In the face of strong competition from Rolex, Tudor seeks to predominately push their Submariner and Explorer collection, with an emphasis on newer models such as the Black Bay. The modern Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a remake of the previous model that was discontinued due to its association with James Bond and Omega. The whole watch seems to be designed for timing, both in its chronograph and alarm functions.
Without the “Tudor” brand, this watch might be mistaken for an Omega, which raises the question: is it worth being loyal to a brand? Reasonably priced at $5000 in comparison with other comparable pieces such as Rolex and Omega, Tudor Black Bay Chrono is not just a watch but a status symbol. Here are some of the technical details:
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Material
The case is made from stainless steel, and the case and bracelet are highly polished. As a result, this watch has both a dressy and a sports appeal to it. The bezel is made from ceramic for durability and corrosion resistance.
The bracelet is also made from stainless steel but has a “two-tone” effect, so the wearer may choose between wearing it casually or dressing it up. The option is to purchase a rubber strap in place of the bracelet.
The glass is made from scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, which can be found on many high-end watches. (Note: the Cyclops lens is not scratch resistant)
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Dial
The dial is painted with Opaline With Black Counters, Domed Hesalite With Anti-Reflective Treatment. It has a mixture of cream and black, giving it a very rich look.
The Cermet Bezel is painted with Liquidmetal With Black Aventurine Inlays. This is not just for style but also has some practical use. It allows the wearer to tell the time at night without turning on a light or using their phone. The bezel uses its patented technology to store and release energy, making it perform as both an alarm clock and a stopwatch.
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Movement
The movement is the Cal. MT5813 (COSC) self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system is the same used in the Black Bay Titanium. This technology makes the watch accurate even if it is not worn. It also makes the watch capable of doing the chronograph and alarm functions.
The movement is presented in a polished steel case with sapphire crystal. The top of the dial is engraved with “COSC” as quality control, though it does not reflect whether the watch is COSC certified. The chronograph performs as a normal stopwatch but has some special features that make it more sophisticated.
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Waterproofness
The watch has the Water Resistant Level of 200M / 660 feet, sufficient for recreational water activities such as swimming or snorkeling. The crown and case back are both screws down for maximum protection. The watch contains a rubber ring that seals the glass to help prevent water from getting in.
Conclusion
The Black Bay Chrono is exceptionally stylish and practical as a luxury sports watch. The Swiss movement and ceramic bezel allow for various uses while being very accurate and reliable. The chronograph prevents damage to the movement while also giving the wearer useful information on his/her timekeeping. This watch is both sporty and elegant all at once. Tudor has brought us another masterpiece of mechanical watchmaking at an exceptional price point.
