Tudor Black Bay

The Tudor Black Bay belongs to the retro Heritage collection and is one of the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer's flagship models. The Genevan company introduced the Black Bay diving watch in 2012 and continues to expand the line with new models to this day. Their vintage look is inspired by historical Tudor Submariner timepieces, which is why new models have domed crystals and large crowns with no guards. "Snowflake hands" with square tips are another distinctive feature of this series.

A particular highlight in the collection is the Black Bay Chrono, which debuted at Watches and Wonders 2021. The Black Bay Bronze and the two-tone Black Bay S&G in stainless steel and yellow gold are both in line with current trends.

In 2018, Tudor released the Black Bay GMT, which is also powered by an in-house caliber. This timepiece bears a strong resemblance to the Rolex GMT-Master Rolex launched that same year. Tudor simultaneously presented a smaller version of the Black Bay known as the Black Bay Fifty-Eight. Since its debut, the Fifty-Eight has evolved into a comprehensive collection with materials ranging from stainless steel to bronze, gold, and sterling silver.

At Watches and Wonders 2023, Tudor presented updated models of the Black Bay. Among them was a 41-mm version with a burgundy bezel and a Jubilee bracelet. In addition to the black dial, the Black Bay GMT is now also available with an opaline dial. The newly introduced Black Bay Fifty-Four, a 37-mm version of the classic Black Bay with a black bezel, also drew a lot of attention.

The Black Bay collection also contains watches without a diving bezel. These timepieces are known as the Black Bay 31, 32, 36, and 41, with each number referencing the case size. They come with a polished bezel and are available in a two-tone design. Tudor announced new models in 2023.

Tudor has been outfitting almost every Black Bay model with in-house movements since 2016. These calibers have an impressive 70-hour power reserve and a certificate from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) or Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).

You should plan to spend at least 2,700 USD on a diving watch from the Black Bay collection. This amount will get you a pre-owned 41-mm model from the first generation with an ETA caliber. The standard Black Bay variant in the current lineup with a black bezel and dial costs roughly 4,000 USD. You can buy the fan-favorite Black Bay Fifty-Eight on Chrono24 for around 4,100 USD, while the Black Bay Fifty-Four will cost around 4,500 USD (prices as of mid-2023).

If you're interested in a Black Bay with a GMT function, expect prices between 3,800 and 4,400 USD. Fans of two-tone watches like the steel and gold Black Bay S&G can expect to invest about 4,600 USD. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K with a gold case tops the collection's price range at roughly 14,000 USD.

Depending on the model, a Black Bay chronograph will set you back anywhere from 4,500 to 5,700 USD. One exception is the Black Bay Chrono Dark, which is entirely black and changes hands for around 10,500 USD.

The Black Bay 31, 32, 36, 39, and 41 are by far the collection's most affordable options. These sporty dress watches demand between 2,700 and 4,000 USD.

There are numerous versions of the Black Bay retro diving watch on the market. The first model was released in 2012 with a 41-mm diameter and red bezel. The Black Bay Blue with a blue bezel appeared two years later, followed by the long-desired Black Bay Black with a black bezel in 2015.

2016 saw the release of the Black Bay Bronze and the Black Bay Dark, with the latter having a black coating on its stainless steel case and bracelet. These were the first timepieces to feature the Tudor caliber MT5612, marking the end of the ETA era. All Black Bays are water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft).

The first Black Bay watches on stainless steel bracelets bear the reference numbers 79220N (black), 79220B (blue), and 79220R (red). Since Tudor ceased production of these models several years ago, the number of watches on the market is limited. Even so, you'll still regularly find well-maintained versions, including those on a fabric or leather strap.

The prices of these models are following a very similar trend to discontinued Rolex models, i.e., they are on the rise. Although prices in June 2023 are not quite as high as they were in the previous year, a mint-condition ref. 79220N is still valued at around 5,500 USD and is only marginally more affordable pre-owned. If you opt for the blue or red variant, you can count on saving between 1,000 and 1,500 USD.

Those looking for a 41-mm Black Bay with an in-house caliber should turn to more recent models. You will find classic stainless steel models with a red, black, or blue bezel as well as two-tone watches in the Black Bay S&G and Black Bay Steel series. The latter features a stainless steel bezel and, unlike the standard model, hosts a date display at 3 o'clock. The Black Bay S&G demands around 4,500 USD new, while the Black Bay Steel comes in a little more affordable at 4,000 USD.

Up until a few years ago, Tudor also produced the solid black Black Bay Dark. The Genevan manufacturer used a PVD (physical vapor deposition) process to coat the stainless steel case and bracelet in black. Its appearance manages to be both sporty and restrained at the same time. This timepiece costs around 4,400 USD on a metal bracelet.

The Black Bay Dark's successor, the Black Bay Ceramic, debuted in 2021. This time, the watch's case and bezel insert are made of black ceramic. Tudor only crafts the crown, outer bezel, and case back out of PVD-coated stainless steel. However, this model's true highlight sits within its case. Here, you'll find the in-house caliber MT5602-1U with a silicon hairspring. Its black components make it a feast for the eyes, and it was the first non-Omega movement to receive Master Chronometer certification. The Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) only issues this distinction after a watch has passed tests of its accuracy, magnetic resistance, water resistance, and power reserve. Tudor mounts the Black Bay Ceramic on a hybrid leather and rubber strap. You can call this timepiece your own for roughly 4,700 USD.

In the spring of 2023, Tudor presented an updated version of the 41-mm Black Bay with a burgundy bezel under the reference number M7941A1A0RU-0003. The watch differs from its ancestors most glaringly by its five-piece link Jubilee-style bracelet, which is available instead of the Oyster bracelet. Another significant change is the in-house caliber MT5602-U, which boasts certification from METAS and COSC. The watch is also more than 1 mm thinner than its predecessor, with an overall thickness of 13.6 mm. Those who were previously bothered by the snowflake second hand can now breathe a sigh of relief, as Tudor has given the watch a lollipop hand with a small circle at its tip. While the list price for the model with a five-row bracelet is 4,450 USD, the watch cost an average of 5,500 USD on Chrono24 in mid-2023. The Oyster and rubber strap versions are slightly more affordable.

Black Bay Bronze

Tudor's bronze watch is available on a brown leather strap or a dark fabric strap with decorative bronze stripes. The 43-mm aluminum bronze case is completely satin-brushed. Over time, this material will develop a distinctive patina, bringing historical diving equipment and ship parts to mind. The aluminum dial and bezel insert are a matte slate gray and contrast beautifully with the bronze hands, numerals, and indices. The COSC-certified in-house caliber MT5601 provides the watch with a 70-hour power reserve.

You can purchase the Black Bay Bronze on a leather or fabric strap for about 3,500 USD on Chrono24.

Black Bay Fifty-Eight: 39 mm in Diameter

The Black Bay Fifty-Eight is one of this collection's most popular watches. When Tudor first presented this model in 2018, it received near-universal praise. Some even went as far as to say it was the world's best diving watch. Up to that point, many Black Bay fans had expressed frustration at the watch's bulky, 41-mm case. Tudor took their concerns to heart when crafting the Fifty-Eight, shrinking the case to 39 mm and giving it a flatter, more elegant design.

On Chrono24, you'll find listings for the standard Fifty-Eight on a stainless steel, leather, or NATO strap with average prices between 3,500 and 3,800 USD.

Tudor has expanded the Fifty-Eight series in recent years; for example, with the ref. M79030B featuring a blue dial and bezel in 2020. The version on a blue leather strap costs about 3,400 USD. The same watch on a fabric strap or steel bracelet sells for around 3,800 USD.

At Watches and Wonders 2021, Tudor shocked the watch world by announcing three new models at once: the Fifty-Eight 18K, Fifty-Eight 925, and Fifty-Eight Bronze. The latter of the three pairs a bronze case with a bronze link bracelet for the first time. It is also available on a textile strap in the same shade of brown as the dial and bezel. The Fifty-Eight 925 features a case made of sterling silver (i.e., a silver alloy with 92.5% pure silver). Its taupe dial and bezel feature white indices, hands, and markers. This watch comes on your choice of a dark brown or gray textile strap. Tudor crafts the final model in the trio, the Fifty-Eight 18K, out of 18-karat yellow gold; however, unlike most gold watches, its case has a brushed finish that fits well with the Black Bay's sporty character. A matte green dial and bezel insert enhance this look.

At roughly 4,100 USD, the silver Fifty-Eight 925 is the most affordable of the trio. Next, there's the Bronze, which costs about 5,300 USD. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight in 18-karat gold occupies the high end of the price range and demands around 14,000 USD.

Black Bay Fifty-Four: 37 mm in Diameter

To the surprise of many fans of the Black Bay, Tudor launched another version of the Black Bay in the spring of 2023, the Black Bay Fifty-Four. The watch measures only 37 mm across, and the thickness was also shaved down by 0.8 mm to just over 11 mm, making it a great choice for those with smaller wrists. The lug width remains a healthy 20 mm. Inside the case, you'll find the chronometer-certified Tudor caliber MT5400 ticking away.

You can buy the Black Bay Fifty-Four on a stainless steel bracelet or rubber strap. Tudor lists these timepieces for 3,850 and 3,625 USD respectively, but prices on the secondary market in July 2023 were closer to 4,500 USD for both variants.

With a Date: Black Bay Steel and S&G

If you're in the market for a Black Bay but can't do without a date display, you should take a closer look at the Steel and S&G models. Both use the chronometer-certified caliber MT5612 with a date display at 3 o'clock.

The Steel versions feature stainless steel bezels and black dials. For the band, you can choose from a stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, and fabric strap. The model on a leather strap changes hands for about 3,400 USD, while those on a fabric strap or metal bracelet cost slightly more at 3,600 and 3,700 USD, respectively.

The two-tone Black Bay S&G is markedly more eye-catching. You can choose from a black or gold dial. While the black version – apart from its two-tone bracelet – is nearly as subtle as a standard Black Bay, the edition with a gold sunburst dial demands attention. The hands, bezel scale, and crown are yellow gold, and Tudor crafts the bezel insert out of black anodized aluminum. You can find the S&G models under the reference number 79733N. The versions on a fabric or leather strap are the most affordable at around 4,300 USD, while one of these watches on a steel and gold bracelet will set you back about 4,900 USD.

A Prototype Reborn: The Black Bay P01

Those with more extravagant tastes may enjoy the Heritage Black Bay P01. This isn't your average wristwatch. Its design comes from a diving watch prototype Tudor developed for the U.S. Navy in the 1960s. However, the public didn't get their first glimpse of this once-secret watch until the 2019 release of its remake, the P01. Defining details include a crown at 4 o'clock and bulging lugs with clamps for locking the bezel in place – a feature unique to this timepiece alone. To rotate the bezel, you first have to release the clamp of the lug at 12 o'clock.

At 42 mm in diameter and 14.2 mm thick, this watch is also the largest three-hand Black Bay model. Its bezel and case are stainless steel, and every surface has a brushed finish. The black dial contrasts beautifully with the cream-colored indices, hands, and date disc. Finally, the brown leather strap features a black rubber lining on its inner side.

You can find a mint-condition P01 ref. M70150-0001 on Chrono24 for roughly 3,900 USD.

Are you frequently on the go and need to know the time in a second time zone? If so, the Tudor Black Bay GMT is the right watch for you. Like other standard Black Bay models, this timepiece measures 41 mm in diameter and has a stainless steel case with polished and brushed finishes. Most notably, it has a coveted blue and red Pepsi bezel with a 24-hour scale. The case is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft) and comes on your choice of a stainless steel, leather, or textile band.

The COSC-certified in-house caliber MT5652 powers this watch and comes with a 70-hour power reserve. It displays the time in two time zones using an independently-adjustable hour hand and includes a date display.

You can purchase a Black Bay GMT on Chrono24 for between 3,600 and 4,200 USD. Prices vary based on whether you choose a leather strap, fabric strap, or stainless steel bracelet.

The Black Bay GMT with an opaline dial released in spring 2023 is more expensive than the models with a black dial. Prices were around 4,500 USD as of July 2023.

The Two-Tone Black Bay GMT S&G

The Black Bay GMT has also been available as a two-tone S&G version since 2022. The watches are identical to the stainless steel models in terms of dimensions and technology, but have a stainless steel and gold case. You'll also find gold accents on the hands and indices, as well as on the bezel and crown. The center links of the Oyster bracelet on the version paired with an S&G band are also gold; though this Tudor watch is also available on a fabric or leather strap. If you're interested in the Black Bay S&G on a stainless steel and gold bracelet, expect to spend about 5,400 USD on a mint-condition copy. With prices averaging around 4,400 USD, the Black Bay GMT on a fabric or leather strap is considerably more affordable.

Black Bay Pro: Retro Diving Watches

Tudor introduced the Black Bay Pro alongside the Black Bay GMT S&G models in 2022. With its distinctive yellow GMT hand and stainless steel bezel, this newer release is reminiscent of the legendary Rolex Explorer II ref. 1655 from Rolex's catalog in the 1970s and 80s. Unlike the Rolex lookalike, however, the Black Bay Pro features dot indices and not rectangular hour markers. That said, the Black Bay Pro exudes the distinct character of a tool watch all the same.

The case of the Black Bay Pro has a 39-mm diameter and is just under 15 mm thick. The watch's thickness is a point of contention for many watch enthusiasts, who find it unnecessarily top-heavy. The diameter, however, ensures that the watch looks good on most wrist sizes. The Black Bay Pro uses the in-house caliber MT5652 found in many other Black Bay GMT watches, meaning it also offers COSC certification and a 70-hour power reserve.

You can buy this timepiece on a stainless steel bracelet, fabric strap, or a hybrid rubber and leather strap.

The Black Bay Pro costs around 4,200 USD on a stainless steel bracelet. You can save around 400 USD by choosing the fabric strap instead, though the most affordable option is the rubber and leather strap at roughly 3,800 USD.

A highlight within this series is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, an automatic chronograph with two subdials and a date display. The manufacturer launched the original version (ref. M79350) in 2017 and equipped it with the caliber MT5813, which features a 70-hour power reserve. The chronograph operates using a column wheel, which many consider a higher-end and more prestigious alternative to the cam-actuated chronograph. The latter is used in the iconic Valjoux 7750 movement, among others.

The MT5813 is based on the Breitling B01, the movement that powers current Navitimer models. In return, Tudor provides Breitling with their own in-house automatic caliber MT5612 with three hands. The Rolex sister company modifies the B01 by using their own winding rotor and adding a silicon hairspring for more precise timekeeping.

The 41-mm stainless steel Black Bay Chrono M79350 has a stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale and a black dial. Thanks to the screw-down crown, pushers, and case back, this timepiece is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft). The manufacturer chose to make the inscription indicating the water resistance red in the style of historic diving watches. You can use the tachymeter scale on the fixed bezel to calculate speed, while the subdial at 3 o'clock enables you to measure periods of time up to 45 minutes. There's also a small seconds dial at 9 and a date display at 6 o'clock. Prices for one of these chronographs sit around 4,300 USD on a leather strap and 4,500 USD on a fabric strap or steel bracelet.

Black and Two-Tone Black Bay Chronos

Tudor released new versions of the Black Bay Chrono in 2018 and 2019: the S&G and the Dark. Both have the same technology as the M79350 and differ only in their appearance.

The Black Bay Chrono S&G ref. M79363N is a classic two-tone watch. Two golden subdials help this model stand out from the crowd and create beautiful contrast with the otherwise black dial. This distinctive chronograph is available on a two-tone stainless steel bracelet, a textile strap, or a lined brown leather strap with white stitching. Depending on which band you choose, the two-tone chronograph will set you back anywhere from 5,000 to 7,100 USD.

You can never go wrong with black, as demonstrated by the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark. The manufacturer launched this solid black model in 2019 in honor of the New Zealand All Blacks and the Rugby World Cup. To date, Tudor has produced 1,181 copies of this watch – one for every player called up to the national team since 1884. While limited, the numbers will grow over time as new players make their international debuts. The Black Bay Chrono Dark comes with a black-coated stainless steel case. These timepieces rarely appear for sale, and when they do, they demand some 10,500 USD.

Remakes With Panda and Reverse Panda Dials

Tudor treated the Black Bay Chrono to a facelift in 2021. The most notable differences between the original from 2017 and the ref. M79360N are its case, which is now 1 mm flatter; its black anodized aluminum bezel insert with a tachymeter scale; and its redesigned dial. You can now choose from versions with white dials and black subdials (panda dials) or black dials and white subdials (reverse panda dials).

Inside the watch, you'll find the precise caliber MT5813. The band options are the same as before. A watch on a fabric or leather strap requires an investment of about 5,700 USD. The Black Bay Chrono M79360N on a stainless steel bracelet costs only slightly more at around 5,800 USD on Chrono24.

Those on the lookout for a more elegant sports watch should take a closer look at the Tudor Black Bay 31, 36, 39, or 41. Tudor released new versions in 2023 and, as their names imply, these models differ only in their case sizes. They look a bit more formal than the collection's diving watches and chronographs due to their polished, fixed bezel. The two-tone S&G models are especially refined. Thanks to a water resistance of 150 m (15 bar, 492 ft), you can keep these Black Bays on while swimming.

As for the dials, you have the choice between blue, black, and champagne for the stainless steel models and black, champagne, and gold for the S&G editions. Tudor also offers the latter with a diamond-set bezel and/or a diamond-set dial.

Depending on the case diameter, these models use the Tudor calibers MT5201 (31 mm), MT5400 (36 mm), MT5602 (39 mm), or MT5601 (41 mm). The power reserve for the 31-mm version lasts 50 hours, while the others can tick away uninterrupted for 70 hours. Tudor only pairs the series with either five-piece link stainless steel or two-tone bracelets.

At the time of writing in July 2023, these models were a rare sight on Chrono24. The list prices for the stainless steel versions range from 3,725 to 4,900 USD. The S&G models sell for between 5,450 and 8,500 USD, depending on your chosen diameter and whether you would like diamonds.

The column-wheel chronograph boasts an in-house movement, chronometer certification, and a three-day power reserve. What's more, the movement is not affected by magnetic fields thanks to its silicon hairspring.