Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU - Review & Buying Guide
Established in 1926, Tudor has often lived in the shadow of its esteemed sibling brand, Rolex. However, in 2012, Tudor returned triumphantly after a year-long absence with a model that redefined its place in the horological landscape.
The iconic ‘Black Bay’ collection enters the scene, paying homage to the vintage Tudor elements while embracing modern innovations. The Black Bay quickly earned praise from industry experts and watch enthusiasts alike. This sporty vintage-inspired diver’s watch has since lived many lives and grown into an extensive family, boasting multiple styles and sizes, even with precious metals and complications.
In 2018, Tudor released the Black Bay 58 as a part of the brand’s Heritage line of diving watches. Thanks to its moderate 39mm size, classic design and modern technology, it quickly became one of the most sought-after collections. And 2024 was their lucky year, as Tudor finally came out with ‘THE’ watch many anticipated – the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT (Ref. M7939G1A0NRU).
This slimmer, compact model is a true GMT with diving credentials. It is acclaimed to be the perfect BB. But is it really? Well, we’ll find out.
Before we get into the details, let’s find out how it all stacked up so far.
Back to the Beginning
Rolex’s sister company, Tudor, introduced the first Black Bay in 2012. Since then, there have been numerous Tudor Heritage Black bay vs. Rolex Submariner comparisons. But honestly, the Black Bay’s clean diving aesthetic reminds us of the Rolex Submariner.
The Black Bay collection embodies Tudor’s iconic Submariner design, whose legacy goes back to 1954. Tudor’s Submariner Ref. 7922 started one of the most storied lines of watches in the 20th century.
However, the Black Bay uplifted Tudor’s reputation and presence to new heights. The brand gave the model unique features, such as the signature snowflake hands, burgundy-coloured bezel, and 41mm case. Upon release, the Black Bay immediately caught the attention of the watch forum, and Tudor released a number of variations with different material combinations and colours over the years.
But despite the buzz, some collectors were put off by the large 41mm case as the diameter seemed too big for their wrists. Eventually, Tudor answered the call by slimming down the Black Bay versions.
Launch of the ‘Black Bay 58’
At Baselworld 2018, Tudor presented the model everyone was hoping for—the notably slimmer Black Bay 58. This series pays homage to Tudor models from the 1950s, an era that saw the advent of diving watches.
The cases measure 39mm, and the thickness drops to 12mm. This updated dimension makes it feasible for men and women alike. The overall design of the Black Bay 58 is influenced by the Rolex Submariner, which no longer comes as a surprise.
The BB 58 features a matte black dial with applied dot and bar indices. This so-called gilt dial is particularly charming and takes inspiration from the 1950s. It flaunts golden accents, and snowflake hands, logo, and minute track are all in warm golden tones, as are the graduations on the aluminium bezel.
As said, the Black Bay 58 is reminiscent of the early Tudor models from the 1950s, especially the Oyster Prince Submariner Ref. 7924 from 1958. However, although it sports a water resistance of 200 metres, unlike the Prince’s case, the BB 58 lacks a crown guard.
Moreover, instead of relying on Mercedes hands as was used for the Submariner Ref. 7924, Tudor uses their signature snowflake hands for the Black Bay 58. The bracelet is thinner with rivets, and the links are screwed together, making them easier to adjust.
Overall, the Tudor Black Bay 58 is a modern, understated, fly-under-the-radar type of everyday watch with vintage charm.
Launch of the ‘Black Bay GMT’
For the first time in 2018, Tudor released an old-school GMT sports watch within the iconic Black Bay family. The watch can measure time in three time zones and has a rotatable bezel, a 24-hour hand, and a regular minute and hour hand.
It measures 41mm in size, and the ‘Pepsi’ bezel made enthusiasts very happy. Like other sports watches, Tudor offers a choice of straps and bracelets for this GMT model.
This GMT model comes complete with all the little things like the red snowflake GMT hand, black gilt dial with applied hour markers and chapter ring, and a soft, matte finish bezel. You can adjust the second time zone in one-hour increments, and the date jumps instantaneously. The stainless steel bracelet is riveted, and the leather strap option is equipped with a folding clasp. Powered by the Calibre MT6552, it ensures a power reserve of 70 hours and water resistance of 200 metres.
However, despite everything good, there was always some discussion regarding its overall size. The 41mm was not actually the problem. However, some aficionados did not greatly appreciate the combination of the overall thickness and tall case bands.
Right from this moment, watch enthusiasts started asking for a Black Bay 58 GMT.
Modern Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU
Finally, in 2024, Tudor presented the best of both worlds by presenting the watch community with a 39mm Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT. It feels like the result of a union between a BB58 and a BB GMT. Whatever it is, Tudor has finally answered the many requests with the Black Bay 58 GMT Ref M7939G1A0NRU.
It was one of the most anticipated and most appealing of the lot. Many enthusiasts and buyers were waiting for a slimmer and smaller GMT watch by Tudor, and here it was. Secondly, it was highly compelling to look at. This piece is hard to beat, especially if you're drawn to that gilded 'Coke' color palette. With its 39mm diameter and 11.9mm thickness, this BB58 GMT watch perfectly fulfilled the expectations.
Overall design? The watch marks an evolution to the classic Black Bay 58 but definitely introduces some updates and changes.
- The stainless steel case is greatly finished with a screwed back in stainless steel.
- The anodised aluminium bezel insert in black and burgundy has gilt accents for the 24-hour scale. It is also known as the new ‘Dark-Coke-gilt’ insert on a bidirectional bezel.
- The black dial is slightly grained and domed with gilt-style markers, logos, and tracks, as well as gold-toned hands and markers with cream-coloured Super-LumiNova.
- Classic snowflake handset, a lollipop seconds hand, a larger and longer minute hand and a snowflake-tipped GMT hand.
- It is Master-Chronometer Certified, resistant to magnetism, provides a power reserve of at least 65 hours, and is water-resistant to up to 200 metres.
In short, this timepiece is a Tudor dive watch with a GMT complication.
Initial Review
The Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT is one of the most commercially interesting luxury watches. It is one of those watches that we might actually go out and buy—not because it was so hyped and long-awaited or aesthetically predictable, but because the BB58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU actually impressed us with its offerings.
Of course, when you find a familiar watch being downsized, you first look out for proportion. The Black Bay 58 GMT is extremely well-measured, so much that Tudor should make it their standard measurement. At 39mm, the steel case feels sporty, assertive, confident, and comfortable.
The case boasts a well-crafted structure, with brushed surfaces on top, polished case bands, and a smooth bevel on the side. The steel case back is screwed, and the crown is small and slimmed down. To us, the build quality of this Tudor is exceptional.
It is a pretty good size and has a pretty tight lug-to-lug measurement. It certainly isn’t the thinnest watch in the world, but it is definitely thin for a 200-metre sports watch with a GMT function.
No complaints with the bezel as well. In fact, we really like the Coke-style black and burgundy bezel. The bezel profile is now more pronounced, classic and traditional. It is bidirectional. However, it would be nice if it was a little bit thicker as your fingers could sometimes slip while rotating it. The gilt styling for the 24-hour scale lends a rather subdued look, which we personally prefer. Its warmth and vintage appeal are what enhance the look.
The dial is one of the better parts of this watch. It has a nice grainy, vintage style almost faded. The dial markers are cream-coloured, offering a nice vintage feeling, but it’s not the patina but the luminous material inside. The hands have this gentle yellow colour about it. Well, many who do not like yellow on the dial may actually be surprised at how this yellow tint here turns out to be. It doesn’t look outrageous or too yellow, but just the right contrast.
Even the hands here are done in this plated gold tone style. We also like how the brand has kept the text part minimal. There is only Tudor writing at the 12 o’clock and Master Chronometer at the 6 o’clock. It looks pretty good and balanced on the dial. As expected, the dial comes with the Tudor Black Bay style snowflake hands, a triangle marker at 12, and other round and rectangular markers. Since it is a GMT, you have a snowflake GMT hand that once again looks in place.
Apart from the design, the dial has a little bit of shift to it. As you move it, you can actually see two tones. At some angles, it is deep and dark black; on the other, it is a grainy, matte, greyish-black version. It’s nice that you get both of these tones. Then there’s the outer track that looks good, feels premium, and adds depth to the dial. The fact that it is in gold arguably looks nice.
When seen under natural light, the colours are very gentle, and you don’t get much of those tanned tones from lume. The dial stays mainly darker black, and the bezel stays darker as well. But it looks good as all the elements shine nicely. The dial has a box-shaped sapphire crystal on top.
Fitted to a sturdy stainless steel ‘rivet-style’ bracelet, the BB58 GMT can easily count itself among the 5 best tool watches designed to be worn everywhere.
There’s actually not much to say against the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU. It is really that GOOD! Diving? Check. Travelling? Check. It is a solid sports watch that beats all year long while ensuring a casual business fit.
You’ll be surprised to find yourself gazing at the watch more than you expected. It is much prettier on the wrist than in the pictures.
REVIEW: Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU
Basics:
- Model: M7939G1A0NRU
- Case Size: 39mm
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Bezel: 24-Hour Bidirectional Rotatable in Steel with Black & Burgundy anodised aluminium insert
- Dial: Black, domed
- Bracelet/Strap: Stainless steel ‘Rivet’ style
- Movement: Calibre MT5450-U
- Power Reserve: 65 hours
- Water Resistance: 200 metres
- Price: £4050
Case
The case is nothing we haven’t seen before. It has the classic Tudor circular brushing on the top of the lugs and tiny little chamfered on the edge of the lug, which thins out towards the end of the mid-case and gets a little bit thicker towards the end of the bottom lug. This is actually a pretty cool touch with a high polish on the side.
It measures 39mm in diameter with 47mm lug-to-lug, and Tudor sliced the overall thickness down to 12.8mm. This reduction in thickness doesn’t go unnoticed. It makes a world of difference on the wrist and in a good way. The knurled bezel completes the case, and the small crown sits flush with the case. Smaller, shorter, and slimmer, the Tudor BB58 GMT is a joy to wear.
Bezel
The two-tone bezel has an anodised aluminium insert in black and burgundy with gilt elements for the 24-hour scale. The red is more like a cherry-like deep burgundy wine, and the black part has a little greyish-black tone to it. What you finally get is a ‘Dark-Coke-Gilt’ insert on a bidirectional bezel. The bezel has a lovely sheen, which depends on where the light catches it.
Dial
Once again, the matte black dial has many retro touches and charm. It is domed and slightly grained with gilt-like markers, logos, and tracks. The gold-toned hour markers and hands are filled with cream-coloured Super-LumiNova. Additionally, there is a snowflake-styled handset, lollipop seconds hand, longer and larger minute hands, snowflake-tipped GMT hand, and a cream-toned date window, matching the rest of the dial aesthetic. There are only two lines of text at 6 o’clock. This quietness of the dial is impressive.
Bracelet
Tudor offers this GMT watch with a more compact classic rivet-style steel bracelet, closed by a folding clasp. The clasp is particularly commendable, thanks to its smooth T-fit micro-adjustment mechanism and soft click when closing it. Also, the clasp features ceramic ball bearings to ensure a smooth and secure closure, highlighting the brand’s attention to detail. The brushing on the bracelet captures the light perfectly, and there’s the same uniform brushing on the clasp.
Movement
The Calibre MT5450-U is a GMT-Movement and runs at 28,800vph (4Hz) frequency. It is Master Chronometer-Certified and COSC-tested, which Tudor further tests to guarantee precision, magnetism, power reserve, and water resistance according to the METAS standards. For those curious, the ‘U’ in the name denotes the movement’s anti-magnetic properties.
What you get here is an accurate GMT watch with an integrated dual-time function and a crown that adjusts the local hour hand by one-hour increments. As you’d expect, the watch is equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism and an instant date adjustment function aligned with the local time.
Price & Availability
Now available at retail, the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT is priced at £4050 on a stainless steel bracelet. At this price end, the BB58 GMT is one of the most compelling sports-travellers watches out there.
Tudor most certainly offers a great value for money unmatched in today’s watch market. With the GMT and date function, features like the new METAS-certified movement, anti-magnetism up to 15000 gauss, water-resistance to 200 metres and accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day, the pricing of this Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT is all the more astonishing.
Why buy the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU?
The biggest pro of this timepiece is going to be the fit. Most of you wanted this proportion for this timepiece from the beginning. This 39mm GMT isn’t overtly thick and wears really nicely on the wrist. This is also due to the fact that we have the Tudor T-fit clasp now. This lets you make more adjustments. Another very appealing aspect of this Tudor is the black dial with gilt-effect accents. The gilt suits the colourway very well.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT Ref. M7939G1A0NRU could be the best-looking Black Bay 58 so far in terms of the aesthetic combination. Also, priced at £4050, it is, of course, not the cheapest model out there. There are many cheaper options for GMTs, but if you’re looking for a more luxury-style GMT from a more established brand, this is definitely the better option. The aesthetic is dressier, the materials are premium, and the colour here is pretty versatile as well.
The BB58 GMT reference M7939G1A0NRU finds a unique spot. You get quite a lot of vintage charm with modern construction and reliability. It’s also interesting to find out how these strong vintage aesthetics will age.
For now, the quality is excellent; the watch has all the features you can expect, and more. The functionality and ease of use are brilliant. That’s not all. This Tudor GMT is versatile and can basically do anything or everything a modern man or woman wants.
On a personal level, we’re very fond of the colour scheme and the use of that ‘Coke’ style bezel. It is warm, charming, and has its own say within the brand’s catalogue. Given the competitive environment, it is hard to find a watch with such level of certifications, craftsmanship, and quality, at least in this price bracket. So, the Tudor BB58 GMT (Ref. M7939G1A0NRU) is definitely a win!
| Model | Retail Price | Pre-Owned Price |
|---|---|---|
| Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT | £4050 | £3,089.00 to £5,200.00 |
Final Thoughts
This is probably one of the best watches Tudor makes at the moment. And, if you look at the luxury watch market in general, this Black Bay 58 is actually a relatively good value for money as you get an in-house movement that functions well and feels well in operation.
It is a good-looking timepiece unless you’re strictly against the aesthetic. Fans have cried out for years for a moderately sized GMT in the Black Bay line. And this release was certainly worth the wait!