Category: watches

Tudor has succeeded in creating a very handsome and harmonious vintage watch that looks even more timeless thanks to the blue color and the abandonment of the gold hands and hour markers usually installed on the dial of other Fifty-Eight models. The easy-to-grip crown separates from the winding mechanism when screwed down, thus protecting the latter. With the stop-second function and the absence of a date display, the first pull-out position of the crown is accordingly eliminated, making time setting very easy.
The unidirectional rotatable bezel snaps into place in single-minute increments. It is also easy to grasp and turn thanks to its finely serrated edges. Earlier models had a bezel that throbbed and sounded when clicked into place, but TUDOR has made a major improvement: the bezel on this model clicks into place with almost as much authority as on a comparable replica watch from TUDOR’s big sister, fake Rolex. The triangular luminous indexes allow the wearer to read the dive time even in dark conditions or murky water.
The watch’s blue fabric strap is lightweight and durable, with a gray stripe down the centerline. It is sewn using traditional methods that rely on time-honored machines. The handsome pin buckle is shaped like the shield of the TUDOR military emblem. Like the case, the clasp juxtaposes polished and satin-finished surfaces. 
Our electronic timing confirms this accuracy. The deviations remain closely clustered in each position. The average deviation is a slight loss of -1.3 seconds per day. TUDOR has not invested too much effort or expense in refining the movement, in keeping with the brand’s philosophy of offering reliable watchmaking expertise at a reasonable price.
The Black Bay’s design is as inspiring as TUDOR’s historic dive watches. Like its ancestors, the function is given equal importance. You don’t have to make any compromises here, except for the missing date display and the scratch-resistant aluminum bezel. So TUDOR has got everything right. But this success is also reflected in the long waiting list for this model. In that sense, Tudor is also following in the footsteps of its big sister, replica Rolex.

Collectors entering the vintage watch field today have different motivations than those who have been in the field for 20 years. Talk to some who fit the latter description and you’ll learn that many get into the game as a result of the fact that old ticket prices used to be lower. We all know that’s no longer the case, but I still recommend that those on a smaller budget look in the vintage direction when it comes to buying replica watches. Believe it or not, the deals are still out there, and if you have the time, I’d like to bring one to your attention right now. 
Some time ago, I worked in retail and quickly learned that new, top-quality watches under $600 from important brands are almost non-existent. But this Longines watch is the best proof that there are still deals to be had, and it’s attractive, considering how this 1970s time reference watch is configured and kept.
There’s a lot to like about this watch, including its clean sunburst dial with a sharp tonneau-shaped case and Cal.284 movement, which is more attractive than you’d expect at the price point.
One of my favorite things about this watch is that its original Longines bracelet is still attached to the fake watch. As someone who is willing to pay the seller’s sale price for a bracelet, I think the head is an added bonus and, well, it’s a welcome one. You’ll have to act fast – I have a feeling this watch won’t last long.