2020 Tudor Black Bay 36 (Ref. 79500) Black "Smiling Text" Dial W/ Box & Papers

Introduced at Baselworld in 2016, the Tudor Black Bay 36 reimagined the brand's celebrated dive watch aesthetic as a versatile everyday timepiece, blending signature design cues such as the iconic Snowflake hands, domed crystal, and oversized screw-down crown with a clean, 36mm case equally suited to casual and formal wear. This early example predates Tudor's transition to its in-house manufacture movement and is powered by the proven ETA Caliber 2824 automatic movement. Among enthusiasts, these first-generation models are affectionately known as the "Smiling" Black Bays, a nickname derived from the gently curved Self-Winding text on the dial, a subtle detail that has become one of the defining characteristics of the original series. Combining timeless proportions, dependable mechanics, and understated versatility, the early Black Bay 36 remains one of the best values in modern Swiss watchmaking.