Tudor Black Bay 54 vs 58 vs 41 vs 68: Choosing the Perfect One

Black Bay overview

Here’s a straight‑up comparison of the Black Bay 54, 58, 41, and 68. Size, movement, certification, strap options, and pricing. Everything lined up so you can quickly spot the right match.

Black Bay 54: Compact vintage appeal

The Black Bay 54 sits as the smallest of the modern line, a 37 mm nod to Tudor’s first diver from 1954, the Oyster Prince Submariner. Its clean bezel ditches minute markers between 12 and 3 o’clock, giving the face a crisp, uncluttered edge. Swap the 58’s snowflake seconds for a lollipop hand and you’ve got a design that whispers vintage instead of shouting it. The sunburst dial gives off subtle shimmer without veering into flash.

Functionally, this one’s cleverly updated. The BB54 introduces Tudor’s T‑Fit clasp, offering 8 mm of tool‑free micro‑adjustment. Buyers can pick between a rubber strap with deployant buckle, a riveted steel bracelet, or the newer five‑link option. Power comes from the Kenissi‑built MT5400 calibre, COSC‑certified with a 70‑hour reserve.

Black Bay 54 Key Specs:

• Case size: 37 mm
• Thickness: 11 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Movement: MT5400, COSC-certified
• Strap options: Rubber, riveted steel bracelet, five-link bracelet (Lagoon Blue)
• Clasp: T-Fit micro-adjust
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Retail price range: €3.700 (rubber) – €3.800 (bracelet)
• Wristler price range: €3.200 (rubber) – €3.500 (bracelet)

Black Bay 54 Lagoon Blue (Turquoise)

Summer 2025 saw Tudor go playful with colour. The “Lagoon Blue” edition trades the black dial for a bold turquoise tone and swaps the matte bezel for a polished, relief‑style design. The sand‑textured dial shimmers softly, while the polished bezel numerals give off a coastal glow. It’s still the same 37 mm watch with the MT5400 inside but adds a five‑link bracelet alongside the rubber and riveted options. It’s fresh, summery, and the first time Tudor brought jubilee‑style links to the 54. Call it retro charm with a dose of Riviera energy.

Is the Black Bay 54 too small for everyday wear?

Short answer: not really. While the modern dive watch crowd often gravitates toward 39–41 mm, many collectors (myself included) find the BB54’s 37 mm size to be the most natural on‑wrist. Its lack of crown guards, slim 11 mm profile, and compact proportions make it the ideal “disappears‑until‑you‑need‑it” daily. The T‑Fit clasp enhances that comfort across seasons and activities. Sure, the faux‑patina lume divides opinions, but to many eyes it adds warmth and old‑school character—a human touch that modern Rolex divers often lack.

Black Bay 58: The balanced favourite

Since its 2018 debut, the Black Bay 58 has been the sweet‑spot diver: perfectly sized, beautifully proportioned, and effortlessly wearable. Its 39 mm case and 11.7 mm thickness feel tailor‑made for most wrists. The gilt‑printed dial, cream lume, and red bezel triangle are all love letters to Tudor’s late‑’50s heritage divers. It’s got charm without pretense and warmth without clutter.

The 2025 refresh gives this fan‑favourite a subtle evolution. The Burgundy version debuts the METAS‑certified MT5400‑U movement, a silicon hairspring, and slightly trimmer case lines. The T‑Fit clasp finally makes its way in, fixing one of the 58’s longest‑standing nitpicks. Buyers can choose between the riveted 3‑link, sleek 5‑link, or rubber bracelet—all sporting that handy micro‑adjustment.

Black Bay 58 Key Specs:

• Case size: 39 mm
• Thickness: 11.7 mm
• Lug width: 20 mm
• Movement: MT5400-U (METAS-certified, silicon hairspring)
• Strap options: 3-link, 5-link, rubber
• Clasp: T-Fit micro-adjust
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Retail Price: ~€4.600 (steel bracelet)
• Wristler price: €2.800+

Why Is the Black Bay 58 So Popular?

Because it nails balance. It channels Tudor’s dive‑watch heritage while delivering modern usability. The 58 wears easily under a cuff, feels refined enough for business wear, and still holds its own beside contemporary sports watches. Collectors love its range too—black, blue, burgundy, and special editions like the Harrods green keep it fresh without gimmicks. It’s that rare piece that appeals equally to first‑time buyers and seasoned enthusiasts.

Does the Black Bay 58 Have a T‑Fit Clasp?

Earlier 58s didn’t, and owners complained. In 2025 Tudor fixed it, adding the T‑Fit to the Burgundy model and all new releases. It makes adjustment effortless—8 mm of on‑the‑fly comfort. When browsing pre‑2025 models, look at the clasp: holes mean old; sliding mechanism means new.

BB58 vs BB54

When deciding between the 58 and 54, wrist size and vibe matter most. The 54’s 37 mm feels truer to vintage sizing, while the 58’s 39 mm offers broader versatility. Both share similar builds and now feature the T‑Fit, but the 58’s gilt dial and red‑triangle bezel keep its classic charm alive. The 54 leans modern‑minimalist, especially in Lagoon Blue. On the secondary market, the 58 still commands a premium thanks to its cult status.

Black Bay 41 mm Heritage: Bold proportions

The original 41 mm Black Bay, often dubbed the “Heritage,” remains the muscular anchor of the collection. At 14.8 mm thick with 22 mm lugs, it feels larger in both stance and spirit. The straight casebands and thicker bezel amplify its presence, while the gilt accents and snowflake hands tie it to Tudor tradition. Some references skip the red triangle at 12, creating a slightly sleeker, modern look.

On the wrist, the 41 mm version suits larger wrists (18 cm and up) and those who prefer dive watches with more weight. Its thickness of around 15 mm has drawn criticism for being slab‑like, although earlier ETA‑powered models were slightly slimmer. The movement is the in‑house MT5602, offering 70 hours of power reserve. Retail prices hover around €3.900–€4.100 depending on strap; discounts can be found on the grey market.

Is the Black Bay 41 too thick?

At nearly 15 mm, it’s chunky, no denying that. The height comes from the larger MT5602 and domed sapphire. For smaller wrists, it might sit tall, but on broader arms, that mass feels right. Think of it as a diver with old‑school backbone. If you crave sleeker lines, the 58 or 54 will feel more refined; if you want bold and traditional, the 41 hits hard.

Black Bay 41 Key Specs

• Case size: 41 mm
• Thickness: 14.8 mm
• Lug width: 22 mm
• Movement: MT5602 (COSC-certified)
• Strap options: 3-link steel bracelet, rubber strap
• Clasp: Standard clasp (T-Fit not typically included)
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Retail price range: €3.900–€4.100
• Wristler price range: €3.600–€4.100

BB58 vs BB41

Dropping from 41 to 39 mm changes everything. The BB58 sits flatter and lighter thanks to the smaller MT5400 movement, trimming roughly 3 mm in thickness. The result is more vintage‑Sub proportions and easier daily comfort. Most collectors gravitate toward the 58’s balanced form, but those who like their divers with heft and wrist presence still swear by the 41.

Black Bay Monochrome: Modern master chronometer

Before jumping to the 68, Tudor quietly refined the 41 mm line with the Monochrome. It merges round hour markers with snowflake hands—a first for the brand. The slimmer 13.6 mm case feels more balanced, and the METAS‑certified MT5602‑U inside adds a silicon hairspring for magnetic resistance. You get 70 hours of power and a design that feels halfway between classic diver and daily luxury piece.

Retail sits just under €5.000 depending on configuration, but you can often spot better deals on Wristler. Many see this model as Tudor’s closest modern parallel to a no‑date Submariner, minus the fuss.

Black Bay 68: The new heavyweight

Watches & Wonders 2025 unveiled the biggest Black Bay yet: the BB68. At 43 mm across, it’s Tudor flexing its modern‑tool muscles. The matte black bezel, coarse knurling, and flush crown give it a rugged, Pelagos‑adjacent personality. Sun‑brushed blue or silver dials add texture and light play, modernizing the line’s visual language.

Inside is the METAS‑certified MT5601‑U movement—silicon hairspring, 70‑hour reserve, impeccable accuracy. It’s paired with a 3‑link Oyster‑style bracelet and the T‑Fit clasp. Retail hovers near €5.000, though early demand has outstripped supply. Keep an eye out on the grey market to see where those prices will be heading!

Is the Black Bay 68 just a larger 58?

Although both the 68 and the 58 share modern METAS‑certified movements and T‑Fit clasps, the 68 is more than a scaled‑up 58. Its 43 mm case and 13.6 mm thickness deliver a commanding presence that recalls the Pelagos rather than the vintage‑inspired 58. The bezel knurling is coarser, the crown sits flush to the case and the dial comes in sun‑brushed blue or silver rather than the 58’s gilt‑accented black. In short, the 68 caters to enthusiasts seeking a modern tool watch rather than a retro homage.

Black Bay 68 Key Specs

• Case size: 43 mm
• Thickness: 13.6 mm
• Lug width: 22 mm
• Movement: MT5601-U (METAS-certified, silicon hairspring)
• Strap options: 3-link Oyster-style bracelet only
• Clasp: T-Fit micro-adjust
• Water resistance: 200 m
• Retail price range: ~€5.000
• Wristler price range: €4.000–€4.300

BB68 vs BB58

Comparing the 68 to the 58 highlights how Tudor is broadening the Black Bay family. The 68 feels engineered, technical, modern. The 58 remains warm, compact, nostalgic. Both share METAS calibres and T‑Fit bracelets, yet the experience is night and day. The 68 is a statement diver; the 58, a timeless all‑rounder. You choose between attitude and understatement. On smaller wrists, however, the 68 can feel oversized; many collectors view it as a statement diver rather than an everyday watch.

How to choose your Black Bay

Selecting the right Black Bay involves balancing wrist size, design preferences, functionality and budget.

• Wrist size and comfort: For wrists under 16 cm circumference, the BB54’s 37 mm case offers the best fit. The 39 mm BB58 suits most wrists and provides the broadest versatility. The 41 mm Heritage works for wrists over 18 cm, while the 43 mm BB68 is best reserved for those comfortable with large dive watches. Where possible, try the watches on at authorised retailers, feel often outweighs numbers.
• Design preferences: If you love gilt accents and a vintage feel, the BB58 or the 41 mm Heritage may appeal. If you prefer a cleaner, more utilitarian look, the BB54’s sunburst dial and monochromatic bezel are compelling. The BB68 delivers a contemporary aesthetic with modern knurling and sun‑brushed dials.
• Functionality: All carry 200 m water resistance and chronometer accuracy. T‑Fit is now standard on the BB54, BB68, and 2025 BB58, while older models miss it. If real dive capability matters, the titanium Pelagos still reigns supreme with higher depth rating and lighter weight.
• Budget and resale: Prices range from around €3.700 for the BB54 on rubber to more than €5.000 for the BB68. Secondary‑market availability can affect cost; the BB58 remains in high demand, often commanding near‑retail prices.

Conclusion

The Tudor Black Bay collection now spans four archetypes of dive‑watch design. The BB54 distills vintage charm into compact proportions. The BB58 sits at the crossroads of heritage and daily wear. The 41 mm Heritage brings robust, old‑school presence, while the new BB68 pushes into modern‑tool territory. Whatever your taste, retro purist or modern adventurer, Tudor’s Black Bay family ensures there’s always a perfect fit for your wrist and your style.