Watches and Wonders 2021: These beauties are just precious. Literally!
Over the past few years Tudor has gone from strength to strength, firmly establishing itself as one of the best entry-level luxury brands on the market. The Black Bay line remains the dominant collection of the brand, with all but one release falling under its banner.
Interestingly this year sees Tudor branch out into precious metals, with two new Black Bay 58’s made in silver and gold. There’s also two new chronographs, and a new dial option for it’s Black Bay 32/36/41 line. Anyway, let’s get down to looking at each new release in a bit more detail...
The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono
The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono - Image Credit: Tudor
To celebrate 50 years of Tudor chronographs, the brand has updated the Black Bay chrono for 2021. You now have the choice of two dial options- either a black dial with white sub-dials, or a white dial with black sub-dials. The movement has been reconfigured in order to slim the case down to 14.9mm, which isn’t too bad for an automatic chronograph with a domed crystal. Just like the Steel & Gold Chrono before it, these new Black Bay Chronos feature an anodized aluminium bezel with a tachymeter scale. Meanwhile, the dial combines a dual-register chronograph with the standard Black Bay dial markers and snowflake handset.
The Black Bay Chrono is offered on either a riveted steel bracelet, a leather strap or a fabric strap, all of which are standard options for the Black Bay.
Powering the watch is Tudor’s own Calibre MT5813 automatic movement. This impressive calibre boasts a hefty 70 hour power reserve, an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, and it’s COSC certified to be accurate to -4/+6 seconds per day.
The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono - Image Credit: Tudor
Specifications
Reference: 79360N
Case width: 41mm
Thickness: 14.9mm
Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5813
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph with 45 minute timer, date.
Power reserve: 70 Hours
Case: Stainless steel
Water-resistance: 200m
Dial: Black with white sub-dials or white with black sub-dials.
Strap: Riveted 316L steel bracelet with polished and satin finish, black leather strap with removable bund with folding clasp and safety catch, or black fabric strap with buckle.
Price: £3,900 on the steel bracelet
Availability: Available from all Tudor authorized dealers.
The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono - Image Credit: Tudor
First Thoughts
These new Black Bay Chronos are the first of several interesting Tudor releases this year. The choice to offer the watch with both a panda, and a reverse panda, dial is one that’s sure to make these watches hot sellers. They do what Tudor are best at, which is treading that fine line between vintage and contemporary aesthetics. However, with a retail price of just under £4,000, these face stiff competition from the Omega Speedmaster.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 18K
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 18K - Image Credit: Tudor
Now we come to probably the most “out-there” of Tudor’s new releases. The new Black Bay 58 18K takes the wildly popular 39mm dive watch, and gives it a case made from solid 18ct. gold. This isn’t as gaudy as it sounds though, as Tudor gave the metal a brushed finish, making its appearance closer to that of a bronze watch. In another first for Tudor, the watch features a display caseback, that allows you to view the Calibre MT5400 movement.
As you can see the dial and aluminium bezel insert are now a striking green. There are many colours that would go well with the gold case, but green offers a unique combination that makes a bold statement. Furthermore, the hands and markers are also made from 18ct. gold, ensuring a seamless match of tones across the whole watch.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 18K - Image Credit: Tudor
Specifications
Reference: 79018V
Case width: 39mm
Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5400
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: 70 Hours
Case: 18ct Yellow gold
Water-resistance: 200m
Dial: Matte green
Strap: Brown alligator strap with 18ct yellow gold buckle, and a complimentary green fabric strap with gold-coloured band and 18ct yellow gold buckle.
Price: £12,610
Availability: Available from all Tudor authorized dealers.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 18K - Image Credit: Tudor
First Thoughts
Well, this is quite an unexpected move from Tudor in my opinion. Until now the Black Bay line has offered up some pretty grounded tool watch designs, but making the Black Bay 58 in solid gold takes the line in a completely different direction. However, when you watch Tudor’s marketing video for this year’s releases it is apparent that they’re marketing these watches at a more casual lifestyle-orientated audience, rather than serious watch nerds like you and me.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 925
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 925 - Image Credit: Tudor
Next up is Tudor’s second precious metal release - the new Black Bay 58 925. Whereas the last release was made from gold, the 925 has a solid silver case. The dial and bezel are taupe in colour, which gives the watch an appearance reminiscent of vintage ghost bezel submariners.
Other than the different case material and colour, the Black Bay 58 925 is identical in size and specification to the Black Bay 58 18K. The Black Bay 58 925 also features a display case back, through which the MT5400 movement can be viewed.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 925 - Image Credit: Tudor
Specifications
Reference: 79010SG
Case width: 39mm
Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5400
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: 70 Hours
Case: 925 Silver
Water-resistance: 200m
Dial: Taupe
Strap: Brown grain leather strap or taupe fabric strap with silver band, with 925 silver buckle.
Price: £3,230
Availability: Available from all Tudor authorized dealers.
The New Tudor Black Bay 58 925 - Image Credit: Tudor
First Thoughts
I think the Black Bay 58 925 is a better looking piece than the solid gold version. The gray colour scheme is one that you don’t see often on a watch, and it’s a cool and unusual choice on Tudor’s part. The watch is also pretty reasonably priced at £3,230, which isn’t much more than the steel models which retail for £2,760.
The New Tudor Black Bay 32/36/41 Silver Dial
The New Tudor Black Bay 32/36/41 Silver Dial - Image Credit: Tudor
The penultimate release is a subtle addition to the steel bezel Black Bay 32/36/41 line. Designed for both men and women, the Black Bay 41, 36 and 32 models retain the aesthetics of the Black Bay line, particularly the characteristic angular “Snowflake” hands, but offer a more refined sports watch that effortlessly adapts to both formal & casual occasions.
This latest addition to the line simply adds a silver sunburst dial to the watch. It’s a simple change, but one that completely changes the look and feel of the whole piece.
Specifications
Reference: 79540 (41mm), 79500 (36mm), 79580 (32mm)
Case width: 41mm, 36mm, or 32mm
Movement: Tudor Calibre T600
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: 38 Hours
Case: Stainless steel
Water-resistance: 150m
Dial: Sunburst silver
Strap: Steel bracelet with satin finish, or brown leather strap with folding clasp and safety catch, or black fabric strap with buckle.
Price: £2,130 for the 32mm, £2,210 for the 36mm, and £2,290 for the 41mm, on steel bracelets.
Availability: Available from all Tudor authorized dealers.
The New Tudor Black Bay 32/36/41 Silver Dial - Image Credit: Tudor
First Thoughts
I think that like the rest of the steel bezel Black Bays, this release will fly under the radar. Which is a real shame, because I actually really like it. It’s a simple addition to the range, but fills a nice niche, as does the 32/36/41 range in general. These are great alternatives for anyone looking for an affordable alternative to a Rolex Explorer.
The New Tudor 1926 Opaline White Dial
The New Tudor 1926 Opaline White Dial - Image Credit: Tudor
Lastly, Tudor have added an opaline white dial to their 1926 range. The 1926 collection serves as an entry-level collection for Tudor, and the pricing on the collection starts at just £1,270. The design is classically vintage, and really evokes the era of the 1920's.
Specifications
Reference: M91650
Case width: Available in 28, 36, 39, and 41mm
Movement: Tudor Calibre T601
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, and date
Power reserve: 38 Hours
Case: Stainless steel
Water-resistance: 100m
Dial: White
Strap: Brown leather strap.
Price: Varies depending on size and strap option.
Availability: Available from all Tudor authorized dealers.
Final Thoughts
Overall Tudor’s new releases are an interesting bunch. On the one hand they’ve played it safe by adding even more models to the Black Bay line. On the other hand they’ve been adventurous by making not one, but two precious metal diver watches. I think that on the whole these are a good range of new models. The brand needs to appeal to both the traditional hardcore fans, and capture a new audience, and I think these new models will do just that.
To find out more be sure to head over to the Tudor site here.
