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A positive case for the new Tudor BBGMT

  1. blubarb Jul 3, 2018

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    I had my eye on this from its first reveal at Basel 2018. To say the least, I was very excited to have it finally arrive. There was a small hiccup in the shipping, but all was good after a few days.


    What drew my attention to this watch were three details that jumped out at me:
    1. the hefty BB case
    2. The GMT complication
    3. the lovely subdued, desaturated pepsi matte bezel.
    IMG_0727.JPG




    Dial - Basically the indices are a slimmer version of the Black Bay indices – except for the triangle 12 o’ clock and stick indices at 6 and 9 o’clock. Overall the watch has a more modern feel as opposed the Arabic indicators on other iterations of the Black Bay releases. The Matte black dial with it’s deep texture is intended to absorb the light and in doing so creates a strong contrast between dial, hands and indices. The bright red “Snowflake” GMT hand against the black matte-dial is visually vibrant and jumps from the dial. In regards to the dial writing the 200m has been dropped in favour of GMT. Though it doesn’t state it, the BBGMT is still rated for 200 meters. The script “OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED” is still there to prove it’s still a chronometer. All in all, Legibility is excellent.

    IMG_0725 copy.JPG

    Case - The BBGMT has a 41mm x 14.6mm (50mm lug to lug ) case size and with some engineering design have been able to add the GMT complication without making the case thicker. The case has polished sides and a satin-brushed top. It has the iconic BB big Crown, without crown guards which I prefer, throws the BBGMT into the vintage class. Something different is that the crown tube, is now a polished crown tube. The “box” crystal adds to the thickness in measurement but not so visually. Those uncertain about a thick case then consider the new BB58.
    IMG_0736.JPG

    Bezel - The bezel is a 48 click aluminium bidirectional bezel and the colour is more burgundy and navy blue as others have stated elsewhere, I might add that the insert is a matte finish. The defused colours give the watch an older feel. Personally, I like the more subdued colours. I feel as I can wear with a suit or with a T-shirt. It takes a little effort to rotate the bezel, but has very but this is a positive in my opinion as it helps to prevent accidental rotation
    IMG_0726 copy.JPG

    Lume - The lume is, as you would expect, superb. Luminosity is above average. The lume, being charged by being out in the sun, is still pouring along two hours on. The luminescent to the tip of the diamond shape, which definitely aids in legibility.

    IMG_0740.JPG

    Bracelet - The bracelet the BBGMT arrived with is a rivet fitted oyster bracelet that tre,=minds me f the mid 1960s Zodiac dive bracelets. Tudor could have easily added a jubilee bracelet, but I am glad they didn’t. I think the extra bling would detract from this very real tool watch. I get it for vintage watches, but for me the Jubilee is out of place on the newer watches of Tudor or Rolex.

    Movement - The use of the Tudor manufactured MT5652 COSC-certified movement with the featured GMT complication is major move and takes Tudor to another level. Another impressive gain is the 70-hour power reserve, despite a GMT complication and a jumping hour hand and date wheel. Like most modern GMT watches, the quickset date has been exchanged for the independent jumping hour hand. This bands you can change the date backwards or forwards. This example I have, the date snaps over at one minute after midnight. I might also point out that on the timegrapher the resultant output is:

    Rate: +001

    Beat Eror: 0.0 ms

    Amp: 272

    IMG_0729.JPG



    On the wrist: This wears exactly as I expected it to wear, a nice hefty feel and a case that sits nicely on my 7½ inch wrist - Just as I prefer the heft and thickness of the SD over the sub, I prefer the same with the BBGMT. The watch doesn’t overhang the wrist (like my 45mm Bulova moon watch or old 45.5 PO) and it doesn’t sit too small. It has the look of an aesthetic that is painted from the past but with a thoroughly contemporary at the same time. Tudor have been generous with the number of links in the bracelet and, unusual for me, I had to immediately remove two links to get the fit correct. It feels suitably heavy, and for me, perfectly sized. This one is easy to wear all day and as my superstitious want, I will have to wear it for the next 24 hours, but that will be easy. The only one thing I would have asked for, would have been a holes case - so much easier to strap/bracelet change.

    So, all in all, am I happy with this purchase? Absolutely.

    IMG_0728.JPG


    :thumbsup:
     
    Edited Jul 3, 2018
    Mam, Tyro Rex, zeiter and 71 others like this.
  2. Draven Jul 3, 2018

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    Great review and fantastic watch. I had been eyeing this one myself and delighted to read the review. Many thanks and great purchase :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:
     
    blubarb likes this.
  3. Mr Blond Jul 3, 2018

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    I’m still waiting for the call from my AD for my one, looks great
     
    blubarb likes this.
  4. keepschanging Jul 3, 2018

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    Still can't get over the diamond hour hand...And on Rolexes, the cyclops!
     
    Mossback, rcm711 and blubarb like this.
  5. blubarb Jul 3, 2018

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    Forgot about the no cyclops.
     
    GBTRIUMPH likes this.
  6. Ssunnylee24 Jul 3, 2018

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    What a great review, thank you.
    Can we expect a review on the 58 as well?
     
    Uniqez and blubarb like this.
  7. omegaswisst Jul 3, 2018

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    Thanks for the informative hands on review @blubarb :thumbsup:

    I really like the classic styling of this watch and great value for money.
     
    blubarb likes this.
  8. SpeedyPhill Founder Of Aussie Cricket Blog Mark Waugh Universe Jul 3, 2018

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    Nice review of a superb watch... a bit bigger than the Rolex GMT II and a lot cheaper...
    Still would have to look beyond the impressive diamond hour hand.
     
    blubarb likes this.
  9. blubarb Jul 3, 2018

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    I definitely have to agree as to the value for money. :thumbsup:
     
    SpeedyPhill likes this.
  10. stevec14 Jul 4, 2018

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    I have one too and love it. It’s a great watch.
     
    Kraut783 and blubarb like this.
  11. blufinz52 Hears dead people, not watch rotors. Jul 4, 2018

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    :thumbsup:
     
  12. bonerp Jul 4, 2018

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    Just enquired about this in local jewellers.... 18 month list already. I thought Tudor was more accessible than Rolex! Anyway nice pics and review thx, I've just ordered one!
     
    Edited Jul 4, 2018
    blubarb likes this.
  13. Enzo Jul 4, 2018

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    Great review, thanks :thumbsup:
     
    blubarb likes this.
  14. blubarb Jul 4, 2018

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    PM me if you want and I can put you in touch with an AD in the US i I am assuming you are in the US :rolleyes:
     
  15. bonerp Jul 4, 2018

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    Nope UK but thanks anyway
     
  16. jaguar11 Jul 4, 2018

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    Nice review. Thank you. Good value and a nice looking watch.
     
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  17. Tiny Iota Could potentially be the Official OF Stalker ™ Jul 4, 2018

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    The week after Basel, several London ADs were asking for full-price deposit for one of these. Had one reserved but can’t be arsed to play those games. It’s just a watch.
     
    connieseamaster likes this.
  18. jmazpiazu Jul 4, 2018

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    Great review. And I like the watch very much. Definitely on my bucket list.
     
    Edited Jul 4, 2018
  19. Uniqez Jul 4, 2018

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    Great review, I want this one and also BB 58... Don't know, if I will be able to buy two at once, but definitely want them both in my collection.
    I was wondering, is anyone knows about the waiting list for BBs 58?
    I saw few GMTs on eBay already, but no BBs 58 yet.
     
  20. jud Jul 4, 2018

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    Great review. Thank you for taking the time to write it up.