Here at AAAReplica, we thoroughly discuss every replica watch that arrives in our inventory. Recently, I came across a Black Bay 58 imitation and immediately the discussions about it started. Honestly, this model created heated discussions among my colleagues. Some of them claimed that the larger Black Bay counterparts look better. Others argued that the size of this Tudor replica is perfect, considering that current trends favor more conservative sizes. Being at the center of the discussions, I thought that this model is downright fabulous if it generates so many reactions. I think a good watch is one that creates comments, debates, and nerves. This speaks of the fact that the watch caught the public and is under the spotlight, regardless of positive or negative comments.
Either way, I agree with my colleagues when they say that Tudor launched this 58 model at the right time. Miraculously, the brand sensed the public’s tendency towards accessories with a vintage touch and less voluptuous proportions.
Replica manufacturers did not delay in coming up with a replica alternative to this model. And here I am holding it in my hand, ready to analyze it from all points of view. Stay with me if you are curious to find out how close the imitation is to the authentic model.
Matter-of-factly…
I never do a review of a knockoff without informing myself about the authentic model first. In order to make an objective review, I need to know all the original Tudor details. So, during my research, I found out that the authentic BB 58 created a real sensation among watch enthusiasts with its appearance. The most questionable aspect was its Pantone color, which is a more delicate matte variation compared to the somewhat usual blue of the competitors.
Contrasting the authentic model to the replica one, I knew that I had to look for the right font for the display. I was curious to find out if the replica manufacturers selected the right color of the dial, which is the main selling point of the watch.
So, here’s what the BB 58 replica watch came up with
The imitation came in a case of 39mm in diameter. The dimensions coincide with the authentic model. However, it’s a bit unexpected for me to see a 39mm Tudor, considering that until now I’ve had to deal with 42mm imitations (recently, we received a batch of El Primero knockoffs that I also had to review).
Either way, I find this imitation slightly downsized for the size of my wrist. I want to mention that my wrist measures around 20mm. On the other hand, it seems to me that the height of the replica watch, which is not exactly small, somehow balances the diameter of the watch, making it look quite modern on the wrist.
It is very interesting to look at this imitation from different angles. If you look at it from an aside, it exudes a modern air. If you look at it from above, you already see it as vintage.
The bezel of the imitation is unusually thin. Initially, I thought that the manufacturers did not match the width of the bezel according to the authentic model. But after checking the specifications of the authentic model, I realized that everything coincides with the original concept.
The dial of the replica watch looks clean and very legible. Exactly what a diver should look like. This Tudor model has limited functionality, restricted only to time functions, without even a date. The brand certainly wanted to create something extremely easy to use, putting more emphasis on aesthetics than functionality.
The dial of the Tudor Navy 39 replica watch
As I told you before, I was curious to analyze the color of the dial to decipher whether the manufacturers matched it or not. At first glance, the matte texture looks pretty good. As for the color, it took me some time to conclude.
Initially, the navy blue color seemed identical to what we saw in the authentic watch. But if I changed the angle, it seemed to me that the blue was turning a little off. I asked my colleagues to express themselves regarding the color. They also saw it ambiguously. I
n the end, we turned to our team’ designer, who is a specialist in fonts and color palettes. He confirmed to us that, in fact, the imitation has the same color as the authentic model. The difference that we had detected under different angles of light is due to the process of obtaining the color itself. Manufacturers use certain substances and techniques, and Tudor – other substances and techniques. Respectively, the final color is the same, but it can easily play in lighter or brighter tones under different angles.
This made me very happy to know that this Tudor knockoff has an identical dial to the authentic model. It’s always gratifying to know that the replica watch is extremely close to the truth, isn’t it?
Case, hands, and hour markers
Replica manufacturers did not find it difficult to reproduce Tudor hour markers and hands. They did it before in the first iteration of this model. Now, in the second iteration, I even notice small improvements. In the first iteration, the second hand was shorter and the snowflake was wrongly positioned toward the tip of the hand. This time, the length, width, and whole design are correct.
Also, the manufacturers strictly respected the geometric figures of the hour markers. We see the same triangle for 12 o’clock, the same baton segments for 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, as well as the same dots for the rest of the hour markers. Absolutely all the indicators on the navy blue dial have a lume material. The lume coverage, by the way, looks quite bright in dim conditions, but it fades quickly, unfortunately.
As for the replica watch case…
It comes traditionally from 316l stainless steel. The previous version of this knockoff was also made of 316l steel, and I expected the manufacturers to upgrade to 904l steel. But it was not to be.
For the bezel, the manufacturers used anodized aluminum for the 60-minute scale outer ring. From what I understand, the original watch has ceramic elements in its bezel. I don’t know if the replica manufacturers used this material in the knockoff. However, the case, including the bezel and the finish, looks attractive and similar to the genuine model.
Crown and bracelet
The dial of the replica watch is definitely the “hero” of the painting. However, not everything is as perfect as it seems in this knockoff. Unfortunately, I am not very satisfied with the execution of the crown. The space between the crown and the case is much too large, in contrast to the almost glued-on crown of the authentic Tudor. The biggest problem is that this error was also present in the previous iteration of this knockoff. Then I wrote to the manufacturers about this difference and I thought they solved it in the last release. But it seems they ignored my feedback; the crown does not look as it should look.
As for the bracelet…
I am very confused about it. On one hand, I love the fine texture of the 316l stainless steel bracelet. Indeed, the texture is much finer than the bracelet from the previous release. On the other hand, I don’t resonate with the spring-bar system for the bracelet. I would be delighted if it had an easy clasp adjustment system, as I found with the Pelagos imitation. It was a pleasure to put on and take off the Pelagos bracelet with that comfy system.
Final thoughts
This knockoff is far from perfect. And honestly speaking, I was expecting a more amazing improvement from this iteration. If I were to compare this Black Bay 58 with the Pelagos replica watch, the Pelagos gains ground without a doubt.
Summarizing the pros and cons of this Black Bay 58 imitation, here is what to expect:
Pros:
-dial with good execution, including the specific Navy Blue color and hour markers and hands;
– the manufacturers managed to reproduce the modern and vintage vibe of the watch by paying attention to details;
– it is a replica watch with a reserved, useful appeal, without drawing much attention to itself;
Cons:
– the execution of the replica watch crown still needs improvements;
– the bracelet fits well and has a very pleasant texture to the touch, but I don’t like the clasp system;
-we still don’t have the nice-looking strap for the watch; only the bracelet version.
The general impression I made after testing this knockoff is that it arranges itself relatively well and does what it has to do. The knockoff has an attractive look but does not draw much attention to it. It’s not the most temperamental watch I’ve seen, so don’t expect ovations from those around you. Instead, it is there for when you need a reliable time-telling modern friend, with a vintage touch.