One of most amazing replica watches is the arrival of the fake Tudor’s first GMT watch. The Rolex subsidiary’s introduction into the world of the dual time zone pays a very respectful homage to the model that started it all by adding to the already comprehensive Black Bay series,.
Through some engineering skullduggery, the GMT managed to keep the same 41mm dimensions as the majority of the Black Bay range, even with the additional complication. That brings it in as a little bigger, and a couple of mils thicker, than the GMT-Master II—not at all a bad thing, but something you will pay attention on the wrist. You can possibly consider this the “Fat Lady” of Tudor. In keeping with most of replica Tudor’s output, and only adding to the real retro vibe, the case does without guards for its oversize crown.
With its matte finish and gilt printing, the dial is a nice period detail, and the hands retain Tudor’s well-established snowflake motif. The theme also carries over on to the extra long, red GMT hand, overlapping the dial’s chapter ring.
Obviously, a Pepsi color scheme, although you won’t find the word in any of the official literature, the rotating two-tone surround hasn’t tried to compete with the glistening Cerachrom of the Rolex, but has instead kept to a more subdued, toned-down aesthetic. Nowadays, one of the major differences between Tudor and Rolex, and the biggest reason for their fairly significant price gulfs was the use of in-house movements.
Making it a true ‘travel time’ fake watch, the two hour hands can be set independently, using the module taken from Rolex’s own Cal. 3185, the previous generation movement from the GMT-Master II. It also manages to pack in a hacking feature and a date function, which is set via the ‘jumping’ 12-hour hand. It is an important step up for the brand, even utilizing a silicon balance spring—it is not, however, one of Rolex’s patented Syloxi components.
The Tudor Black Bay GMT is available on a choice of three bracelets. There is ‘Terra di Siena’ brown leather strap with a folding clasp, a black fabric strap with a burgundy stripe, and a polished and satin, three-link, riveted steel bracelet. What they have come up with is a perfect tribute to some of the most grail-like references from the past, updated with cutting-edge technology—and it is a blend that is sure to attract a wide and appreciative audience.
By adopting their own in-house calibers, the gap between Tudor and Rolex is getting narrower, in everything but price. While it may use solid 316L steel rather than the typical Rolex’s 904L, this robust travel companion represents superb value for money, with a quiet, restrained look that suits any occasion.