MetalMickey 179 Posted July 25, 2016 Just taken delivery of my Black Bay Bronze - here are my first impressions. Bronze is lovely, nice patina developing already The Bezel is a little redder than the brown of the gen - but I prefer the colour of the rep It's not as big and heavy as you might think for a 43mm watch - it wears the same as the regular BB to my eyes Lume is quite strong, but maybe it's cos it is so sunny outside Like the regular BB the case sits high on the strap, and there are large gaps between watch and strap unless you use a NATO The rep leather strap is surprisingly nice, soft and thick The NATO is thinner than I expected but looks good and is adjustable Anyone with wrists larger than 7.5" is going to need a new strap - the NATO does adjust further than the leather but is still short Bezel fitment could be better, it is a little "springy" - but much firmer than the regular Black Bay Overall - I'm really happy. Mine is on the NATO and will be going to the seaside soon to work on that patina. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM284 1,518 Posted July 25, 2016 That's nice mm, think I prefer that on the NATO ... Looks good on both though! Looking forward to seeing these when the patina has really developed. Enjoy it at the seaside mate Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
splke 4,383 Posted July 25, 2016 nice MM I think the buckle will come in handy I do not get on with the deployment jobs they dig in like mad bit worried the nato wont fit but I could bastardise it I suppose have a good time at the east coast Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mr_B 2,401 Posted July 25, 2016 Looks great micky, how much patina are you going to go for? Be interested to see how it turns out. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MetalMickey 179 Posted July 25, 2016 nice MM I think the buckle will come in handy I do not get on with the deployment jobs they dig in like mad bit worried the nato wont fit but I could bastardise it I suppose It has a kind of springbar arrangement inside the buckle, and you adjust it a bit like the straps on a rucksack. I removed the springbar, put it to its maximum length and it fits my 7.5" wrist at the third hole, so would ift 8" max - any bigger and the end of the strap would not go through the floating keeper, though. Looks great micky, how much patina are you going to go for? Be interested to see how it turns out. I plan to just leave it a see where it goes - it developed more than I expected on the journey here, comparing it to the QC pics. It looks fairly even so am leaving it for now rather than starting fresh. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the_frenchman 31 Posted July 25, 2016 I love it!!! Very nice pick up mate ! I was waiting to see the first impressions of this and i must im quite convinced to order one. Thanks for sharing Enjoy your holidays Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kwt 11 Posted July 25, 2016 Nice mate - enjoy the watch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MAJ75 922 Posted July 25, 2016 This is the first watch where I prefer the NATO to the leather strap. Will be interesting to see how the patina develops over time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MetalMickey 179 Posted July 25, 2016 Patina pics Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
NCRich 13,748 Posted July 25, 2016 Freakishly large watch on your wrist. Not really. Like the look but that would be too large. Our wrists look about the same size. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MetalMickey 179 Posted July 25, 2016 Freakishly large watch on your wrist. Not really. Like the look but that would be too large. Our wrists look about the same size. 7.5" It really doesn't wear that big, the NATO helps stop it from overhanging - certainly more sensible than a Panerai Bronzo! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BadPickle 2,747 Posted July 26, 2016 Looks good mate :thumbsup: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dfq23 131 Posted July 27, 2016 If you look here there are pics of the gen where the bezel looks both browner and redder on different ones. http://timeandtidewatches.com/hands-on-the-tudor-black-bay-bronze-live-pics-price/ I think it's kinda close Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cubic Hare 494 Posted July 27, 2016 You are right about that NATO being short.. "It just needs one more inch" (That's what she said!) I adjusted mine like you did to have it fit the third hole but the keepers were right up under my wrist I hated the look and feel that way. I put it back where it just fits in the last hole and it's still a fiddly bitch to put on and wear. One more inch dammit.. Cheers Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Daywatch 4 Posted July 27, 2016 Thanks for the review/first impressions. It gives a good overall intro to what it´s like to have it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
nanaiku 0 Posted July 31, 2016 Is it making some kind of green color residue or reaction on your skin? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jakethemouse 0 Posted July 31, 2016 Thanks for the first impressions MM. I like that everyone is going to get a unique watch based on how it patinas and if you don't like it you you can just reset it in a ketchup bath. ketchup example of reset from the gents and ladies next door: https://www.replica-...re-photos/page6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,501 Posted July 31, 2016 Ketchup is a mess. Just use winegar or even better lemon juice. It does the same and you will not have a stinky watch with residue of that stuff under the bezel... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cubic Hare 494 Posted August 1, 2016 A lime wedge rubbed all over the case works a treat too. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
norrie 1 Posted August 9, 2016 Lemon doesn't work as well as tomato sauce (ketchup). If you get it under the bezel, water rinses it out just fine. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billten 0 Posted August 10, 2016 (edited) I understand there a couple of rep versions of this watch (V6F and ZF), any preferences / info on which version is closer to gen? Edited August 10, 2016 by billten Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sammysmiths 41 Posted August 30, 2016 How does the watch feel, bronze is such a soft metal. How are the screw threads and bezel rotation etc? Is it a heavy watch? I must get one of these. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,501 Posted August 30, 2016 I understand there a couple of rep versions of this watch (V6F and ZF), any preferences / info on which version is closer to gen? V6 is better, and has a premium nato strap. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GenTLe 1,501 Posted August 30, 2016 How does the watch feel, bronze is such a soft metal. How are the screw threads and bezel rotation etc? Is it a heavy watch? I must get one of these. There aren't screws that goes into bronze. The bezel on mine was a bit stiff but after I removed it and greased during the service, it is now perfect (similar to the top reps of the ceramic seamaster). The weight... Well the bronze and the steel have very similar weight. So it may be similar to a 44mm Pam with manual wind. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites