Reference Guide
Jocke - Bad Santa's retrospective on his Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79220R offers a valuable long-term perspective on a modern classic. His detailed unboxing and aesthetic breakdown, nearly a decade after acquisition, highlights the enduring appeal and thoughtful design elements that cemented this reference's place in Tudor's Heritage family. This article explores why the 'Red' Black Bay continues to captivate collectors.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref 79220R
It comes in a plain outer box of white cardboard.
Inside this there is a brown inner box.
A really nice piano lacquered wood box.
That feels really lavish covered with a leather-like material. Holder, tag, warranty card and manual, it is in as well.
Even a nylon strap Tudor has been generous to attach the in box.
This
model is a mishmash of
previous models of Tudor but
nevertheless its own model
and it belongs to
the then
conveniently Heritage family.
Hands and
indexsurroundings
is made
of gold and gold
text on the dial
gives a sober impression. The
black matte dial provides a good
contrast to the hands, indexes
and cremΓ© coloured luminova.
The red bezel
insert gives
the watch a real lift, I think, 60
clicks
model bezel that rotates
counterclockwise with
distinct positions. The case is
41 mm without
crown.
A moderately domed sapphire crystal gives the watch a height of approximately 13 mm.
A screw-down crown that is very easy to unlock and adjust the watch. The watch is rated for 200 meters which it surely pass with a wide margin considering the construction.
A decorated ETA 2824 needs no major presentation, works well in all weather and it can be serviced at the most watchmakers at a reasonable affordable cost.
Picture borrowed from Tudor's website.
I went for the model with leather strap.
Which comes with a really neat folding clasp.
The clasp works really good on the wrist, which not many folding clasp makes, I think.
Lavish with ceramic balls holding the security lock in place.
Really nicely with the milled grooves on the sides that are visible through the security lock.
It is also available with a stainless steel bracelet.
I order that too.
Solid and strong with screwed links, unfortunately no dive extension link and only three adjustment positions.
A nice clasp here also with ceramic balls.
Solid endlinks.
Here you get an impression of the contrast of the matte dial and the hands and index's.
The Luminova do a great work.
Lights sharp and goes quickly.
Double lume.
Overall, a really interesting model in the right size that is affordable at the same time together with the Pelagos raise Tudor as a brand to a higher level, I think.
Here I've got a set of endlinks to my Black Bay.
So I pull them out from the plastic and check so everything is as is should be.
It looks great.
So I have to pull off the strap.
That will be easy with the right tools.
Perfect fit, just like a glove.
Really nice fitting.
Damn, it looks good.
The final result.
I'm really happy with the outcome and this made a perfect watch just a little more perfect.
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79220R represents the inaugural release of the Heritage Black Bay line, launched in 2012. This model was instrumental in re-establishing Tudor's identity as a manufacturer of robust and historically-inspired tool watches, drawing heavily on design cues from its dive watch heritage while forging a distinct path from its parent company.
This reference features a 41mm stainless steel case with a polished and satin finish, housing the ETA 2824 self-winding mechanical movement. It is characterized by its burgundy unidirectional rotating bezel, gilt accents on the matte black dial, and 'snowflake' hands. The watch is fitted with a domed sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, ensuring water resistance. It was offered on either a stainless steel bracelet or a distressed leather strap, often accompanied by an additional fabric strap.
For collectors, the 79220R holds significance as the first iteration of the highly successful Black Bay series, notable for its ETA-based movement before the transition to in-house calibers. Its unique 'smiley' dial text and rose logo on the crown further distinguish it as a first-generation model, making it a key piece for those interested in the evolution of modern Tudor.
I was very interested in this watch when it was released, but held off because it was a touch too big for me. As we know, Tudor made a BB for smaller wrists too and so we can all be happy !
Love this watch also. Enjoy. M.
I really like the gold hands, amazing it's been ten years already! Knowing you I suspect you got the watch just to justify buying the tools haha
I noticed your watch came with a brown inner box, and the black presentation box has a brown interior. In my case I've got the 79220N - black bezel - and it came with a black inner box, and same presentation box except it has a black interior. With their apparent efforts to "raise the bar", I wonder if Tudor made these slight presentation changes intentionally... It would suggest someone there really does have a serious eye on the details. Thanks for a terrific walk through with your excellent p
... as I went after my own one just after viewing the pictures you posted then. This is one of my favorite modern Tudors. A great watch which has been a faithful companion during all these years. Thank you so much for this pictures festuival my dear friend. Cheers! Abel
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