Spotting a Fake Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470
Learn how to authenticate the Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 with expert checks on movement, dial, bracelet, and more.
The Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 is a celebrated timepiece known for its robust design and GMT functionality. However, its popularity makes it a prime target for counterfeiters. With the price of an authentic Black Bay Pro reaching several thousand pounds, getting duped by a fake can be a costly mistake. The counterfeit market for this model is sophisticated, often requiring a discerning eye to differentiate between genuine and fake. This guide will equip you with the knowledge to identify a counterfeit Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 by examining specific physical details that experts scrutinise.
The Dial Printing
The dial of the Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 should exhibit flawless printing. The text 'TUDOR' and 'GENEVE' are crisply printed, with no bleeding or smudging. The GMT hand is a distinctive yellow with a snowflake design, a hallmark of Tudor. Counterfeits often have misaligned or poorly printed text, and the GMT hand may lack the precise colour or shape.
Crown Action
The crown of the Black Bay Pro should unscrew smoothly and with a solid feel. It features the Tudor rose logo, deeply engraved and perfectly centred. When adjusting the time or date, the movement should feel precise and not overly loose or tight. Fake models often have crowns that feel gritty or inconsistent in their operation.
Rehaut Engraving
The rehaut, or the inner flange of the watch, should have a subtle engraving that aligns perfectly with the hour markers. This detail is often overlooked by counterfeiters. On the Black Bay Pro, the engraving is sharp and consistent, with no signs of poor craftsmanship.
Caseback and Movement
The caseback of the Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 is solid and features a brushed finish. Inside, the watch houses the Tudor Calibre MT5652, a COSC-certified movement known for its robustness and precision. The movement should exhibit high-quality finishing, with no rough edges or unfinished components. Counterfeit movements often lack the intricate decoration and may not function as smoothly.
Lume Colour and Quality
The lume on the Black Bay Pro is a bright green that glows consistently in low light. It is applied evenly across the hands and markers. In counterfeit models, the lume may appear patchy or dim, failing to maintain a consistent glow.
Bezel Insert
The Black Bay Pro features a fixed stainless steel bezel with a 24-hour scale. The engraving on the bezel should be deep and filled with black enamel. The numbers and markers should be perfectly aligned with the dial. Counterfeit bezels may have shallow engravings and misaligned markings.
Bracelet End-Links and Clasp
The bracelet of the Black Bay Pro is fitted with reference code 79230, and the end-links should fit snugly against the case with no gaps. The clasp is a folding safety clasp with the Tudor shield logo, which should be sharply engraved. Counterfeit bracelets often have loose end-links and poorly executed engravings on the clasp.
Red Flags at a Glance
- Misaligned dial text
- Gritty crown action
- Poor rehaut engraving
- Unfinished movement components
- Patchy lume application
- Shallow bezel engravings
- Loose bracelet end-links
FAQ
What movement does the Tudor Black Bay Pro use?
The Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 uses the Calibre MT5652, a COSC-certified movement known for its precision and robustness.
How can I verify the bracelet authenticity?
Check for the reference code 79230 on the bracelet. The end-links should fit snugly, and the clasp should have a sharply engraved Tudor shield logo.
What should I look for in the lume?
The lume should be a bright green, applied evenly across the hands and markers, and should glow consistently in low light.
Final Word
Authenticating a Tudor Black Bay Pro 79470 requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the watch's specific features. While this guide provides a comprehensive overview, it is always advisable to seek a second opinion from a professional watchmaker or a trusted dealer if you are uncertain. This additional step can save you from a costly mistake and ensure the authenticity of your investment.
Want a second opinion in seconds? Watch Authenticator scans a photo and runs the same checks — dial, crown, rehaut, caseback, movement — flagging anything off. Try it →