Musings - Tudor BB 58 Full Bronze Boutique Only

[inadeje]

The reference struck me as an intriguing timepiece so I added one to my collection. It seemed like a lot of watch for the price, so I picked one up and shall give you all my views on it.

First off, I’m not and have never been into yellow gold colored watches. Despite that aversion, I still wanted to try it. I also have a Panerai bronzo, so I’m somewhat familiar with the gradual patina formation and the bimonthly sprite/lemon juice treatment needed if one wants to “de-patina” bronze.

This Tudor is no heavier than a SS variant. It’s a scant 11mm thick, which is far better than the Tudor chrono heritage I had for a mere 3 months before tiring of it. I like the subtle radial gradient dial, gradually lighter towards the center and the applied markers, especially the explorer 1 style 3, 6, 9 Arabic numerals. I also think the overall look is pretty interesting, harking back to possibly mid century design cues? To my eye it frankly doesn’t look 39mm, this could be an optical illusion however, the contrast of the color against skin, making it seem bolder or larger proportioned?

Since it’s boutique only, and there aren’t many boutiques around the world, it’s probably going to be a rare bird, and while this disinterests me, I see several for sale for +30% retail 9 months after its release.

To the untrained eye the watch is indistinguishable from yellow gold (in its non patinated state). I find one of the particularly attractive aspects the distinctive dull entirely brushed case and bracelet. This unusual look is oddly attractive, especially when one generally associates the color of gold with a bright polished sheen, quirkily absent on this watch. The glidelock type milled clasp (Tudor calls it T-Lock) offers 4 settings and a total of 8mm adjustment on the fly.

As I said, in these crazy times we’re living through our hobby with 2, 3 and 4 times over retail as the norm, this seems like a rare bargain at just under 5k, if you can get one…

Overall I think this watch is pretty special, I like it’s quirkiness and overall look. It’s also at a price point that doesn’t seem to match its rarity and difficulty to obtain. Something tells me that Tudor is going to gain some prominence over the longer term, and I enjoy betting on the apparent underdog status the brand still seems to have (when compared to king Rolex).

What do you guys think of this reference?



Tudor 58 Bronze Ref: M79012M

[ArtNouveau]

I had six bronze watches at once some years back, still have three. I was intrigued by this reference and was hoping to see and handle one at the NYC Tourneau Boutique. Alas the only one they had was a cutaway in a fixed display showing its features. Definitely interesting but Tudor's aluminum bronze will never have the extreme hues of CuSn8 bronze like your PAM. Enjoy it, it really is a unique choice for the price.
BTW, Oris has several new all bronze models with bracelets, their Carl Brashear chrono was the first in the industry with bronze bracelet.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by ArtNouveau

I had six bronze watches at once some years back, still have three. I was intrigued by this reference and was hoping to see and handle one at the NYC Tourneau Boutique. Alas the only one they had was a cutaway in a fixed display showing its features. Definitely interesting but Tudor's aluminum bronze will never have the extreme hues of CuSn8 bronze like your PAM. Enjoy it, it really is a unique choice for the price.
BTW, Oris has several new all bronze models with bracelets, their Carl Brashear chrono was the first in the industry with bronze bracelet.

Interesting, thanks. I wasn’t aware of the Oris and just looked that reference up on google.

[kieselguhr]

I love this black bay variant but can’t justify adding one because I already have the ETA. Even if it is an interesting metal.

Love the upgrades this model received including articulating clasp link and Tudor glidelock.

Congratulations and it looks great on you

[ArtNouveau]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Interesting, thanks. I wasn’t aware of the Oris and just looked that reference up on google.

I goofed a little. It was the Holstein LE chronograph from Oris after the Carl Brashear that had the first bronze bracelet.

[WatchBum]

I love this warm metal combination on a BB58. Brown vignette dial with the 3,6,9 markers is just beautiful and 39mm size is just a sweet spot for smaller wrist like mine.
Can't wait to see how patina develops over the years on this reference. Congratulations and wear it with good health.

[Onikage]

I'm not sure these full bracelet bronze watches even patina at all. I may be wrong. *Google turned up a pic of a 3 yr old one. Slightly darker looking. I don't remember these being around then.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Onikage

I'm not sure these full bracelet bronze watches even patina at all. I may be wrong.

All bronze watches/bracelets patina to a greater or lesser extent, but rest assured they do. The level/speed of patina depends on the amalgamation of alloys used. However, the whole patina is quickly removed in minutes by submerging the watch and bracelet in lemon juice and carbonated water (I use diet sprite) which dissolves the patina quickly (about 5-10 mins) returning the surface to like new again. The watch is then rinsed with regular water and you’re good to go for another few months.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by inadeje

All bronze watches/bracelets patina to a greater or lesser extent, but rest assured they do. The level/speed of patina depends on the amalgamation of alloys used. However, the whole patina is quickly removed in minutes by submerging the watch and bracelet in lemon juice and carbonated water (I use diet sprite) which dissolves the patina quickly (about 5-10 mins) returning the surface to like new again. The watch is then rinsed with regular water and you’re good to go for another few months.

Sure it makes sense even to my limited metalurgical knowledge. I think I read somewhere that the bronze is actually some alloy that doesn't react allowing for full bracelet skin contact. Or something. Whatever happens it's a very cool piece!

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Sure it makes sense even to my limited metalurgical knowledge. I think I read somewhere that the bronze is actually some alloy that doesn't react allowing for full bracelet skin contact. Or something. Whatever happens it's a very cool piece!

Yes, I’m sure that the bronze in the Tudor is of a different alloy to that in my Panerai Bronzo. However, when de-patinated it looks identical.

[Oyster Sauce]

I think this BB58 is a winner. Looks great and has an adjustable clasp. Enjoy

[DoricSpiker]

I love mine, got one last xmas. When new, I thought it looked more rose gold than yellow, warm colour that goes well with the dial. As you say a lot of watch for the money.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by DoricSpiker

I love mine, got one last xmas. When new, I thought it looked more rose gold than yellow, warm colour that goes well with the dial. As you say a lot of watch for the money.

I’m glad you agree that it’s a lot of watch for the money. It’s almost an aberration in this market, and something is amiss. Boutique only, priced pretty low, new milled clasp with micro adjustment, bronze. The list goes on. This isn’t a mere release, I think its a strategy watch designed to change the perceptions of Tudor and launch their new boutique strategy. That’s why I think production will be short lived and this will become an emblematic piece once Tudor rounds out its marketing strategy fully. All suspicions of course, could also be totally wrong

[Droolex]

I got mine back in July and it has been a mainstay in my rotation. I love the look of the patina. A great watch overall.

[NachoNeal]

I like it! Especially the 3, 6, 9.

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by NachoNeal

I like it! Especially the 3, 6, 9.

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[GBD]

I really like it, and hope the adjustable clasp makes it into the full Tudor lineup.

I know Oris coats the underside of their bronze bracelets to prevent wrists from turning green, but I don't know about Tudor.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by GBD

I really like it, and hope the adjustable clasp makes it into the full Tudor lineup.

I know Oris coats the underside of their bronze bracelets to prevent wrists from turning green, but I don't know about Tudor.

I’ve had mine on all day today, walking around South Beach for 4h, 83 degrees and sweating quite a bit, no green wrist yet. I also have the Panerai bronzo and have never had green wrist from that, also the lugs haven’t tarnished the leather straps I use on it.

[Aussiexplorer]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I’ve had mine on all day today, walking around South Beach for 4h, 83 degrees and sweating quite a bit, no green wrist yet. I also have the Panerai bronzo and have never had green wrist from that, also the lugs haven’t tarnished the leather straps I use on it.

I also live in a hot and humid location and love my BB58 Bronze. On especially sweaty days, I do sport a green wrist by the time I take it off. The bronze also has a metallic smell that is a little unusual. Given it's peak summer in Queensland (a state of Australia) my watch doesn't get as much wrist time as my stainless watches. I'm thinking I should use the fabric strap, but it is mint at the moment and I just can't take the step of putting it on.

I love the dial and enjoy my watches on a bracelet best, so I bought one grey, then a week later was offered one at retail from the boutique in Melbourne.

[myporsche]

I thinks it's underwhelming, the rivetted bracelet is ugly but the clasp seems promising. I personally would not pay more than 1-2k for a bronze watch and it would not be on a bracelet and would need to have a non bronze back.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by myporsche

I thinks it's underwhelming, the rivetted bracelet is ugly but the clasp seems promising. I personally would not pay more than 1-2k for a bronze watch and it would not be on a bracelet and would need to have a non bronze back.

Well, you’d be about 23k short for a Panerai Bronzo, since they sell for 25k or almost double retail. You’re right though, Bronze isn’t for everyone, which is part of it’s appeal to me (in a sea of ss and pm)

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Well, you’d be about 23k short for a Panerai Bronzo, since they sell for 25k or almost double retail. You’re right though, Bronze isn’t for everyone, which is part of it’s appeal to me (in a sea of ss and pm)

Not interested in a bronzo, bozo or benzo, don't even get me started about that piece I'll just keep my opinion to myself and say enjoy what you wear and congrats. I do like bronze just not more than 1-2k at the most for me, you do realize it's one of the cheapest metals out there...

[Kieron1977]

I got mine in December and been wearing it a lot more than my hulk. It's such a stunning of piece and very comfy

[JPBlackBay]

I really like the Arabic numerals Tudor uses on their bronze models. Completely forgot about the new clasp. Curious to see if any other models get it this year?

[Driver8]

I think the BB58 looks superb in bronze its unpatinated form.... and (like all bronze watches) absolutely hideous once the patina sets in. (JMO)

I've tried bronze watch once (a micro-brand, just to try it out) and it lasted in my collection about a month or so. That said, the new micro-adjustable clasp looks great and if you like bronze patina (which I guess you do, OP, if you have a Bronzo), then what's not to like...apart from the potential green wrist from the bracelet of course.

[DoricSpiker]

Green wrist from wearing mine in London has not been an issue!
I am loving the patina also.
The BB58 line has to be the best value proposition in the market, whatever metal you choose.


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[Scott_]

Originally Posted by myporsche

Not interested in a bronzo, bozo or benzo, don't even get me started about that piece I'll just keep my opinion to myself and say enjoy what you wear and congrats. I do like bronze just not more than 1-2k at the most for me, you do realize it's one of the cheapest metals out there...

Both of my bronze watches would fit your requirements:
1) Christopher Ward trident bronze diver
2) Yema Superman Bronze GMT

I believe both are a bit over $1k retail, but sometimes possible to get under $1k on sale.

[ExplorerGuy]

I really like it and agree in this market it's great value.

Still holding out hope that the clasp comes over to the steel BB58

[Dan642]

Beautiful pics! I just picked one up at the Tudor boutique yesterday :P

They even threw in an umbrella LOL

[mk2jag]

I picked op my BB58 bronze last week and love the warmth it radiates. the color combo of the dial and bezel work perfectly with the bronze case and bracelet. I love the new clasp, way more than the steel version. I will be curious te see how long it will be produced. For those who don't like the look of lots of patina, the watch can be brought back to new in a few simple steps and the proces is quite fun to do as well.