The Black Bay Collection, Tudor’s iconic product line, is getting ready to hit the stores with its beautifully designed Two-Tone chronograph model.
The Black Bay Collection is being followed not only by Tudor fanatics, but also by all watch enthusiast since its introduction. The collection, which is presented in various sizes and specs, continues on its way as the flagship of the brand. The model we have here in our Hands-On corner, Black Bay Chrono S & G, is one of the most elegant and ambitious models of the family.
The letters S and G in the name of the model refers to Steel and Gold, as you will expect. The model’s 41mm diameter case is designed with polished sides and satin brushed front/rear surfaces. The bezel, winding crown, chronograph pushers and center links of the metal bracelet are made of 18K yellow gold. Unlike the way that we are familiar with the big brother Rolex, the center links of the bracelet are also brushed. Although the use of gold supports the classical image, the brushed surfaces of Black Bay Chrono S & G highlights the sportier side of the model.
The case is equipped with a sapphire crystal on the front face and a stainless steel case back at the rear face. The model, which seems to be compatible with all sorts of wrists with its 41mm diameter, is water resistant to 200 meters, thanks to the screw-in chronograph pushers and winding crown.
The dial is laid out in Bi-Compax chronograph form, which excites many watch enthusiast including myself. In contrast to the black dial, the chronograph circles in gold and other colored texts in the dial create a visual feast. Thanks to the Super LumiNOVA in the snowflake style hands and round indexes, the dial is legible at any environment. My only criticism about the dial is the date disc with the plain white background. Tachymeter scale bezel is another detail that nods to the overall Heritage theme.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono S & G is powered by the manufacture Caliber MT5813. Self-winding chronograph movement beats at a frequency 4Hz (28800vph) and offers up to 70 hours of power reserve in when fully wound. Let me also add that the COSC certified movement keep excellent time with a pretty good accuracy. I believe Rolex has a hand in this situation, as it is inevitable to have such advantages when you are in the same family with one of the most successful movement manufacturers in the industry.
The watch has three different strap/bracelet options. Tudor offers a nostalgic rivet style metal bracelet and a pair of straps in aged leather and textile aiming to reach a large clientele.
The models with textile or leather strap options are available with a MSRP of 5350, 00 CHF while the two-tone metal bracelet version is available for CHF. Frankly speaking, it is not easy to find another alternative in this price range offering such built quality among use of gold.
