Tudor Black Bay 36 Review – The Watch That Scratched My Rolex Explorer Itch

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve dreamed about owning a Rolex Explorer. There was just something about that clean, rugged, and timeless design that grabbed me early on—like a visual promise of adventure and quiet confidence.

Fast forward to 2021, and while an Explorer was still on my mind, I found myself drawn to its spiritual sibling: the Tudor Black Bay 36. It’s been on my wrist nearly every day since, and I can honestly say—it’s scratched that long-held Explorer itch, and in some ways, it even feels more modern than its Rolex counterpart. A bold statement, I know, but one I stand by.

I should also say—this isn’t my only watch with deep personal meaning. I also own a white dial Tag Heuer Professional 2000, a gift from my parents a long, long time ago. That Tag will always hold a special place in my collection, just in a different way from the Tudor. I’ll be doing a full post on that watch soon, because while the BB36 is my daily driver, the Tag is a piece of my personal history.

Key Features and Design

The Black Bay 36 takes inspiration from Tudor’s heritage and its shared DNA with Rolex, but it’s not just a copy. It’s a tool watch through and through, blending elements of vintage Rolex design (especially the Explorer) with Tudor’s own design language.

• Size and Fit: At 36mm, the case hits the sweet spot—small enough for vintage charm, large enough for modern presence. It’s a classic size that wears comfortably on a variety of wrists, mine included.

• Design Inspiration: The time-only layout and the vintage dive-style dial give it a clean, purpose-built look. It’s clearly cut from the same cloth as the Explorer, but with a slightly different tailoring.

• Build Quality: The robust oyster-style case is paired with a polished bezel that catches the light beautifully, while the screw-down case back reinforces its tool-watch roots.

• Dial: Applied indices with polished surrounds, Tudor’s signature snowflake hands, and a crisp printed chapter ring make the dial legible and visually interesting without being busy.

• Movement: Inside is the self-winding Tudor Caliber T600—essentially a modified ETA 2824-2 or Sellita SW200-1—reliable, accurate, and easy to service anywhere in the world.

• Bracelet: The oyster-style bracelet articulates smoothly and tapers in a vintage-inspired way that adds comfort and style.

• Clasp: The fold-over clasp feels secure, with a signed safety lock and smooth ceramic ball bearings.

• Water Resistance: 150m of water resistance means I never worry about getting it wet, whether it’s an unexpected rainstorm or an impromptu swim.

  
  

Versatility in Daily Life

This is where the Black Bay 36 shines brightest—it’s ridiculously versatile. I wear it to work, out for dinner, on weekend errands, and it never feels out of place. It can be low-key under a shirt cuff or add a subtle edge to casual wear.

That’s a rare quality in a watch. Plenty of pieces look great in one setting but feel awkward in another. The BB36? It adapts. And because it’s so comfortable—thanks to its size, weight distribution, and bracelet design—I barely notice it’s there until I glance down and smile.

My Tag Heuer Professional 2000 has a similar emotional pull, but it plays a different role—it’s my link to family memories, while the BB36 is my link to a lifelong watch dream. Both make me smile when I wear them, just in their own ways.

Why It Makes Me Happy

Wearing this watch genuinely boosts my mood. There’s joy in having something that not only ticks every functional box but also connects to a childhood dream. And while the Rolex Explorer will always have a place in my heart, the Black Bay 36 brings that same spirit in a way that feels approachable, wearable, and—yes—more modern in its execution.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the watch you end up with isn’t the one you thought you needed, but it turns out to be exactly the one you were looking for. The Tag Heuer Professional 2000 taught me this lesson years ago—it’s a watch I’ll never part with—but the BB36 proves that lightning can strike twice.

Value and Reliability

The Tudor BB36 offers exceptional value. It’s built to last, backed by a movement that’s known for accuracy and ease of service, and it delivers the design heritage many people love about Rolex at a fraction of the price.

For me, the purchase in 2021 wasn’t about settling for “second best.” It was about recognizing a watch that perfectly fit my lifestyle, my wrist, and my sense of style. Just like my Tag Heuer has its own chapter in my story, the BB36 is writing one of its own—one I get to live out daily.

Final Verdict:The Tudor Black Bay 36 is more than just a watch—it’s a companion. It’s the one I reach for without thinking, because I know it’ll look great, feel great, and handle whatever my day throws at it. And when I eventually sit down to write about my Tag Heuer Professional 2000, I know I’ll say the same thing: the best watches are the ones that become part of your life.