The Explorer II DNA at Tudor Prices
The Tudor Black Bay Pro (Ref. M79470-0001) is Tudor’s most obvious homage to a Rolex: it’s a 39mm GMT with a fixed 24-hour bezel and an additional 24-hour hand — the exact same concept as the Rolex Explorer II (Ref. 226570). But at $3,925 vs the Explorer II’s $9,550, the Black Bay Pro saves you $5,625. That’s not a small difference. The question is: what do you sacrifice?
Specifications
| Spec | Tudor BB Pro | Rolex Explorer II |
|---|---|---|
| Case | 39mm × 12.1mm | 42mm × 12.5mm |
| Material | 316L steel | 904L Oystersteel |
| Movement | Cal. MT5652 (Tudor in-house) | Cal. 3285 (Rolex in-house) |
| Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| GMT Type | True GMT (independent hour) | True GMT (independent hour) |
| Bezel | Fixed 24-hour (steel) | Fixed 24-hour (steel) |
| Crystal | Sapphire, domed | Sapphire, flat + Cyclops |
| WR | 100m | 100m |
| Bracelet | Riveted steel + rubber + leather (included) | Oyster with Easylink |
| Retail | $3,925 | $9,550 |
| Secondary | $3,400-$3,800 | $11,500-$14,000 |
What $5,625 Buys (and Doesn’t)
You sacrifice:
- 904L steel → 316L (negligible for daily wear)
- Cyclops magnification (the BB Pro has no date window at all — it uses a 12-hour + 24-hour display without date)
- Rolex crown logo (brand prestige)
- 3mm of case diameter (39mm vs 42mm)
You gain:
- $5,625 in your pocket
- 3 strap options included (riveted steel + rubber + leather/fabric)
- Smaller case (39mm wears better on sub-7.5″ wrists)
- No date to set (purist GMT — just time and timezone)
The “Snowflake” Hands
The BB Pro uses Tudor’s signature “snowflake” hour hand — a blocky, angular design inherited from Tudor’s 1969 Submariner (Ref. 7016). Love it or hate it, the snowflake is Tudor’s visual signature — it immediately distinguishes the BB Pro from the Explorer II and gives it its own identity rather than being a “cheap Explorer.”
Frequently Asked Questions
No date — is that a problem?
For a GMT travel watch, arguably no. When you’re crossing time zones, the date becomes confusing anyway (is it still Tuesday here?). The dateless dial is cleaner and eliminates the need to set the date when changing zones. Many GMT purists prefer it.
BB Pro or BB GMT (Pepsi bezel)?
Different watches: the BB GMT ($3,925) has a ROTATING Pepsi bezel (can track 3 time zones) and a date window. The BB Pro has a FIXED 24-hour bezel (2 zones) and no date. The GMT is more functionally versatile; the Pro is more aesthetically unique.
Do you carry BB Pro?
Browse our Tudor collection at DR.WATCH for Black Bay Pro, GMT, and 58 references. Swiss automatic movements, correct bezels and proportions. Free worldwide shipping + 1-year warranty.