This latest “Blue” version of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono could be one of the last iterations of this timepiece model before Tudor updates this collection. I have long anticipated Tudor to develop a new chronograph model to offer a lower-priced alternative to the mega-popular Rolex Daytona (which is thinner and smaller). The Black Bay Chrono was never intended to be an analog to the Daytona, as its focus was offering a chronograph version of the Black Bay retro diver’s-style watch. It may have retro looks but also has modern sizing proportions. Tudor has had comparatively few chronograph models during its recent history, which had to do with a lack of a suitable movement. The movement inside of this watch is known as the Tudor caliber MT5813 but is actually a caliber it licensed from Breitling (the Caliber B01). This worked out well because the B01 is a pretty good movement, and Tudor even cross-licensed one of its movements for use in Breitling watches — a simpler three-hand movement that Breitling continues to use in its Superocean Heritage II models. My suspicion is that Tudor’s in-house movement production facility has been working on its own chronograph. We will see where Tudor chronographs go next. For now, we have the Tudor Black Black Chrono in Blue.
Am I the only one who wants this watch to be called the Blue Bay Chrono? I just think it is amusing when a color is both the name of a product collection and a part of the model family. Surely, someone must agree, since this watch actually contains no black on it. I bring this up to remark on how important color is to a watch’s success these days. Prior to the launch of the Black Bay Chrono Blue, Tudor had incredible success with the previous (limited-run) version of the Black Bay Chrono, which was the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Pink. Come to think of it, “Pink Bay” doesn’t have as nice a ring to it, even though that was one fun timepiece model.
Blue is a great conservative alternative to black or silver. Rather than being a “wild” color, blue is decidedly classic in its appeal, at this point. This reference M79360B Black Bay Chrono Blue dial features a blue face and blue anodized aluminum bezel, with silver subdials that match the steel tones on the dial and the slightly lighter applications of luminous material on the hands and hour markers. Silver and blue is a great color combination overall, and that is really the chromatic focus of this version of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue timepiece.
On the wrist, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is 41mm wide, but rather thick at 14.4mm. However, the under 50mm long lug-to-lug distance makes it very wearable. The case is water resistant to 200 meters (with a screw-down crown and chronograph pushers) and has a box-style sapphire crystal over the dial. Again, the overall look and materials employed in the design are very retro sport watch-inspired, but the movement, sizing, and construction quality are all very modern. Note that this particular watch is a pre-production prototype model that has been heavily handled. Retail versions of the Black Bay Chrono Blue will be more pristine in their cosmetics. Tudor, in general, has a great reputation for overall quality, and that is most best evidenced by the excellent steel case finishing and presentation.
The MT5813 automatic movement derived from Breitling might be thick, but it really is one of the best modern chronograph movements in production. It operates at 4Hz with 70 hours of power reserve, and is COSC Chronometer-certified for accuracy. In this form, the movement features the time, a 45-minute chronograph (helpful for measuring soccer/football games), and a date indicator window placed symmetrically at the 6 o’clock position on the face. I think it’s time for Tudor to come out with a three-register chronograph again, so we will see what the Swiss brand has in store for us shortly.
The Jubilee-style matching steel bracelet has an elegant taper and closes with an excellent locking deployant clasp. Tudor uses a small comfort-adjust feature that allows the bracelet to be loosened a bit — a helpful feature, for sure, especially for those living in warmer, more humid places where wrists can expand and contract in size depending on the climate and the wearer’s body. Overall, this is a very attractive and well-made daily-wear sports watch with a conservative character and masculine appeal. Some people want Tudor to come out with a thinner chronograph that uses a ceramic or other modern bezel material, and as I said, I have a feeling they will not need to wait too many years for such a watch. However, I don’t think it will be a direct replacement for the Black Bay Chrono, as this is a very specific and fun model family that has released some really cool pieces over the years.
Price-wise, Tudor also wins here because, compared to much of the competition, the Black Bay Chrono feels like a good deal even though it retails for over $5,000. We are now in an era when a chronograph with a more interesting movement from a major luxury watchmaker can easily cost $8,000 and up (way up). Tudor has always tried to offer a much more compelling value proposition than sister-brand Rolex, and models like this are a great example of that. What are your thoughts about this blue-themed version of Tudor’s chronograph? Apparently, it’s only available at Tudor brand boutiques. Price for the reference M79360B Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue is $5,675 USD. Learn more at the Tudor Watch website.
