Tudor Black Bay 79230N vs. 79030N: A Review Having Owning Both Models

As a long-time admirer of Tudor watches, I’ve been lucky enough to own the classic Tudor Black Bay 41 M79230N. It’s a stunning timepiece known for its heritage design, vintage appeal, and reliable build quality. Recently, however, I added the Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N to my collection, and to my surprise, it’s slowly became my new favorite.

At first glance, the two models seem quite similar, but there are some key differences that make the M79030N an overall better choice, especially if you’re looking for something that’s a little more wearable and versatile. Below, I’ll break down the key differences between the two and explain why the Black Bay M79030N stands out. BB58

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Key Differences Between Tudor Black Bay 41 M79230N and 58 M79030N

Feature	Tudor Black Bay 41 M79230N	Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N
Case Size	41mm	39mm
Thickness	14.8mm	11.9mm
Movement	MT5602 (in-house)	MT5402 (in-house)
Power Reserve	70 hours	70 hours
Water Resistance	200 meters	200 meters
Bezel	Unidirectional dive bezel	Unidirectional dive bezel
Lug Width	22mm	20mm
Bracelet/Strap Options	Steel, leather, NATO	Steel, leather, NATO
Price Range	$$$	$$$$

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1. Size and Wearability

Perhaps the most noticeable difference between the M79230N and the M79030N is the case size. The M79230N comes in at a chunky 41mm, which feels substantial on the wrist. For a while, I loved the bold presence it brought, especially considering its 1950s-inspired dive watch aesthetic. However, after wearing it for extended periods, I started noticing that it felt a bit top-heavy, particularly on my smaller wrist.

Enter the Tudor Black Bay M79030N. At 39mm, this model is slightly more compact, and trust me, that 2mm difference makes a world of difference in terms of comfort. The M79030N feels much more proportional and easier to wear daily, without sacrificing that vintage dive-watch vibe Tudor is famous for. The smaller case size combined with a thinner profile (11.9mm vs. 14.8mm) makes the M79030N a joy to wear for longer periods.

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Which is better?
If comfort and wearability are priorities, the M79030N wins hands down. Its more compact dimensions make it perfect for daily wear, especially if you have a medium or small wrist.

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2. Thickness and Weight

Another critical factor in comfort is the thickness of the watch. The M79230N has a fairly thick case at 14.8mm. While this adds to its rugged, tool-watch appeal, it can feel a bit cumbersome under dress shirts or tighter sleeves. When I first got it, I didn’t mind the extra heft, but over time, I found it made the watch feel a little less versatile for everyday wear.

On the flip side, the M79030N comes in at a slim 11.9mm, making it noticeably sleeker. This difference in thickness really surprised me. The M79030N feels lighter and much more balanced on the wrist, making it more practical for both casual and formal settings. It’s still a dive watch at heart, but it feels more refined, and less like you’re wearing a chunk of steel around your wrist.

Which is better?
The M79030N offers a slimmer, more refined profile without losing any of the robustness Tudor is known for. It’s the better choice if you prefer a more versatile, less bulky watch.

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3. Movement: MT5602 vs. MT5402

Both watches feature Tudor’s in-house movements, which are extremely reliable and robust. The M79230N is powered by the MT5602, while the M79030N has the MT5402 under the hood. Both movements offer the same impressive 70-hour power reserve, so you can take off your watch for a weekend and it’ll still be ticking when you pick it back up.

The main difference between the two movements is their size: the MT5402 was specifically designed for Tudor’s smaller models, which helps the M79030N maintain its thinner case. In terms of accuracy and performance, both movements are top-notch and COSC-certified, meaning you’ll get the same level of precision no matter which one you choose.

Which is better?
There’s no clear winner here, as both movements are excellent. However, the MT5402 allows the M79030N to be slimmer, which contributes to the overall wearability of the watch.

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4. Design: Vintage vs. Refined Retro

Design-wise, both the M79230N and M79030N are part of the Black Bay family, so they share a lot of similar characteristics. Both watches sport the iconic “snowflake” hands, gilt accents on the dial, and a unidirectional dive bezel. However, there are subtle differences that make the M79030N feel a little more refined.

For example, the M79030N has a slightly more compact bezel and a slimmer case, which, combined with the reduced size, gives it a more balanced, almost elegant feel. The M79230N, with its larger case and bezel, leans more heavily into the tool-watch aesthetic.

Which is better?
If you’re a purist who loves the bold, rugged look of classic dive watches, the M79230N will still hold a special place in your heart. However, for those who appreciate a more refined vintage vibe, the M79030N takes the cake.

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5. Lug Width and Strap Options

One difference that I didn’t expect to notice as much as I did was the lug width. The M79230N has a wider lug width of 22mm, which means its steel bracelet feels more substantial. While this works well with the overall size of the watch, I often found that it made the watch feel bulkier than I’d like.

The M79030N has a 20mm lug width, and this slimmer bracelet feels more proportional to the watch’s case. It hugs the wrist better and doesn’t feel as heavy or obtrusive. Both models come with the same strap options (steel, leather, and NATO), but I personally found the M79030N’s 20mm bracelet to be more comfortable for extended wear.

Which is better?
The M79030N with its 20mm lug width feels lighter and more comfortable on the wrist, especially for all-day wear.

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6. Water Resistance

Both the M79230N and the M79030N offer the same 200 meters of water resistance, making them reliable companions for swimming, snorkeling, and even diving. There’s no noticeable difference in their ability to handle water, and both are more than capable of performing as true dive watches.

Which is better?
It’s a tie. Both watches offer the same level of water resistance, which is more than enough for most users.

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Final Verdict: Why the M79030N Edges Out the M79230N

As someone who’s owned both the Tudor Black Bay 41 M79230N and now the Tudor Black Bay 58 M79030N, I have to say the M79030N is the better watch overall—at least for me. The smaller case size, reduced thickness, and more proportional design make it more comfortable and versatile for daily wear. It retains all the hallmark features that make the Black Bay line so iconic but presents them in a more refined, elegant package.

Don’t get me wrong—the M79230N is still a fantastic watch, and if you prefer a larger, more tool-like timepiece, it might still be the better fit for you. But after experiencing both, the M79030N just feels more balanced and wearable, without losing any of the dive-watch heritage that makes Tudor so special.

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