3 Alternatives for a Tudor Black Bay 58 Dive Watch

The Tudor Black Bay 58 has taken the watch world by storm since its introduction in Baselworld 2018. This vintage-inspired diver has captured the hearts of enthusiasts with its perfect blend of classic aesthetics and modern engineering. However, its popularity has led to long waitlists of up to 14 months and, for some, a price point that's out of reach. 

If you’re looking for something similar but more accessible, or just want to explore some other great options, we’ve got a few alternatives for you. Plus, if you want to take the do-it-yourself route, we’ll show you how to build your own homage through Seiko mods.

Let’s dive in!

What Makes the Tudor Black Bay 58 Special

The Tudor Black Bay 58 stands out in the crowded dive watch market for several reasons. Its 39mm case size feels just right on most wrists—comfortable and wearable without going overboard like some of the bigger divers out there. Then there's the gilt dial and bezel insert, paired with those iconic "snowflake" hands. These design choices give a nod to Tudor's diving legacy, specifically the iconic 7924 reference from 1958.

Under the hood, it’s powered by the in-house MT5402 movement, known for its accuracy and impressive 70-hour power reserve. With 200m water resistance, it’s more than capable of handling real diving adventures, while the aluminum bezel insert keeps that vintage vibe intact.

At a retail price of around $3,700, the Black Bay 58 occupies a unique position in the market. It offers in-house movement technology and brand prestige at a more accessible price point than its Rolex cousins, yet still represents a significant investment for many watch enthusiasts.

All this combined has made the Black Bay 58 a benchmark against which many other dive watches are measured.

Alternative Watches to the BB58

Seiko SPB147 

Source: @inked_wrist_shot on IG

The Seiko Prospex SPB147 stands out as a compelling alternative to the Tudor Black Bay 58, offering a similar vintage-inspired aesthetic at a more accessible price point. Part of Seiko's "1965 Diver's Modern Re-Interpretation" series and the reincarnation of the 62MAS, this watch pays homage to Seiko's first dive watch while incorporating modern enhancements.

With a 40.5mm case diameter, the SPB147 hits a sweet spot for wearability, much like the Black Bay 58. It features a brown-bronze dial complemented by gilt accents, creating a warm, vintage look. The watch is powered by Seiko's 6R35 caliber, boasting a respectable 70-hour power reserve.

Key features include:

• 200m water resistance
• Curved sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective coating
• Stainless steel case with circular brushed finish and polished chamfers
• 120-click unidirectional bezel with matte black insert and gilt numerals
• Luminous applied index markers with polished frames

Priced around $1,000, the SPB147 offers exceptional value, combining Seiko's dive watch heritage with modern reliability and aesthetics reminiscent of the Black Bay 58.

Lorier Neptune Series III 

Source: @outriderwatches on IG

For those on a tighter budget but still craving that vintage vibe, the Lorier Neptune Series III is a solid choice. This 39mm timepiece strikes an excellent balance between classic design and modern wearability.

Key features include:

• 39mm case diameter with a slim 12.7mm thickness
• 200m water resistance
• Acrylic crystal for a true vintage feel
• Miyota 90S5 automatic movement
• Beautifully tapered bracelet (20mm to 16mm)

The Neptune Series III's dial draws inspiration from vintage Submariners, featuring elongated triangles at cardinal positions and circles for other hour markers. Its arrow-tipped hour and second hands, coupled with a dauphine-style minute hand, ensure excellent readability.

The watch's redesigned case profile and shorter lugs (47mm lug-to-lug) contribute to improved wearability compared to its predecessor. The bracelet, with its flat links and perfect taper, is another standout feature, offering comfort and vintage charm. All this for a sub-$500 price tag.

Bremont Supermarine Type 300 Black

Source: @watchreviewblog on IG

The Bremont Supermarine Type 300 brings British engineering to the table with a rugged but stylish take on the vintage-inspired diver. At 40mm, it’s a bit bigger, but still very wearable.

Key features include:

• 40mm hardened stainless steel case with Bremont's signature Trip-Tick construction
• 13mm thickness, significantly slimmer than previous Supermarine models
• 300m water resistance
• Unidirectional ceramic bezel
• Domed sapphire crystal
• BE-92AE movement (modified ETA 2892, COSC-certified)

The Type 300's dial features Arabic numerals at 6, 9, and 12, with rectangular hour markers and a date window at 3 o'clock. The black dial version boasts faux "gilt" accents, adding a vintage touch. The hands are modified sword-style, ensuring excellent legibility.

Available on a stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, or NATO-style strap, the Supermarine Type 300 offers versatility for various occasions. While pricier than the Tudor Black Bay 58 at $4,095 (strap) or $4,695 (bracelet), it presents a unique British take on the vintage-inspired diver, backed by Bremont's reputation for long-lasting timepieces.

Make Your Own BB58 with Seiko Mods

With such an iconic look, it’s not a surprise that there are many watch modders and builders who would like to give their own take on the Tudor Black Bay 58. The sleek case can be styled many different ways, and as long as you get your color combinations right, it’s almost always guaranteed to look good! 

If you want to make a faithful BB58 homage though, our NMK-WK10 DIY Watchmaking Kit will allow you to do just that. The kit contains all the parts, tools, and instructions you’ll need to finish the build, so you can skip the usual guesswork and frustration that goes with the first mod - no more confusion about which parts will fit together, and if you forgot anything. You can choose between the Black and Gold color, or a rarer Navy Blue option. This kit already comes with a classy leather strap so you can wear your self-assembled watch right away.

And if you’re feeling extra creative or just want to switch up the look of your custom Black Bay, you can swap out the parts later since everything in the kit is compatible with our hundreds of other Seiko mod parts. 

Wrap Up

The Tudor Black Bay 58 has set a high bar in the world of vintage-inspired dive watches, but these alternatives prove that competition is alive and well, and us consumers are not locked into just one option. 

For the adventurous, creating a custom homage through Seiko modding allows for a personalized take on the Black Bay 58's aesthetic. How about a red insert to go together with the black dial, or perhaps a different set of hands to give it a subtle distinction? That’s the beauty of Seiko mods - your watch is up to you.

Happy modding!