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Tudor Black Bay - Rep vs Gen

Billio

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15/4/09
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The gen will always be better given the quality and warranty etc. There will always be very small tells on reps no matter how good they are. Depends what you want really. If you like the design and name but dont want to spend $3000 on a gen get the rep. The rep is stupidly well made and a beauty and is VERY close to gen. I thought about buying the gen after handling one in Boston but strangely I didnt think it was all that great so bought the rep to try it out for a while and love it!

Would I spend $3000 on a gen with an eta 2824? No probably not but at $300 for a rep thats 99% accurate seems a no brainer for me.



All this being said...do you guys think it's worth going gen? I'm thinking about saving for a gen, but am a little reluctant if the V2 is going to be virtually the same...
 

AR159

Getting To Know The Place
27/8/13
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I saw the gen yesterday. I want it but firt the rep.
Thanks for the comparison
 

Azurax

Known Member
24/9/13
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Thanks @daz8161, I will first buy the rep to see how much I like it. Good point on the eta 2824...I jst bought a steinhart with that movement for $500...Def makes you question spending $3k on the Tudor. V2 is out now right?

The gen will always be better given the quality and warranty etc. There will always be very small tells on reps no matter how good they are. Depends what you want really. If you like the design and name but dont want to spend $3000 on a gen get the rep. The rep is stupidly well made and a beauty and is VERY close to gen. I thought about buying the gen after handling one in Boston but strangely I didnt think it was all that great so bought the rep to try it out for a while and love it!

Would I spend $3000 on a gen with an eta 2824? No probably not but at $300 for a rep thats 99% accurate seems a no brainer for me.
 

andre233

Active Member
1/8/13
270
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Thanks @daz8161, I will first buy the rep to see how much I like it. Good point on the eta 2824...I jst bought a steinhart with that movement for $500...Def makes you question spending $3k on the Tudor. V2 is out now right?

It is...
 

Z3BR4

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16/5/12
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There are different standards of ETA movements as well.. The movements that Tudor uses are of a higher quality and specification than anything you'll find in a Micro brand like Steinhart.

They are modified TOP grade ETAs.. They also use different shock absorbers known as KIF shock absorbers (the same that is used in rolex movements). There is debate as to whether these provide any significant difference over the incabloc but anyone who owns one of these Tudor ETA movements can see and experience the difference in winding, operation and most definitely accuracy over a standard ETA. The TOP and Chronometer grades also have 5 adjustment positions whereas the standard and elabore only have 2 or 3. Steinhart uses something akin to Elabore grade which is just above the standard ETAs we get in our swiss reps. Neither of which must be within COSC standards. The "chronometer" grade is reserved for the finest ETA movements that adhere to strict COSC standards.
 

Azurax

Known Member
24/9/13
191
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There are different standards of ETA movements as well.. The movements that Tudor uses are of a higher quality and specification than anything you'll find in a Micro brand like Steinhart.

They are modified TOP grade ETAs.. They also use different shock absorbers known as KIF shock absorbers (the same that is used in rolex movements). There is debate as to whether these provide any significant difference over the incabloc but anyone who owns one of these Tudor ETA movements can see and experience the difference in winding, operation and most definitely accuracy over a standard ETA. The TOP and Chronometer grades also have 5 adjustment positions whereas the standard and elabore only have 2 or 3. Steinhart uses something akin to Elabore grade which is just above the standard ETAs we get in our swiss reps. Neither of which must be within COSC standards. The "chronometer" grade is reserved for the finest ETA movements that adhere to strict COSC standards.

Wow appreciate the info. Will take all this into consideration! All this being said...would you say the Tudor's movement is still fit to match the $3k price tag?
 

trailboss99

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I think so. I think this represents far better value than spending (for example) 10k on a Rolex SubC. It may be an ETA (and there is nothing wrong with that) but it's a damn good movement. This is something I'd be happy to buy as a gen, you get what you pay for without paying for half an F1 team, several yacht races and tennis tournaments plus the other assorted promotions and sponsorships that make up a large component of the cost of a Rolex or a lot of other brands.
 

elconquistador

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10/6/10
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I am sure that once the bloom is off the rose they will release a ceramic version for $2k more.
 

Z3BR4

Renowned Member
16/5/12
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The Tudor gens offer a very good value. The movements are not run of the mill ETA's that you're used to seeing in reps.. They technically could be their own caliber because they have different shock absorbers. Think of it this way.. You can buy a ribeye steak at Outback or a ribeye steak at Morton's Steakhouse. These are the same cut of meat but each establishment has different selection standards. Outback will throw any old ribeye on there, Morton's will select steaks for their marbling and fat to protein ratio. Outback will season it and throw it on a grill and Morton's will age it, marinate it and cook it using their own process. The steak from Outback will be good.. You'll enjoy it but it won't be anything that memorable or groundbreaking. The ribeye at Morton's is going to cost you a lot more.. Probably 3 or 4 times more, but you will remember the taste and quality of that steak your whole life. Same cut of meat, two totally different qualities and experiences.
 

Azurax

Known Member
24/9/13
191
1
18
The Tudor gens offer a very good value. The movements are not run of the mill ETA's that you're used to seeing in reps.. They technically could be their own caliber because they have different shock absorbers. Think of it this way.. You can buy a ribeye steak at Outback or a ribeye steak at Morton's Steakhouse. These are the same cut of meat but each establishment has different selection standards. Outback will throw any old ribeye on there, Morton's will select steaks for their marbling and fat to protein ratio. Outback will season it and throw it on a grill and Morton's will age it, marinate it and cook it using their own process. The steak from Outback will be good.. You'll enjoy it but it won't be anything that memorable or groundbreaking. The ribeye at Morton's is going to cost you a lot more.. Probably 3 or 4 times more, but you will remember the taste and quality of that steak your whole life. Same cut of meat, two totally different qualities and experiences.

Thanks again for the explanation and well thought out analogy. I was salivating thinking about that steak though ;)
 

BZB777

Getting To Know The Place
5/6/14
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Lol...that's a damn good looking Rep. I think your 100% correct SUMIKITO...V2 is gonna be incredible. They don't have much to fix.

Which vendor would you guys recommend for the Black Bay?
 

subaruski

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8/12/13
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What strap is this?

This Tudor Heritage BB is the perfect rep. Feels Gen on the wrist, has a lot of presence and it´s one of the watches You may use in all kinds of occasions be it office, party or dinner out/ beach. Sensibly priced gen and much easier to go with than a Rolex and it´s got this wonderful vintage look while still being modern. And V2 will be better even. Sharing some more pics:)

Tudor1024dark_HDR2.jpg
 

omegagmt

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Anyone know where this watch would be sold in Houston? I want to go take a look at it. Get a feel for the quality and weight of the piece.