Tuesday 19 November 2013

TUDOR HERITAGE CHRONO BLUE REF: 70330B

First of all, this watch is not mine.
It belongs to a good friend.
How did it end up with me?
It was available at my local AD and since my friend wanted it, I just facilitated the purchase while my friend is at a faraway land doing his marine research to end world hunger :-)

With his permission, I was allowed to change around the straps and take some pictures.
Original stickers are kept intact.
The strap changes were done meticulously (with sweat trickling down my face) to make sure no microscratches were left behind.
It's not mine after all...


The Tudor Heritage Chrono Blue ref: 70330B
Sharp eyes would immediately noticed something.
Yes... it's the custom endlinks.
I bought a pair of these endlinks for my impending purchase of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay.
I am annoyed by the gaps on the lugs when mounted on leather strap. (I will leave this for another day)
Surprise surprise, it fits like a glove on the Heritage Chrono as well.


The watch is really stunning in person.
The colours all work together with some style.
I like the date placement at 6 and the bi-subdial layout.
It makes the watch really symmetrical.
I would have loved the a bigger date window but no big deal actually.
Comparing this and the Heritage Chrono Black/Grey, I would have to say this one is nicer.
The applied hour indices is more refined.
The chunkier hands look better too. My humble opinion of course.


Powered by a Dubuis Depraz piggybacked ETA 2892, Tudor still kept the crown and pushers aligned.
The case is wonderfully made.
I know it's difficult to talk about Tudors without mentioning Rolex, but really, the case is made with the same standards as the more expensive bigger brother which makes for a really impressive fit and finish.
Crown is knurled for easy handling.
Winding is smooth.


The Bi-directional 12 hour indicator turning bezel is also knurled in similar fashion like the crown.
The bezel is useful for keeping track of a different timezone.


Case size is at 42mm with a 13mm thickness.
But it wears really well due to the flat caseback.
I like it when watches have flat casebacks.
It's more comfortable to wear and it hugs the wrist more.


Now on to the bracelet.
This is the locking side.


This is the buckle side.


Noticed the white ball bearings?
Apparently those are ceramic. Cool.
They are also spring loaded.


This is where the buckle side meets the locking side.
Fits perfectly with no gaps.
Impressive.


Once double locked, you can see a Tudor shield there.
Good design.


The bracelet is all solid, held together by screw pins.
All brushed.
Feels solid, sturdy and well made.
I can't praise these new Tudor bracelets enough.
They really are made with the same standards as.... yeah yeah yeah... I know... like Rolex... but really... This will be appreciated when it's used day in day out.


The fabric strap that came with the watch is also very well made and comfortable.
I especially liked the buckle and keepers.


A customary wristshot of the watch on the fabric strap and custom endlinks.
I would love to wear this on bracelet but it wouldn't be right to size the bracelet as the watch is not mine.
After taking some time to inspect and scrutinize the watch, I must say that I am thoroughly impressed by what Tudor is doing.
Their watches are exceptionally well made and at their current asking price, I would have to say that they really offer alot... and I do mean ALOT of watch for the money.
Love or hate the fact that Tudor is and always will be Rolex's little brother... There is no denying the quality that Tudor puts on the table.

A big thank you to my friend for allowing me to mess around with his new watch... :-)

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