Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe Tudor Black Bay “Smiley Face” has a credible claim on collectors’ attention because it captures the model’s first generation: the ETA-powered 79220 references, Tudor rose logo, and curved “self-winding” text at six o’clock. Those details distinguish it from the 2016 in-house successor. They make the watch historically and visually interesting—not a guaranteed investment, and not necessarily rare.
What the “Smiley Face” nickname identifies
The nickname comes from the curved “self-winding” inscription at six o’clock, whose arc resembles a smile. On the early Heritage Black Bay, that text appears with Tudor’s rose logo at twelve. The combination identifies the ETA-powered 79220 family, which includes burgundy 79220R, blue 79220B, and black 79220N versions. Fratello’s account of the model’s history describes the first Heritage Black Bay arriving in 2012 as the 79220R, followed by blue and black bezel versions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Tudor Heritage Black Bay GMT Stainless Steel Automatic Mens Watch M79830RB-0001 | $4,650.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Tudor Black Bay 54 Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch M79000N-0001 | $4,619.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight Automatic Chronometer Blue Dial Men's Watch M79030b-0001 | $4,912.86 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Tudor GMT 58 Black Bay | $5,449.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Black Bay 58 Tudor Black Bay 58 | $5,699.99 | Buy on Amazon |
How the first generation differs from the in-house successor
In 2016, Tudor moved the Black Bay to the 79230 family and its in-house MT5602 movement. The change also brought a shield logo and straight text at six o’clock. The earlier and later watches can therefore be distinguished by more than the movement alone.
| Detail | ETA “Smiley Face” | Later in-house successor |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | 79220 family, including 79220R, 79220B, and 79220N | 79230 family |
| Movement | ETA 2824, as described by Fratello | Tudor MT5602, as described by Fratello |
| Logo | Tudor rose | Tudor shield |
| Text at six | Curved “self-winding” inscription | Straight text including chronometer status |
| Bracelet detail | Early bracelet described as smooth-sided by the buyer’s guide | Later version described as having faux rivets by the buyer’s guide |
Use those details as identification clues, not a substitute for checking the exact reference and configuration on an individual watch. Listings can vary in condition, included components, and documentation.
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#1 Best Overall
- 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
Why collectors may value the 79220
The strongest case is historical and design-based. The 79220 preserves the rose logo and curved dial text while representing the first generation before Tudor’s move to an in-house caliber. For collectors who care about transitions in a model’s history, those features give the early Black Bay an identity that the later 79230 does not share.
The early bracelet is another identifiable difference, but the more meaningful distinction is the complete combination of reference, movement, logo, and dial. A watch should be evaluated by those specific details rather than by the broad claim that it is an early Black Bay.
Rank #2
- Tudor Black Bay 54 Automatic Chronometer Black Dial Men's Watch M79000N-0001
Brief production does not establish rarity
The early ETA period was relatively brief compared with the subsequent in-house versions, but Fratello explicitly cautions that the watches are not rare. No production total is established in the cited sources. That means claims such as “only a few were made” cannot be supported, and a shorter production period alone does not prove scarcity or future demand.
What the available price examples do—and do not—show
The available figures are isolated examples, not a current market average or a reliable appreciation trend.
Rank #3
- Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight Automatic Chronometer Blue Dial Men's Watch M79030b-0001
- $2,000–$3,000 estimate: Loupe This gives this estimated range for a particular black 79220N described as being in excellent condition and including box and papers. The listing’s year is not stated, and an estimate is not a completed-sale price. See the listing.
- $2,900 reported sold: Wixon Jewelers’ product page describes a burgundy 79220R from 2013 as sold and including its box and documents. The page’s year is not stated; this single dealer listing does not establish a current value. See the product page.
Neither example supplies a dated series of comparable completed sales for the reference family. Fratello also discusses historical asking prices in its article, but those figures belong to that article’s publication context and should not be read as current prices. The evidence supports collector interest as a possibility, not a forecast that the Smiley Face will appreciate.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to assess a specific Smiley Face listing
Because configuration and condition matter, compare like with like rather than relying on the nickname or a headline price.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT "Coke" Automatic 39mm Black Dial Men's Watch M7939G1A0NRU-0001
- Confirm the exact reference and bezel color: 79220R, 79220B, or 79220N.
- Check that the movement, Tudor rose, and curved six-o’clock text match the described configuration.
- Assess condition and look for service documentation.
- Check bracelet or strap configuration and whether the listing includes the links needed for the buyer.
- Note whether box and papers are included; the cited price examples differ in how they describe the included kit.
- Evaluate the seller’s reputation and the authenticity support offered.
- When judging price, seek dated completed transactions for the same reference and comparable condition. The available examples are not enough to recommend a current price.
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.
