This year TUDOR have appeared with a collection of new Black Bays in different colours and more contemporary sizes.
Building on the success of the original models it is clear from their high end advertising that the company are making a definitive effort to pull away from their classic Rolex connections and grab the attention of a younger and more dynamic audience.
2023 Black Bay 41
Black Bay 41 - TUDOR
We begin with the new RED Black Bay 41. Available on two different steel bracelets or a rubber strap this watch may look like a Black Bay but its familiar exterior hides a number of changes. The 2023 Black Bay with a burgundy (red) bezel features important technical and aesthetic developments such as the new “T-fit” clasp. It is also Master Chronometer-certified by METAS.
METAS Master Chronometer certification is more demanding than COSC requiring watches to display less than a 5-second range of variation each day along with high anti-magnetic properties. This level grants the watch Master Chronometer status.
Black Bay 41 - TUDOR
The latest Black Bay Case is in a 41mm stainless steel case with polished and satin finish. Powered by the in-house Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U which offers a 70-hour power reserve. As well as the traditional Oyster style bracelet TUDOR have now introduced a new smart 5 link steel bracelet.
2023 Black Bay 54 37mm
Black Bay 54 37mm - TUDOR
TUDOR presents a new smaller addition to the Black Bay line. In 1954, their reference 7922 Submariner was released and this latest model pays homage to the original iconic watch with a 37mm case and a Manufacture Calibre.
Black Bay 54 37mm - TUDOR
This smaller model is date free (which we really like) and it is powered by the in-house MT5400 movement. The seconds hand has regressed back to the early TUDOR lollipop design and the watch ergonomics have evolved, with a redesigned crown and bezel, both featuring welcome historical proportions. Maybe their best watch of the show!
2023 Black Bay 31/36/39/41
In keeping with more contemporary designs and moving away from 41mm+ dive watches TUDOR brings us a new more rounded Black Bay case, in four sizes, which is aesthetically far less "tool watch".
Black Bay 31/36/39/41 - TUDOR
By their very size these watches are unisex although the smallest dimension models are less likely to appeal to those of us with large wrists. All Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models are available on a five-link bracelet in 316L steel and come with a robust clasp in 316L steel with the TUDOR “T-fit” rapid adjustment system for quick size changes. Irrespective of size they are powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5201 (COSC) Self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system which offers a 50 hour power reserve.
Black Bay 31/36/39/41 - TUDOR
There are several dial colours to meet your all fashion needs such as blue, anthracite and champagne.
2023 Black Bay GMT
TUDOR has also added an all-new white dial, called Opaline, that definitely adds a further dimension to the traditional dark colours of the Black Bay GMT. Opaline, TUDOR tell us, is not exactly white, but has a silver hint in it. Almost like pearlescent paint on a car. The theory behind the colour is they are trying to replicate the same hew of metallic white that is so common on commercial aircraft. Pretty clever for a travel watch if you ask us!
Black Bay GMT - TUDOR
Second time zones are indicated by a red “Snowflake” GMT hand, TUDOR's aesthetic hallmark, which rotates around the dial in 24 hours, as well as a bidirectional rotatable bezel that is also calibrated for 24 hours. The twelve daylight hours are printed on the burgundy (red) section and the night hours on blue. With a steel case, 41mm in diameter, the GMT model is waterproof to 200 metres and designed to withstand the all elements as you circumnavigate the globe.
Black Bay GMT - TUDOR
The GMT is powered by a Manufacture Calibre MT5652 (COSC) self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours.
And last but not least….
2023 TUDOR ROYAL
With the new TUDOR ROYAL we have an integrated metal bracelet, notched or diamond-set bezel and automatic movement. The name Royal harks back to early TUDORs from the 1950s.
TUDOR Royal
TUDOR has expanded the dial range to include radial-brushed salmon and chocolate brown dials that may challenge but offer an unique visual aesthetic. Applied Roman numeral hour markers are available on all dials to add to the sophisticated imagery.
TUDOR Royal
The ROYAL is available from a small 28mm right up to a full size 41mm, with larger models additionally offering a date complication.
WatchGecko first observations:
With more and more of us considering whether to buy a vintage TUDOR Oyster Prince as opposed to a basic steel Rolex there is always a bit of a buzz around this brand. Lets be honest, there is arguably less innovation with TUDOR than Rolex this year, with one Black Bay looking a lot like another, but that doesn't stop the brand being a lot cooler than Rolex. It’s an image they are working hard to cultivate. Have a look on their website at the factory promo video which looks more like Microsoft HQ.
For once a lack of innovation is understandable. TUDOR can’t do anything wrong just now so why upset the apple cart. The new releases are superb and certainly evolve the Black Bay range for a more refined generation. The 37mm especially will be a sure success with both male and female buyers. It’s the prefect size for everyone and still manages to pull off the look of a vintage Submariner from a bygone era. Its pretty hard to think of a reason not to buy one. In luxury watch terms they are not even that expensive with the ROYAL range starting sub-£2000 so you should be able to get one quickly.
The Opaline GMT will sell equally well and our only reservation is whether the smallest ROYAL look a little too much like a ladies Omega Constellation?
