The history between Rolex and Tudor dates back over a century to 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established the Wilsdorf & Davis company in London, with the Rolex brand name registered in 1908. Soon afterwards, Hans Wilsdorf registered the Tudor name in 1926. The purpose was to deliver a watch at a more accessible price point while upholding the same excellence as Rolex.
Over the years, the name and reputation of Tudor has grown exponentially. In the 1950s, the brand released its first line of professional dive watches that would eventually become the world-renowned Tudor Submariner. By the 1970s, the brand had become widely accepted as a watch known for its quality and innovative technology.
Today, Tudor is regarded as one of the leading names in luxury watches, alongside Rolex, and strives to continue producing highly sought-after timepieces.
When it comes to luxury watches, there’s no denying the longstanding appeal of the Rolex Submariner and Tudor Black Bay. Both of these watches are prized for their timeless design, unrivalled craftsmanship, and precision movements. But when it comes down to it, which one is the right choice for you?
The Rolex Submariner is widely considered one of the most iconic and recognisable watches in the world.
First released in 1953, the Submariner was designed to withstand a water submersion of up to (at the time) an unprecedented 100 meters. The case was forged from stainless steel that is highly resistant to corrosion and is adorned with a bi-directional bezel that adds to a classic, rugged look.
The movements contained inside were powered by the ever-reliable Rolex Calibre 3135 and 3130 automatic movement (date and no-date complication respectively), with some of the latest models incorporating the new 3230 calibre.
The Rolex Submariner ref. 124060, released in 2020, continues it’s iconic design philosophy but, for the first time, has increased it’s Oystersteel case size to 41mm.
The Oysterlock Oystersteel bracelet is perfectly complimented by the sapphire glass. The timepiece is water resistant to 300M and is equipped with the 3230 calibre movement which provides an impressive 70 hour power reserve.
The Submariner is a timeless piece of engineering that is as reliable and accurate as the day it was first released. The classic and elegant design coupled with the robust and dependable movements make this a great everyday watch that is truly is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and performance.
On the other hand, the Tudor Black Bay collection was released in 2012 and has quickly become a classic. This watch has a more traditional look, thanks to its domed crystal, large winding crown, and smooth bezel.
The original 2012 movement was powered by the self-winding calibre ETA 2824. However, this was upgraded in 2016 to an in-house movement which carries the same COSC-level precision as Rolex, and boasts a generous 70 hours power reserve. The Black Bay collection is available in a number of different case options such as steel, bronze and yellow gold, as well as strap combinations . The steel bracelet option is inspired by Tudor’s old-school models and includes a patented folding clasp for added comfort.
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay 58 ref. 79030N is an elegant, classic sports watch that is sure to turn heads. Crafted from a stainless steel 39mm case with a black dial with golden-bronze minute markers. It is equipped with luminous hands and snow-flake hour markers so is easy to read in the dark. The sturdy stainless steel bracelet is well-executed and features a solid folding clasp, shaped like the Tudor Shield.
It is water-resistant up to 200 meters and is perfect for the active lifestyle. The rotating bezel is simple yet highly functional, and encompasses the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, adding to its overall durability.
Overall, the Tudor Black Bay is a classic timepiece that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a watch to add to your everyday look or a timeless classic for special occasions, the Black Bay is sure to deliver. With its combination of classic styling and modern technology, the Black Bay is certainly a great option for the modern-day watch enthusiast.
When comparing the Rolex Submariner and Tudor Black Bay, it all comes down to personal preference (and budget). If you’re looking for a modern, feature-packed watch, then the Rolex Submariner is an outstanding choice.
However, if you’re more inclined towards timeless designs inspired by vintage models, then the Tudor Black Bay is also fantastic option.
Pricing is also naturally an important factor when comparing the Submariner and the Black Bay. Looking at the retail price, the Submariner costs roughly double the Tudor. The Rolex is also typically much more difficult to purchase at retail price. With Tudor watches, if you look at the pre-owned market, the Black Bay generally decreases a little in value, whereas the Submariner sells well above retail price. That being said, if you are buying a pre-loved Black Bay, you can buy one at a price that will be extremely great value for money considering the quality that you’re actually getting.
Whichever you decide, you can be sure of one thing: that you’re getting a watch that will last for many years to come. The classic designs and quality craftsmanship of both these watches will stay with you for a lifetime.
Our goal is to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you know what you’re looking for, we’ll be happy to get you the watch you need. If you’re unsure, our team is always here to help you find a luxury watch that matches your style, budget, and preferences.
The team at BQ Watches is knowledgeable, friendly, and here to help. We offer comprehensive luxury watch services to meet all of your needs. If you need to sell or exchange a watch, we can help. Need an appraisal, repair, or professional cleaning? We’re here to help with that too. If you know which service you need, or if you have any questions, please fill out a contact form to get in touch with one of our team members. In the meantime, please enjoy browsing our full inventory of timepieces.
