Redesigning the emblematic diving watch: Introducing the new TUDOR Black Bay
Redesigning the emblematic diving watch: Introducing the new TUDOR Black Bay
The original TUDOR Black Bay first launched in 2012 and was given the Manufacture Calibre treatment in 2016. Now it is offered in a third evolution cementing the aesthetic and technical future of the line.
Alongside the third-generation Black Bay with burgundy bezel, this new iteration features a monochromatic look with an inky black dial and applied rhodium-plated hour markers and hands for a modern aesthetic.
Named Black Bay, this emblematic design in the TUDOR collection is another example of the brand's expert commands of one of the industry's most demanding standards in terms of chronometry and resistance to magnetic fields. Tested by the Federal Institute of Metrology or METAS, the Black Bay brings together cutting-edge watchmaking technology with design elements inspired by TUDOR's nearly seven-decade heritage of making robust professional diving watches.
With the introduction of this brand-new Black Bay, TUDOR has successfully submitted yet another model for tests to obtain Master Chronometer certification. This status, offered by a Swiss government body, METAS, requires a substantial number of changes to a regular TUDOR Manufacture Calibre and comes as an independent confirmation of the exceptional quality of the TUDOR watches.
Comprehensive Independent Certifications & High Standards
METAS Master Chronometer certification is comprehensive and covers the main functional characteristics of a watch including precision, resistance to magnetic fields, waterproofness and power reserve. Its standards are incredibly high, starting with precision.
In order to qualify, a watch must be able to function within a 5-second range of variation each day (0/+5), that is to say 5 seconds less than the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) (-4/+6) carried out on uncased movements and a second less than TUDOR's internal standard (-2/+4), which is applied to the brand's models with a Manufacture Calibre.
The certification also guarantees the timekeeping accuracy of a watch subjected to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Finally, it also guarantees the waterproofness claimed by the manufacturer as well as the power reserve.
It should also be noted that two perquisites are necessary before the certification can be obtained: Swiss manufacturing must conform with the criteria of Swiss Made, and the movement must be certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
Emblematic Look
The Black Bay remains one of TUDOR's most recognised and recognisable models. In its latest iteration, the case keeps the original proportions of a 41mm case with a thinner profile. The unidirectional rotatable bezel offers very prehensible sides and its insert shows subtly curved numerals aligning with the outline of the outer ring. However, the aesthetic details don't stop at the case dimensions and bezel.
The seconds hand recalls the look of the early diving watches of the brand with a lollipop design, while the satin black dial is softly radial-brushed for a very subtle shine under direct light. Ergonomics have evolved as well, with a redesigned crown, reminiscent of the curves found on the crowns of the brand's historical technical watches, that is set flush to the middle case band so that its tube is not visible.
Stainless Steel Bracelets of Rubber Strap, All With "T-Fit"
The new Black Bay comes fitted with either an entirely satin-brushed 3-link stainless steel bracelet, five-oval-shaped-link brushed and polished bracelet also in steel, or cut-to-size black rubber strap.
All are 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 wearers to carry out a fine, instant adjustment of the total length of the bracelet along an adjustment window or 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.
TUDOR Watches at Brufords
At Brufords, we are proud to be an Official TUDOR Retailer. Visit us online or in-store at The Beacon, Eastbourne where our dedicated team of TUDOR experts are on hand to help you choose a TUDOR watch to last a lifetime.