A decade of Tudor Black Bay
The origins of the Black Bay collection
Ten years ago, just before Baselworld 2012, Tudor presented yet another watch inspired by the brand's great classics: the Black Bay Ref. 79220R. A clear homage to the Submariner launched by the Geneva manufacturer in 1954. Featuring a 41 mm steel case, big crown, oyster bracelet or aged leather strap - with an additional NATO strap - and black dial with the emblematic snowflake hands. The unidirectional bezel with 60-minute scale featured a bold burgundy red (which corresponds to the letter R[ouge] in the reference).
In 2014, the reference with the blue bezel 79220B(leu) was launched, followed in 2015 by the 79220N(oir). The original Black Bay trilogy was thus closed with these watches known among collectors as the "Smiley Face" due to the layout of the "self-winding" lettering on the dial base.
Although this was a neo-vintage watch in terms of design, the manufacturing techniques, reliability, robustness and quality of its finishing met the most stringent requirements. And while the Black Bay initially came equipped with the ETA-2824 movement, this would be replaced in 2016 by a in-house calibre, with the corresponding text on the dial "OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED CHRONOMETER"
Black Bay today
Since then there have been several releases in this collection: Bronze, 36, Chronograph, S&G, 58 Black, GMT, 32, Chronograph S&G, P01, 58 Navy Blue, 18K, 925, Ceramic, Chronograph Panda, among others.
Currently, the case of the Black Bay 31, 36, 39 and 41 S&G models is a sophisticated and curved version of the famous Black Bay aesthetic. With polished and concave sides in all available sizes, its soft silhouette is accentuated by a new curved crown. In addition to its alluring curves, the polished yellow gold of the bezel and crown is a first for the Black Bay line, as the precious metals used to date were exclusively brushed and satin finished to achieve a matte finish. A diamond-set bezel option is also available for sizes 31, 36 and 39, an elegant detail that enhances the brilliance of the watch on the wrist.
The power reserve of the large and medium TUDOR Manufacture Calibres is "weekend proof", of around 70 hours. This allows you to take the watch off on a Friday night and put it back on the following Monday morning without having to set it. As for the Manufacture Calibre MT5201 (from the small movement family), the power reserve is approximately 50 hours.
At the most recent edition of Watches & Wonders, new models were presented, of which we highlight the Black Bay Pro, an entirely new model with two time zones. The iconic Black Bay GMT model is now available in an S&G (Steel & Gold) version and features warm colours and a vintage touch. A root beer that is already a success among the brand fans.
The Black Bay Chrono also has three new S&G (Steel & Gold) models, with Panda dial, available with steel and gold bracelet, brown leather or black fabric.
A busy year for Black Bay celebrating a decade of success.