Favre-Leuba vs Tudor – Deep Raider Revival vs Black Bay
Favre-Leuba vs Tudor – Deep Raider Revival vs Black Bay
Favre-Leuba vs Tudor: The Tool Watch Match You Didn’t Expect
At Belmont Watches, we love a good head-to-head especially when one contender is a sleeper brand and the other is practically a household name. In this case, we’re putting Favre-Leuba’s Deep Raider Revival up against the modern icon that is the Tudor Black Bay.
These are two dive-inspired tool watches from brands with serious history. But they approach the job in different ways. One’s all about legacy and mass appeal. The other? Purpose-built and under the radar.
Let’s see how they stack up.
Deep Raider Revival vs Tudor Black Bay: Spec-by-Spec Breakdown
| Feature | Favre-Leuba Deep Raider Revival | Tudor Black Bay (core lineup) |
|---|---|---|
| Case Size | 39–40 mm (Revival models) | 39 mm (Black Bay 58), 41 mm (Black Bay) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel or titanium options | Stainless steel (bronze and ceramic also available in other models) |
| Water Resistance | 300 meters | 200 meters |
| Movement | FLD01/FLD02 automatic (68-hour reserve, in-house architecture) | Tudor MT5402/MT5602 (70-hour reserve, COSC certified) |
| Design DNA | Based on 1960s Deep Blue with bold indices and compression style | Vintage Submariner roots, snowflake hands, domed sapphire crystal |
| Price Range | ~$2,950 (steel models) | ~$3,700+ (depending on variant and strap) |
Design Language: Purposeful vs Polished
The Deep Raider Revival brings 1960s dive heritage back to life with oversized markers, clean compressor-style lines, and zero fluff. It’s the kind of watch that looks at home on a climbing harness or vintage rally glove.
The Tudor Black Bay is polished and refined with the unmistakable Rolex-Tudor visual DNA. It’s vintage-inspired without being retro for retro’s sake, with snowflake hands and a crown that channels mid-century Sub energy.
Both wear well in the real world, but the Deep Raider Revival hits harder for those who like tool-first design over desk-diver flair.
Explore Favre-Leuba Shop Tudor
Movements & Mechanics
Tudor's MT Series movements are COSC certified, antimagnetic, and built in-house. They offer around 70 hours of reserve and are found across the Black Bay range. It’s a rock-solid platform and a selling point for many buyers.
Favre-Leuba’s FLD01 and FLD02 movements may fly under the radar, but they’re purpose-designed for the brand’s revival pieces and built to last. With 68 hours of reserve and tight tolerances, they offer excellent accuracy and long-wear potential even if they don’t have COSC on the dial.
Collector Appeal: Which One Wins?
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Tudor Black Bay wins on broad market recognition, resale value, and Rolex-adjacent credibility.
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Favre-Leuba Deep Raider wins on uniqueness, raw tool watch aesthetics, and collector upside.
At Belmont, we’re seeing a lot of seasoned collectors start to ask about Favre-Leuba after years of Tudor ownership. Not because they’re bored, but because they want something less expected and more personal.
Why We Love the Deep Raider Revival
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It doesn’t try to be everything to everyone
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Real dive watch heritage (dating back to 1964’s Deep Blue)
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Under appreciated today, collectible tomorrow
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Clean, high-legibility dial layouts
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300 meters of water resistance and a no-nonsense case profile
It’s a tool watch in the original sense of the word.
Final Thoughts from Belmont Watches
Tudor makes a great product. No debate there. But if you’re looking to stand out without sacrificing performance, the Favre-Leuba Deep Raider Revival offers something special. It’s for collectors who want depth, history, and a break from the mainstream without breaking the bank.
Visit our San Diego showroom (walk-ins welcome, no appointment needed) or book a private consultation.
About the Author: Anthony Rynearson
Anthony Rynearson is a watch writer and enthusiast at Belmont Watches. With a passion for horology and design, he shares stories that connect collectors to the history and craftsmanship behind every timepiece.