Rolex Sea-Dweller vs Tudor Heritage Black Bay
Ref. 116600 vs Ref. 79220R
The Rolex Sea-Dweller and Tudor Heritage Black Bay represent one of the most compelling matchups in luxury watches — a sibling rivalry between two brands under the same parent company. With the Rolex Sea-Dweller priced at ~$18,000 (market value) and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay at ~$4,800 (market value), 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
Sea-Dweller
Tudor
Heritage Black Bay
The Rolex Sea-Dweller is priced at ~$18,000 (market value) while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay comes in at ~$4,800 (market value). On the secondary market, the gap widens: the Rolex Sea-Dweller trades around $18,000 and the Tudor Heritage Black Bay around $4,800, a difference of $13,200 favoring the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. This watch trades at 59% above retail on the secondary market and is trending upward — a strong indicator of collector demand. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay also shows a healthy market premium of +47.7%, with upward momentum. For investors, the Rolex Sea-Dweller edges ahead with a flip potential score of 9/10 compared to 7/10.
Specifications
| Specification | Rolex Sea-Dweller | Tudor Heritage Black Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Case Diameter | 40mm | 41mm |
| Case Thickness | 14.5mm | 12.7mm |
| Case Material | Oystersteel | Stainless steel |
| Bezel | Cerachrom (ceramic) in black | Unidirectional rotating bezel with anodized aluminium insert in burgundy red |
| Crystal | Sapphire | Domed sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 1220m / 4000ft | 200m / 660ft |
| Movement | Rolex calibre 3135 | ETA 2824 |
| Movement Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours | 38 hours |
| Bracelet/Strap | Oyster, three-piece solid links | Stainless steel bracelet |
| 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 Sea-Dweller leads in water resistance (1220m / 4000ft vs. 200m / 660ft), and the Rolex Sea-Dweller offers longer power reserve at 48 hours, and the Rolex Sea-Dweller uses Oystersteel while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay opts for Stainless steel. With 8 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 Sea-Dweller costs $450 versus $117 for the Tudor Heritage Black Bay. For water resistance, the Rolex Sea-Dweller delivers better value per meter of depth rating. The Tudor Heritage Black Bay offers more power reserve per dollar spent.
Which Should You Buy?
Choose the Rolex Sea-Dweller if you value stronger flip potential, better value retention, serious diving capabilities. Go with the Tudor Heritage Black Bay if you prioritize serious diving capabilities. For pure investment potential, the Rolex Sea-Dweller has the edge based on current market data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more affordable, the Rolex Sea-Dweller or the Tudor Heritage Black Bay?
The Tudor Heritage Black Bay is more accessible, priced at ~$4,800 (market value) compared to ~$18,000 (market value).
Which watch is a better investment?
Based on current market data, the Rolex Sea-Dweller has a higher flip potential score of 9/10, suggesting stronger investment returns. However, watch values can fluctuate based on market conditions.
Which holds its value better on the secondary market?
The Rolex Sea-Dweller currently trades at 58.6% above retail, indicating strong value retention on the pre-owned market.
How do the Rolex Sea-Dweller and Tudor Heritage Black Bay compare in size?
The Rolex Sea-Dweller measures 40mm in diameter and 14.5mm thick, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay is 41mm by 12.7mm. Water resistance differs too: 1220m / 4000ft versus 200m / 660ft.
What movements do these watches use?
The Rolex Sea-Dweller uses the Rolex calibre 3135 with 48 hours power reserve, while the Tudor Heritage Black Bay runs on the ETA 2824 offering 38 hours of power reserve.