Tudor Launches A Reworked Black Bay Chrono Plus A Silver And A Gold Fifty-Eight
To mark fifty plus one years of Tudor chronographs, the brand unveils the reworked Black Bay Chrono with a panda and a reverse panda dial. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight now also comes in a sterling silver and an 18-karat gold case with a see-through back.
Black Bay Chrono
The first Oysterdate chronograph stems from 1970. Let’s blame COVID-19 for not having had a massive birthday party last year and a new version of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono to mark the occasion. Having stalled the celebrations, Tudor could not stall any longer and has released the reworked Chrono this year. The Black Bay Chrono model combines diving and motorsport traditions in a chronograph with contrasting sub-counters and a fixed bezel in 316L stainless steel. The insert is done in black anodized aluminum and shows a tachymetric scale.
All about that dial
The 41 mm steel case and the “Snowflake” hands remain unchanged. The same goes for the in-house Calibre MT5813 — certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) — with a silicon balance spring, 70-hour power reserve, and a column wheel and vertical clutch. but really, it’s all about the dials. They are, of course, good looking dials but just how good we will see later today during our face-to-face and hands-on meeting with Tudor.
References and prices
The white M79360N-0002 and black M79360N-0001 on a steel bracelet have a list price of €4,920. The white M79360N-0006 and black M79360N-0005 on a black leather bund strap, and the white M79360N-0008 and black M79360N-0007 with a black Jacquard fabric strap, will set you back €4,630.
Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925
The 39 mm Black Bay Fifty-Eight heralds two firsts for a Tudor divers’ watch. Firstly, we have an open case back. That’s a nice touch from a brand ever more proud to show off its own movements. But more noteworthy still, is the fact that movement is housed in a sterling silver case. That’s right: 925 silver.
This is not just any 925 silver though. The composition of the chosen alloy is, in the best possible traditions of the Maison, a secret. The satin-finished 925 silver case has a nice soft hue to it, but again, we need to see and feel it live later today to be sure of how the odd taupe livery vibes with the generally warmer tones of 925.
The domed dial is executed in matt frosted taupe. Together with the taupe-colored bezel insert, it creates a very fashionable appearance. Does anyone here know what taupe actually is? Don’t ask your girlfriend. It’s a warm shade of grey.
Underneath the taupe dial it’s business as usual. Meaning the in-house chronometer certified Calibre MT5400 that will keep going for 70 hours. You have the coice of two straps: a taupe Jacquard fabric with silver stripe or a strap in brown grain leather.
References and prices
The M79010SG-0001 on a brown leather strap costs €4,080, and the M79010SG-0002 on a taupe fabric strap has the same price.
Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K
The open case back is also featured on the first 18-karat yellow gold Tudor Dive watch, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K. This 39mm looks vintage and that is mainly because of its satin-finished gold case. Not too shiny to scare away the fish, and not too introverted to not attract any attention at all. Despite its matt “golden-green” dial, this is a watch you will want to wear on the beach, at a beach club, or strolling down a boulevard.
There is nothing new on the movement-front either in this Black Bay. Two straps are included: a green Jacquard fabric strap with a gold stripe, and a dark brown alligator leather strap. All new Tudor models come with a five-year transferable guarantee, without registration or mandatory maintenance checks.
Reference and price
The M79018V-0001 has a list price of € 15.880.
