Updated
Tudor Black Bay 58 vs Rolex Explorer II 42
Tudor's diver meets Rolex's timepiece
Quick Verdict
The Tudor Black Bay 58 ($2,500–$5,000) offers In-House Automatic Manufacture (Kenissi) precision in the tier below the Rolex Explorer II 42 ($10,000–$25,000). The Black Bay 58 measures 39mm and is rated 200m (20 ATM). The Explorer II 42 counters with Swiss Made craftsmanship and 100m (10 ATM) water resistance. Both are exceptional watches for their respective tiers.
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Specifications Compared
| Feature | Tudor Black Bay 58 | Rolex Explorer II 42 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,500–$5,000 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Case Size | 39mm | 42mm |
| Movement | Automatic Manufacture Calibre MT5402 | Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) |
| Caliber Type | In-House Automatic Manufacture (Kenissi) | Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer |
| Power Reserve | 70 Hours | About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) |
| Water Resistance | 200m (20 ATM) | 100m (10 ATM) |
| Crystal | Domed Sapphire | Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops |
| Case Material | 316L Stainless Steel | Oystersteel |
| Origin | Swiss Made | Swiss Made |
Category-by-Category Analysis
Design & Aesthetics
Tudor's design language vs Rolex's approach
The Tudor Black Bay 58 features a 316L Stainless Steel case at 39mm with Domed Sapphire protection. The Rolex Explorer II 42 offers Oystersteel construction at 42mm with Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops. Both represent their brand's distinct design philosophy and heritage.
Movement & Performance
Automatic Manufacture Calibre MT5402 vs Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570)
The Black Bay 58 runs the Automatic Manufacture Calibre MT5402 (In-House Automatic Manufacture (Kenissi), 70 Hours power reserve) at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) frequency. The Explorer II 42 uses the Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) (Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer, About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) reserve) at standard. The Black Bay 58 edges ahead on power reserve.
Wearability & Fit
39mm vs 42mm — different wrist presence
At 39mm, the Black Bay 58 wears more compactly on smaller wrists compared to the Explorer II 42 at 42mm. Water resistance differs: 200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM).
Value & Cost of Ownership
Tudor sits in the lower tier
The Tudor Black Bay 58 sits at $2,500–$5,000 and the Rolex Explorer II 42 at $10,000–$25,000. On the specs that outlast any price: the Black Bay 58 uses Domed Sapphire with 70 Hours, against Sapphire Crystal with Cyclops and About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) on the Explorer II 42. Service intervals are typically 5-7 years for both.
Water Resistance
200m (20 ATM) vs 100m (10 ATM)
The Black Bay 58 is rated to 200m (20 ATM) while the Explorer II 42 handles 100m (10 ATM). The Black Bay 58 is better suited for water activities.
Our Verdict
Tudor
Black Bay 58
Choose the Tudor Black Bay 58 if you prioritize In-House Automatic Manufacture (Kenissi) engineering, Swiss Made craftsmanship, and 200m (20 ATM) water resistance. At $2,500–$5,000, it delivers Automatic Manufacture Calibre MT5402 with 70 Hours power reserve.
View the dossierRolex
Explorer II 42
Choose the Rolex Explorer II 42 if you value Rolex In-House Automatic, Superlative Chronometer technology, Swiss Made heritage, and 42mm proportions. At $10,000–$25,000, the Automatic Caliber 3187 (216570) or 3285 (226570) with About 48 hours (3187) or 70 hours (3285) power reserve makes it a compelling choice.
Check Price on AmazonThe Bottom Line
The Tudor Black Bay 58 and Rolex Explorer II 42 represent two distinct approaches to fine watchmaking — the Tudor bringing Swiss Made tradition while Rolex delivers Swiss Made engineering.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How This Page Was Made
Our comparisons are generated from a hand-maintained specification database and reviewed under our editorial standards. We use AI tools to assemble pages from that data. We don’t invent specs: every number traces back to the database, and when we correct an entry, the fix is applied site-wide. As an Amazon Associate, The Horologist earns from qualifying purchases.