Watches and Wonders 2023: Tudor Black Bay GMT MASTER Opaline Dial.
amanico
I love the way Tudor plays with its History and with Rolex Past. Tudor never made a GMT MASTER, of course, and the Rolex GMT MASTER 6542 which was a clear inspiration for Tudor when they released the Black Bay GMT in 2018, but the white dialed version of the first GMT MASTER was and still is controversial, dividing the Collectors.
The Rolex GMT MASTER 6542 White, supposed to have been released for the Pan Am Ground Team ( Credit: Stefano Mazzariol )
Tudor dares where Rolex doesn't, with the elder sister's benediction. Funny.
The first Tudor Black Bay GMT was born with a black dial and a 41 mm case. Since then, some ( myself included ) were expecting a 39 mm case, a tad slimmer, but certainly not a white dialed version!
The dial, called opaline, is in fact more off-white. I could only see it at the Tudor Booth at Watches and Wonders, with some not so evident light conditions, but it looks quite nice.
In fact, it is a kind of poor man's GMT MASTER White Gold Meteorite, in my opinion. And it gives a radically different character to this watch. Less powerful than the Black, but not less pleasant
The case is the same, as big as the former and still at the catalogue version, with a height of 14, 6 mm. It is water resistant to 200 meters, which will allow you to use it in any situation. And these generous beveled lugs are still here.
The movement is the same, the so-called in house ( wasn't it a project with another brand, Breitling from memory? ) movement, the MT 5652, automatic, beating at 28, 800 vibrations per hour, and with a very good autonomy of 70 hours.
You also have the choice between a Fabric Strap and a Steel Bracelet. For the light difference of price, I would go for the Bracelet ( only 300 Euros more ) and play with some Canvas straps.
Now, the real question is to know which dial I would prefer. The safe card is to go for the Black, but I must admit that the Opaline took my heart. The best solution? Getting both of them. At this price, it is doable, and you will spend less than for a Rolex GMT MASTER.
Unless, as wished and expected for some years now, Tudor achieves to totally please and convince us with a 39 mm and thinner case. Tudor, please, pretty please!
Looking forward to reading your comments and thoughts,
Best.
Nicolas
Comments:
Echi June 1st, 2023-17:31
If they can come close to the case size of the 5 digit exp2 + micro adjust bracelet, i’m a buyer.. And i’m not a pepsi gmt guy! But it just works with the opaline dial, not as clinical as the white lacquer dial on the exp2.. a good replacement to my recently departed polar 16570 if and when.
joenghenry June 1st, 2023-17:43
Thank you for sharing, Nico. I also find the white dial Tudor GMT more attractive and interesting than the black dial one. As this combo is less commonly seen, comparing with the usual Role GMT (except the meteorite or super rare white dial). My only hesitation will be the slightly l...
amanico June 1st, 2023-17:47
I think they solved the issue of the date. I do hope so.
KCLQMULKU June 1st, 2023-18:15
Nice review, and yes, definitely beautiful! It is just a shame about the thickness.
amanico June 1st, 2023-18:25
In real, I don't find it that disturbing ( the thickness ).
KCLQMULKU June 1st, 2023-18:38
Interesting and good to know. 👍 Will be good to see a comparison between this and the 58/54.
Johnny. June 1st, 2023-20:38
Thanks for the review Nico… If I would have to choose one I would go for the Opaline, having a small collection of watches myself it would be quite different especially compared to my 16760 and 16750. Indeed at 39 mm it would be much nicer, after I tried it on a few weeks ago it fel...
amanico June 1st, 2023-21:00
Yes, the 6542 was 38 mm. Agreed that a 39 mm BB GMT would be a dream. Now, between the black and the opaline, that's a tough dilemma...
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