It’s fairly spectacular to see how Tudor’s Black Bay fashions have established themselves as extra accessible choices to the Rolex Submariner in a comparatively brief time frame with out compromising on high quality. However extra than simply being a extra accessible Submariner, the Black Bay has gained its personal standing through the years, turning into an impartial assortment. The sequence additionally drastically helped redefine a model that was scuffling with an identification disaster on the time. Though solely launched in 2012, there may be now a large portfolio of Black Bay fashions, with the basic diving variants being the 41mm Black Bay, the 39mm Black Bay 58 and the 37mm Black Bay 54.
This group of three references belongs to Tudor’s Heritage line, which follows the 1954 Oyster Prince Submariner (ref. 7922) in total design – you’ll be able to examine this in-depth article to know the connection between classic Tudor Submariner fashions and fashionable Black Bay watch. The roots of this contemporary incarnation return to the last decade that launched fashionable divers just like the aforementioned Rolex Submariner. We’ll be breaking down your entire assortment – and what a set the Black Bay has turn into in simply 12 years! As we’re taking a look at dive-oriented fashions, we now have excluded the Black Bay Chrono, which is by some means a hybrid between a dive watch and a racing chronograph.
2012 – The introduction of the idea with the Burgundy Heritage Black Bay 79220R
The inaugural Heritage Black Bay diver was a daring watch at 41mm in diameter and almost 15mm thick (14.8mm), particularly in 2012. That being mentioned, it wasn’t overly cumbersome and was a success from the get-go. It was so profitable, actually, that it received the Revival prize on the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). It additionally signalled Tudor’s return to the US market after nearly a decade of absence, which, for sure, was a really huge deal. The Black Bay had basic appears with fashionable sturdiness and got here with a worth that undercut comparable items from Rolex, Blancpain and others. Wanting again at Tudor’s authentic ref. 7922 dive watch from 1954, which launched only one yr after the Rolex Submariner, we will clearly see the place the Black Bay inspiration originated. Nevertheless, extra fashions would contribute to the 2012 diver’s aesthetic, together with ref. 7924 from 1958 that doubled water-resistance to 200 metres and ref. 7016 from 1969 that launched the now iconic snowflake arms.
The unique Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner had Mercedes arms like its sister model, Rolex, however the Black Bay debut in 2012 (ref. 79220R) featured Tudor’s signature snowflake arms with the outsized squarish hour hand. Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf established Tudor as Rolex’s subsidiary in 1946, and it was the Black Bay over six many years later that helped separate it as its personal impartial model within the eyes of customers. The primary Black Bay had a basic gilt dial with utilized indices and Tremendous-LumiNova, which was nothing out of the odd on the time. However it additionally featured a burgundy aluminium rotating bezel insert, which undoubtedly strayed from the norm. Contained in the inverted triangle at 12 o’clock was a luminous “pearl” that may be current in all subsequent bezels. A skinny, colour-matching tube (matching the bezel) additionally sat between the case and crown. As talked about, it was three classic Tudor divers that formed the Black Bay sequence – ref. 7922 with the unique diver aesthetic, ref. 7924 with 200 metres of water-resistance and ref. 7016 with snowflake arms. It was an uncommon strategy, as a single watch often evokes a heritage piece as a substitute of a fruits of three.
The dial had a “smiley face” printing above 6 o’clock with “SELF-WINDING” curved upwards, which originated on the aforementioned classic fashions. This may change to a extra typical type on dials after 2015. There was additionally a domed or box-shaped sapphire crystal that mimicked early acrylic counterparts.
Snowflake Arms
Rolex is well-known for its Mercedes arms, and the unique Tudor divers integrated them, however that modified in 1969 with the snowflake arms on the ref. 7016. It wasn’t merely a design train, however a necessity because the French Navy (Marine Nationale), a primary buyer for Tudor’s Submariners (to not be confused with the Rolex counterpart) wanted most legibility underwater. Two considerably completely different arms, an elongated baton minutes hand and an outsized, squarish hour hand, match the invoice and happy the Marine Nationale’s necessities. This setup has come to outline Tudor’s Black Bay divers as a lot as Rolex’s Mercedes arms, they usually’ve taken their place alongside the trade’s greatest arms like Breguet, Broad Arrow, Dauphine, Cathedral and (in fact) Mercedes.
2014 – The Blue Version 79220B
In 2014, Tudor launched a brand new Black Bay mannequin, which marked a easy change of colors. The unique matte black dial remained however now had silver/white utilized indices and arms, whereas the rotating bezel insert turned navy blue. All fashions up to now had been stainless-steel with outsized screw-down crowns (launched in 1958) and had combined geometrical indices (circles with rectangles at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock, and an inverted triangle at 12 o’clock). The crown was outsized and unguarded, just like authentic Rolex Submariners (like ref. 5510), however was pretty flat and safe. Tudor’s rose brand was printed beneath 12 o’clock, which was additionally seen on authentic Fifties fashions and remained on Black Bay dials till 2016, making these early “rose” Black Bay fashions a bit collectable at the moment.
2015 – The Black Bezel and Crimson Triangle 79220N
The third Black Bay mannequin appeared in 2015 with a black bezel and a brand new purple triangle at 12 o’clock. This was the “monochrome” mannequin earlier than the precise monochrome mannequin (extra on that later…) and was a mix of the unique 2012 Black Bay and the ref. 7923/001 with a black bezel and purple triangle that was made for Solely Watch 2015. In contrast to the Solely Watch piece, nevertheless, this bezel had an ordinary 15-minute scale. All three Black Bay watches up to now had lollipop seconds arms with a sq. aperture, which might change in subsequent fashions. This particular Black Bay 79220N, with a black bezel and smiley dial, is likely one of the rarest of the entire assortment, with a manufacturing interval of round six months. It has thus turn into barely collectable.
Basic Computerized ETA 2824, from 2012 to 2015
The primary fashions used the ETA 2824 computerized workhorse, simply identifiable by the rose brand and smiley Self-Winding on the dial. Tudor had a protracted relationship with ETA and there was an period after they used Rolex Oyster instances with ETA actions. The 2824 was confirmed and dependable with a beat price of 28,800vph (4Hz), however nothing notably particular with excessive manufacturing numbers and an outdated 38-hour energy reserve. This helped preserve costs accessible for a really well-put-together dive watch, nevertheless it was time for calibres to maneuver up in specs. The primary manufacture computerized calibre debuted in 2015 for Tudor’s North Flag mannequin (not associated to Black Bay), however the diver was upgraded a yr later.
2016 – The Transfer to Manufacture Actions
Tudor launched the manufacture calibre MT5602 (MT stands for Manufacture Tudor) for the Black Bay 79230 sequence in 2016, and all fashions now incorporate variants of this motion over the ETA 2824. Designed in partnership with Kenissi (a motion maker partially owned by Tudor), it retained the ETA’s beat price of 28,800vph, however the energy reserve nearly doubled to 70 hours. The steadiness spring was now anti-magnetic silicon and all had been COSC-certified.
Different enhancements included a variable inertia steadiness wheel for improved precision and a transversal bridge over the steadiness for higher shock resistance. A variant of this, calibre MT5601, was made for the Black Bay Bronze in 2016 and easily had a bigger diameter of 33.8mm for the bigger 43mm bronze case.
2016 – The 43mm Black Bay Bronze 79250BM
This bronze variant stands out for a number of causes. At the start, it was bronze as a substitute of stainless-steel with a end that may present inevitable patina over time. It was additionally bigger at 43mm over 41mm and featured Arabic numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock over rectangular indices. The aluminium bezel insert was brown to enhance the bronze case, and the dial was matte chocolate brown. The bronze was a particular alloy of bronze and aluminium, giving it a subdued color that was nearly a heat gray combined with a golden hue. Not your typical vibrant, goldish bronze sheen. The caseback was metal with an identical PVD coating to keep away from potential allergic reactions.
The dial of the Black Bay Bronze had the acquainted snowflake arms and utilized indices with the aforementioned exception of Arabic numerals. 2016 additionally marked the yr that the rose brand was changed with a protect counterpart, however the rose remained on the crown. The curved printing or “smile” above 6 o’clock additionally modified to a standard straight print with “Chronometer” and “Formally Licensed” on two separate traces. Above that was the depth ranking of 200 metres. This stays the most important Black Bay at 43mm and the one one with Arabic numerals, so it’s certainly an anomaly. Though bigger than the norm, it wore pretty effectively on a NATO strap, as a bulkier bronze bracelet wasn’t out there. A leather-based strap was additionally an choice. As talked about, it housed the modified manfuacture calibre MT5601, which was a barely bigger variant of the calibre MT5602. This identical watch was additionally out there as a part of the Bucherer BLUE assortment, with a blue dial and a blue bezel.
2018 – The Black Bay GMT Pepsi 79830RB
A Rolex GMT-Grasp(ish) Black Bay GMT mannequin with a rotating 24-hour Pepsi bezel debuted in 2018 with a black dial, GMT hand that shared the sq. tip with the seconds hand and a date window at 3 o’clock. The final Black Bay components was in any other case intact, together with the diameter, water-resistance, indices and snowflake arms, however the capacity to trace a number of time zones and a date complication injected new performance into the sequence.
Powering the watch was the brand new COSC-certified calibre MT5652 with a variable inertia steadiness wheel, silicon hairspring and 70-hour energy reserve. It was a real or traveller’s GMT motion with an independently set native hour hand, bringing a extra accessible GMT choice to these cautious of the Rolex GMT-Grasp II worth.
Immediately, the Black Bay GMT is available in a number of flavours, together with a white dial Pepsi variant and Root Beer aesthetic with a black dial, black and brown bezel and optionally available two-tone metal/gold (capped) bracelet. A number of strap choices are additionally out there for all fashions.
2021 – Introducing Grasp Chronometer Certification on the Black Bay Ceramic
Probably the most uncommon fashions, the Black Bay Ceramic, hit the scene in 2021. It was fairly actually an all-black mannequin with a monobloc ceramic case, black PVD bezel and crown and blacked-out motion (by way of a rare-for-Tudor exhibition caseback). The bezel merely had engravings of the diving scale, retaining it stealthy but a bit troublesome to learn. The domed black dial was the standard bit with the everyday silver snowflake arms and indices crammed with white Tremendous-LumiNova for glorious legibility. A blue dial variant, ref. 79210CNU, was initially designed for Crimson Bull’s second Components One workforce however turned out there in early 2024 for all consumers.
Inside was the calibre MT5602-1U computerized, a manufacture motion that introduced Tudor into the elite subject of precision timekeeping. Like all Black Bay fashions following the ETA period, it was COSC-certified but in addition carried the METAS certification to turn into a Grasp Chronometer. METAS focuses on precision, resistance to magnetic fields (to fifteen,000 gauss), water-resistance and energy reserve, and accuracy requirements which might be stricter than these of COSC alone. Nothing greater than a five-second vary of variance is allowed per day (0/+5 seconds vs. -4/+6 seconds with COSC) and the facility reserve should match the producer’s declare. To be thought of for METAS certification, all watches should first be Swiss-made and COSC-certified. To realize this, Tudor and its companion Kenissi developed a brand new testing facility inside the manufacture, based on METAS standards and beneath its supervision.
2023 – The Second Main Replace, the Black Bay Burgundy goes METAS
In 2023, the usual mannequin with a burgundy bezel (a basic since 2012) was up to date for the second time with the METAS Grasp Chronometer calibre MT5602-U and incremental design tweaks. This signalled an enlargement of Grasp Chronometers in Black Bay fashions and a brand new exterior design. The distinction between the calibre MT5602-U right here and the sooner calibre MT5602-1U Grasp Chronometer on the 2021 ceramic mannequin needed to do with design, the latter being blacked out for the black ceramic case and exhibition caseback. The case diameter remained at 41mm, however the thickness dropped from 14.8mm to 13.6mm, which helped remedy a frequent criticism.
The casebands consequently turned thinner, and the caseback bought a extra domed, “bubble” type. The fluting on the crown was additionally tweaked, and it sat nearer to the case because the colored tube was eliminated. Dial textual content above 6 o’clock went to 2 traces, and the dial itself went from matte black to a slight sunray brushed end. The lollipop seconds hand went from sq. to spherical, whereas the minute hand went from a baton aesthetic to pencil type, all barely altering the basic snowflake design. A brand new Jubilee-style bracelet was additionally launched.
2024 – The Black Bay Monochrome
A most up-to-date addition is the historically styled Monochrome mannequin with a black dial and bezel and solely silver/white accents all through (no gilt on this one like ref. 79220N from 2015). The bezel’s purple triangle was additionally eliminated to maintain this genuinely monochromatic and never not like typical dive fashions from different manufacturers, together with Rolex’s Submariner. It comes with three choices: Oyster or the brand new Jubilee-style bracelet or a rubber strap, and it homes the calibre MT5602-U Grasp Chronometer launched with the 2023 Black Bay Burgundy mannequin. And a fast notice – the Oyster bracelets have a fake rivet aesthetic that actually enhances the old-school vibe.
All the pieces Else
The above covers the core fashions and historical past of the sequence, however there are extra fashions out there, together with a particular Harrods collaboration (British luxurious division retailer) with a inexperienced bezel insert. A two-tone steel-and-gold Black Bay can also be out there with an optionally available two-tone Oyster-style bracelet, though solely the primary centre hyperlinks on the case are strong yellow gold as the remaining are gold-capped. The Black Bay Metal launched a metal bezel and date window at 3 o’clock in 2017. Not all fashions have gone for a Grasp Chronometer calibre, though the actions are in any other case very comparable. For instance, the calibre MT5602-U Grasp Chronometer is solely the next examined/adjusted model of the COSC-certified calibre MT5602 and is visually differentiated by MASTER CHRONOMETER engraved on the outer fringe of the again plate.
2018 – Going Smaller with the Black Bay 58
Tudor launched a brand new Black Bay sequence with the Black Bay Fifty-Eight (or BB58) in 2018, which stored the general design and bezel however shrank it right into a 39mm package deal with a brand new motion besides. The inaugural mannequin (ref. 79030N) had the basic black bezel insert with purple triangle and now gold markings (the 41mm black bezel had silver markings) and the acquainted gilt dial. The case adopted the dimensions of classic dive fashions, making it extra of an genuine heritage piece, though ref. 7924 was even smaller at 37mm (extra to return with that under). The Black Bay 58 was primarily based on the Oyster Prince diver (ref. 7924) with a 200-metre water-resistance ranking from 1958 (therefore the identify), however just like the 41mm Black Bay sequence, it took inspiration from different fashions as effectively, like ref. 7016 with snowflake arms from 1969. In essence, the Fifty-Eight is a smaller model of the 41mm Black Bay diver, however the adjustments add as much as a really completely different expertise on the wrist. A fast notice – the tube between the case and crown was now silver to match the case, not the bezel color.
In contrast to the newer 41mm Black Bay fashions, the BB58 returned to the sq. lollipop seconds hand on all however the newest GMT fashions. There are additionally a couple of extra variants in comparison with the unique Black Bay divers, notably with the introduction of valuable metals for the case. Solely bronze made it to 41mm Black Bay instances over stainless-steel.
Powering the Fifty-Eight was a brand new manufacture COSC-certified computerized motion, the calibre MT5402 – a smaller model of the 41mm Black Bay calibre MT5602 with a silicon hairspring and 70-hour energy reserve. It’s thinner as effectively (4.99mm vs. 6.5mm), permitting the Fifty-Eight case to slim right down to 11.9mm in comparison with 13.6mm. That is the core engine of the Fifty-Eight sequence, however different calibres exist for both a GMT operate or aesthetics with an exhibition caseback, and solely the most recent GMT fashions are Grasp Chronometers with calibre MT5450-U.
2020 – The Black Bay 58 Blue
It was inevitable {that a} blue mannequin would be part of the gathering, and that’s precisely what occurred in 2020 with a blue bezel and dial, differing from the 41mm Black Bay (ref. 79220B) from 2014 that simply bought a blue bezel and silver parts on the black dial (changing gilt). A 43mm particular Bucherer bronze model from 2017 (ref. M79250BB-0001) had a blue dial as effectively with gold indices/arms, nevertheless it wasn’t an ordinary mannequin. Dial parts on ref. M79030B had been silver with white Tremendous-LumiNova and bezel markings had been silver as effectively, and there was no purple triangle. The scale, water-resistance and calibre remained the identical.
2021 – The Bronze Black Bay 58 Boutique Version
In contrast to the 43mm Black Bay Bronze from 2016 (ref. 79250BM), the Black Bay 58 Bronze variant included an Oyster-style riveted bronze bracelet. It wasn’t a restricted version however a “boutique-only” mannequin that naturally restricted accessibility. Regardless, it was an unprecedented mannequin as no different Black Bay had a bronze bracelet (and it’s very uncommon within the trade), however every thing else was acquainted. A few issues to notice had been a totally brushed end (no polished caseband or lateral bevels) and stainless-steel caseback with an identical PVD coating. In contrast to the Heritage Bronze mannequin, dimensions had been unchanged in comparison with the Fifty-Eight metal counterparts, and the load distinction was nominal. The motion was barely tweaked for an exhibition caseback with calibre MT5400, which was only a bit bigger than the MT5402, for a greater look by a sapphire window. It was a moot level, nevertheless, because the caseback right here was strong, and it was in the end designed for the 2021 silver and gold fashions (under).
The matte brown dial appeared equivalent to the 2016 bronze mannequin at first look, however there have been refined variations in hue and darkness, in addition to a dégradé impact with the centre lighter than the periphery. The aluminium brown bezel insert was the identical or similar to the 2016 mannequin’s hue, so apart from subtleties, this was a smaller variant of the 43mm Black Bay Bronze, however once more with a full bronze bracelet. And that final half actually is a giant deal. The bracelet additionally launched the T-Match clasp with a tool-free adjustment system that supplied 5mm of extension.
2021 – The Black Bay 58 in 925 Silver
One other first for Tudor’s Black Bay sequence, restricted to the Black Bay 58, was using valuable metals, both 925 silver or 18k yellow gold. The 925 silver mannequin (ref. M79010SG-0001) used a historic materials that was widespread over a century in the past for pocket watches however isn’t seen at the moment for wristwatch instances. Chrome steel, titanium, bronze and ceramic at the moment are the popular case supplies, with gold or platinum being the widespread luxurious options. After all, different supplies are on the market, however the above covers the mainstream. 925 sterling silver is 92.5% silver (therefore the identify) and sometimes 7.5% copper, which is now typically restricted to dial-making because it’s a softer steel and liable to tarnishing. Nevertheless, Tudor’s 925 silver alloy has a particular mix of aluminium that ought to (assist) forestall tarnish and never be the fussy steel that legacy silver is understood for. A little bit of tarnish is most probably inevitable, however comparatively straightforward to take away.
Just like the bronze mannequin, the case of the Black Bay 58 Silver 925 is completely brushed and has extra brilliance and lustre than stainless-steel. Delicate to the layman however undoubtedly tangible. Nevertheless, that brilliance will change over time in the identical vein as bronze, however most likely not as drastic because it simply takes on a duller sheen. Silver can also be softer than stainless-steel, so scratches and even small nicks are sadly inevitable.
Each the dial and bezel insert are a complementing warmish gray that Tudor calls taupe. It gives a monochromatic aesthetic with a lighter tone. The caseback has a uncommon sapphire exhibition window, so the marginally bigger calibre MT5400 is carried over from the bronze mannequin for aesthetics. There’s no 925 silver bracelet choice for this one, however the gold mannequin under gives an identical (and really costly) gold bracelet.
2021 – The high-end Black Bay 58 in 18k Gold
The gold Black Bay 58 is predictably the most costly and unique mannequin of the gathering, with a strong 18k yellow gold case. Just like the 925 silver mannequin, it has a brushed end that nearly resembles a bronze case earlier than patina (to a layman observer, that’s). It forgoes the basic black gilt dial and opts for a inexperienced model with an identical inexperienced bezel insert and gold diver’s scale. The snowflake arms and indices are additionally 18k gold with a cream Tremendous-LumiNova. Just like the silver mannequin, it homes the marginally bigger calibre MT5400 for the exhibition caseback.
As talked about, not like the silver piece, there’s a gold bracelet out there with a leather-based and cloth NATO strap that comes commonplace (each have 18k gold buckles). The bracelet predictably provides an enormous quantity to the worth, placing it into high-end luxurious territory at over USD 32,000, whereas the gold case with leather-based/cloth straps continues to be very excessive for Tudor at USD 18,000. It’s undoubtedly a distinct segment mannequin, however one {that a} choose few will certainly recognize.
2024 – The Lengthy-Awaited Black Bay 58 GMT
One of many newest releases is a Black Bay 58 GMT mannequin, following the 41mm Black Bay GMT from 2018. That is the one BB58 mannequin up to now outfitted with a Grasp Chronometer computerized. It doesn’t include the Pepsi look, however a extra subdued black and purple day/evening rotating 24-hour bezel – a little bit of a Coke type, however much less saturated. The case is a bit thicker at 12.8mm from 11.9mm, nevertheless it’s a lot thinner than the 41mm Black Bay GMT at 15mm. It sports activities a conventional black gilt dial with Grasp Chronometer printed beneath GMT above 6 o’clock, confirming its superpowers. It has a date at 3 o’clock just like the 2018 GMT mannequin, however the seconds hand has a spherical lumed tip, whereas the GMT hand maintains the acquainted sq. finish (each had been sq. on the 41mm GMT debut). The crown additionally sits flush with the case (no tube), nevertheless it in any other case has the acquainted Black Bay 58 aesthetic of latest fashions.
Powering the BB58 GMT is the METAS-certified calibre MT5450-U, once more making this the one Fifty-Eight Grasp Chronometer. It will undoubtedly change sooner or later, nevertheless it’s the lone wolf for now. Just like the bigger 2018 GMT mannequin, this can be a traveller’s GMT the place the native hour hand is ready independently in one-hour increments. The ability reserve fell barely from 70 to 65 hours with the added performance, nevertheless it’s a small worth for such an improve.
There’s presently just one color mixture, as described above, on both an Oyster-style bracelet or a black rubber strap. The 41mm GMT gives a number of dial and bezel colors, so the Fifty-Eight counterpart could broaden sooner or later.
2022 – The Black Bay Professional GMT or the adventurer
One thing a lone wolf within the assortment and a watch with much less of a diver’s intention, the Black Bay Professional is by some means the model’s counterpart to the Explorer II. It even comes with an total design that’s impressed by early fashions of this watch (specifically, the ref. 1655). At launch, some anticipated it to be the BB58 GMT all had been ready for, however even when it shared the identical 39mm diameter because the Fifty-Eight references, it wasn’t meant to be a part of this group of smaller, slimmer fashions.
The Black Bay Professional is a extra strong, extra adventurous mannequin that mixes diving capabilities with exploration options, primarily the GMT operate that’s meant for use to trace day and evening (however in fact, it may be used as a conventional traveller’s operate). Whereas the look of the BB Professional was interesting, with its brushed 24-hour metal bezel, its blocky luminous hour markers, its yellow GMT hand and an total instrument-like feeling, the principle criticism got here from the thickness of the watch, at 14.6mm – fans must look forward to the 2024 Black Bay 58 GMT to lastly take pleasure in a thinner traveller’s watch.
The Black Bay Professional GMT is a extra rugged choice, visually talking, but it retains a lot of the assortment’s specs, together with 200m water-resistance and the calibre MT5652, shared with the bigger Black Bay GMT. It’s out there on a riveted metal bracelet with T-fit micro-adjustment, on a hybrid rubber and cloth strap or a black cloth strap with a yellow band.
2023 – Going Even Smaller with the 37mm Black Bay 54
Technically, the Black Bay 54 is probably the most devoted to the unique Fifties Tudor divers with a 37mm case diameter. For contemporary customers, nevertheless, it’s on the smaller aspect and strays from the BB58’s seemingly goldilocks 39mm. For smaller wrists or absolute purists, it’s an excellent choice and thinner at solely 11.2mm (the Black Bay 58 is 11.9mm). And as soon as on the wrist, it wears surprisingly effectively. The Black Bay 54 is the youngest brother of the group, and just one mannequin is presently out there, ref. 79000N. That can doubtless change if it follows the Black Bay 58 in recognition.
In contrast to the unique BB58 with a gilt dial and gold scale on the bezel, the gilt-dial BB54 goes with a silver bezel scale just like the 41mm Black Bay with a black bezel from 2015. Nevertheless, the Black Bay 54 doesn’t have the purple triangle at 12 o’clock or an in depth 15-minute scale. The bezel is definitely nearer to the Black Bay One (ref. 7923/001) from Solely Watch 2015, however that one did have the purple triangle. Taking a look at classic Tudor divers, nevertheless, it’s probably the most devoted with out the 15-minute scale and 37mm diameter. Aside from dimension and design tweaks, little has modified, as we nonetheless have 200 metres of water-resistance and snowflake arms. Following the newer Black Bay design language, the lollipop seconds hand has a spherical aperture, not a sq..
Powering the Black Bay 54 is similar COSC-certified calibre MT5400 from Fifty-Eight fashions with exhibition casebacks. It’s a curious resolution as these had been barely bigger than the usual calibre MT5402, once more to be displayed from a sapphire again. Regardless, it’s a well-proven manufacture motion (nonetheless performed with Kenissi, like all BB watches) and can serve the Fifty-4 sequence effectively, and I can solely assume extra fashions are inevitable.
The Black Bay 54 comes with both an Oyster-style bracelet or a black rubber strap (no Jubilee choice but). After all, 20mm aftermarket straps will match as effectively, together with the Fifty-Eight fashions. The 41mm Black Bay has a 22mm lug width, however the identical in any other case applies to aftermarket straps.
Let’s Wrap It Up
The Tudor Black Bay divers are something however a “poor man’s” Rolex Submariner, GMT-Grasp II or Explorer II, regardless of Tudor being the extra inexpensive sister firm. The fashions clearly stand on their very own with manufacture COSC-certified actions and a handful of METAS Grasp Chronometers. This Heritage sequence appears again at Tudor divers from the Fifties, however given the hole in manufacturing, it doesn’t have the continual historical past of the Rolex Submariner. That mentioned, total high quality/ending and the excessive requirements of Tudor’s actions make the Black Bay sequence prime divers at any worth. They could not have the “coronet” at 12 o’clock, however they’ve every thing else going for them, together with worth.
The Black Bay portfolio extends effectively past simply divers, however the focus right here was on fashionable interpretations of three classic items from the Fifties and Nineteen Sixties. There are Black Bay Chronos, instances with out bezels and even a considerably weird piece, the Black Bay P01 with a 12-hour rotating bezel, primarily based on a Nineteen Sixties prototype for the US Navy. It’s the three conventional divers, nevertheless, that actually encapsulate the Black Bay’s recognition and fairly actually breathed new life right into a then-struggling model. They’re not fairly sufficiently old to be correct collectables, though early 41mm fashions with the rose brand and ETA computerized are rapidly getting there.
When you’re available in the market for a contemporary, premium dive watch that received’t break the financial institution like a Rolex, Blancpain and even Omega Seamaster, Tudor’s Black Bay portfolio gives the very best choices for the worth. And you’ve got 4 sizes to select from, assuming you’re contemplating the 43mm bronze variant. It actually doesn’t get any higher.
