Many watch aficionados will agree with me that when it comes to diver watches, Rolex Submariner models are the absolute leaders. Just as Rolex was the first watch brand to present a waterproof watch to the whole world, today it is difficult to consider another brand to satisfy the desire for a diver timepiece. However, the brands do not stop trying to design diver’s watches, to capture at least a small part of this branch of the industry. And the first competitor that does everything possible to align itself with Rolex standards is, of course, its younger brother, Tudor.
Referring to the replica industry, the audience buys Submariner imitations not necessarily for its water-resistant capabilities. We all know that replica watches do not have the same amazing water resistance profile as authentic watches. However, people are looking for them for their design, their popularity, and the comfort they provide.
Recently, blog readers frequently ask me about the difference between Submariner and Black Bay imitations. It seems that the public is starting to decipher the versatility of Tudor watches, turning them into a strong rival for the famous Submariner.
To clarify the question once and for all, today I will compare 2 replica watches, a Submariner and a Black Bay. I talked a lot about them previously, separately from each other. Today, however, the time has come to put them face to face. Both are part of the latest rerelease from the replica manufacturers, which means both are in their best form possible. Stay with me if you are curious to find out which of these 2 rivals will take the trophy today.
When competition drives things forward…
It was expected that Tudor watches would end up being one of the main competitors of the Rolex brand. I don’t know if Rolex considered this aspect when it founded the subsidiary company. But, positioning it as a more accessible alternative, it was natural for the public to perceive Tudor as a direct competitive player. The same competition was specific to other companies. A famous “couple” in this sense is the Classic Seiko and Modern Seiko duet. For a long time, the audience could not calm their heated spirits regarding the competitiveness between the 2. Ultimately, the appreciation ratio turned out to be about 50 to 50, both equally appreciated. As for the competition between Rolex and Tudor, it seems that Rolex still holds the lead, but not for long.
Tudor’s Black Bay collection proved to be an ambitious project. This line is Tudor’s answer to Rolex’s Submariner collection and comes in very promising shape and condition. While the Submariner concept revolves around robustness and virile personality, Black Bay proposes a more athletic and elegant version. Such a concept seems to be embraced by the public. Thus, the Black Bay collection has found admirers that expand and spread with the speed of light. Thus, the competition reached including the replica industry. What is the difference between the 2 imitations? How is one better than the other? What set of technical features do these come with? I will answer these questions immediately.
Tudor Black Bay Replica Watch
I will start with the fact that I had the opportunity to wear both options on my wrist. Working at AAAReplica, I always have the opportunity to test the knockoffs before reviewing them.
Some time ago, my manager allowed me to fool around with a Black Bay Fifty-Eight knockoff for a couple of weeks. Immediately after these weeks, I switched to a Submariner knockoff. It is not the first Submariner replica watch that I have tested, so the feeling was somewhat familiar.
So, having the opportunity to interact directly with the 2 knockoffs, I managed to draw some conclusions. Most of them are in favor of the Black Bay imitation, as strange as it sounds. And the first and most relevant advantage is its price.
In fact, I was thinking of ending the article with this advantage. However, I thought that there is no need to waste time and there is no point in delaying the subject.
It is worth mentioning that both imitations are part of the 1:1 Swiss copies category. So it’s about the best versions of them. In this context, the Submariner knockoff is available at the price of $1,200. The features of this replica watch are truly amazing. However, the $1,200 is not at all an easy price to accept for some of us.
In contrast…
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Swiss replica watch is about $650, which is half the Rolex knockoff. I want to mention that the degree of quality between the 2 models coincides at 100%. Then, what is the point of overpaying, if the Black Bay knockoff is as popular and recognized as the Rolex Submariner?
We all know that the replica industry sets the knockoffs’ prices according to the reputation of the genuine brand. The louder the brand, the higher the prices for imitations. However, I think it’s time to be more judicious and understand that Tudor imitations are also a very good option to replace the expensive Submariners. Of course, the replica industry also offers affordable Submariners. many dealers offer them at the price of $200, for instance. But they are certainly not part of the 1:1 Mirror copy category, which means that they can have many aesthetic differences from authentic models.
So the first conclusion I reached regarding the 2 knockoffs is that the Black Bay watches are extremely welcome for true watch enthusiasts who stick to their budget. The expensive Submariners remain a viable option for those who pursue popularity and luxury, no matter the price.
How Tudor knockoffs look on other people’s wrists
You might think that my opinion is subjective since I analyze Tudor exclusively from my own wrist’s perspective. So, let me share with you the impressions that form around other people who wear Tudor watches.
Some time ago, I went out with some colleagues for a beer in a pub. One of the most frequent discussion topics is, obviously, watches. We love to observe the people around us and spot the watches they wear. Based on their preferences, we tend to create psychological portraits of the people around us. It’s like a kind of game for us.
My colleagues always say that when they see someone with a Tudor, they are sure that the wearer is quite knowledgeable about watches. And it’s not about its price, actually. It is about the fact that by choosing a Tudor, a watch enthusiast proves his horological culture and judiciousness. He knows exactly what he buys and for what purpose.
Anyone with money can buy a Submariner, even without much horological culture. For many, the simple argument that a Submariner is very popular and is designed by Rolex is more than enough to buy it. However, things are different regarding a Tudor. It is unlikely that a watch enthusiast will buy it for the echo of the brand only. He will rather buy it for the set of benefits that it comes with. So, seeing a person wearing a Tudor, in fact, you spot a true watch enthusiast.
This is the psychological portrait of people who choose to wear a Tudor. This also applies to Tudor knockoffs. The people who choose Black Bay replica watches have a specific logic and judicious rationality. They choose wisely and understand that Tudor imitations are a very decent alternative to expensive Submariner imitations.
A dream more likely to come true
The second reason that makes me embrace Black Bay knockoffs is their better execution. Do not rush to draw hasty conclusions! I am not implying that the execution of the Submariner is of poor quality. The idea is that the percentage of quality Black Bay knockoffs is higher than that of Submariner imitations, and I’ll explain why.
Replica manufacturers are mainly focused on Rolex watches because they are in the most demand in the industry. In order to satisfy the demand, the manufacturers produce them in large quantities and at a fast pace. However, this also entails design errors. Respectively, the probability that a Rolex knockoff has cosmetic faults is much higher than a Tudor knockoff.
At the same time, Black Bay imitations are very close in concept to Submariner watches. Respectively, having a rich experience in the execution of Submariners, it is very easy for the manufacturers to execute the Black Bay watches at the highest level. Consequently, most Black Bay releases are quite promising in terms of design and come with pretty accurate details.
As for Submariner imitations…
They are available in an astonishing amount on the market. But not all of them are of the highest quality. So, it takes effort and time to find a quality knockoff that respects all the characteristics of an authentic model. Black Bay imitations, on the other hand, have a higher quality for 2 reasons:
1. manufacturers produce them at a normal pace, without rushing, emphasizing quality, and not quantity;
2. the manufacturers have already accumulated vast experience in replicating Submariner watches. Being extremely close to the Submariner design, Black Bay imitations are very easy to execute and with a lower risk of design faults.
The conclusion is that you are more likely to come across a quality Black Bay than a quality Submariner. If you insist on a Submariner, arm yourself with patience, because it will take some time until you find one of truly high quality.
Tudor offers you the privilege of choosing. Does Rolex do the same?
The next argument that personally makes me opt for a Black Bay knockoff is the satisfaction of choosing. And I think that many watch lovers hunt for this feeling when it comes to choosing a time-telling partner. Let’s see what options we have available with both Submariners and Black Bays.
As in any other replica watches store, you will find Submariners made of 316 and 904l stainless steel in ours. The difference between them lies in the price, the 904l being usually more expensive. As for the reference numbers, the replica manufacturers have launched 3 options. One refers to the model with a black dial and ceramic bezel, which lacks the date function. The second option comes with the integrated date function and black ceramic bezel. The 3rd is identical to the second, except that it has a green ceramic bezel. Both have a black dial. The offer proposed by Rolex replica manufacturers seems to be ok. But personally, I feel like THEY decide for me by offering only a limited number of references…
On the other hand…
The variety of Tudor replica watches is much wider. Let’s start with the dimensions. Tudor imitations offer solutions for different wrists. Respectively, you can opt for more modest cases of 39mm or something more generous like 41mm. In this chapter, Rolex is a bit more conservative, because it proposes only 41mm Submariners (I mean the most recent models).
In the same context, you will find a wide variety of colors if you browse the Black Bay catalog on AAAReplica. The brand played very creatively with the color scheme on the Black Bay watches. Thus, you can find imitations in combinations of black/silver/blue or black/red/gilt and more. Respectively, the Black Bay imitations have a somewhat more vibrant chromatic vibe.
The shortcoming of the Black Bay knockoffs is that they do not have the date function, which may upset many enthusiasts. Personally, however, I don’t even see the need for this function because it would disrupt the captivating aesthetic of the dials.
Bold or Modest?
A last important detail between the 2 models consists directly in their look. I left this detail for the end because it seems too subjective and personal to me. Either way, observing both imitations on my wrist, it seems to me that the Submariner imitation lacks grace. The ceramic bezel seems to be much too steep and stiff compared to the elegant and refined aluminum bezel of the Black Bay knockoff. The Submariner knockoff definitely demands attention and reflects a “look, I’m here” appearance. On the other hand, the Black Bay knockoff slips modestly under the sleeve, being more exquisite than expressive.
But as I said, all these aspects are very intimate and subjective. I, being more modest by my nature, resonate more with modest watches. You, who may be more extroverted, may appreciate more the shiny baldness of the Submariner replica watches. And there’s nothing to blame for it. After all, everyone chooses their watch according to their personality traits, right?
Either way, I don’t want you to think that I’m trying to convince you that Submariner imitations are inferior to Black Bay watches. With that in mind, I will now move on to the benefits of a Submariner knockoff. Only through the prism of the comparison will you be able to draw an objective conclusion regarding which of them is more suitable for you.
Rolex Submariner Replica Watch
Now that you know the benefits of a Black Bay replica watch, let’s see what the advantages of a Submariner knockoff are. These are indeed more expensive than a Black Bay, but let’s not forget that many replica watch hobbyists are ready to pay. Therefore, the high price is not exactly a relevant argument for them.
The first and unbeatable argument in favor of Submariner knockoffs is the popularity of this collection. A lot of watch lovers are looking for this argument in their replica watches: the prestige and recognition of the watches. As long as it is about a prestigious brand and a legendary collection, all other arguments have zero value for a large segment of watch lovers. And like it or not, Submariner watches are truly epic in terms of their history.
In the same context…
Another aspect that makes Submariner imitations significantly more appreciated is their thickness. To be fair, let’s talk about the 41mm Rolex and Tudor imitations. The Submariners are significantly more athletic, measuring 12.5mm thick, as opposed to the 15mm of the Black Bay knockoffs. And keep in mind that the generous thickness is not at all an error of the replica manufacturers; this thickness is characteristic of authentic watches as well. Either way, the public is ready today for oversized tools, but it is not ready yet for such … generous thicknesses.
Personally, I’m ok with thick replica watches. I wore a Ploprof knockoff all last summer. However, something is not right with the Black Bay watches. It seems that the thickness is slightly exaggerated for a timepiece with an expressive elegance.
The highest form of replica quality
I know I told you before that the percentage of quality replica Submariners on the market is lower compared to Black Bay. However, that small percentage of qualitative imitations comes with a phenomenal quality standard. It is indeed difficult to find a Submariner that is truly a 1:1 mirror copy. But if you are lucky enough to find it, be sure that only an experienced professional will be able to tell the difference between an authentic one. Replica manufacturers rarely release this type of `submariner. This is because it takes effort and time to find the right materials. And because they cost a lot, sometimes over $1,500, the demand for them is not exactly very high.
But when they do produce them, these Submariners are 99.999% identical. The manufacturers execute a perfect finish for both the bracelet and the case. Add to this a Swiss clone 3235 or 3230 movements, and you have an authentic watch in every sense of the word. The accuracy of these clone movements is around +/-5 sec per day on average, which no Black Bay knockoff can provide.
In the same context…
These imitations end up working for almost 60 hours, which is very promising for a replica watch. Not to mention the perfect execution of the replica watch bracelet. They have an identical mechanism to the original, featuring the same Glidelock extension system.
It is very challenging to find a dealer that offers such an imitation. We do not have it in our stock at the moment. As it appears, I will let you know. And be very careful! Many dealers try to sell fake Submariners as 1:1 mirror clones. But not all of them truly are. For this reason, check both the dealer’s veracity and the quality of the imitation by all possible means.
Limited variety, but straight to the point
Without a doubt, the variety of Black Bay imitations is wider. However, Rolex wanted to produce Submariners in a narrower variety, but concretely needed by the public. In other words, the public got exactly what it wanted. Rolex didn’t register requests for different color schemes. Accordingly, it produced exclusively what the audience asked for. More recently, replica manufacturers have reproduced models in gold and steel with blue and black dials.
At the same time, they also launched iterations with yellow chromatic elements and blue ceramic bezels. But these are not very successful among replica watch lovers.
In conclusion, Black Bay replica watches can be in any color you want. But what’s the point, if the chromatic preferences of the audience target the specific colors of traditional Submariners?
The “icon” spirit of Submariners
Even if we are talking about Submariner knockoffs, they refer to an iconic collection of watches. As a rule, I try to avoid the term “iconic” in my reviews. This is because it seems to me that this term has become overused and reviewers use it in all kinds of contexts without keeping its true connotation. However, I cannot avoid assigning it to the Submariner collection, because it really has its place in the context.
Submariner watches are a good option for those who love to wear history on their wrist. And even if the collection has undergone changes that are not exactly favorable for many (watches became shinier and bulkier) they still remain devoted to their basic purpose. The echo of the collection is so strong that it can erase any other argument in favor of Black Bay.
Bottom line
I know that the choice is very difficult. There are so many things to consider when choosing between a Submariner and a Black Bay knockoff: price, quality level, dealer, trust in him, AAA-grade, or 1:1 copy. Now that you know the strengths of both collections, I hope you can make the choice easier.
At the same time, I would like to know what you think about these 2 prestigious collections. Maybe you have a different opinion than mine and I would like to know about it. Do not hesitate to share your vote in the comments.