Jan
Hardcore watch enthusiasts sometimes write off Tudor as Rolex’s cheaper counterpart, but the company has its own designs and a surprisingly different attitude. It also provides some of the best choices for people with smaller wrists, as its catalog of 39mm watches is hard to beat.
Tudor has long offered smaller case sizes in its Black Bay line. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight offers high-end finishes and a wild variety of case metals in a 39mm size that offers easy wearability. Buyers could already choose between bronze, steel, and gold/steel, but Tudor added silver to the line more recently, making it one of the most customizable watches. There’s also a unique “Dark” model with a black diamond-like coating, but it’s a larger 41mm size.
Interestingly, one of Tudor’s most compelling recent releases follows a classic Rolex design but does so in a friendly 39mm size. The Black Bay Pro GMT offers the iconic look of the original Rolex Explorer II, with a fixed 24-hour bezel, a striking orange-yellow GMT hand, and highly legible dial markings. At the same time, it’s a compact timepiece with a 39mm case and reasonable thickness. Its MT5652 movement offers 70 hours of power reserve, and the case’s 200m/660ft water resistance rating means it’ll stand up to abuse.
The iconic Pelagos line also gained a smaller size. The titanium-clad dive watch can be had in a 39mm size, but lacks the date window of its larger sibling. Still, the more compact size makes it suitable for more wrist sizes and should make it more comfortable in dress situations.
You can still find a suitable watch in Tudor’s catalog if you prefer larger cases. At 41mm, the more recent Black Bay Chronograph offers excellent value and features. It’s available with a white or black dial and can be had on various straps and a metal bracelet. The Chrono provides all the flexibility, much of the look, and similar dimensions as the Rolex Daytona but does so at a fraction of the price.