Tudor Black Bay 58 Review (READ Before You Buy!)

The Tudor Black Bay 58 has been winning wrists since it dropped back in 2018, and this is not fresh news. On its launch, it was just ever so slightly overshadowed by the Black Bay GMT but after people got the Black Bay 58 on their wrist, it quickly became one of Tudor’s most popular releases. It’s a dive watch that manages to balance compact size, vintage inspirations and modern technology at a price that doesn’t make your wallet want to cry. 

It’s a watch I’ve admired pretty much since its launch in 2018, and truthfully until its release, I barely gave Tudor a second glance since most of their other designs were of a larger size – and so for larger wrist sizes than my own. But the Black Bay 58 changed that and it’s now a mainstay timepiece in my own collection. It’s understated, cool, and just really, really, good-looking. So, after owning the Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N-0001 for several years now, is it a watch I regret buying, or is it a design that you’ll find regularly strapped to my wrist?

The History of the Tudor Black Bay 

The Tudor Black Bay collection has a well-known history, predominantly because it’s a watch intertwined with Rolex Tudor is the sister company of the Swiss giant after all and one of their first watches was familiarly named the Submariner. The iconic Tudor Submariner Reference 7924, released in 1958, remains the largest inspiration for today’s Tudor Black Bay collection. The 7924 set the stage with its black dial, sturdy steel case, and gold markers, all design elements that are still echoed in today’s Black Bay models. But that’s not to say the Black Bay is a straight-up reissue of the 7924, because it’s not. Instead, it’s more like a tribute that takes inspiration from Tudor’s greatest hits while confidently carving out its own identity. 

For example, the signature “snowflake” hands that define the Black Bay line weren’t part of the original 7924’s design. These were first introduced in 1969 on the Tudor Submariner Reference 7016, adding a unique geometric touch that’s now synonymous with the brand. In that sense, the Black Bay series is an incredible mash-up of Tudor’s most celebrated design moments, blending vintage aesthetics with modern watchmaking innovation. 

Fast forward to 2018, and Tudor shook things up in a big way with the release of the Black Bay 58 at Baselworld. With its more compact 39mm case, it broke away from the “bigger is better” trend that dominated sports watches at the time. Sure, the Black Bay GMT with its flashy red-and-blue Pepsi bezel may have stolen some of the spotlight initially, but the Black Bay 58 didn’t take long to capture the wrists of enthusiasts everywhere. Its perfect proportions, vintage charm, and versatility made it a smash hit, especially as the watch world was knee-deep in a love affair with retro-inspired designs at the time. 

Visually, the Black Bay 58 retains all the hallmarks that make the Black Bay collection so beloved. It’s like a scaled-down version of the original Black Bay (M79230N), maintaining the bold black dial and bezel but with more refined, compact dimensions. 

A Compact Case 

Since the dimensions are arguably the Tudor Black Bay 58 watch’s most notable feature, at least compared to other Black Bay references in the collection, it seems only right we start there. To put it simply, the Black Bay 58 is a masterclass in refined proportions and smart design, packing a punch with its compact 39mm stainless steel case. It’s also just 11.7mm thick so is noticeably slimmer than its predecessor, the 41mm Black Bay, which comes in at a chunkier 15mm. This downsizing makes a world of difference, creating a watch that feels sleek, comfortable, and perfectly suited for everyday wear without losing its sporty dive watch roots. 

One of the standout features of the Black Bay 58 is its thoughtful finishing. The case is primarily brushed for a rugged, utilitarian vibe, with a polished bevel running along the lugs that adds a subtle touch of elegance. Like the early big-crown Submariners, it skips crown guards and protectors and instead opts for a screw-down crown with Tudor’s signature rose logo. This oversized crown isn’t just a nod to Tudor’s heritage but it’s practical too, making time-setting and winding a breeze. 

The Tudor Black Bay 58’s unidirectional rotating bezel is another highlight. Featuring a 60-click mechanism, it provides a tactile, precise feel, with a satisfying lock at the 0/60 position. The black anodized aluminium insert, complete with pink-gilded markings, maintains a vintage aesthetic. It’s functional too, designed to track elapsed dive times, though equally useful for timing everything from coffee brewing to parking meters. The gently knurled bezel edge ensures easy grip without compromising the watch’s sleek silhouette. 

The domed sapphire crystal over the dial also offers modern scratch resistance and nods to the brand’s past, particularly the look of vintage acrylic crystals used during the 1970’s. It’s all the little details like this that enhance the Tudor Black Bay 58’s old-school charm. And since it’s a dive watch after all, the screw in crown and case back provide a 200 metre water resistance so it’s perfectly suitable for snorkelling, skin diving and pool diving. But if you want to go deep sea diving, you’ll want something with a higher water resistant rating than this. 

On the wrist, the Black Bay 58 shines thanks to its compact dimensions. Its lug-to-lug length of 47.75mm and narrower 20mm lug width give it a balanced, wearable profile. It feels substantial yet never overbearing, making it ideal for smaller wrists or anyone who prefers a more understated presence. The bracelet, which tapers from 20mm to 16mm, further contributes to its comfort and vintage-inspired design – but more on that later.

A Retro Dial

Easily the most noticeable feature of any Tudor Black Bay watch is the dial. In the case of the Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N-0001 it delivers a black and gilt colour scheme which is nothing short of striking. The subtle touches of gold contrast beautifully to the rest of the stainless steel architecture and add a warmth and richness that elevates the 58’s vintage aesthetic. 

The matte black surface of the dial exudes subtle sophistication, with just enough texture to keep it interesting. It has a slightly faded appearance, giving it a lived-in feel without veering into faux-patina territory. Tudor also notes that the dial is domed, though the curvature is so subtle it’s more of a whisper than a shout but is just enough to play with the light and add depth. 

The hour markers follow the classic Submariner-inspired design, with lume-filled applique framed in polished rose gold. The lume itself is an off-white, custard hue that glows brightly in the dark while maintaining that vintage vibe during the day. Around the outer edge, you’ll find a minute track printed in faux-rose gold, subtly tying the whole design together.

At the heart of the dial are Tudor’s iconic snowflake hands, finished in polished rose gold to match the hour markers. These hands are unapologetically bold and instantly recognizable, packed with lume to ensure excellent legibility. While some purists have debated the combination of square-edged snowflake hands with round markers, it’s a design choice that’s become quintessentially Tudor and frankly, it’s a combination I’ve always loved. 

The printed text on the dial is minimal and clean, with the Tudor logo sitting proudly at 12 o’clock and the depth rating and chronometer designation of the in-house movement neatly positioned above 6 o’clock. These details are sharp and unobtrusive, maintaining the Tudor Black Bay 58’s clean and balanced aesthetic. 

One final detail worth mentioning is the synergy between the dial and bezel. The Black Bay 58’s bezel, which as we mentioned features a matching black anodized aluminium insert with rose gold numerals and markings, adds just the right amount of metallic warmth to match the dial, tying everything together succinctly. And of course, there are other dial and bezel colours in the Black Bay collection to choose from that work just as well together including shades of blue, green, burgundy and brown.

An In-House Movement

The movement inside the Tudor Black Bay 58 watch is the Manufacture Calibre MT5402, an in-house mechanical movement that Tudor created specifically for mid-sized cases like this one. At 26mm in diameter and 4.99mm thick, it’s a notable downsizing from the MT5602 found in the Black Bay 41, but with zero compromises in performance. 

It’s a COSC-certified chronometer, meaning it has passed rigorous testing by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (that’s what COSC stands for). To earn this certification, a movement must demonstrate exceptional precision, maintaining an average daily deviation of -4 to +6 seconds. This level of accuracy is a hallmark of premium watchmaking and gives the Black Bay 58 further horological credibility. 

What’s particularly impressive is the movement’s 70-hour power reserve. That’s nearly three full days of uninterrupted ticking, which means you can set it down on Friday, pick it up on Monday, and it’ll still be keeping perfect time. The Calibre MT5402 also features a bidirectional rotor system for smooth, efficient winding and a free-sprung balance with a silicon hairspring for enhanced durability and resistance to magnetism.                                        

Functionally, the MT5402 performs beautifully. During my time with the Black Bay 58, the movement has proven to be extremely accurate and reliable, maintaining time even after sitting unworn for a couple of days. It’s a movement that quietly excels, ticking away at 28,800 beats per hour with 27 jewels.

A Vintage Bracelet 

There are a range of straps available on the Tudor Black Bay 58 including several leather and textile bands. But for me, I’ve always worn mine on the stainless steel bracelet. It’s a strap that feels right for the timepiece’s vintage charm. Like the rest of the design, it clearly draws inspiration from the past opting for a riveted architecture that brings a classic, tool-watch vibe while still offering the comfort and durability you’d expect from a contemporary luxury piece. 

Starting with the basics, the Black Bay 58’s bracelet is 20mm at the lugs, which is ideal for swapping straps if you’re into changing things up. This 20mm lug width is considered a sweet spot in the vintage watch world, giving it a retro look without being too bulky or out of place. The bracelet tapers elegantly down to 16mm at the clasp, which not only enhances its sleek look but also contributes to a more comfortable fit on the wrist. 

The rivet design, introduced to the Black Bay collection in 2016, has become one of the defining features of the line, and it works beautifully on the 58. Each link is rivet-plated on the sides, with the removable links featuring a screw-bar for easier sizing. This design choice is a win-win, as it looks authentic and allows for hassle-free adjustments at home. The rivets themselves lend a vintage tool-watch feel, which fits perfectly with the watch’s overall design philosophy. 

When it comes to wearability, Tudor has nailed the proportions and comfort. The lugs have a slight curve, allowing the case to sit effortlessly on the wrist, no matter which strap you choose. But the bracelet is finished the best, in my opinion. The satin-finished links mirror the case finish, giving it a cohesive, high-quality look. Plus, the fold-over clasp is solid and secure, with a secondary locking mechanism that adds extra peace of mind. Tudor has even incorporated ceramic pins in the clasp’s locking system to slow down wear, ensuring long-term durability.

On-Wrist Experience

Before the Tudor Black Bay 58, no Black Bay really felt right for me. The 41mm predecessor was too large and too thick but the case on this one is perfect for my smaller wrist. If your wrist is between 5.5 to 7 inches, the Black Bay 58 fits like a dream. It’s compact and doesn’t overwhelm the wrist, which is a refreshing change from the larger dive watches on the market. If you have a bigger wrist, though, it might look a bit small and you might prefer the Black Bay 41. But that’s just my opinion and if you’re into that vintage aesthetic, you might enjoy its smaller dimensions.

One of the best parts about the Tudor Black Bay 57 for me is its thinner profile. With a thickness of just 11.9mm, it’s noticeably slimmer than the larger Black Bay (which comes in at 14.6mm). That 18% reduction makes a huge difference in how the watch feels on the wrist, making it more comfortable for all-day wear, while still giving off that cool, vintage vibe. It wears beautifully as a daily watch and is one of those effortless throw-on, throw-off watches you don’t have to think about. It’ll look and act the part no matter the situation.

Price & Availability

The Tudor Black Bay collection has only hosted a handful of limited editions during its release and thankfully, the Black Bay 58 including reference M79030N-0001 is not one of them. It would be weird if it was, since it’s become such a flagship model for the brand. Due to its popularity, I can’t see the Black Bay 58 disappearing any time soon, so you have plenty of time to consider which one you’ll choose for yourself. Just be sure to get yours from an authorised Tudor retailer like Exquisite Timepieces.

The Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N-0001 is one of the most affordable designs in the line-up, retailing for $3,450. And even those with differing dial designs, bezel set ups and strap configurations aren’t too far behind with the majority of the collection retailing below $5,000. It’s a watch with a fantastic value proposition, especially when you compare it to so many other popular dive watches on the market.

Conclusion

It’s not every day that a brand takes something great and makes it even better, but that’s exactly what Tudor has done with the Black Bay 58. The original Black Bay line was already a huge hit, a versatile and reliable dive watch that quickly became a favourite among enthusiasts. However, the 58 has taken it a step further by addressing the few critiques of its predecessor, refining the case size, thickness, and proportions, and introducing the smaller in-house movement to fit perfectly into that compact frame.

When I first bought my Tudor Black Bay 58, I wanted something reliable, low-key and easy to wear daily. I can safely say this is a watch that ticks all those boxes: it’s handsome, versatile, durable, and the perfect size for daily wear. Plus, the ability to swap out straps means I can give it a fresh look whenever the mood strikes. For under $5,000, it’s hard to find a watch that offers this much wearability and versatility. It’s a purchase I have never once regretted, and I don’t reckon you will either.