Given the runaway success of the line among enthusiasts and the vast array of models in the series, it can be easy to forget that the Tudor Black Bay nameplate is only a little over a decade old, having first been launched in 2012. As the line moves deeper into its second decade, however, the brand is eager to upgrade its cornerstone collection, and for 2023 the brand launches its third-generation iteration of the original burgundy-bezel design. The new Tudor Black Bay may look much like its predecessor, but this design has been substantially updated inside and out, with a new Master Chronometer movement, a slimmer case profile, and a suite of new strap options.
Specifications
Brand: Tudor
Model: Black Bay
Dimensions: 41mm-wide
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Case Material: Stainless steel/Aluminum bezel
Strap/Bracelet: Stainless steel three-link T-fit bracelet/stainless steel five-link T-fit bracelet/black rubber T-fit strap
Crystal/Lens: Sapphire crystal
Movement: Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U METAS certified Master Chronometer automatic movement
Power Reserve: 70 hours
Operating Frequency: 28,800 bph
Price & Availability: Starting at $4,125 USD, available now
The new Tudor Black Bay carries on the original model’s 41mm-wide case diameter and general shape, but there are significant changes to this stainless steel case design. As a start, the rather tall polished vertical case sides of the previous Black Bay have been made substantially slimmer for the new generation (although Tudor does not give exact figures on how much thinner it actually is). There are a number of other visual tweaks here, most notably the crown, which takes on a more aggressively toothed look, and now sits flush with the case side to eliminate the Black Bay’s distinctive red crown tube. The bezel matches the new sawtooth pattern of the crown, but keeps the now-classic burgundy red aluminum dive insert fully intact for a tweaked, but familiar look in photos. In terms of water resistance, the new Black Bay matches its predecessors with a dive-ready 200 meter rating.
Like the case, the dial of the new Tudor Black Bay is all about preserving the familiar look with subtle new refinements. As a start, the black dial surface now has a new, subtle sunburst finish, giving the design a touch more flash than previous iterations in images. Although the gilt dial hardware and snowflake handset are familiar Black Bay staples by this point, this next-generation Black Bay adds a gently domed dial surface and a striking new line of test at 6 o’clock – “Master Chronometer.” This is the only outward clue to the Black Bay’s new movement, and blends in nicely to the familiar layout in photos.
Inside the new Tudor Black Bay beats the manufacture Calibre MT5602-U automatic movement. Like the MT5602-1U that appeared inside the Black Bay Ceramic Master Chronometer, this movement has been rated by independent certification group METAS as meeting the exacting Master Chronometer standard for accuracy (listed at 0/+5 seconds per day) after completing the standard COSC chronometer certification. On top of this double certification, the MT5602-U offers 15,000 gauss of magnetic resistance, a silicon balance spring, a variable inertia balance, a 70 hour power reserve, and a 28,800 bph beat rate. Tudor finishes this movement with an interesting laser-engraved sunray motif across the plates and bridges, augmented by a sunburst brushed skeleton rotor.
One of the largest updates to the new Tudor Black Bay is its new strap selection. All three strap options now come equipped with the brand’s popular T-Fit rapid adjustment clasp, with 8mm of adjustability. The familiar three-link “faux rivet” oyster bracelet in stainless steel forms the backbone of this new strap collection, keeping the Black Bay’s overall look in line with its predecessors in images. The available five-link “Jubilee” bracelet in stainless steel brings a brighter, dressier energy to the design in images, thanks to its brightly polished center links. For a sportier, more contemporary look, Tudor also offers a deployant strap in black rubber, with a central ridged design and steel endlinks reminiscent of big brother Rolex’s popular Oysterflex strap.
Although the Black Bay family continues to grow and diversify, Tudor has not neglected the model that started it all, and the new Tudor Black Bay points toward a bright future for the line with subtle visual updates, a robust new movement, and an overall look that respects the legacy of the series. The new Tudor Black Bay is available now through authorized dealers. Starting MSRP for the Tudor Black Bay stands at $4,125 USD as of press time. For more information, please visit the brand’s website.
