Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 vs Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze

In-Depth Comparison

The Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 and the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze represent two compelling options in the luxury watch market. Both timepieces have earned devoted followings among collectors and enthusiasts, but they approach horology from distinctly different perspectives. Let's break down how these two watches compare across the key dimensions that matter most to buyers.

Heritage And Brand Prestige

Nomos and Tudor are both highly respected names in watchmaking. The Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 comes from Germany, while the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze originates from Switzerland. This particular Zürich reference was introduced in 2012, while this Black Bay reference debuted in 2024. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze is the newer release, potentially featuring more modern technology and finishing.

Movement And Mechanics

At the heart of the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 beats the Nomos Epsilon caliber offering a 42-hour power reserve running at 28,800 vph with 26 jewels. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze is powered by the MT5400 with a 70-hour power reserve operating at 28,800 vph featuring 26 jewels. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze wins on power reserve with a 28-hour advantage, which means less frequent winding for those who rotate watches.

Dimensions And Wearability

The Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 features a 39.7mm case at 9.8mm thick with a 48.5mm lug-to-lug measurement, crafted in Stainless Steel. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze comes in at 39.0mm and 11.9mm thick with 47.8mm lug-to-lug, constructed from Bronze and Stainless Steel. Both watches are virtually identical in diameter, so wrist presence will be comparable. At 54g, the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 is the lighter of the two.

Materials And Construction

The Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 uses a Sapphire crystal crystal paired with a Fixed polished bezel, while the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze features Sapphire crystal with a Unidirectional rotating, bronze with blue aluminum insert bezel. On the wrist, the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 comes on a Horween genuine Shell Cordovan leather strap with Pin buckle, while the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze is fitted with Blue fabric strap with bronze buckle featuring Pin buckle.

Water Resistance And Capability

The Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 is rated to 30m / 98ft and the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze to 200m / 656ft. For water sports and diving, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze provides superior depth capability.

Pricing And Value

At retail, the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 lists for $4,080 compared to $3,900 for the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze. On the secondary market, the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 trades around $3,400 while the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze commands approximately $3,700.

The Verdict

Choosing between the Nomos Zürich Automatic Ref. 802 and the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze ultimately comes down to personal priorities. For dress occasions and smaller wrists, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue Bronze is more versatile. Both watches are exceptional timepieces that will serve their owner well for generations. We recommend trying both on the wrist at an authorized dealer before making your final decision, as comfort and emotional connection are ultimately just as important as specifications.