Review Tudor Black Bay 41: the all rounder that everybody needs

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Tudor Black Bay 41 is one of those all-rounders that everyone likes. Available in several sizes and dial colour variations, the watch is easily recognisable due to its distinct nice look. It also comes in a price range that makes it accessible for a wider audience. Plus, the classic, neutral look, makes it excellent for her and him, even as a shared watch. That is why I decided to have a more close look at it – Tudor Black Bay 41 Ref. M79540-0004.

Tudor Black Bay 41 is not a novelty per se. But as mentioned in the first paragraph, it a watch the offers the pleasures and quality of Tudor in a package attractive for any gender or age. That makes it interesting for anyone in search of a reliable, recognisable but still affordable watch. So it will always be a relevant watch.

Before going into  details, we can have a look at the hands-on video:

The 41 – in steel case

How can a classic case be recognisable? Tudor knows how. It stays in the lines, in the curves, in the overall design.

The Ref. M79540-0004 comes in a 41 mm steel case with a polished case band the extends its finish onto the nicely extended curved lugs. A polished chamfer brings a delicate elegant note to the entire design. The chamfer is accentuated towards the finish, to add dramatism but also to make the lugs more refined.

The front of the lugs was covered with a brushing: deep enough to make the brush stroke visible, but smooth enough to keep a nice-to-touch surface. The inclined, raised bezel has a highly polished finish that will mirror everything.

One of the key signatures of the Tudor Black Bay 41 is the crown. The relative flat crown is embossed with the Tudor rose motif. An interesting design element is the black anodised aluminium winding crown tube, well visible in the pictures and videos. Instead of being a simply required by necessity piece, the crown tube becomes part of the watch’s design and interesting details, while assuring the functional aspect (the crown is a screw-in type for water tightness reasons).

The integrated bracelet

Tudor Black Bay 41 Ref. M79540-0004 is fitted with a 3-links steel bracelet. The sides are polished while the large areas are vertically brushed. The integration is well realised but there is no news that Tudor has properly integrated bracelets.

The steel bracelet has a folding clasp with a safety lock. The Tudor “shield” was smoothly integrated into the functional component. The bracelet is comfortable, does not bring excessive weight to the experience.  For those not so into bracelet watches, the Tudor Black Bay 41 is also offered on a leather strap with a folding clasp and safety catch or black fabric strap with buckle.

Distinct dial elements

But the most loved and desired Tudor elements can be found on the dial. Simple, well proportioned and nicely decorated, the dial of the Tudor Black Bay 41 is another key element for the brand.

The background is a lovely shade of blue decorated with a silver printed Tudor logo and name of the brand, on top, and the automatic marking on the lower side of the dial. We also find as printing the minute/seconds outer register.

The watch uses large applied hour indexes: eight circular, three rectangular and one triangular, all generously filled with SuperLuminova. This arrangement is a standard for Black Bay that can be traced up in the brand’s history  – the “Commando” project that will lead to the Tudor Black Bay P01 model.

Another heritage element on the face of the Tudor Black Bay 41 is the snowflake hands, dating back to 1969, used in the military watches. The snowflake style was reused by the brand starting with 2009, and from 2012 in the Heritage Black Bay. These dials and hands configurations are to most treasured Tudor features.

As mentioned before, the dial makes use of generously applied SuperLuminova. The legibility is excellent and offers not only easy time readout but also a luminescent spectacle. And to be assured that the glow is real and not a photographic enhancement, just check the wrist shot below made in the evening.

What makes Black Bay 41 tick?

Tudor stated in the official press releases the Calibre T600. Die-hard fans of the brand know that T600 was until recently the personalised Calibre ETA 2824-2. Due to the availability of the ETA movements, or better said lack of it for those outside the SWATCH group, Tudor had to use another movement, the Sellita SW200-1. Both movements are very similar in technical specifications: both 4 Hz, both 38 hours of power reserve.

The solid steel caseback does not reveal what is behind it. But rest assured that the quality of the movement had not suffered. The only “advantage” brought by the ETA version is the long history of the calibre. The SW200-1 version from Sellita is the updated (redesigned) version of the calibre (so without the issues of the first generation, that can be also easily solved with a swap of a wheel). The movement is robust, reliable and easily serviceable.

Endnotes and Conclusions

Tudor Black Bay 41 is a complete and versatile collection and offers various sizes and strap/bracelet options to tick many marks. While the 36mm version could be considered the best middle ground for all genders, the 41mm is more of a common territory for the actual times. More and more ladies wear larger simpler watches (wrongfully placed as man only option) while men return to more delicate sizes.

We both tested the watch at the same bracelet length. Diana and other ladies collector ladies I know prefer to wear the bracelet watches a bit looser than the strap fitted counterparts. That meant we can change the watch between us with any issues and we both enjoyed it.

Tudor Black Bay 41 is one of those watches that bring quality in an all-rounder, all day functional piece. With its neutral design, the watch can satisfy the needs of a daily watch, covering the desires for relaxed elegance, but robust and sporty to face your adventurous side.

Another important aspect is the attractive price. Due to the robust and reliable sourced movement, the watch can have a lower price point with the assurance of an easy and affordable service – a “yes” for a watch intended for years of happiness. And for these characteristics, it is a common favourite for ladies and gents.

Tudor Black Bay 41 Ref. M79540-0004 Technical Specifications and Price