TUDOR unveils an exclusive Black Bay Chrono boutique edition
Introducing the never-before-seen TUDOR Blue.
Fans of Billie Eilish might already know how the song goes. To appropriate the lyrics from her song, Blue, one of TUDOR’s classics previously articulated in black and white is now expressed in blue. TUDOR Blue to be precise.
The new Black Bay Chrono “Blue” Boutique Edition thrives in the liminal space between practicality and luxury. Thanks to the fluidity of its convergent design, it sits sleekly in the intersection between the two overlapping spheres of motorsports and diving. Both elements have played an outsized role in TUDOR’s identity as a watchmaking icon.
The Maison’s maiden dive watch surfaced in 1954, with the Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 setting the stage for the brand’s continuous endeavours in producing cutting-edge diving watches. That watch still resonates today, with the year of its birth referenced in the Black Bay 54 collection.
On the other hand, since 1970 when TUDOR launched its first-ever mechanical manually wound model, the Oysterdate chronograph, it has imprinted itself in the consciousness of watch collectors as a chronograph maker to be reckoned with. TUDOR’s repute lies not only in design prowess but also in a commitment to elevating the brand’s watchmaking savoir-faire. The summative Black Bay Chrono “Blue” Boutique Edition is the perfect illustration.
Encased in a 41 mm case of 316L stainless steel, the new timepiece references the famous “Snowflake” hands, a motif that has been part of the brand’s dive watches since 1969. A vintage touch is imparted by the blue domed dial, ornamented with a pair of scalloped silver sub-counters. This mise-en-scène is inspired by the first generation of TUDOR chronographs, in particular with these details: the 45-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a date aperture positioned at 6 o’clock.
Sportiness is amplified with the addition of a fixed bezel in stainless steel complete with a tachymetric scale insert in blue anodised aluminium. The timepiece is waterproof to 200 metres.
The raison d’être of this timepiece is the astute choice of colour. Horology has always had a love affair with blue. Its importance is comparable to black in fashion. An enduring colour that doesn’t fade out of style, but unlike black, blue can be rendered in a million ways. It is part of TUDOR’s repertoire, going as far back in time as these collector favourites: “Montecarlo” Oysterdate Chronograph and “Snowflake” Submariner. The Black Bay Chrono “Blue” Boutique Edition is a contemporary spiritual successor. This distinctive iteration of blue is a first for TUDOR. For that, perhaps the definitive descriptor “blue” may not even fully encapsulate the pioneering tone radiated by this latest creation.
Unique colour aside, the Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT5813 serves as the sinews of this advanced timepiece. It provides ample torque to power the model’s hour, minute, second, chronograph and date functions. With an impressive 70-hour power reserve and a non-magnetic silicon balance spring, the movement possesses the brilliant finishing expected of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres. The rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, while its bridges and mainplate have alternate sand-blasted and polished surfaces with eye-catching laser decorations.
More than that, while the movement is certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), its precision exceeds the prescribed standards set by the body. Where the COSC permits -4/+6 seconds of variation per day in an uncased movement, TUDOR goes a step further by narrowing its acceptable variation to -2/+4 seconds a day on the completely assembled watch.
The modern 4Hz movement is enriched with a column wheel mechanism and vertical clutch to ensure the chronograph functions can be activated instantaneously and operated smoothly. Although tactility can’t be measured in a traditional sense, the responsiveness offered by this innovative mechanism is well appreciated by enthusiasts.
The movement is the fruit of intense research and development, as well as cross pollination with another famed chronograph maker Breitling. A result of lasting collaboration and pooled resources, it is derived from the Chronograph Manufacture Calibre B01 from Breitling, with a high-precision regulating organ developed by TUDOR and exclusive decorative finishes. It represents TUDOR’s watchmaking philosophy, possessing extraordinary robustness and reliability, and guaranteed by the multitude of demanding tests.
Finally, this Black Bay Chrono model is paired with a five-link stainless steel bracelet with TUDOR’s “T-fit” rapid adjustment clasp. The length of the bracelet can be adjusted effortlessly up to 8 mm, without the need for any tool, ensuring it can secure any wrist size comfortably. The clasp also features ceramic ball bearings that imbue a satisfying tactile and aural element to the lifting and closing of the clasp. This timepiece is delivered with a five-year transferable guarantee with no registration or periodic maintenance checks required. It is available at TUDOR boutiques worldwide.
