edition of the reference 79733N onto a ring versus a bracelet.
Instead, you have centre links wrapped in a jacket of stone, with steel on the inside. This isn’t plating, exactly, but a coat of gold. This accounts for the still acceptable cost. In any event, I see these as high quality but a “poor man’s two-tone Rolex Submariner. More gold colour is used on the bezel text, in addition to about the dial for those hands and hour markers. Two-tone looks like this (especially against a black dial) are extremely handsome and masculine, in my opinion, but also offer a welcome quantity of flashiness. It is not a look that’s for everybody, however I happen to enjoy it a lot.The Tudor Monarchy Black Bay situation is 41mm wide, which can be 1mm bigger than the 40mm wide Rolex Submariner. The circumstance is water-resistant to 200m with a dramatically tall “box design” sapphire crystal whose layout is supposed to hearken to classic timepieces. The gold components of the bezel and crown are evident but, frankly, much less noticeable from the version of the reference 79733N on a strap versus a bracelet.
In my view, there is not too much reason to get the S&G edition of the 9 Tudor Place Manalapan Nj Black Bay within the normal Black Bay if you are going to get it onto a strap. Then again, the price difference between both is just 400 Swiss francs.On the matching two-tone bracelet, the S&G comes alive and makes a very compelling case for itself. The Tudor Black Bay Steel, for instance, is the totally manly edition, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G is appropriate for social scenarios when you want to look a bit striking. In addition, the two-tone steel with 18K yellow gold-wrapped center link bracelet has the riveted advantages that Tudor introduced a couple of years ago. Such a style hearkens to early metal watch bracelets and adds welcome detailing to the overall look.Inside that the Tudor Heritage Black Bay S&G 79733N is the in-house-made Tudor caliber MT5612. This is exactly the same like in the Tudor Black Bay Steel given that it has a date indicator wheel. Another Tudor Black Bay watches have a standard MT5601, which can be more or less the same but without the date. Additionally, it has a variable inertia balance wheel using a silicon equilibrium spring.

Thanks to our friends at Watchonista and 6 Tudor Drive Kittery Me Switzerland, we got the new Heritage Chrono Blue for a week. Here’s what we thought of Tudor’s Baselworld 2013 star.

Tudor scored a big hit with the first Heritage chronograph of 2010. This year Tudor has added a new orange and blue version to the line-up.

While the earlier Heritage Chronograph was modelled on the ref. 7031 of the seventies, nicknamed the “Home plate” for the shape of its indices, the Heritage Chrono Blue is inspired by the later ref. 7169 of 1973.

Visually the Heritage Chrono Blue is more striking. The watch is less severe, and more fun than its forerunner. Blue and orange is less common than the earlier black and grey, which helps it stand out.

Compared with the first Heritage Chronograph

Externally, the Heritage Chrono Blue is identical to its sibling, with the same 42 mm steel case, crown and pushers, except both the aluminium bezel insert and lacquered crown top are in blue to match the dial.

The case construction and finish was excellent before, and it is now. In terms of case quality this places high relative to its competitors in the same price segment.

The case is somewhat thick, but the wide flanks of the watch are well polished, with the top of the lugs brushed. In between is a broad and carefully polished bevel. Both the crown and screw-down pushers are knurled for easy use. Worth mentioning is the large crown, which screws down smoothly and reassuring.

The sculpted and finely finished lugs

Beyond the obvious colour differences, the dial has one main improvement over its predecessor. All the hour indices are applied, and slightly bevelled with a luminous strip in the centre. This is a minor element of the dial, but it gives the watch a more enjoyable level of detail.

The applied indices are a big plus but the dial printing could be improved

Inside the watch is the ETA 2894, which is the ETA 2892 automatic with a Dubois Depraz chronograph module on top. This is a tried and tested movement, so reliability is a given. And while it was on my wrist the watch kept good time.

Extreme traditionalists will notice one major difference with the original. Due to the construction of the module, the 2894 has the constant seconds at three o’clock and the minutes counter at nine. The original ref. 7169 had a Valjoux 7734 inside, so the counters were inverted, with the seconds at nine.

Like the other Heritage models the Heritage Blue Chrono is supplied with a fabric strap as well as a steel bracelet. The fabric strap matches the dial colour and is more attractive, though the steel bracelet is obviously more practical for warm climates or sports.

Woven by a centuries-old mill in France, the cloth strap is properly made and finished, with a smooth front and back as well as neat edges. This probably one of the best fabric straps I have come across. The steel buckle and loops, for example, are brushed with bevelled edges.

Unlike typical NATO-style straps which loop under the watch, the fabric strap is actually secured by spring bars which run through the fabric. This makes it more secure, and it requires a spring bar tool to remove.

The bracelet and its friction fit clasp is solid and well made. Though it has a good heft, I personally find the canvas strap more comfortable, and the colours of the strap give the watch a much stronger aesthetic.

With a retail price of about US$4000, this is a mid-priced sports chronograph, a segment with lots of competition. The Heritage Chrono Blue has a lot going for it and stacks up well against the competition. Mechanically it is simple, but the ETA 2894 is also used by much of the competition, so the primary differences are external components, where the Tudor rates highly. Its primary strengths are the quality and finishing of its external components – case and strap – which are all better than most of its peers.

– SJX

This review was also published on Watchonista’s Heritage Chrono Blue Official Page.