The ‘Triple B’ – Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N

Only One…

We have long been fans of the Tudor Heritage range and we’ve been lucky enough to either own or review many of the watches from the line up. One watch in particular has been of special interest to vintage enthusiasts and modern collectors alike – the Black Bay One. For the first time in the history of the brand, Tudor officially produced a unique piece for the 2015 Only Watch Auction. This was the watch that everybody wanted and the watch world has been alive with talk about the piece and speculative chatter about the kind of prices the watch might achieve at auction in November.

The only drawback to the Black Bay One was the fact that only one person is going to be able to buy it! There is hope however…

Black is the New Black…

The question I get asked a lot about modern Tudors and the Black Bay in particular, is “why isn’t there a black version?” Today we are excited to announce the launch of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black 79220N and in our opinion; this is possibly the coolest modern watch available.

Passion for vintage Rolex and Tudor watches is a key part of what Bulang & Sons is all about and one watch that we will always love is the ‘Big Crown’ Submariner. We have written extensively about the beauty and balance of the 8mm crown, the patina of the dials, red triangle insert and the domed crystals that make these watches so coveted by collectors of diving watches. The new Black Bay Black references so many of these features and the results are stunning.

A Touch of Red…

The recreation of the chapter ring gilt dial, with an aged tobacco hue that we saw originally in the Black Bay Mk1 has returned, but it takes on a new dimension when framed by the black insert. The insert features the iconic red triangle at the 12 o’clock position, which is subtle but has a deeper meaning to vintage aficionados. First seen on vintage Submariners from the 1950s, the red triangle inserts were often replaced at service and to see one intact on a vintage watch now is a very desirable attribute. Seeing it on the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black is testament to Tudor’s ongoing commitment to celebrating its past. The matte finish of the bezel is stunning in the flesh and gives the watch a really vintage character that is both sophisticated and elegant in equal measure.

A Band of Brothers…

The latest addition is the perfect stable mate to the Black Bay Blue, as both watches are similar but very different. The Blue, inspired by the MN watches, has a spirit of the utilitarian tool watch, with the colder back dial with silver text. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black has much warmer and subtle look which will appeal to lovers of 60s gilt dial watches. This watch is the perfect everyday Big Crown that will effortlessly transition from the pool to the gentleman’s club with an ease similar to Fleming’s iconic hero James Bond; James Bond being a nickname often given to the vintage Big Crown Submariners.

And as you see… Tudor perfectly fits in style with my new bag…

A Final Strapline…

We couldn’t resist trying the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black on some of our 22mm straps and we think you’ll agree the watch looks stunning. The warm handmade leather straps bring out the patina and depth in the dial and bezel. Whichever strap we tried, it just looked so good!

A Final Note…

My personal vintage heart is in love with this watch and i ordered one as soon as i have seen it live.
It reminds me so much about my late Rolex 5510 Big Crown … the warmth and depth of the looks. Also the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black is iconic simple in its basic design, the watch feels so much more detailed and rich on the wrist.

Here are some images to see that big crown feel…