Last year, watch brands put a lot of emphasis on producing Rolex alternatives. Technically, every watchmaking brand already has models that are more or less similar to the famous Datejust or Daytona models. Why would people look for Rolex alternatives, you probably wonder. Well, the staggering price of genuine watches is one of the reasons. The second reason would be the endless queues to get to buy an authentic Rolex watch, even if you have the necessary money.
Along with the interest in Rolex alternatives, the interest in Tudor watches also increased. The reason? Tudor is the first on the list of Rolex alternatives. As you might know, this brand is more than close to the Rolex great horological master. The replica watch industry reacted quickly to the interest in Tudor watches, releasing a multitude of new knockoffs. One of the newly released models of the replica factories is the Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT replica watch. This model comes as a tribute to the legendary Rolex 1655, only at a much more advantageous price and at a much more accessible availability.
The replica factories offered us a tranche of new Tudor knockoffs. Some customers even managed to buy it. The problem is that some customers praise this imitation, while the other half criticize it. I thought of doing a deep analysis of this replica watch to better understand what went right and what didn’t go well in the execution process of the manufacturers.
Overall description
When we talk about the Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT replica watch, we are actually talking about a watch with a strong vintage air. You can feel this vibe as soon as you look at the watch. It seems to be an attractive and quite nice watch at first glance. But if you know anything about the Rolex Explorer 1655, you probably won’t like what you’ll see in this Tudor knockoff.
The problem I see, maybe a subjective one, but it is that this Tudor seems to be identical to the 1655 Explorer. So, it goes without saying that Tudor paid tribute to the Explorer model; it practically copied it. And to be honest, I’m a bit sorry that Tudor included so few “personal” details and took over so many details from Explorer. This model seems more like a retouching of the Explorer than a tribute.
I have no claims on the replica execution for now. That is, the execution seems nice at first sight. My claim is more addressed to the Tudor brand, which seems to be much too “in love” with Rolex, to have paid tribute to it with an… identical watch.
Now…
I understand why the customers who compared the Tudor GMT replica watches are divided into 2 diametrically opposed camps. Some of them are not familiar with Rolex watches, and respectively, the Tudor GMT watch seems fabulous to them. The other category that criticizes the model knows the Rolex portfolio very well. Respectively, seeing so many similarities with the Explorer, they get the impression that the Tudor watch is nothing more than plagiarism.
The conclusion is that the imitation Tudor GMT is a worthy watch from an aesthetic point of view. But I don’t even know who to praise: Rolex, who is the source of inspiration for this GMT? Or Tudor, who only slightly “retouched” the Explorer 1655 model?!
General description of the Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT replica watch
Let’s leave the criticism aside and go directly to the general description of the knockoff. As I suggested before, the general condition of the imitation is quite acceptable, maybe even more than that. The watch has a fully functional GMT feature, which makes me very happy. I came to hate replica watches with non-functional features. The GMT function is represented by 2 elements. It is about the 24-hour bezel and the yellow hand that you can easily adjust with the help of the crown. The crown, by the way, rotates easily back and forth, without any blockages or non-specific sounds.
I mentioned earlier that the replica watch exudes a strong vintage air. I notice this through the finishing of the case and the bracelet. They benefit from a brushed finish, which, by the way, is an allusion to the vintage style. At the same time, the brushing is not the only element that suggests the vintage style of the replica watch. The style and architecture of the bracelet are another vintage detail. At the same time, I notice that the hour markers lack the specific metallic frame, which is found in most modern style watches. All markers come with a strong glow in the dark, making the imitation extraordinarily legible and clear in low-light conditions.
Further on…
The more I analyze the replica watch visually, the more delighted I am with its brushing. I love to explore the transitions between the brushed and finished areas of the case and bracelet. On this subject, I have absolutely no claim.
It is not surprising that this Tudor imitation is identical in proportions to the Rolex 1655 model. Both benefit from a 39mm case. For Tudor, 39mm cases are normal. In contrast, the 39mm is an exception for Rolex, the 1655 model being the only Explorer II with a diameter smaller than 40mm. Either way, the Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT is as comfortable as possible for practically any type of wrist, because this size is absolutely universal.
Dial, case, and bracelet
The Tudor replica watch dial steals attention immediately with the bright and contrasting color of the GMT hand. It benefits from a shade of intense yellow and stands out right away against the background of the black dial. The hour markers allude to a geometric game, as we find circles, rectangles, and triangles all over the dial plate. All are creamy white and become even more pronounced in the dark, thanks to the Super-Luminova coating.
The shortcoming that I discovered about the lighting is that it does not last as long as I would have liked. At least, the brightness lasts much longer in the Explorer 1655 imitation. Why didn’t the manufacturers apply the same principle, so that it lasts the same way in the Tudor replica?!
In general, the frame-less hour markers in the form of dots seem interesting to me. By the way, the lack of a frame is one of the distinguishing aspects between the Pro GMT model and the regular Black Bay. The regular Black Bay model is more modern in its style.
In addition to the GMT function…
The imitation also offers a date function. I like how this function looks. The date aperture finds its place instead of the 3 o’clock indicator and looks very modest. The aperture does not stand out due to exaggerated dimensions. On the contrary, it has a very decent diameter, particularly evident by the contrasting color of the background. This coincides with the cream-white of the hour markers and contrasts with the intense black of the dial.
The bezel of the imitation is not rotating. It has a fixed position and has markers for all 24 hours. The silhouettes of the markers look slightly elegant due to their suppleness. These are highlighted by the black filling, which contrasts with the bright stainless steel.
The replica watch seems totally “in its place” to me. Slightly modest, extremely balanced, and with functionality no more than necessary – this Pro GMT replica seems to be a good partner for everyday life.
Technical details
If you know anything about watches, you probably know that GMTs are not exactly the best for water activities. Respectively, most of them have mediocre water resistance. In the case of the authentic Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT, we are talking about a water resistance profile of 200 meters, which is quite ok for everyday activities.
In the case of this Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT replica watch, we are dealing with a resistance profile of up to 25 meters. Theoretically, it should withstand light impact with the water. But personally, I would refrain from direct interaction with water, in order to avoid potential damage. In my experience, a replica watch with a resistance of 25 meters is actually resistant to activities such as washing hands and dishes (or something similar). But not for showers, swimming in the pool, or worse, sea or ocean.
If you intend to have such a replica watch, you would do well to ask the dealer for details about its water resistance. Each factory integrates different water resistance systems. Some do not integrate them at all, and you could receive a watch that is not resistant to water.
The gratifying part of this Tudor imitation is that you can adjust the bracelet by approximately 8mm. This expands or reduces, depending on the diameter of your wrist, and depending on how wide you prefer to wear a watch.
In the same context, I am glad to notice that the imitation runs on a clone ETA 2836 automatic movement. I trust this mechanism because I have personally used them in some replica watches that I have owned. These are the mechanisms that gave me the least headaches over the years.
General impression
If you abstract from the Explorer model that resembles so much, the Pro GMT imitation is a very promising replica watch. It looks good starting with the texture of the dial and ending with the clasp of the bracelet.
Technically, I have no objections either to the water resistance profile or to the internal mechanism. Clearly, there is room for the better. For example, the manufacturers could have made the imitation resistant up to 50 meters or applied a lume coating that would last much longer. But I think that would sound too pedantic on my part. I have to admit that the condition of this replica watch is in very good shape and even surpasses some Rolex replica watches. The conclusion regarding the execution of the imitation is positive and worthy of appreciation.
On the other hand, I think the only ones who will judge this model are those who know the Explorer 1655 model very well. The Pro GMT looks too similar to the Explorer, and this aspect could create objections among watch lovers. Tudor sought to pay homage to the Explorer model. But it seems that the brand went a bit overboard by taking elements from the Rolex model and neglecting its own vision of the model. I mean, there are far too few aesthetic details that would come from Tudor, when in fact, there could have been much more.
As a watch model though, as the Explorer 1655 watch, the Tudor Black Bay Pro GMT replica watch has a special and distinguished charisma. It is remarkable for its balanced spirit, clear and direct legibility, and accuracy of the details on the dial. The watch has only the minimum necessary: useful functionality, clean and reserved aesthetics, and a touch of vintage air, for added value.
Things to consider when buying a Tudor replica watch
If you decide to buy a Tudor replica watch, it is not enough to take into account only the model. I know you are attracted to Pelagos, Black Bay, or Clair de Rose, but I suggest you focus first on the factory and the dealer that sells it to you.
Factories tend to experiment with replica watches in each release. If in a previous release, the imitations had a mediocre internal mechanism and a perfect aesthetic, in a later release these aspects can be exactly the opposite.
For this reason, discuss with the dealers absolutely all aspects of the replica watch: mechanism, water resistance, stainless steel grade, luminous coating, anti-reflective coating, as well as the type of crystal. Many times, dealers talk more about the advantages, leaving the disadvantages of the Tudor replica watch in the shade. Respectively, it is your moral duty to address absolutely all aspects, if you want to benefit from a replica watch worthy of your money and appreciation.
Tudor imitations are usually more advantageous in terms of price compared to Rolex replica watches. But that doesn’t mean you have to aim for the cheapest watch possible. Remember that quality costs money and it is unlikely that dealers will sell a really high-quality watch cheaply. Respectively, try to weigh the quality of the replica watch in relation to its price and answer the question: “is it too good to be true?!” This way you will end up making the right decision.