Tudor Heritage Black Bay Shield Black Dial/Red Bezel Model 79230R by ZF (factory)
ZF has produced a Tudor Heritage Black Bay Shield Black Dial/Red Bezel Model 79230R that is known to be one of the watches on the super rep list (NWBIG / Not Worth Buying In Gen). For those who don’t know, the super rep list includes replicas that are almost exact 1 to 1 copies of the genuine, making it not worth buying the genuine version. I believe that none of the replicas are truly 1:1 copies but can be close, and here I will break down the flaws and share my thoughts. The seller will be referenced at the end of this thread.
In-hand pictures
Movement
ZF uses the Asia 2824 movement for their Tudor Heritage Black Bay Shield, a popular replica movement that mimics the Swiss ETA 2824-2 movement. It includes automatic winding, hacking seconds (the second hand stops when the crown is pulled out), and operates at 4Hz, which is the same as the genuine MT5602. However, the MT5602 boasts a 70-hour power reserve while the A2824 only lasts up to 40 hours.
Measurements
Genuine diameter: 41mm || ZF diameter: 41mm
Genuine thickness: 14.75mm || ZF thickness: 11mm
Genuine waterproof depth: 200m || ZF waterproof depth: 30m
Flaw 1
Point 1: ZF’s “SWISS MADE” text is slightly larger and thinner than the genuine. Comparing both fonts, the genuine text appears more prominent.
Point 2: The gold minute markers on ZF’s dial aren’t as prominent as the genuine; they lack reflectiveness and the gold color differs by a few shades.
Point 3: Similar to point 2, the gold color on ZF’s bezel 5-minute markers lacks reflectiveness and differs in shade.
Flaw 2
The red color on the watch bezels differs. ZF’s red color seems darker than the genuine and doesn’t have the same reflectiveness. However, this is a minor flaw as only a few trained eyes can tell the difference.
Flaw 3
ZF’s Tudor logo and the text printed on the dial differ from the genuine. It lacks the pop-up effect and the gold color isn’t as rich as the genuine. ZF’s font is too thin, especially on the word “GENEVE.”
Flaw 4
ZF’s crown logo differs from the genuine in terms of size and thickness. The images above show that the difference is significant.
Flaw 5
The Tudor engraving on the clasp lock differs in terms of font size and depth. The genuine font size is more concise and has deeper engraving.
Flaw 6
The text on both inner clasps differs based on the images above. ZF’s text engraving method isn’t the same as the genuine, and the text “DO” isn’t the same as the genuine “CP.” The genuine engraving is deeper, but this is a minor flaw as it is not visible to the naked eye.
Conclusion
ZF’s Tudor Heritage Black Bay Shield Black Dial/Red Bezel Model M79230R is close to perfect, and the flaws mentioned are considered minor nitpicks. I am satisfied with the flaws, and this would be my daily go-to watch as its design pairs well with most of my outfits. The price of this watch is slightly higher due to it being on the super rep list (NWBIG). As always, peace out and stay vibey.