Review
Jocke - Bad Santa's detailed photo essay on the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Ref. 79220R offers a crucial look at a watch that quickly became a modern classic. His early 2013 review captures the initial reception and design nuances of this significant release, providing valuable context for understanding its enduring appeal and impact on the watch market. This article synthesizes community reactions, highlighting both admiration and critical observations that shaped its early perception.
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 cremé 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.
Jocke
This message has been edited by DrStrong on 2013-01-11 00:18:27 This message has been edited by amanico on 2013-01-11 22:06:59The Tudor Black Bay reference 79220R, introduced in 2012, marked a significant re-entry for Tudor into the enthusiast market. Positioned as a modern dive watch with strong historical design cues, it drew inspiration from Tudor's rich diving watch heritage, particularly models from the 1950s and 1960s, while establishing a distinct identity separate from its sister brand.
This model features a 41mm stainless steel case, a unidirectional rotating bezel with a burgundy aluminum insert, and a domed sapphire crystal. It is powered by the ETA 2824 automatic movement, offering a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The dial is black with gilt accents, featuring large luminous hour markers and the characteristic 'snowflake' hands. Water resistance is rated to 200 meters.
For collectors, the 79220R, along with its blue (79220B) and black (79220N) counterparts, represents the first generation of the modern Black Bay line. These early models are notable for their ETA movements, the 'smiley' self-winding text, and the Tudor rose logo on the dial, elements that were subsequently changed in later iterations. This combination of features makes them particularly appealing to those who appreciate the initial vision and early production characteristics of the Black Bay series.
or your pics make it even more beautiful? The Black Bay is a very tempting watch at a reasonnable price. Thanks a lot for this in-depth presentation supported by stunning pics as usual. Fx
If only it didn't have this red ring around the crown... If only its case was a tad less thick... If only there wasn't such a mismatch in the design of the dial, with incorrect hands, and these circled indexes... If only I didn't know the original models which inspired Tudor for this one ( 94010 / 7922 or 24 )... I would have jumped on it, because of the perceived quality of the watch, because of its character, because of its price.... Best, Jocke, and thanks for this great article. Nicolas
My friend when they released the watch i admit my attention got captured by the watch... but then seeing the heritage pic as tudor -according to their intention - made me think okay this is not totally vintage but fine... the hands are not accurate and said its okay ... however your more far sharp attention for the details on how close to the original they could've got by sticking to very few details made me rethink of how far im liking the watch. the whole aura of the watch is supposed to be vi
but you should not think of it as a vintage remake----rather a tribute to the vintage model, and enjoy it for what it is---a truly attractive watch! best henry
Great photos Jocke! Looks awesome with your leather jacket! I'm starting to think this is a great addition to anyone's collection for a rugged slightly vintage look. Certainly something that's easy to coordinate with stylistically. Really like the watch!
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