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.

Watch is in very good overall condition. Case shows moderate signs of wear, wtih soft lugs that have small scratches and nicks visible. Bezel has a vertical scratch next to the 55 minute index. Crystal shows light surface scratches. Watch comes on its original bracelet currently sized for a 7" wrist. It shows negligible stretch and minor surface wear. There were 3 links removed from the bracelet but they are included with the watch. Please note that the watch runs at time of cataloging, but the timekeeping is poor and a service is recommended.

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.