Tudor - Heritage Black Bay Blue - Model Reference: M79220B with ETA Movement - New with Box and Papers
Tudor Black Bay Blue - Model Ref: 79220B – The Discontinued ETA Movement – New Unworn – 2019 with Box and Papers.
The Black Bay range of Tudor watches has become one of, if not the most important models for Tudors modern range. The reference we have here is the Black Bay 79220B (the ‘B’ in the reference means ‘Bleu’ and refers specifically to the blue bezel and crown tube of this model), which was officially discontinued by Tudor in 2016 in favour of an updated version. There were still some unsold ones like our example available new at some Tudor AD’s after 2016. The one we are offering here was purchased new in October 2019 possibly as an investment as it appears unworn! A wise move by the original owner? Collectors are finding the original Black Bay more and more intriguing and of historic importance as time moves on and they will get harder to find. We already know a few collectors who have targeted this reference to add to collections longer term and we still do get asked for the ETA versions by clients. We suspect therefore they will come to market for resale less and less as time passes.
The 79220B had a production run of 4 years, so if someone is looking for a dive watch that offers great value for money and potentially a great investment piece, then this is it!
What’s On Offer
The Tudor Black Bay 79220B is presented in a 41mm case made in stainless steel which has brushed lugs and polished sides. The lugs have bevelled edges, harking back to vintage Tudor watches. Don’t forget that the model is also known as the ‘Heritage Black Bay’ and was inspired by Tudors vintage watches like the Tudor Submariner Snowflakes, worn and issued to the Marine Nationale in France and other military personnel.
The Black Bay 79220B also has a ‘big crown’ without any crown guards, which you will also love if you are a fan of the vintage Rolex and Tudor dive watches from the 1950s. A matte black dial which again has a rich vintage texture. This dial is absolutely stunning in any condition, but particularly so in direct sunlight when you can appreciate the depth and details of it. It has 'snowflake' hands, and silver writing on the dial, as opposed to both the black and red versions which feature gilt printing and hands.
The watch has a unidirectional, midnight blue, rotating bezel which is again inspired by vintage Tudor dive watches and as mentioned already, the 79220B also has a blue crown tube that has added a modern twist to this watch! On the tip of the crown you can find the Tudor Rose logo, which again pays tribute to Tudor’s history.
As we said earlier the 79220B has an ETA movement, but if you recall that was the whole point of the Tudor brand back in the days, the brand was established to offer the same quality as Rolex but at a lower price point, and they achieved this by fitting them with off-the-shelf movements (which were predominantly ETA movements). So if you want to get as close to the original Tudor brand as possible then choose the 79220B ETA version.
As the Tudor Black Bay 79220B is a discontinued reference, the prices for these watches are steadily rising all the time and there are less coming to market as collectors are buying them to keep so we feel they will only continue to increase in value.
The watch we have on offer here is in mint unworn condition and in full working order with remainder of Tudor factory guarantee, and sold with original boxes and paperwork as per photos.
This piece will also be supplied with a VWS leather presentation pouch for safe storage when not on the wrist.
Additional information
Made from
Case: Steel
Dial: Matte Black
Crystal: Sapphire crystal
Bracelet: Tudor NATO x2
Technical specifications
Winding: Automatic
Movement type: Mechanical Automatic
Calibre: Tudor modified ETA 2824
Jewels: 25j
Waterproof: 200m
Power reserve: Approx 38 hours
Purchase details
Condition: New and Unworn 10/10
Model Reference Number: M79220B
Date of issue: October 2019
Guarantee: Remainder of Tudor guarantee
Dimensions
Width (without crown): 41mm
Lug width: 22mm
Lug height (lug to lug): 50mm
Strap length: Adjustable NATO