A collector's favorite, the Black Bay line is a subtle blend of historical TUDOR aesthetics and cutting-edge mechanical watchmaking. Resolutely anchored in the present, it brings together close to seven decades of TUDOR divers' watches. While neo-vintage in appearance, its manufacturing techniques, robustness, durability and precision are beyond industry standards. The history of the TUDOR divers' watch dates back to 1954 with the launch of reference 7922. Waterproof up to 100 meters (330 ft), it is the firstborn in a long line of "divers". Affordable, robust, reliable and precise, it fast became the most representative tool watch of the brand. The seven decades following the introduction of reference 7922 propelled the reputation of TUDOR dive watches, gaining praise from professionals in the field worldwide, from France's Marine nationale divers to the famous UDT/SEALS of the US Navy.
Remaining faithful to the Black Bay aesthetic, the Black Bay chronograph model has made the famous "snowflake“ hands – a brand signature for divers' watches since 1969 - its own, in a version honed to ensure optimum readability on its domed dial. Available in two versions, matte, black, or opaline, the dial includes two hollowed sub counters and contrasting colors, matte black and white opaline, respectively, for optimum readability. Inspired by the first generation of TUDOR chronographs, there’s a 45 minute counter and a date aperture positioned at 6 o’clock. The recognizable characteristics of the Black Bay are preserved in steel case with a 41 mm diameter refined by the ingenious cut of the lower part of the sapphire crystal and a repositioned movement. Typical of scrupulous attention to detail that is characteristic of the brand, the design of the stainless steel pushers has been inspired by the very first generation of TUDOR chronographs. A fixed bezel in stainless steel with tachometer scale insert in black anodized aluminum completes the distinguished appearance of the sporty new chronograph.
In 1969, TUDOR introduced a dive, watch with a blue dial and bezel. The other sports watches in the collection were soon adorned and blue, solidifying an anesthetic hallmark known as “TUDOR Blue” within enthusiast circles. The color was chosen by the French Navy for its own TUDOR issued dive watches during the 1970s, and became a distinguishable livery for decades to come. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight, Navy Blue follows in this tradition with its navy blue dial and bezel insert. This is a color that also appears on the “soft touch” strap offered with this model and made from a synthetic, tactile material resembling flannel.
TUDOR launches the Black Bay ceramic model, and extraordinary watch and symbol of the brand’s technical expertise, with a case in matte black ceramic, a Manufacture caliber, and a Master Chronometer certification from METAS. The Black Bay ceramic is a prime example of TUDOR’s expert command of one of the industry’s most demanding standards in terms of chronometry and resistance to magnetic fields. Tested by the Federal Institute of Meteorology or METAS, this Black Bay model is the epitome of high tech aesthetic language. Its Matt black ceramic elements and black Manufacture caliber accentuate the Black Bay Ceramic’s outstanding performance.
Black Bay Pro is an entirety new model with a dual time zone feature, a technical complication that establishes local time without losing sight of the time in another time zone. Compact, robust and sporty, this model boasts many unique aesthetic details and celebrates the spirit of the technical watches that TUDOR has produced for professionals throughout its history. Recognizable by its 2-hour graduated satin-brushed fixed bezel and its yellow 24-hour "Snowflake" hand, Black Bay Pro is powered by the TUDOR Manufacture Cablibre MT5652 with built-in GMT function.
Black Bay GMT S&G is a model with multiple time zones, a highly functional complication that establishes local time without losing sight of the time in two other time zones. Recognizable by its 24-hour graduated rotating bezel with two colors, representing day and night, the Black Bay GMT S&G also gives a subtle aesthetic nod to the history of this watchmaking function.
The Black Bay 31, 36, 39 and 41S&G models bring a unique aesthetic to the Black Bay line. Their curves cases, highlighted with polished yellow gold sections, offer a language that departs slightly from the brand's iconic tool watch spirit to embrace a sophisticated, versatile, unisex chic. Fitted with Manufacture calibre, including reference MT5201 which ushers in a new family of TUDOR movements, these models are at the cutting edge of technical watchmaking refinement. Another important feature for optimum comfort is the fivelink bracelet which comes with TUDOR "T-fi" clasp, with rapid adjustment, in all sizes.
The history of the TUDOR Black Bay watch collections is deeply intertwined with the brand's heritage and commitment to producing high-quality timepieces. The journey began with the release of the Black Bay which paid homage to TUDOR's iconic diving watches from the 1950s and 1960s. The collection quickly gained popularity due to its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern craftsmanship. TUDOR continued to expand the Black Bay line by introducing variations like the Black Bay Bronze, Black Bay GMT, and Black Bay Fifty-Eight, each with distinct features while maintaining the core design elements. Collectors are drawn to these watches for their robust build, reliable movements, and the brand's meticulous attention to detail. The Black Bay collections' appeal lies in their ability to capture the spirit of TUDOR's storied past while offering a contemporary and timeless charm that resonates with both watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Explore and shop selections from the TUDOR Black Bay collections online at lmfj.com with complimentary shipping and gift wrapping or shop in person at a Lee Michaels Fine Jewelry store near you in Mississippi, at Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie outside of New Orleans in Louisiana, at our Bocage Boulevard location on the corner of Jefferson Highway and Corporate Boulevard in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at our location at ABQ Uptown in Albuquerque, New Mexico and in San Antonio, Texas at the Shops at La Cantera and at The Alamo Quarry Market.
