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Tudor Black Bay 36 vs. Rolex Explorer: Which 2021-Era 36mm Watch Is Better?

The Tudor Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 offers a higher stated water-resistance rating and lower historical Swiss prices; the Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 has a longer reserve and a published precision tolerance.

By WatchRanker Team 3 min read
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The 2021-era Tudor Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 is the stronger pick if you value its higher stated water resistance and the case for a lower original purchase price. The 36mm Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 has the longer stated power reserve and a published after-casing precision tolerance. Neither is objectively better for every buyer, and the available prices below are from different markets and dates—not a current like-for-like comparison.

Which watches does this comparison cover?

This is a comparison of two 36mm watches from the 2021 era: Tudor’s Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 and Rolex’s Explorer ref. 124270. Rolex says the Explorer returned to 36mm in 2021, following the 39mm model introduced in 2010. Rolex has also offered a 40mm Explorer since 2023, so check the reference and case size rather than assuming every current Explorer is 36mm. Rolex’s US product page identifies ref. 124270.

The Tudor figures here apply to the 79500 generation, not the later Black Bay One 36 ref. 79640. The newer Tudor has different movement, water-resistance and bracelet specifications, so those should not be read across to the 2021-era watch.

How do their specifications compare?

Specification Tudor Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 Rolex Explorer ref. 124270
Case diameter 36mm, per Tudor’s 2021 material 36mm, per Rolex’s product page
Stated water resistance 150m, per Tudor’s 2021 material 100m, per Rolex’s product page
Movement and power reserve Automatic calibre 2824; about 38 hours, according to Tudor’s 2021 materials Rolex calibre 3230; about 70 hours, according to Rolex
Published precision Tudor’s 2021 release identifies a self-winding mechanical movement; it does not give a comparable precision tolerance there −2/+2 seconds per day after casing, stated by Rolex; designated a Superlative Chronometer
Dial and design Black, silver or blue dial options in the 2021 family; snowflake hands and Black Bay styling Black dial with characteristic 3, 6 and 9 numerals
Bracelet adjustment Not stated in the cited 2021 release Oyster bracelet with Easylink extension of approximately 5mm, per Rolex

Sources: Tudor’s 2021 Black Bay 32/36/41 release, Tudor’s Heritage Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 document and Rolex’s US Explorer ref. 124270 page.

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Where the Tudor has the edge

Higher stated water resistance

Tudor gives the 79500 a 150m rating, compared with 100m for the Explorer. That is a higher stated depth rating, not proof that the Tudor is more durable overall or the right watch for every water activity. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for the individual watch and have its condition assessed if water exposure matters.

A case for lower original cost

Tudor’s 2021 Swiss release listed prices that varied by configuration: CHF 2,400 for a strap version and CHF 2,700 for a steel-bracelet version. Those are historical Swiss prices, not present-day US prices. They support the Tudor’s lower-original-cost case, but they cannot be directly compared with a Rolex price in another market or from another date.

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Where the Explorer has the edge

Longer stated power reserve

Rolex lists about 70 hours for calibre 3230, against Tudor’s approximately 38 hours for the 79500’s calibre 2824. In practical terms, the Explorer can sit for longer before it needs winding or wearing to restart, assuming both watches are fully wound and functioning as intended.

A published after-casing precision tolerance

Rolex states a precision tolerance of −2/+2 seconds per day after casing. Tudor’s cited 2021 release does not give an equivalent figure for the 79500, so this is a comparison of published specifications—not an independent test showing how two individual watches perform on the wrist.

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Which one should you choose?

  • Choose the Tudor Black Bay 36 ref. 79500 if the higher stated water-resistance rating and its historical lower-cost positioning matter most, and you prefer its Black Bay styling or dial choices.
  • Choose the Rolex Explorer ref. 124270 if the longer stated reserve, Rolex’s published after-casing precision specification, and the Explorer’s 3-6-9 dial are more important to you.
  • Try both on if fit is decisive. Their shared 36mm case diameter does not establish identical proportions, fit or comfort.

The Explorer’s US Rolex page displayed $7,900 when accessed; that is an as-accessed price and may change. It is not a valid direct price-gap calculation against Tudor’s historical Swiss figures. The later Tudor Black Bay One 36 ref. M79640-0005 is a different generation; Tudor’s US page displayed $5,700 when accessed, also subject to change. Neither figure establishes the current price or value of a 79500 in your market. Tudor’s US page for ref. M79640-0005.

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What to check before buying

  • Confirm the reference: 79500 for the Tudor generation discussed here, or 124270 for the 36mm Explorer.
  • Compare the local asking price with current listings for the same reference, configuration and condition; the historical Tudor Swiss prices and as-accessed US prices above are not current, equivalent quotes.
  • For a pre-owned example, inspect its condition and documentation and ask what warranty applies. Tudor described a five-year transferable guarantee for its 2021 line, without registration or periodic maintenance checks; verify the terms for the sale market and the specific watch.
  • For Rolex, use an official Rolex jeweler for authorized sales and maintenance, as Rolex directs on its product page.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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