Introduction
Unveiled in 2012 at Baselworld, the Tudor Black Bay has quickly become one of Tudor’s best-selling collections as it takes direct inspiration from the iconic Tudor Submariner ref. 7922. Seeking to build on the aesthetics of the early Submariner models, the Black Bay family is beloved by Tudor’s collectors for its vintage-inspired design traits like its faux-rivet bracelet, gilt inscriptions, anodized aluminum bezel insert, and large crown. Offered here, we have the Black Bay Heritage ref. 79220N, launched in October 2015 and discontinued by Baselworld 2016 on March 17th, meaning it has the shortest production run out of any watch Tudor have ever produced. Powered by an ETA movement, before the collection went with in-house movements, and boasting Tudor’s rose logo at 12 o’clock before changing to the shield logo that now dons the Black Bay’s dial, this black and gilt timepiece’s dial is truly reminiscent of the watches that it was created to celebrate.
Loupe This Scorecard
Grade
M 8.5
Status
Vetted & Approved
Included
Box and Papers
Est. value range
$2,000 – $3,000
The Details
Brand
Tudor
Dimensions
41mm
Model
Black Bay Heritage
Movement
Automatic ETA cal. 2824
Reference
79220N
Bracelet
Stainless steel bracelet
Year
2016
Condition
Excellent
Material
Stainless steel
Included
Watch, box and papers
Dial Color
Black
THE DIAL
Boasting a black dial with gilt inscriptions, the collectable ETA-powered variants of the Black Bay can be identified by their rose logo at 12 o'clock and "smiley face" inscription at 6 o'clock, which was replaced with straight inscriptions and Tudor's shield logo in the ref. 79230.
THE CONSTRUCTION
With its large crown, domed sapphire crystal, gilt-inscribed dial, and red triangle-featuring black anodized aluminum bezel, the Tudor Black Bay features a unique vintage aesthetic detailing that remains remarkably consistent with the watches it was inspired by.
TIMING MACHINE READOUT
This reading was taken (crown down) with a ONEOF Accuracy Boutique Edition timing machine at time of cataloging. It is provided as a courtesy only, and shall not be construed as a warranty or guarantee of any kind. Please refer to our terms and conditions of sale for more information.
Condition
Watch is in excellent overall condition. Case shows minor wear, with some small surface scratches and marks visible. Bracelet and clasp have commensurate surface wear. There are marks along the back edge of the lugs, due to strap changes. Bracelet is currently fitted with 11 links, 2 of which are removable. There were 3 links removed, but they are included with the watch.
Our Perspective
An interesting quirk from Tudor's modern history, the ref. 79220 remains as a transitional model that paved the way for Tudor to emerge from Rolex's shadow and become a watchmaking behemoth in their own right.
Eric Ku
Co-founder
