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THE TUDOR BLACK BAY RANGE EXPLAINED

With all of the new Tudor releases over the last 5 years or so, the Black Bay collection has massively grown to the point it can be quite confusing. They have even changed the names of certain lines to. Tudor introduced the Black Bay in 2012 and it was designed as a modern reinterpretation of Tudor’s vintage dive watches, especially those from the 1950s and 60s. Some signature design codes have been carried through the whole collection which has allowed it to expand as big as it has. That’s why today we are going to take a quick look at all the models that sit within the Black Bay range to help you understand how the range is built.

In terms of key design traits that are characteristic of the Black Bay line, you cannot start anywhere else other than their famous Snowflake hands. They are bold, the angular “snowflake” hour hand is such an iconic design but also serves the purpose to be very legible and immediately recognizable. All of Tudor’s Black Bay models have a domed dial and crystal to give the watch more depth and a certain amount of vintage charm. All the crystals used on the watches are sapphire, but with a shape recalling the old plexiglass style. The oversized “big crown” is another famous design which pays a nice little tribute to early Tudor Submariners, easier grip, vintage look. In order to be considered part of the Black Bay line it must have 200 meters of water resistance as this line is built to be worn and used in almost all scenarios you could find yourself in. Tudor has shifted since 2016 to using its own manufacture calibres in the Black Bay line, improving power reserves, accuracy, and heritage value.

Before going into all the models themselves, to avoid repeating ourselves for every model Tudor has rolled out some new upgrades to all, or at least most, of the watches in the Black Bay line. Some Black Bay models, especially the newer ones (including some of the ceramic ones, and some “U” models) have obtained METAS certification, meaning stricter precision, magnetic resistance. The new T-Fit clasp is Tudor’s new and more ergonomic clasp system that allows easier micro-adjustments on bracelets. Lastly, something they have been doing in recent times is offering the same watch model but in a new material like bronze, more precious metals (gold, silver cases) and ceramics.

Starting with the founding member of the collection we have the Black Bay 41 “standard” diver. It's the original modern Black Bay, introduced in 2012 with 41 mm steel case and 200 m water resistance. As you can imagine it’s got all the bells and whistles like your rotating dive bezel, oversized crown with no crown guards, snowflake hands and domed sapphire crystal. These ones feature the in-house calibre MT5602 with a 70-hour power reserve making them a perfect all-rounder dive watch. You have a large choice between a classic monochrome model, burgundy bezel, two tone or full ceramic model so plenty to choose from! If 41 mm is too small then you can always opt for the Black Bay 68 or Bronze which both come in at 43 mm and made entirely of bronze, definitely a very eye-catching piece.

PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THE ARTICLE

Rubber Strap for Tudor® BLACK BAY 41 Burgundy (Since 2023)

Rubber Strap for Tudor® BLACK BAY 54

Rubber Strap for Tudor® BLACK BAY 58 Blue

Rubber Strap for Tudor® BLACK BAY Chronograph Turquoise Dial

Next up we have the model that revived Tudor all together and was largely responsible for their latest success, and that is of course none other than the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. Sized at 39 mm, it’s a bit thinner and more vintage-proportioned compared to the 41 but big enough to fit and suit most people's wrist size. You can find the same robust specs of 70-hour reserve and 200 meters of water resistance with some of these models featuring the METAS certification, even a GMT movement for their GMT model. Expanded in special materials like bronze, 925 silver, and 18k gold editions you can also choose between the 5 and 3 link bracelets too. For those wanting an explorer’s watch to go caving, skiing or hiking with, then the Black Bay Pro is the one for you. It has the same compact 39 mm case but with a fixed steel 24-hour bezel that can be used in conjunction with the GMT hand to track a second time zone.

Rubber Strap for Tudor® BLACK BAY FIFTY-EIGHT Black Rubber Straps ZEALANDE

Pilots made the GMT watch mega popular back in the 1980s so it should come as no surprise that Tudor created their own Black Bay GMT. With its 41 mm case and bidirectional rotating 24-hour bezel, it certainly stands out compared to all the others. Its classic “Pepsi” red-blue bezel gives it that splash of colour and either their black or white dial makes for a nice contrast with the bezel. Tudor does offer the “coke” combination in red-black but that is only available on the Black Bay 58 GMT.

Moving on to the dressier members of the line, we have the Tudor Black Bay Chronograph and One. The Chronograph has a 41 mm case with tachymeter bezel instead of a dive bezel and two sub-dials. For those who enjoy motorsport it is the perfect one for you. However, if all of the watches are too big and sporty, the Black Bay One is the dressier model, the equivalent of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual if you will, with no date and a cleaner bezel. They come in an array of case sizes between 32 mm and 41 mm making them more versatile for every day. They have 150 meters of water resistance and all come on the 5-link bracelet so focused more on the casual smart end than your standard diving.

Finally, last but certainly not least is the newest one to join the family, the Black Bay 54. It has a 37 mm case making it the smallest dive-style Black Bay and comes as close to original Tudor Submariner proportions. Aimed at those who prefer compact and vintage-feeling dive watches, this one really hits it out of the park.

And there you have it, a quick look at the Black Bay line and what models sit under the collection. ZEALANDE has you well and truly covered when it comes to adding a pop of colour and comfort to your Tudor Black Bay so make sure to have a look at their strap offerings!

James Talbot