This year, at Watches & Wonders 2024, Tudor focused on expanding the original Black Bay line. Initially launched in 2012, the Black Bay has undergone three generations of evolution. In this year’s Watches & Wonders 2024, Tudor introduced the latest iteration of the third generation: the new Black Bay 7941A1A0NU. It features a new monochrome look, available with a 3-link or 5-link bracelet, or a rubber strap, and is certified by the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS). Each year, Tudor unveils some of the most anticipated watches, and this year is no exception. The new monochrome release harkens back to the original Tudor Submariner color-way, which is also similar to modern-day Rolex Submariners. This offering should satisfy Tudor enthusiasts’ desires.
The case is the traditional Black Bay 41mm case, featuring a polished and satin finish, with a 21mm lug width. The case thickness measures 13.6mm, with a lug-to-lug length of 50mm. The bezel is ink black with silvery numbers. One great addition to the Tudor brand has been the choice of bracelets/straps they offer. Just like last year, Tudor provides options including a stainless steel satin-finished 3-link rivet bracelet, a satin and polished 5-link bracelet, or a cut-to-fit rubber strap, all equipped with the comfortable Tudor T-Fit rapid micro-adjustment clasp. The watch also features the Black Bay’s signature rose logo screw-down big crown. With a water resistance of 200m, you can seamlessly transition from the office to the beach.
The dial is a radial-brushed inky black, with silver applied markers. The iconic snowflake hands, dating back to 1969, are, of course, present, filled with Grade A Super-LumiNova. The silver and white lume offer a modern twist to the vintage look of the Black Bay. The lollipop seconds hand sweeps across the dial. One thing to note, for which I thank Tudor, is how they have continued to remove the wall of text on the dial. While I enjoyed the old “smiley dials,” Tudor got a little carried away with information on the dial. In recent years, they’ve been keeping just two lines: water resistance and master chronometer. I could do without the chronometer line, but then would this be a modern “Two Liner” then?
Powering the Black Bay is the Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U, METAS certified. To be METAS certified, they require a Master-Chronometer-certified (COSC) watch to be within a tolerance range of 5 seconds, to be antimagnetic up to 15,000 gauss, and to guarantee the manufacturer’s waterproofness (200m for the Black Bay) and power reserve (70hrs for this Black Bay). This certification makes these movements true workhorse movements, especially at their price point.
The new monochrome Black Bay truly sparks joy in me. It reminds me of a Tudor Submariner or a 14060. This is my favorite release of the Black Bay in a while, and for those seeking the monochrome look of the Submariner, I can see them gravitating towards this model. I am a big fan of the 5-link bracelet, but the 3-link rivet bracelet adds to the vintage feel. While it may not be groundbreaking, it fulfills a demand from collectors. Tudor seems to be quite receptive to the preferences of the masses, delivering what they want over time. Although the new Black Bay 58 GMT may have stolen the spotlight this year, I believe this release is right behind it. The monochrome Black Bay is available this month, priced at $4,550 USD (Reference# 7941A1A0NU-003) for the 5-link bracelet, $4,435 USD (Reference# 7941A1A0NU-001) for the 3-link bracelet, and $4,225 USD (Reference# 7941A1A0NU-002) for the cut-to-fit black rubber strap with endlinks. For more information, please visit Tudor’s website.
