
Amanico, known to the community as Nicolas, shares his discerning perspective on two standout Tudor novelties from Watches and Wonders 2023: the Black Bay 54 and the Black Bay GMT with an opaline dial. His initial reviews on the Rolex Forum sparked considerable discussion, highlighting the nuanced reception of these models within the collector community. This article delves into why these particular references resonated so strongly with him, and how the community weighed in on their design and wearability.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Black Bay reference 79000N is a notable diver's watch that represents a distinct period in the brand's modern catalog. This reference is recognized for its specific design elements that differentiate it from other iterations within the Black Bay family, particularly its case construction and dial configuration. It is a less commonly encountered reference compared to some of its more widely distributed counterparts, appealing to collectors who appreciate its particular characteristics.
This reference features a case crafted from stainless steel, housing an automatic movement. The watch is fitted with a crystal, contributing to its water resistance rating. The dial is presented in a specific color, complemented by hands and hour markers designed for legibility. The movement provides a reliable power reserve, consistent with the demands of a robust tool watch.
For collectors, the 79000N holds interest due to its relative scarcity and its position within the evolution of the Black Bay line. Its specific attributes make it a point of discussion among enthusiasts, particularly when comparing it to subsequent or earlier models. The acquisition of a New Old Stock (NOS) example, as noted by the collector, highlights the desirability of well-preserved examples of this reference.
Looking at it straight on, it was perfect, giving me exactly the look I want, and Rolex refuses to give me, in a modern reliable robust GMT. But the case is so thick and blocky, I just could not enjoy wearing it.
But overall I don't think anyone is delivering the value that Tudor does these days... And you can almost always buy your favorites too (which certainly helps)!
But Iβm sure itβs good. Still charmed by the black dial.
It looks a tade to vintage, a shade to conservative! I stayed with my BB58. It offers some vintage appeal but in a more contemporary setup! π€©
but they rarely give us exactly what we want
Looking forward to the '24 releases!
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