Diving watches are generally a popular class of watches. Retro models that combine state-of-the-art technology with historic design elements are especially trendy. The Heritage Black Bay from Tudor is one of the most highly coveted retro diving watches and has had several variations since 2012. This watch is water resistant to 200 m (20 bar) and has a design reminiscent of early Submariner models from the 1950s. This is why the Black Bay has a large crown with no crown protector and curved glass, also known as "domed crystal" . In the beginning, the Black Bay was only available with the caliber 2824 from the ébauche supplier ETA, but now in-house movements are ticking away in many of this line's models. You can find pre-owned pieces with outsourced movements for as little as 2,100 euros. Models in mint condition with an in-house movement start at about 2,400 euros.
When it comes to the design of the Heritage Black Bay, you have the choice between a distressed leather strap or stainless steel bracelet. Tudor even provides different versions with an additional textile band so you can change the band as you desire. For the bezel, you have the choice of red, blue, or black. If you prefer all-black watch designs, take a look at the Black Bay Dark, whose 41-mm stainless steel case and bracelet have a black coating. The hands and hour markers covered in luminous material make for a stark contrast and have excellent readability in light or darkness. The white minute markers and the bezel's minute scale also stand out against the black background. The Black Bay Dark costs at least 3,000 in mint condition.
The bicolor model Black Bay S&G is also popular and is featured in many promotional photos with English ex-soccer player David Beckham. As an icon of fashion and masculinity, Beckham is the perfect brand ambassador for Tudor. The stainless steel watch Black Bay S&G is available with a bicolor metal bracelet or leather strap. As with the other models in this line, it also comes with an additional textile strap. The in-house movement MT5612 with a date display, which is also found in the Black Bay Steel, powers these watches. Set aside around 3,700 euros for a new version with a stainless steel or gold bracelet.
The name Heritage Ranger makes it clear that this model is inspired by a historic watch – namely the Oyster Prince Ranger from the 1960s. The new Ranger's simple design is very similar to its historic predecessor, especially its dial. Arabic numerals are located at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock, while indices are used for the other hour markers. The arrow-shaped hour hand and the skinny second hand with a luminous rectangular box on its final third bring to mind the original model from the 1960s.Rolex aficionados will notice similarities to the Rolex Explorer, which should come as no surprise since Tudor – a Rolex daughter company – uses numerous Rolex components. This includes the Oyster case, which explains the original name: Oyster Prince Ranger.
A diameter of 41 mm sets the current Tudor Heritage Ranger apart from the historic watch and brings it up to modern standards. In terms of bands, you have the choice between a three-piece link bracelet, a brown leather strap, or a cuffed band with a leather underlay. Each variant also includes two textile straps. Due to its sporty and simple design, the Ranger is appropriate for almost any occasion and coordinates with almost any outfit. For these watches, Tudor decided on the proven ETA 2824 caliber. Pre-owned models can be found in good condition for less than 1,500 euros. If you'd prefer to buy a new watch, be sure to have at least 1,800 euros available.
The Heritage Chrono is a retro chronograph with a look inspired by the early Tudor Oysterdate Chronographs from the 1970s. A striking feature of the current model is the colorful dial that nods to the 70s. The Heritage Chrono Blue feels especially fresh with blue subdials and a blue edge around the dial. Tudor uses the automatic ETA caliber 2892 with a chronograph module for this watch. You can measure times of up to 45 minutes with this movement using the dial at 9 o'clock. The small seconds dial is located at 3 o'clock, and you can discern the date in a small window at 6 o'clock. With the help of the bi-directional bezel with 12-hour graduation, you can also keep track of a second time zone. Prices for the Heritage Chrono Blue begin around 3,300 euros for watches in mint condition.
