The Tudor Black Bay GMT - The Pepsi Without the Waitlist
Why did we choose the Tudor Black Bay GMT as our second watch in our raffle?
Well, Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, established Tudor in 1926 as a more affordable alternative. Tudor watches originally resembled Rolex designs, utilizing Rolex cases and bracelets. Both Rolex and Tudor share a common history of quality. While Rolex is known for its high-end, luxurious timepieces, Tudor offers a more accessible entry point into the luxury watch world. Tudor has a strong association with military and professional diving, which is where the Black Bay GMT was born.
Over time, Tudor has moved away from being a direct copy of Rolex, embracing in-house production - solidifying itʼs position as a respected watchmaker and itʼs own distinct brand, particularly among those who appreciate a blend of quality, style, and affordability, with collaborations with ambassadors like David Beckham.
The Iconic "Pepsi" Bezel — Day, Night, and Across Time Zones
Built entirely in-house by Tudor, the Black Bay GMT is a standout for anyone who loves purposeful design with real heritage behind it - just like we do. One of its most iconic features is the red and blue "Pepsi" bezel - red for daytime hours, blue for night, designed to help you quickly read across time zones.
It comes with a riveted steel bracelet finished with a subtle brush, giving a respectful nod to classic vintage dive watches. And there’s history packed into this piece: back in the 1960s, Tudor Submariners were issued to military forces, including the French Navy. Thatʼs where this watch was born. It's rugged, stylish, and made to handle everything.
A Design Born Below the Surface — The Snowflake Legacy
Speaking of the French Navy, they’re the reason the now-famous "snowflake" hands exist. They requested this design in the '60s for better underwater visibility, and that sharp, angular hour hand has since become a Tudor signature. You won’t find it on any other brand’s watches. Others may imitate the look, but Tudor did it first - and it’s still totally unique.
Power and Performance — Nearly Double the Standard Reserve
While many modern watches lean into ceramic bezels for a sleeker, glossier finish, the Black Bay GMT uses aluminium - a deliberate throwback. It adds character, and vintage charm that many collectors actually prefer. It’s got all the specs of a serious tool watch - waterproof to 200m, tough enough to take a knock, and classic enough to go with everything from jeans and tees to a diving suit.
Inside, you’ve got a serious movement with a power reserve of around 70 hours — that means you can take it off Friday, pick it up Monday, and it’ll still be ticking. (Most automatics tap out around 40 hours.) So, we're almost doubling here!
The Ultimate Everyday Tool Watch
Whether you’re into watches for their history, function, or sheer good looks - the Black Bay GMT offers incredible value for a true GMT. Often nicknamed the “Pepsi without the waitlist,” it’s perfect for anyone who loves the style of Rolex but wants something more low-key, and for some, arguably more interesting.
Like the watches we’ve featured before, this one fits the “tool watch” category, built for purpose, not just polish.
Vintage style, modern spec, and proper history soaked in (if you’ll pardon the diving pun 😉) - this is why the Tudor Black Bay GMT is one of the best everyday watches out there, and why it’s our second-ever watch in the Fifty20 raffle.
We’ve got this exact piece — full box and papers, in stunning condition — live in our latest raffle.
Would you wear it for travel, every day, or save it for special occasions?
If you’re on the look out for that "one watch that does it all" - we believe this could be the one...