Behind Giants, Tudor Unveils a New Time-Only, Silver-Dial Black Bay in Three Sizes
Tudor made major waves the past few weeks with the release of its precious-metal Black Bay 58 editions, as well as major updates to its Black Bay Chronograph series, at Watches & Wonders. But Tudor had one more release up its sleeve, perhaps a bit overshadowed behind those two giants. The non-diver, time-only Black Bay Silver Dial is a timepiece influenced by classical field watches and available in 32-, 36-, and 41-mm sizes, following up the original time-only Black Bay, unveiled in 2016, and its blue-dial variation from 2018.
The entry-level watch's three size variations ensure wider consumer appeal. Overall, it's a somewhat understated timepiece designed to look good on the wrists of both larger- and smaller-wristed persons. Outside of their size differences, the cases all maintain the same proportions, featuring the somewhat blocky Oyster-style Black Bay case derived from mid-century Rolex and Tudor Submariners, a relatively large rose-signed crown, and the use of brushed finishing throughout with accents of polishing, including on the smooth bezel.
The Black Bay dial, also inspired by those of mid-century Tudor dive watches, uses the vintage-look “Snowflake” handset over its sunray silver-finished surface, outlined by a printed black minute ring. Applied, lume-filled markers indicate each of the hours, remaining symmetrical and consistent and uninterrupted by any additional complication like a date window. Toward the bottom of the dial is the "Self-Winding" script in a curved "smile," itself another vintage-inspired trait, and one conspicuously absent from much of the larger Black Bay series since 2017. Above it at 12 o'clock is Tudor’s shield logo and script.
Though the cases are differently sized, they're all outfitted with the same movement, Tudor's Caliber T600, which is a brand-modified version of the ETA 2824. Compared to some of the in-house calibers Tudor is producing these days, the T600 is fairly pedestrian but nonetheless an easily serviceable, reliable automatic movement that offers a 38-hour power reserve. As the watch is diver-adjacent, its movement is protected via a solid caseback, which helps ensure its 150 meters of water resistance.
Placing the watch in context, its look is more conservative than the 2018 blue-dial version and less striking than the 2016 black-dial model. Nonetheless, the watch represents further expansion of the popular Black Bay series and one that may well broaden its appeal. With this being the third colorway option for the time-only series, it may also be the last before the next major update — whether that be with a new complication, such as a date, a new movement, or both.
The new Tudor Black Bay Silver Dial models will be available on either a steel bracelet, brown leather strap, or black canvas strap, with pricing beginning at $2,525 for the 32-mm version, $2,625 for the 36-mm, and $2,725 for the 41-mm. Opting for the steel bracelet will add about $300 to these prices, which are for the watches on leather or canvas straps.
To learn more, visit Tudor, here.
