Tudor Baselworld 2019 - Trust me, you need to see this in person before you pass judgement...
The first hands-on time with the Tudor Black Bay P01 from Baselworld 2019 is here...
Year on year three of the most talked about releases at Baselworld is from the likes of Rolex, Patek Philippe and Tudor. If you love or hate those brands, you can't deny the buzz that is created around them as people eagerly refresh each brands Instagram accounts for news on the latest releases. Last year we had the Black Bay 58, a very safe smart move for Tudor. Likewise with the GMT, however this year we have something bold, brave and equally as impactful.
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Attending the press conference this year at Baselworld, Tudor efficiently worked through releases such as the Black Bay Chrono S&G, the new Black Bay Bronze (love this one) and of course the new S&G Black Bay 32,36 and 41. Last but not least was the P01's turn.
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
One very emotionally connecting short video later we finally learned about the piece.
The watch itself is based off an early prototype developed in the late 1960s and proposed for the US Navy. Many hardcore collectors and aficionados of both Rolex and Tudor thought the images of the watch and patent for the design were not genuine.
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
However over 50 years later, Tudor finally confirmed it was real with this new release. The watch comes in at 42mm in width, 200m water resistance and fitted to a rubber strap with a leather top. 2019 also marks the start of a new patent which covers Tudor for the 12-hour bezel locking mechanism.
How does it really wear on the wrist?
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Many opinions online are along the lines on it being a very odd looking, not very wearable watch that looks out of place. After a good 10 - 15 mins with the watch I'm pleased to report that is simply not the case. The watch genuinely feels remarkable wearable on the wrist.
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
Sure, it may look a little out of place with my navy blazer, however, the construction, the strap, the dial and mainly the bezel locking system is a pleasure to look at. Locking and unlocking the bezel feels so intuitive. After unlocking and then locking the bezel once, it felt like the most natural process.
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
The lume on the hands and indices are a very very slight cream colour which is matching the date window, also in the same tone.
The Tudor P01 is 3,750 CHF and will be available July 2019 (Tudor, in fact, addressed the availability in the press conference saying models have already started being delivered to retailers earlier in the year, time will tell if we see these watches on the wrists of collectors in the summer).
The Tudor P01 Black Bay Diver Baselworld 2019 - Image credit: WatchGecko Online Magazine
If you're in the market for a unique well built Tudor watch with a crazy look and a great story behind it, this is the one for you. Even if you're not interested in the watch, check it out before passing judgment, you won't regret it.
Find out more about Tudor's latest releases here.
Stay tuned to the Online Magazine and our social media for more of the latest releases and further coverage of Baselworld.
