Honouring TUDOR's First Dive Watch: Introducing The Black Bay 54
Honouring TUDOR's First Dive Watch: Introducing The Black Bay 54
TUDOR presents a new addition to the Black Bay line that embodies the purest modern expression of the brand's first ever dive watch. In 1954, the reference 7922 was released, today the Black Bay 54 recalls this model with a 37mm case and Manufacture Calibre.
Diving Into The Past
The Black Bay line was conceived with the past in mind, and honouring the important designs that laid the foundation of TUDOR's unique aesthetic is of the highest importance. While the Black Bay line has always incorporated signature elements of past TUDOR dive watches, the Black Bay 54 is perhaps the most true-to-form Black Bay to have been created thus far. The Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 is a formidable candidate to draw inspiration from, as it is known to have been evaluated and consequently adopted by the French and US Navies and widely used by diving professionals. The earliest iterations of the 7922 used a "small crown" and eschewed the later emblematic red triangle at 12 o'clock for a cleaner, more uniform aesthetic.
The Black Bay 54 follows this tradition. In fact, the Black Bay 54 recalls a number of small design details that make a big difference. Take the hands for instance, in addition to proportional adjustments, they're pinched at the base, the same way they appeared in 1954. The bezel edge has also been redesigned, with a modernised take on the ergonomic pattern of the 7922. And of course, the TUDOR Black Bay 54 still recalls thoroughly modern touches, including its subtle satin radial-brushed dial, "T-fit" rapid adjustment system, and cutting edge Manufacture Calibre MT5400.
The Manufacture Calibre MT5400
The TUDOR Black Bay 54 is equipped with the Manufacture Calibre MT5400, and displays the hour, minute and second functions. With a finish typical of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres - its rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, and its bridges and mainplate have sandblasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations - the MT5400 is designed to ensure robustness and precision.
To do this, the variable inertia balance wheel is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a two-point anchoring. This system, together with its non-magnetic silicon hairspring, enables the Manufacture Calibre MT5400 to function within a tolerance range of 6 seconds (-2/+4) tested on a fully assembled watch.
Another notable feature is that the power reserve of the MT5400 Manufacture Calibre is "weekend-proof"; that is to say, it has a 70-hour power reserve, which enables the wearer to take the watch off on a Friday evening and put it back on again on Monday morning without having to wind it. Even if you need a weekend away, your watch does not.
Steel Bracelet or Rubber Strap
The Black Bay 54 is fitted with an entirely satin-brushed 3-link steel bracelet, complete with the TUDOR "T-fit" clasp equipped with a system for rapid length adjustment. Easy to use, requiring no tools, and offering five positions, this practical system allows the wearer to carry out an instant, fine adjustment of the total length of the bracelet along a window of 8mm. The clasp features ceramic ball bearings that ensure a smooth and secure closure in addition to adding a pleasing tactile element to the action of the clasp.
A black rubber strap is also available for the TUDOR Black Bay 54. The strap comes in three sizes complete with the T-fit rapid adjustment system, and for the perfect fit, it is able to be cut down to the exact size of the wearer's wrist. Inside, it features the signature snowflake motif for added grip, and it is form-fitted specifically for the Black Bay 54.
Discover TUDOR at Brufords
At Brufords we are proud to be an Official TUDOR Retailer.
Visit us online or at our showroom situated in The Beacon, Eastbourne where our team of TUDOR watch experts are on-hand to help you choose a watch to last a lifetime.
For more information, and to book an appointment, contact us by telephone on 01323 725452 or click HERE to be directed to our contact form.