Tudor Blue Flamingo Review: Is the Black Bay Chrono Worth It?

Watch the video: Is It Worth Thousands More for a Color? Tudor Blue Flamingo Review · Watchphile on YouTube

This is my new Tudor Blue Flamingo. And after spending a week with it in Miami, I couldn't be more in love with it. After being lucky enough to own this, the pink one, and even the new Tudor Bumblebee, I wanted to share my thoughts.

Reference: M79360N-0024, Black Bay Chrono “Flamingo Blue”
Case: 41mm stainless steel
Dial: Turquoise with black sub-counters
Movement: Calibre MT5813 column-wheel chronograph, 70-hour power reserve
Bracelet: Five-link steel with T-fit rapid adjustment clasp
Collection: The second watch in Tudor's “Daring” collection, after the pink

What Is the Tudor Blue Flamingo?

This is the second iteration in Tudor's “Daring” collection. After the success of the Pink Flamingo, which was heavily inspired by the Inter Miami soccer team, this is the blue version.

I got the call about a week ago that they had this watch. Which was crazy, as I was about to head to Miami for vacation and to the World Cup game.

But before I start, what are your thoughts on the blue dial? Is it too much, or just right? And is it worth the premium over the white and black dials?

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on the wrist — Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono in “Flamingo Blue”: turquoise dial, black sub-counters, black tachymeter bezel.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 turquoise dial close-up on the wrist — Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono in “Flamingo Blue”: turquoise dial, black sub-counters, black tachymeter bezel.

Why I Love It

A South Beach Dial

Just like the pink, the Flamingo Blue is meant to deliver a classic South Beach vibe. The vibrant turquoise dial mimics the classic South Beach color scheme perfectly.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on the wrist with palm trees behind — A week in Miami was the right place to wear it.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on the wrist by the pier — A week in Miami was the right place to wear it.

How the 41mm Case Wears

As a lefty, I can be pretty particular about how a larger sports chronograph sits on the wrist, but the 41mm stainless steel case wears surprisingly well. Inside, it's powered by the absolute workhorse MT5813 column-wheel chronograph movement, offering a 70-hour power reserve.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on the wrist at the beach in Miami — The 41mm case on the wrist, in daylight and in low light.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on the wrist in low light with the lume glowing — The 41mm case on the wrist, in daylight and in low light.

The Five-Link Bracelet and T-fit Clasp

But the real star of the show for daily wear is the Jubilee-style steel bracelet equipped with the T-fit rapid adjustment clasp. Going from the A/C of a hotel to the sweltering Miami heat, being able to micro-adjust the fit on the fly without needing a single tool is an absolute lifesaver.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 five-link bracelet on the wrist — The five-link bracelet and T-fit clasp.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 T-fit clasp and bracelet on the wrist — The five-link bracelet and T-fit clasp.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 dial macro on seashells — The turquoise dial changes a lot with the light.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 on a wooden tray from above — The turquoise dial changes a lot with the light.

Blue Flamingo vs. Pink Flamingo

Somehow I was able to get both from my AD, one this year and one last year. And side by side, they are identical outside of color. But I absolutely love both.

If I had to pick one, I think the blue has the slight edge. But as someone who doesn't consider myself a pink guy, I find myself wearing the pink a lot. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either again.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Bumblebee, Pink and Flamingo Blue in one hand by the pool — Bumblebee, Pink Flamingo and Blue Flamingo.

Blue Flamingo vs. the New Black Bay Chrono “Bumblebee”

Things get really interesting when you look at the newly released Black Bay Chrono “Bumblebee.” Tudor clearly listened to enthusiasts who wanted smaller proportions, shrinking the Bumblebee down to a brand-new 39mm case and a much slimmer 13.1mm profile. And this is the watch I had actually just bought before the Blue Flamingo.

The vibrant yellow dial with black sub-counters is a bold statement, and Tudor opted to put it on a sportier three-link bracelet instead of the five-link found on the Flamingos. While I deeply appreciate the slimmer, vintage-leaning proportions of the 39mm Bumblebee, I still prefer the 41mm presence and the sheer, unapologetic character of the Blue Flamingo on my wrist.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 Bumblebee M79310N on the wrist — The 39mm Bumblebee on its three-link bracelet, next to the 41mm pink and blue.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 Bumblebee M79310N yellow dial macro — The 39mm Bumblebee on its three-link bracelet, next to the 41mm pink and blue.

For more on the yellow one, read my Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 Bumblebee review.

Availability: Can You Get a Blue Flamingo at Retail?

Because these Daring collection pieces are highly sought-after, availability can be a bit tricky. Unlike my Pelagos FXD, which I grabbed with a solid discount years ago, you aren't typically going to find the Flamingo Blue just sitting in the display case.

However, if you have a solid track record and a good relationship with your Authorized Dealer, getting an allocation is absolutely doable. Given how hot the pink version was, expect to put your name down and wait a bit for the blue. But at retail, you are getting an incredible in-house chronograph that punches way above its weight class.

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue M79360N-0024 in the palm from the side — The Flamingo Blue is not usually a watch you will find sitting in the display case.

Is the Blue Flamingo Worth the Resale Price?

It depends.

If you're someone who values color and collectibility, I totally would grab one. However, the 41mm is available in both white and black at pretty much every dealer, so if you don't want to shell out the extra cash, you may want to look into those.

Let me know what you think in the comments on the video.

The Pink Flamingo also became one stop in my longer Rolex AD purchase history; the complete sequence is in my Daytona Panda retail journey.