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The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark 79230DK is a 41 mm, black PVD-coated steel take on the Heritage Black Bay, powered by Tudor’s COSC-certified MT5602 automatic movement. Its monochrome finish gives the familiar diver an unusually stealthy look; the trade-off is that the coating and black aluminum bezel insert need more care than the plain-steel appearance of a conventional diver. WatchTime found its dial easy to read by day and night, but reported that reading the bezel is best in good light and operating it with diving gloves is difficult.
What is the Tudor Black Bay Dark 79230DK?
The 79230DK is the black PVD-coated steel version of Tudor’s Heritage Black Bay, introduced in 2016. Its case and bracelet are coated for an all-black appearance, with a black aluminum bezel insert and a domed black dial. The overall effect is more discreet and graphic than the standard steel Heritage Black Bay, though the dark finish makes the bezel markings less immediately legible in some conditions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark 79230DK Men's Watch | $6,200.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Tudor Heritage Automatic Black Dial Men's Watch M79733N-0008 | $5,499.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Men's Watch M79250BM-0003 | $4,699.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Tudor Black Bay P01 Prototype Watch M70150-0001 | $4,250.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79230B | $4,500.00 | Buy on Amazon |
Tudor’s 2016 Heritage Black Bay material describes a 41 mm steel case, unidirectional rotating bezel, domed sapphire crystal, and 200 m water resistance. The Dark-specific review identifies the PVD case and bracelet and black aluminum insert. Check the actual watch and its documents for configuration: straps and included accessories can differ between individual pre-owned listings.
Specifications and fit
| Specification | Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark 79230DK |
|---|---|
| Case diameter | 41 mm (Tudor, 2016 family technical document) |
| Thickness | 15.5 mm (WatchTime’s tested example) |
| Weight | 170 g on bracelet (WatchTime’s tested example) |
| Case and bracelet | Steel with black PVD coating (Dark-specific review descriptions) |
| Movement | Tudor MT5602 self-winding mechanical movement; silicon balance spring and COSC certification (Tudor, 2016 technical document) |
| Power reserve | Approximately 70 hours (Tudor, 2016 technical document) |
| Crystal | Domed sapphire (Tudor, 2016 family technical document) |
| Water resistance | 200 m / 660 ft (Tudor, 2016 technical document) |
| Bezel | Unidirectional rotating bezel with black aluminum insert (Tudor family document and Dark-specific review) |
The 15.5 mm height and 170 g bracelet weight are WatchTime’s figures for its tested example, rather than measurements of every individual watch. Its review describes the bracelet as comfortable despite the weight. The relatively tall case and substantial feel are worth considering if you prefer a thin, light watch or wear snug cuffs.
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Movement, reserve and Heritage design
Tudor describes the MT5602 as developed, manufactured and assembled in-house, with a silicon balance spring and COSC certification. Tudor’s approximately 70-hour reserve is a product specification, not a guarantee for an older watch: in its example, a wearer can take the watch off Friday evening and put it on Monday morning without winding. On a pre-owned piece, actual running and reserve depend on the watch’s condition and service state.
The Heritage design borrows visual cues from Tudor’s back catalogue. Tudor says the prominent winding crown recalls its 1958 reference 7924, nicknamed the Big Crown, while the angular snowflake hands derive from watches supplied in quantity to the French National Navy in the 1970s. The Dark retains those recognizable cues but renders much of the case, bracelet and bezel in black.
Rank #2
- Tudor Heritage Automatic 41 mm Black Dial Men's Watch M79733N-0008
What WatchTime’s test found
WatchTime reports an average rate of +1.5 seconds per day for its test sample, with a greatest positional deviation of 4 seconds. Its displayed readings were +3 seconds dial up, 0 dial down, +1 crown up, +3 crown down, +3 crown left and -1 crown right. These are results from one publication’s test, not a promise of accuracy for another watch or a current service benchmark.
In use, WatchTime praised the bracelet’s finishing and comfort and found the time easy to read both day and night. It also reported that the bezel is difficult to operate while wearing diving gloves and that its dive-time marks are easiest to read in good lighting. Those qualifications matter if you want to use the watch as a practical timing instrument rather than primarily for its appearance.
Finish and everyday trade-offs
The black look
The PVD treatment is the defining feature: it makes the watch visually distinct from a conventional steel diver and gives the dial, case, bracelet and bezel a cohesive dark palette. Hodinkee’s 2016 launch coverage called PVD dated beside DLC and ceramic alternatives; that was an editorial opinion at launch, not a comparative materials test.
Coating and bezel care
WatchTime cautioned that the PVD finish and aluminum bezel track are not especially robust. On a black-coated watch, scratches or worn areas can be conspicuous because they interrupt the uniform surface. Inspect the case edges, bracelet links, clasp and bezel closely for chips, scratches, uneven wear or signs of refinishing. Do not assume a damaged coating can be restored invisibly or economically.
Rank #4
- Tudor Heritage Black Bay Black Dial Men's Watch M70150-0001
Water resistance is not a condition report
The 200 m rating is the model’s stated specification, not proof that a particular older example remains water resistant. If you intend to swim or dive with a pre-owned watch, ask for a recent pressure-test result from a qualified watchmaker rather than relying on the rating alone.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is the Tudor Black Bay Dark discontinued?
Bob’s Watches reports production years of 2016–2021 and says the model has left Tudor’s current collection. That makes pre-owned examples the likely route, but current collection status and availability can change; verify with Tudor or an authorized retailer before relying on the listing. No live inventory or current market price is established here.
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Best Value
- Tudor Heritage Black Bay M79230B
For context only, Hodinkee reported U.S. launch prices on March 16, 2016 of $4,150 on strap and $4,475 on bracelet. Those are historical launch prices, not current valuations or a guide to what a used example should cost.
Quick Recap
What to check before buying a pre-owned 79230DK
- Confirm the reference. Check that the watch is identified as Heritage Black Bay Dark reference 79230DK, and compare its markings and configuration with the seller’s documentation. Ask for clear photographs of the case, dial, case back, bracelet or strap, and clasp.
- Inspect the PVD surfaces. Look closely at high-contact edges, bracelet links, clasp and bezel for coating wear, chips, scratches or inconsistent color. Ask whether any component has been refinished.
- Check the bracelet or strap. For a bracelet, establish how many links are included and inspect the clasp and links for damage. For a strap, assess its condition and confirm what is original to that specific sale; Tudor’s family material lists a steel bracelet or aged leather strap and an additional fabric strap in the box, but the precise contents of an individual example need verification.
- Ask about operation and service. Request the service history and any recent timing or pressure-test results. Test the winding, time-setting, bezel rotation and clasp function where possible. A seller’s assurance is not a substitute for an independent inspection if condition is uncertain.
- Review the transaction terms. Verify the seller’s identity and reputation, authenticity protections, return window and written condition description. Compare the actual asking price with other current listings for the same reference and condition; launch prices are not a substitute for a live market check.
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.
