New iterations of the TUDOR Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models offer the perfect blend of sophistication, refinement and optimum comfort
For TUDOR, 2023 has been a momentous year. The Swiss watch brand has so far unveiled the new TUDOR Manufacture in Le Locle, a series of exciting new partnerships and—of course—an amazing range of novelties. Among the latter, one particular series of new models presents not only tantalizing options for anyone with on the lookout for a new watch, but also offers us a glimpse of TUDOR’s history and the brand’s design philosophy. Meet the newest models of the Black Bay 31/36/39/41 line-up.
Like other members of the family, these new Black Bay models feature design elements inspired by the divers’ watched produced by TUDOR in the 1950s. The most notable element is the iconic angular hands, known among collectors as the “Snowflake” hands. Its unprotected crown and the characteristics of its case are also reminiscent of the first generations of divers’ watches by TUDOR.
While these traditional elements are certainly important to the Black Bay aesthetic, the collection has always been at the forefront of contemporary watchmaking. It is the culmination of sixty years’ worth of history translated into modern designs through modern manufacturing techniques that emphasize reliability, robustness and quality. And this “neo-vintage conception yet consistent with today’s requirements” approach is especially palpable in the understated elegance of the new Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models.
Naturally, it all starts with the watch case. TUDOR’s newest Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models are presented in curved cases made of 316L stainless-steel featuring a combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces. The watches’ soft silhouettes are further accentuated by a new curved crown. Watch afficionados and fans of the brand might also notice that the polished bezel and crown designs are carried over from last year’s Black Bay S&G model. In this new collection you will discover an impressive set of new sunray dials. These come in either blue, anthracite or light-champagne, with or without diamond settings. Of course, TUDOR’s signature “Snowflake” hands stand out prominently—even in the dark, thanks to the Grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova luminescent material.
“While traditional elements are certainly important to the Black Bay aesthetic, the collection has always been at the forefront of contemporary watchmaking”
The bracelets of these new watches also deserve special mention. All of the new Black Bay 31/36/39/41 models come with five-link bracelets in 316L stainless-steel. These feature a robust clasp that also has the TUDOR “T-fit” rapid adjustment system. The latter allows on-the-fly size changing without any tools.
Finally, we come to the part that make these watches tick. With the opening of the new manufacture, this series has been equipped with self-winding TUDOR Manufacture Calibres, namely MT5201 for the 31mm model, the MT5400 for the 36mm, the MT5602 for the 39mm and lastly the MT5601 for the 41mm. Thanks to mechanical innovations like the non-magnetic silicon balance spring, these movements are certified as chronometers by the Contrôle officiel suisse des Chronomètres or COSC, the Official Swiss ChronometerTesting Institute (COSC). These movements are also notable for their power reserves, with the MT5400, MT5602 and MT5601 providing up to 70 hours to make them “weekend proof ” (take the watch off on a Friday and it will still be ticking on Monday), while the MT5201 provides up to 50 hours, which is still remarkable for a 31mm watch.
TUDOR’s new range of Black Bay 31/36/39/41 watches provide an exquisite combination of timekeeping reliability and superior aesthetics—one that merges bits of history with modern aesthetic considerations to present understated elegance at its best.
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