LHOOQ 0 Posted October 2, 2014 As projects go, this one was pretty straightforward. It all started in July, not long after it was announced that "the factories" had tweaked their superlative Black Bay rep and created a blue version to match the one announced at Baselworld this past spring. Honestly, I've never been that interested in the Black Bay, since I saw it as a mish-mash of confused historical influences. Snowflake hands on a rose dial? And what's with that colored crown tube? But you do grow fonder of some things over time. It helped to have tried on the gen a few times, as did seeing the rep up close during a GTG some months back. And, yes, the palette shift from burgundy to royal blue did much to change my mind. I'd had my fingers crossed for a blue Pelagos (still do), but this was the next big thing. So there I was in mid-July, looking at QC pics that someone had posted for an upcoming delivery. They looked terrific, in my opinion, but I've long favored the blue/gilt combo on Submariners. Why, just take a look at the fantastic 5512 that ChiMan built for me so many years ago, and that I still wear regularly. I quote myself: "I would love to see the blue Black Bay with gilt hands/dial. Now who can I convince to take one in red and silver?" To which sneed12 replied, "If you're serious I'll swap with you." Having set some funds aside for a rather pricey Fifty Fathoms, I really didn't need to spend another few hundred bucks on another rep. However, opportunities like this don't come up every day, and I really wanted to see how this thing would look! I PM'd S and let him take care of the ordering and assembly. There were several delays. First, the seller was about to send two Black Bays in the wrong colors; add a few days. Then the clasp of one of them broke, requiring sneed to drill out a link and rebuild the clasp. At this point, the movement swap was made: Add a few weeks, as he had to order new drill bits, but eventually it was all done: Easy-peasy, I suppose! You've all read enough about the Black Bay rep, so I won't be making a full review. I think the gilt dial/hands against the blue bezel and tube look amazing, so full marks to me and my vision! Similarly, I'm sure S is enjoying the Canadian colours on his Black Bay. I will note that the BB feels a lot bigger and much heavier than I'd expected--and that's saying something, considering how I've grown used to the heft of the Fifty Fathoms! Right now, it looks like it could be a go-anywhere, do-anything diver, but let's see if it has as much staying power on my wrist as my beloved 4-liner. Old and new: Of course, I couldn't help but see how it looks on Tropic rubber: Big thanks to sneed12! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
UmpaHimself 223 Posted October 2, 2014 Oh man, I have been dreaming of the same but on the black bezel. I thought it would look perfect like a proper guilt sub. The blue looks killer though. I wonder if you couldn't order just a spare guilt dial along with a full BB watch. Anyway, nice work man. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rusty peters 0 Posted October 2, 2014 I like it. You need to nick up that bezel insert a bit. It is just begging for a light vintagizing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leigh 0 Posted October 2, 2014 Sorry, but I think they look much better before. Just my opinion Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pob 73 Posted October 2, 2014 Sorry, but I think they look much better before. Just my opinion Agree about the red one, but the blue looks much better with gold dial. So both should have the same dial IMO Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ShovelnTC 31 Posted October 2, 2014 I like them both and do have both the Blue and red versions but I wouldn't want to sacrifice the original configuration so that means I'd have to end up with four BB's so I guess I'll just keep the un-modded versions. Nice and interesting work. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Leigh 0 Posted October 2, 2014 Sorry, but I think they look much better before. Just my opinion Agree about the red one, but the blue looks much better with gold dial. So both should have the same dial IMO True, It does give it a little something extra. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Del 4,532 Posted October 2, 2014 Sorry mate, great write-up and enjoyable to read but I don't think the swap works. Not only are the hands/markers/etc. gold on the red BB but the dial is a dark chocolate colour too - this just doesn't sit right with the blue bezel imho and you are mixing "warm" and "cold" colours. For the same reason, I think that the red BB needs the original gold/chocolate colours too. Having said that, I may be biased! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
James. 4 Posted October 2, 2014 Good idea but I much prefer the original incarnation(s) over these, look more refined and the color toner of the dial, indicies and bezel flow much better than the modified versions above. Cool idea though, try the black bezel on the red BB dial/hands, mucho gilt without some random blueness in a harshly juxtaposed Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
g.man 0 Posted October 2, 2014 Yeah, each to their own, but these swaps don't work at all for me. world continues to spin g.man Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LHOOQ 0 Posted October 2, 2014 Thanks for all the feedback, guys! I knew I could count on RWG being the most opinionated out of all the rep forums! This is not for everyone, obviously, but I'm surprised at how controversial a color combination blue and gold seems to be. I don't follow the warm/cold color theory critique (sorry, Del) and this scheme is far more subdued than, say, a Rolex 16613. Heck, the bezel looks black under most interior lights. But, de gustibus non est disputandum and all that! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Helldiver 0 Posted October 4, 2014 This Tudor BB model really shines in all color combos! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gacko 0 Posted October 6, 2014 Even tho i do agree about cold/warm colours and still some how find it beautiful, i certainly wish for a black bezel black bay with vintage dial. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LHOOQ 0 Posted October 6, 2014 Even tho i do agree about cold/warm colours and still some how find it beautiful... Sorry to keep banging on about this, but what warm/cold color "rule" is being broken here? Complementary colors, anyone? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BC1221 44 Posted October 6, 2014 its really getting to a point that i need one of these BBs. im not a tudor guy but these watches are stunning. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Burnleybezel 53 Posted October 6, 2014 Not for me either, I appreciate your hard work but the original combo for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gacko 0 Posted October 7, 2014 Even tho i do agree about cold/warm colours and still some how find it beautiful... Sorry to keep banging on about this, but what warm/cold color "rule" is being broken here? Complementary colors, anyone? dunno, just doesn't feel right, blue and "gold"ish never did quite good together Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
