Tudor Black Bay 36 Champagne Dial Review – A Classy Everyday Sports Watch With a Touch of Sparkle (M79640-0003)
Hey Watchfam!
Some watches arrive in your life with a bit of magic attached — the kind of moment where the story of how you got it becomes part of the overall charm. That was definitely the case with this Tudor Black Bay 36 in champagne (Ref. M79640-0003), because it came to me as an anniversary gift from my wife… and I had absolutely no idea she’d been planning it.
When I opened the box, the first things that hit me were the warmth of that champagne dial and the way the bracelet caught the light. Yes, it’s a capable everyday sports watch in terms of specifications, but in person it has a smoother, more elegant presence than you’d expect. On my 7” wrist, this 36mm model sits perfectly — balanced, timeless and incredibly easy to wear.
After spending proper time with it — including taking it on a long weekend in Rome — this watch has become one of my most enjoyable and natural daily companions.
A Quick Note on Sizes — And Why 36mm Works So Well
Although Tudor offers the Black Bay line in multiple sizes, the 36mm version just fits the personality of this champagne dial perfectly. It has that classic proportion that feels confident without being bulky, and the refined aesthetic really comes to life at this size.
The slim 10.5mm profile also helps. It hugs the wrist nicely and slips under a cuff with no fuss — something you really appreciate when wearing it day-to-day.
First Impressions – Warm, Refined and Full of Charm
This version of the Black Bay leans more towards the dressier side of the sports-watch world. It still has the solid feel you’d expect from Tudor, but visually it brings a smoother, more elegant flavour.
The bracelet is a standout feature. The articulation is excellent, and the mix of brushed and polished surfaces gives it a subtle sparkle when the light hits it. It feels premium in a very reassuring way — almost jewellery-like — without ever feeling flashy.
The case finishing deserves a quick mention too. The brushed lugs contrast beautifully with the polished case sides, giving the watch a visually interesting mix of textures. This contrast helps the champagne dial stand out even more.
And the champagne dial… I wasn’t sure at first how I’d get on with it because I’ve got nothing else like this in my collection. But it turns out to be one of the most versatile, expressive dials I’ve worn. It shifts tone depending on the light — sometimes warm gold, sometimes soft silver — and always looks tasteful.
I’m also really glad this model is no-date. The dial stays perfectly balanced, symmetrical and purposeful. Legibility is excellent, and the whole design feels clean and intentional.
You might notice the occasional bit of glare in direct sunlight due to the lack of anti-reflective coating. When photographing the watch, I found stepping a little off-axis or softening direct light made a big difference — small tweaks that help keep reflections under control.
A Weekend in Rome – When It Proved Itself
Shortly after receiving the watch, we headed off to Rome for a long weekend. Normally, I’d take two or three watches with me, swapping between them depending on what we were doing.
This time, I thought I’d take just one: the Tudor.
And not once did I wish I’d brought anything else.
Whether we were walking around the city, exploring parks, visiting landmarks or eating in restaurants, the Black Bay 36 seemed to blend in perfectly with every moment. It has that rare versatility where you stop thinking about what’s on your wrist because it just works with everything.
Even back home, on simple everyday errands or grabbing a coffee, the watch has the same easy charm. It’s one of those pieces that just gets out of the way and lets you enjoy wearing it.
Comfort & The T-Fit Clasp – A Real-World Win
Rome in the heat is a great test for any bracelet, and the T-fit clasp genuinely impressed me. Throughout the day I could make small micro-adjustments as the temperature changed, and it kept the watch perfectly comfortable from morning to night.
The bracelet itself is beautifully finished and very well-made. The polished bezel does pick up fingerprints now and then, but a quick wipe sorts it out instantly.
If your wrist fluctuates more dramatically, you might still find yourself adjusting the number of links occasionally, but the T-fit system makes daily comfort a breeze.
Overall, this is one of the most comfortable Tudors I’ve worn.
Dial, Legibility & That Ridiculous Lume
The champagne dial is easily the visual highlight of the entire watch. It’s simple, elegant and full of personality in the right ways. It never feels loud, but it also never feels plain.
And I have to mention the lume… because it's some of the brightest I’ve seen on a Tudor. If the dial has been exposed to sunlight, the markers glow vividly even in shaded indoor areas. It’s a fun and unexpected detail that adds even more charm to the piece.
Movement – Reliable, Accurate and Easy to Live With
Inside is Tudor’s MT5400 movement with a solid 70-hour power reserve and COSC certification. It’s a dependable, low-maintenance calibre that keeps great time and fits the “everyday watch” theme perfectly. You genuinely don’t have to think about it — which is exactly what you want from a daily Tudor.
Who Is This Watch For?
If you’re someone who loves a refined everyday watch with a bit of sparkle and warmth, this version of the Black Bay 36 should definitely be on your radar.
It’s ideal if you want:
A versatile, easy-to-wear watch for everyday use
A refined look that leans dressy without being formal
A warm, expressive dial that feels special on the wrist
A clean, no-date layout
A comfortable bracelet with proper, real-world micro-adjustment
Tudor build quality with a more elegant twist
A piece that works effortlessly with both casual and smart outfits
If you're thinking about other everyday favourites, here are a few pieces I’ve enjoyed that sit in the same “great daily wear” space:
Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 – For that sporty integrated-bracelet look.
Citizen Tsuyosa Small Seconds – A fun, colourful everyday option with great value.
Citizen Zenshin – Light, comfortable titanium with excellent finishing.
Omega Railmaster – Simple, rugged and full of charm.
Rolex Explorer – The ultimate everyday field watch, and a benchmark for clean design.
The Tudor sits beautifully among these — but the champagne dial gives it a little extra charm and refinement that helps it stand out.
Final Thoughts – One of My Surprise Favourites
This wasn’t a watch I had on my radar at all before receiving it, but it has become one of my most enjoyable daily-wear pieces. There’s a subtle “special sauce” to the way it looks and feels, and I find myself reaching for it far more often than I expected.
Refined, comfortable, versatile and quietly classy — the Black Bay 36 Champagne Dial is a watch that doesn’t try too hard, but ends up standing out anyway. And honestly, I can’t think of much higher praise than that.
Specifications – Tudor Black Bay 36 (M79640-0003)
Case size: 36mm
Thickness: 10.5mm
Case material: Stainless steel
Dial: Champagne
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 100m
Movement: MT5400 (COSC)
Power reserve: 70 hours
Bracelet: Steel with T-fit clasp
Bezel: Polished smooth steel
Lume: Swiss Super-LumiNova
Price: £3,450
FAQ – Tudor Black Bay 36 Champagne Dial
Is the champagne dial too bold for everyday wear?
Not at all — it’s warm, subtle and surprisingly versatile. It adds personality without ever feeling loud.
How does the 36mm size wear?
Beautifully balanced. It feels confident and classic, and suits a wide range of wrists thanks to its proportions.
How strong is the lume?
Surprisingly bright — genuinely more intense than many other Tudors.
Is the T-fit clasp useful in real life?
Absolutely. The micro-adjustments make a huge difference, especially in warmer weather.
Does it feel more like a dress watch or a sports watch?
It’s a blend — technically a sports watch, but with a refined, dressier character that makes it very versatile.
You can check out the full range from Tudor here at Tudor.com