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Michael Stockton’s 2018 hands-on review of the blue, 36mm Tudor Black Bay found a compact sports watch that felt immediately wearable: comfortable, well finished and pleasantly substantial, without a rotating bezel or date. His praise came with reservations about the colored crown stem and the clasp, plus a value question when compared with used Rolex Explorers. This is a review of the Baselworld 2018 model, not the current Black Bay One 36.
What watch did the 2018 review cover?
Stockton reviewed the blue-dial Black Bay 36 introduced for Baselworld 2018. It had a 36mm steel case, no date, Snowflake hands and a fixed bezel rather than the rotating bezel found on other Black Bay models. The review describes 150m water resistance and an ETA 2824 movement. These are specifications of the historical watch in that review, not of every Black Bay 36 sold today. Fratello’s May 10, 2018 review is the source for the hands-on observations and period specifications.
How did it feel on the wrist?
Stockton’s central impression was ease of wear. He called the watch “on the wrist, it’s perfect – just like any 36mm Rolex for that matter.” That is his personal assessment, not a guarantee that the dimensions will suit every wrist. He praised the balance of weight and comfort, as well as the finishing and overall feel of the steel-bracelet version.
The 36mm case gives the watch a more restrained presence than the 41mm Black Bay examples he discusses. The source also refers to a 32mm version, placing the 36mm between the smaller and larger options in the family. Those size comparisons help explain the review’s appeal: this was a traditional, versatile-looking sports watch rather than a larger diver-style statement.
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- Tudor Black Bay 36 Automatic Chronometer Light Champagne Dial Unisex Watch M79640-0003
What did the author like and dislike about the details?
Bracelet and clasp
Stockton liked the bracelet’s finishing and the way the watch came together as a package. His qualification was the clasp: in his comparison, it did not feel as heavy-duty as a modern Rolex clasp. That is an impression from handling the reviewed bracelet, not a durability test.
Crown
The screw-down crown drew a more specific criticism. Stockton disliked the colored, anodized-aluminum stem visible at the crown, saying it made the crown look as though it had not been screwed in or suggested a warning. This is an aesthetic objection; the review does not report a crown failure or water-resistance problem.
Rank #2
- Tudor Black Bay 36 Automatic Chronometer Blue Dial Unisex Watch M79640-0002
Straps
The hands-on review covered the steel-bracelet version. Stockton did not try the leather or nylon strap versions, so it cannot establish how those options feel or compare on the wrist.
How did its price compare in 2018?
Fratello reported a German price of €2,650 for the 36mm model on bracelet in 2018. For context, the same article listed €2,550 for the 32mm and €2,740 for the 41mm. These are historical German prices, not current quotes.
Rank #3
- 41mm steel case with polished and satin finish
- Bidirectional rotatable bezel in steel with 24-hour graduated anodised aluminium disc
- Self-winding mechanical movement with 70 hour power reserve
Stockton also questioned the Black Bay 36’s value against used Rolex Explorer 14270 and 114270 models available at the time. His comparison is a period value judgment; it should not be read as a guide to today’s secondhand Explorer prices. Despite that reservation, he came away enjoying the Tudor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the current Black Bay One 36 the same watch?
No. TUDOR’s current blue Black Bay One 36, reference M79640-0002, is a later and materially different version. The official product page lists a 36mm steel case, 19mm lug width, 10.5mm thickness, 100m water resistance and Manufacture Calibre MT5400, with approximately 70 hours of power reserve. It is supplied on a steel bracelet. TUDOR’s official page for reference M79640-0002 provides those current specifications.
Rank #4
- Main Material: Stainless Steel
- Case Size: 39mm Steel Case with Polished and Satin Finish
- Series: Black Bay 58
- Dial Hue: Burgundy
- Movement Type: Manufacture Calibre MT5400-U; Self-winding Mechanical Movement with Bidirectional Rotor System
The official page displayed a suggested retail price of $4,725 when this article’s source information was checked; the brand notes that models and prices may change. TUDOR’s price information page is the relevant reference for its pricing caveat. That displayed price is neither the 2018 German price nor evidence of a current resale value. The current model’s movement and water resistance should not be attributed to the ETA-powered, 150m-rated watch Stockton reviewed.
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