Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36mm Review

KMII · 2016-12-23T23:43:49Z

KMII reviews the Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36mm. Discover its design, ETA movement, and versatile appeal for smaller wrists and diverse styles.

KMII

WPS member · Rolex forum

30 replies9778 views2 photos

KMII offers a hands-on review of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay 36mm, exploring its place in the growing trend of smaller watches. He evaluates its design, wearability, and movement, providing insights into how this model expands Tudor's appeal to a broader audience, including those with smaller wrists or seeking a versatile tool watch.

The trend back towards smaller watches now seems to be in full flow - not as a replacement for the sizes of 40mm and above but more as a complement, offering a larger variety of options again. Fully in line with this, Tudor has decided to offer a 36mm version of their Heritage Black Bay line, which I had the opportunity to try on recently.

Compared to the previous family members, you keep much of the design and all of the construction quality but lose the rotating bezel and a couple of mm of case size. The proportions look right as a result, since the thinner bezel goes a long way towards making the watch appear a tad bigger than its actual size.

Perhaps still on the small side on my wrist (17,5cm) but definitely wearable. So it will remain a personal choice, if one believes that it can be pulled off or not. What remains is a very solid tool watch, that is versatile enough to be worn in most circumstances and definitely not so butch that it would be completely unacceptable with a suit. Unfortunately they did not have one with the leather strap - would have loved to try that, too.

Compared to the current generation of the large case Black Bays, the 36mm still retains its ETA movement for the moment. Not sure if a change to the in-house MT reference is planned but the much longer power reserve apart, I see no pressing reason for it. What is also an asset is the comparatively large crown, which makes winding and setting the time a breeze - possibly future Purist generations will lust after this 'large crown' model.

The bracelet is solid and uses screws for link removal, making it easy to do at home, too (if one is so inclined). Very nice closing mechanism, giving the feeling of absolute security (no play or wobbliness here).

Where the watch definitely worked flawlessly, was on the more slender wrist of my wife

She was quite happy with how it wore or looked, even if it would not be her favourite from the Tudor stable (surprisingly she most liked the North Flag on a steel bracelet). But goes to show that Tudor managed to create a pretty universally attractive watch - that can easily grace the wrists of both ladies and gents, and that may well add customers to their portfolio, for whom diving usually did not extend beyond taking a bath (without a watch)

So glad to have been able to try this one - may well still be in the cards for 2017.

Thanks for viewing!

Key Points from the Discussion

While appreciating the design and value, some collectors find the 36mm size of the Black Bay too small for their wrists, expressing a desire for a 38mm or 40mm option.
The 36mm Black Bay retains an ETA movement, which is seen as a positive by some due to its proven reliability, despite Tudor's move towards in-house MT movements in larger Black Bay models.
The absence of a rotating bezel on the 36mm model contributes to its versatility, making it suitable for both casual and more formal wear, unlike its dive-watch siblings.
The large crown on the 36mm Black Bay is highlighted as a practical feature, making winding and setting the time easy, and potentially a desirable trait for future collectors.
The bracelet's solid construction and screw-fixed links are praised for ease of adjustment and a secure, high-quality feel.
The 36mm Black Bay is seen as a universally attractive watch, appealing to both men seeking a smaller size and women, potentially expanding Tudor's customer base.

The Discussion

Bruno.M1

Dec 24, 2016

tried it a couple of weeks ago looks amazing and it's a bargain but 36 mm ? Really ? I tried it and it is way too small for me I wish they'll make a 40 or 42 soon that aside I almost bought it, my GF liked it a lot and it was magnificent on het wrist. But at the end she did not take it ... maybe one day

KMII

Dec 24, 2016

I.e. 38mm, it would probably have left the store with me there and then And as you said, an excellent value proposition...

jrwong23 (aka watchthebin)

Dec 24, 2016

I like a robust tudor smaller than the 41mm Black Bays but I do feel 36mm is a tad small today. Don't understand why Tudor needs 43mm (bronze), 41mm and 36mm black bays. Why not have Black Bays that are just nice at 39 or 40mm? Cheers Robin

KMII

Dec 24, 2016

But I suppose they cover more options this way. I do hope the model without the rotating bezel gets offered in more options / different sizes, though. Thanks for your feedback, Robin!

KMII

Dec 24, 2016

Men, who want a smaller size and women. And I can see it working. But as said, 38mm may have found somewhat broader appeal...

KMII

Dec 24, 2016

I also applaud Tudor for this choice.

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