Tudor Black Bay 58 925 Silver Tarnish Guide

Key Points from the Discussion

• Tudor should be more transparent about the inevitable patina development on the BB58 925, acknowledging that the silver alloy will tarnish and is softer than stainless steel, leading to more dings and scratches.
• Despite new alloys, the high silver content (92.5%) in the BB58 925 means oxidation is unavoidable, similar to bronze watches. These novel materials, while appealing, are physically inferior to 316L or 904L stainless steel for robust watchmaking, particularly concerning scratch resistance.
• Real-world examples confirm that the Tudor BB58 925 will tarnish regardless of environmental conditions, even in low-humidity regions, contradicting initial marketing claims about special treatment preventing patina.
• The expectation of no patina due to special treatment, as communicated by dealers, creates a disconnect with the reality of silver alloys. While patina can add character, transparency allows buyers to make informed decisions, especially given the availability of stainless steel alternatives.
• Personal experience with silver suggests that while some individuals' skin chemistry can reduce tarnish with regular wear, the BB58 925 still shows significant tarnishing over time, even with minimal wear.