Rolex Rolex Deepsea vs Tudor Black Bay Chrono
Ref. M136660-0006 vs Ref. M79360N-0002
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Tudor Black Bay Chrono represent one of the most compelling matchups in luxury watches — a sibling rivalry between two brands under the same parent company. With the Rolex Rolex Deepsea priced at $15,200 and the Tudor Black Bay Chrono at $5,825, the price gap raises a critical question: does the extra investment in the pricier option deliver proportional value? We break down the specs, market performance, and flip potential to help you decide.
Price Comparison
Rolex
Rolex Deepsea
Tudor
Black Bay Chrono
At retail, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea is listed at $15,200 while the Tudor Black Bay Chrono comes in at $5,825. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono comes in at $9,375 less — more than half the price difference — making it a significantly more accessible option. On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Rolex Deepsea trades around $17,480 and the Tudor Black Bay Chrono around $4,600, a difference of $12,880 favoring the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Trading at 15% above retail and holding steady, this model holds its value well on the pre-owned market. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono shows a more modest market premium of -21.0%, though currently trending downward. For investors, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea edges ahead with a flip potential score of 5/10 compared to 2/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Rolex Deepsea | Tudor Black Bay Chrono |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 44mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 17.7mm | 14.4mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Fixed bezel with tachymeter scale in black |
| Crystal | Sapphire, 5.5mm thick | Sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 3900m / 12800ft | 200m / 660ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3235 | Tudor Calibre MT5813 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours | 70 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Stainless steel with riveted-style links |
| Clasp | Oysterlock safety clasp with Fliplock extension and Glidelock extension system | Folding clasp with safety catch |
| Lug Width | 22mm | 22mm |
Key specification differences stand out between these two: The Rolex Rolex Deepsea leads in water resistance (3900m / 12800ft vs. 200m / 660ft), and the Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses Oystersteel while the Tudor Black Bay Chrono opts for Stainless steel. With 7 notable spec differences in total, the choice depends on which features matter most to your use case.
Value Per Feature
Per millimeter of case diameter, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea costs $397 versus $112 for the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. For water resistance, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Rolex Deepsea if you value stronger flip potential, better value retention, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Tudor Black Bay Chrono if you prioritize a lower entry price, timing functionality. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea or the Tudor Black Bay Chrono?
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is more accessible, priced at $5,825 compared to $15,200.
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Rolex Deepsea has a higher flip potential score of 5/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea currently trades at 15.0% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Rolex Deepsea and Tudor Black Bay Chrono compare in size?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea measures 44mm in diameter and 17.7mm thick, while the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is 41mm by 14.4mm. Water resistance differs too: 3900m / 12800ft versus 200m / 660ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Rolex Deepsea uses the Rolex calibre 3235 with 70 hours power reserve, while the Tudor Black Bay Chrono runs on the Tudor Calibre MT5813 offering 70 hours of power reserve.