Tudor has found creative inspiration for the visual elements of the Black Bay Steel from its history, which dates back to 1954. Unlike an obvious and identical re-edition of classics, this model subtly combines key aesthetics from the glorious past with modern day watchmaking and wishes.
In this version, Black Bay nostalgic lines and proportions are retained, while the disc of the rotating bezel is created from steel and circular satin-brushed for a matt appearance, embracing the identity of the Tudor divers’ watch. The result is impressive, and the Black Bay Steel has found its own, unique style in 41mm size.
In terms of design, the new Black Bay Steel is the same Black Bay you know and love, but in its own character. For example, this is the first time the Black Bay has ever featured a date window, which is set at three o'clock.
Additionally, attention to details is once again mastered with the screw-down oversized crown which features the black lacquered rose. There is even an inverted red triangle on the bezel throwing back to the earliest Tudor Subs and adding a vintage feel.
As you’d imagine, the Tudor signature and shield are positioned at 12 o’clock. Dial text at 6 o’clock is also slightly different, with “200m: 660ft” printed in red above “Chronometer Officially Certified” in white, speaking to the impressive MT5612 caliber oscillating within. A more sophisticated bracelet construction also makes its debut here, with its riveted details.
In addition to this Tudor also adds some beautiful dial elements that vintage collectors cherish, as for example the gilded indexes or the famous snowflake hands. The watch is powered by Tudor’s in-house MT5612. It is a self-winding movement, featuring a date indicator and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours – a high-performance calibre of superb precision and proven robustness.
Besides the steel bracelet, Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel comes with a desirable leather strap. Also, both versions are coming with the casual fabric strap as well. It is no surprise, because Tudor is often perceived as a trendsetter in the watch industry, and the fabric strap is a good example of this. Woven in a traditional style in France, Tudor's fabric straps have become one of the brand's characteristic features.
"Unique heritage"
The distinctive visual appearance, which we know today, come from the pioneer's divers watches. The prominent winding crown is a feature of the famous reference from exactly half a century ago – the first Tudor wristwatch to be waterproof to 200 meters. The line of red text and the characteristic angular hands on the dial are the timeless details which even today touch the emotions and intensify the pleasure of wearing Tudor watch.
"Autonomy and reliability"
Self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system, calibre 5612, is a paragon of autonomy and reliability. Its power reserve of approximately 70 hours means that its wearer can, for example, take off the watch on Friday evening and put it on again on Monday morning without having to wind it. Beating to a frequency of 28,800 beats/hour or 4Hz, this movement also promotes improved resistance to shocks and vibrations. The movement is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
"The watch is powered by Tudor’s in-house MT5612. It is a self-winding COSC-certified movement, featuring a date indicator and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours."
The 41mm steel case with a mix of vintage and modern elements, excellent diving capacity, a dial that recalls the nostalgic Tudor's diving watches and respectable in-house movement is the perfect companion for the modern man with active lifestyle.