
Tudor
Black Bay 58
Ref. M79030N
New Price
$4k–$4k
Pre-owned: $3k–$4k
Comparing the Tudor Black Bay 58 ($4k–$4k, 200m WR, 39mm) against the Rolex Explorer 36 ($7k–$8k, 100m WR, 36mm) — specs, movement, community votes, and an expert verdict below. The Tudor Black Bay 58 is the more affordable option by $4k.
Our Verdict
Too Close to Call
Both the Tudor Black Bay 58 and Rolex Explorer 36 are excellent choices — the winner depends on your priorities, budget, and style preference.
Complete head-to-head comparison

Tudor
Ref. M79030N
New Price
$4k–$4k
Pre-owned: $3k–$4k

Rolex
Ref. 124270
New Price
$7k–$8k
Pre-owned: $8k–$11k
Explore Brand
All Tudor watches, comparisons, and guides in one place
Visit Tudor Pillar Page →Explore Brand
All Rolex watches, comparisons, and guides in one place
Visit Rolex Pillar Page →Tudor Black Bay 58 is the value winner at $4k–$4k — over 50% cheaper than the Rolex Explorer 36 ($7k–$8k). Choose Tudor Black Bay 58 (200m WR) for diving; Rolex Explorer 36 (100m) suits everyday wear. Case size: Tudor Black Bay 58 at 39mm suits larger wrists; Rolex Explorer 36 at 36mm is the more compact option.
Pros
Pros
No community ratings yet
Both are excellent watches with different strengths. The Tudor Black Bay 58 offers a larger case and costs less new. The Rolex Explorer 36 excels in overall construction. The best choice depends on your wrist size, budget, and preferred aesthetic.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 retails for $4k–$4k, while the Rolex Explorer 36 is priced at $7k–$8k. Pre-owned, expect $3k–$4k and $8k–$11k respectively. Actual secondary market prices vary based on condition and demand.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 has a 39mm case diameter with 11.9mm thickness, while the Rolex Explorer 36 measures 36mm × 11.4mm. Both have lug-to-lug measurements of 47mm and 44mm respectively. Consider your wrist size and wear style when deciding.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 is water-resistant to 200m, while the Rolex Explorer 36 offers 100m. Both are suitable for swimming and snorkeling at their respective depths. For professional diving, verify the rating exceeds 300m and includes a screw-down crown.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 uses a automatic MT5402 with 70 hours power reserve. The Rolex Explorer 36 features a automatic Cal. 3230 with 70 hours power reserve. Both offer traditional mechanical craftsmanship.
Tudor and Rolex both command strong secondary markets. Pre-owned pricing shows an estimated resale value of $3k–$4k for the Black Bay 58 and $8k–$11k for the Explorer 36. Condition, service history, and box/papers significantly impact resale value for both models.
Buying Guide
The best dive watches in 2026 across every budget. From Seiko Prospex under $900 to Rolex Submariner, reviewed and compared with full specs.
Read Guide →
Buying Guide
Best field watches in 2026: Hamilton Khaki Field, IWC Pilot, Rolex Explorer, and more reviewed across every budget. Expert picks with specs.
Read Guide →
Buying Guide
Luxury watches under $5,000 from Tudor, Breitling, IWC, Longines, Omega, and Nomos. Expert recommendations with full specs.
Read Guide →
The only watch worn on the Moon. The Speedmaster was NASA-qualified in 1965 and accompanied every Apollo mission.
Explore Brand →
Motorsport's official timekeeper for over 50 years — TAG Heuer has timed Formula 1, Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix.
Explore Brand →
Invented the quartz movement (1969), the kinetic movement (1988), and the spring drive (1999) — more watch innovations than any other single company.
Explore Brand →
The official timekeeper of MotoGP, Tour de France, and multiple Olympic sports — worn on the wrist of more Swiss watch buyers than any other brand.
Explore Brand →
Other watches worth considering in this category
Other popular comparisons featuring Tudor or Rolex
COMPARISON
Rolex Submariner 41
vs
Tudor Black Bay 58
Price Range
Rolex
$9k–$10k
Tudor
$4k–$4k
Compare Now →
COMPARISON
Rolex Submariner Date
vs
Tudor Black Bay 58
Price Range
Rolex
$9k–$10k
Tudor
$4k–$4k
Compare Now →
COMPARISON
Omega Seamaster 300m
vs
Tudor Black Bay 58
Price Range
Omega
$6k–$6k
Tudor
$4k–$4k
Compare Now →
COMPARISON
Tudor Black Bay 58
vs
Omega Seamaster 300m
Price Range
Tudor
$4k–$4k
Omega
$6k–$6k
Compare Now →