Replica vs. homage tudor black bay 58

[GR!P]

Greetings,

I´ve decided i want to get a watch that looks like a tudor black bay 58 (cant justify getting the gen).

Im new to replicas but own a few gen midrage mechanical watches (several seikos, a tissot gentleman powermatic, and a seestern homage to the doxa 600T) and have also done some basic modding such as replacing dials, hands and bezel inserts, so im familliar with watches to a certain extent.

I´ve done some research and found the ZF BB 58 V2, costs 288 + 40 shipping and seems decent enough (the only issues i can spot are the dial texture, pip position and alignment of the marker at 3´o clock on the bezel) comes with an asian 2824-2 25J movement, which im not familliar with, i assume its a clone of the NH35. As far as im aware, there arent really any alternatives as far as BB58 replicas go.

The other option is the San Martin SN008-G V3 with PT5000, while slightly more expensive, it does come with a warranty and there is no risk of it getting destroyed by customs (im located in Europe) + i can get it serviced anywhere. I imagine getting someone to work on a replica is slightly more difficult. The temptation of having TUDOR written on the dial is, however, very real.

I guess what i really want to know, in general, is how well made the replicas usually are, and if the extra risk and complications are worth the trouble. Should i just stick to the tried and tested chinese homage brands?

thanks

 

[Feefo]

Hi and welcome!
ZF is as good as it gets for the Tudor BB. The movement is, afaik, an ETA clone, so it would be a 1:1 swap if it died on you in future. The flaws you mention are the ones present on the V2, but honestly, it really depends on how picky you are. Nobody will spot those flaws irl unless they take a very close look at the watch. As for the marker 3 alignment, i personally don't think it's a real issue but only fabricated by perspective of the picture.
I have ordered one myself beginning of August, and the parcel is (hopefully) waiting for me at home, I'm still on holiday.
The risks and complications are part of the game. I've ordered 4 watches in 4 months and all have arrived. Sometimes you gotta wait, but that's part of the game and if you are not a patient guy then this part will be hard on you.
In my opinion the overall quality is excellent, visually speaking.
If that is something that bothers you, very few people are able to spot it's a rep, and the probability you'll cross paths with one of those is close to nil.
My 2 cents, give it a try, for that cost it's a bargain. Too bad exchange rate isn`t like one year ago (I'm EU based)...

 

[GR!P]

Hi and welcome!
ZF is as good as it gets for the Tudor BB. The movement is, afaik, an ETA clone, so it would be a 1:1 swap if it died on you in future. The flaws you mention are the ones present on the V2, but honestly, it really depends on how picky you are. Nobody will spot those flaws irl unless they take a very close look at the watch. As for the marker 3 alignment, i personally don't think it's a real issue but only fabricated by perspective of the picture.
I have ordered one myself beginning of August, and the parcel is (hopefully) waiting for me at home, I'm still on holiday.
The risks and complications are part of the game. I've ordered 4 watches in 4 months and all have arrived. Sometimes you gotta wait, but that's part of the game and if you are not a patient guy then this part will be hard on you.
In my opinion the overall quality is excellent, visually speaking.
If that is something that bothers you, very few people are able to spot it's a rep, and the probability you'll cross paths with one of those is close to nil.
My 2 cents, give it a try, for that cost it's a bargain. Too bad exchange rate isn`t like one year ago (I'm EU based)...

Yeah, the exchange rate is a bit of a bummer, but all things considered its still a relativelly inexpensive watch. I might pull the trigger just to see how it goes. Im also thinking of maybe waiting for V3, in case they improve the dial.

 

[mrtwelvetwelve]

I have a bb58 blue zf v1 and compared it to friend's gen. It is a very hard tell and especially on the wrist it really is NWBIG. If you wanted to homage certanly you could but you would not be disappointed with ZF bb58. Its low-key enough for everyday wear and size works very well for most wrists. Highly recommended.

 

[Tribefan]

I have the ZF BB58, have had it for a couple of years and it is my favorite everyday watch. Solid, good fit and finish.

The movement is essentially the same one as in the San Martin. There are a ton of replacement options, including a chinese 2824 for like $50-$60 or a sellita or swiss ETA for $150 to $200+. I have a gen swiss 2824 in my Tudor bronzo.

I've never worn the San Martin, but would imagine the spec is very similar to the ZF, may have a little better quality bracelet and the movement is likely properly serviced before installation, which is always an unknown with reps.

There are not many differences between the two watches other than the logo. And either is a good choice for an everyday kick around watch.

 

[GR!P]

I have a bb58 blue zf v1 and compared it to friend's gen. It is a very hard tell and especially on the wrist it really is NWBIG. If you wanted to homage certanly you could but you would not be disappointed with ZF bb58. Its low-key enough for everyday wear and size works very well for most wrists. Highly recommended.

A friend of mine also finally got his gen from the AD, it really is a beautifull watch. Ive been considering the blue version since the dial matches the gen better, but im probablly still gonna go with the black and gilt one.

I have the ZF BB58, have had it for a couple of years and it is my favorite everyday watch. Solid, good fit and finish.

The movement is essentially the same one as in the San Martin. There are a ton of replacement options, including a chinese 2824 for like $50-$60 or a sellita or swiss ETA for $150 to $200+. I have a gen swiss 2824 in my Tudor bronzo.

I've never worn the San Martin, but would imagine the spec is very similar to the ZF, may have a little better quality bracelet and the movement is likely properly serviced before installation, which is always an unknown with reps.

There are not many differences between the two watches other than the logo. And either is a good choice for an everyday kick around watch.

I pulled the triger on the san martin yesterday im on the hunt for the ZF BB58 now to see how it compares. Ive been looking for one located in EU in the M2M sales but no luck so far :/ most sell whithin hours and no one is too keen on selling to a noob like me

 

[Tribefan]

I am a huge blue watch guy, it is definitely my preferred color. I had both the blue BB and the black and gilt BB and kept the black. Something about that watch just works.