Looking Good in Black & White
Perhaps you thought it might be blue. After all, it has been a trend with Tudor. Well, surprise! Its not. Its black. And its white. And it might be the closest thing to a Tudor sub that we will see for a while. But any way you look at it, the new Tudor Black Bay Monochrome is a solid, if conservative, release that is not likely to broker much criticism from the peanut gallery.
Last year at Watches & Wonders, enthusiasts were treated to a partial redesign of 2012’s OG Black Bay in Burgundy. So, the stage had already been set for the evolution of the collection moving forward. While the much-anticipated Black Bay 58 GMT will certainly draw much of the press, this latest iteration of the Black Bay Monochrome feels like a maturation, and, frankly, a modern classic.
Key Features of the Black Bay Monochrome
Other than the colour on the dial and bezel, the Black Bay Monochrome does not stray far from the Burgundy. Here we get a choice of three bands: the five link, the Oyster-style rivet, and a black rubber with steel endlinks. Each come standard with the brand’s T-Fit clasp, which means convenient, on-the-fly comfort adjust.
The redesigned bezel has the same lovely knurling and the tactile snap of someone cracking a safe. There are are also subtle updates in the handset, crown, and case profile. Nothing is earth-shattering, and yet, somehow it just feels complete–like a watch brand enthusiasts have been waiting for.
Of course, the crystal is a sapphire dome, the indices are treated with Super-LumiNova, and the screw down features of the crown and sterile case back ensure a robust 200m of water resistance.
Master Chronometer
The dive watch is also equipped with the METAS-certified Master Chronometer. The Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U features an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring and a 70-hour power reserve with the promise of accuracy within -2/+4 seconds/day.
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SPECS
| Case | 316L Stainless Steel 41mm Diameter 50mm Lug to Lug 13.6mm Thick 22mm Lug Width Screw Down Crown & Case Back 200m Water Resistance |
| Dial & Crystal | Sapphire Crystal Black Dial Applied Markers Snowflake Handset Super-LumiNova |
| Movement | MT5602-U METAS Certified Master Chronometer 25 Jewels 28 800bph 70-Hour Power Reserve |
| Strap | Stainless Steel Oyster Bracelet, Five-Link, or Rubber Strap /w T-Fit Clasp |
Tudor Black Bay Monochrome
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Final Thoughts
So, what’s the story here? The colour? Partially, of course. But, perhaps, given Tudor’s other popular release this year, it’s also the lack of gilt. While, personally, I like the gilt used on the new GMT, I have to say I am equally happy not to see it here. The austere simplicity of the Black Bay Monochrome is its strength. The balance of its no date dial, the refined handset, and new crown, all feel like the culmination of a slow evolution. The T-Fit clasp, the five link bracelet option, and the superior manucfacture movement complete the package. The Tudor Black Bay Monochrome will make a lot of people happy. Expect to see soon on a wrist near you.
Pricing & Availability
The Black Bay Monochrome is available now for CHF3 950 on the strap, CHF4 150 on the rivet, and CHF4 250 on five-link. For more information, please visit the brand website.
About the author
Brent Robillard is a writer, educator, craftsman, and watch enthusiast. He is the author of four novels. You can follow him on Instagram.
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