The Tudor Heritage Black Bay series, which is particularly acclaimed for its Bronze version, became a guest of our Hands On corner with the Dark version introduced in Baselworld 2016.
The stainless steel black PVD-coated stainless steel case is designed with a diameter of 41mm. Despite the black coating on its surface, the case successfully reveals the nicely detailed satin finish. The front side of the case sports a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, while the rear is covered with a solid stainless steel caseback.
“Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark, which we consider to be one of the most successful models of Baselword 2016, is a remarkable timepiece that blends the brand’s Hans Wildorf origin DNA with the ever-popular All Black concept.”
The screw-lock winding crown, which is in harmony with both the color and the design of the case, is also finished with black PVD coating. The grip is very satiated and the locking feeling is set very well.
An aluminum insert is used in the black PVD coated stainless steel bezel which has successfully completed the All Black design. It is possible to say that the bezel, which takes the marker at 12 o’clock in a red triangle, is very successful in terms of the materials used in its design and construction. In particular, the red triangle detail clearly brings a balanced heat to the "stealth" look of the watch.
The dial carries the general details of the Heritage Black Bay Collection. The surface of the dial, designed in a black color, has a matte finish and is lightly textured. The pattern is in line with the "tactical" image of the model, and the red font is also preferred for writing about the water proof value of 200m, or 660ft.
The brand’s famous Snowflake-style hands are accompanied by wide surface hour markers. The hand set and hour markers on the dial, embracing the symbolized design details of the classic diver watch concept, are covered with SuperLuminova phosphorus material in plain white. The use of white SuperLuminova in a design with this degree of black is a bit of a mistake for us, as it would probably look way better with an aged SuperLuminova tone which would also be efficient enough to provide the necessary contrast for easy reading in the dark.
One of the most important Tudor innovations at Baselworld 2016 was the brand’s own design and production movements. It is not hard to imagine that the concept of the in-house movements, which are the absolute preference for watchmakers in general, is also valid for the Tudor Heritage Black Bay series. In this innovation, the ETA 2824 movement, which is included in the first generation models of the series, is replaced by the Tudor Caliber Ref. MT5602. The new movement, which comes with the COSC certificate, operates at 4Hz and offers an impressing power reserve of 70 hours when fully wound.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark is offered with three strap/bracelet options as black PVD-plated stainless steel bracelet, textile NATO strap, and an aged-look leather strap. The version we have here has the aged leather strap with black folding clasp. Besides being quite comfortable on the wrist, the leather strap looks pretty cool with the watch.
There is no doubt that the textile NATO strap will also be very nice with this timepiece. Considering there will be countless aftermarket straps, it is possible to talk about a very rich range of options.
Tudor Heritage Black Bay Dark, which we consider to be one of the most successful models of Baselword 2016, is a remarkable timepiece that blends the brand’s Hans Wildorf origin DNA with the ever-popular All Black concept. The model, located under the roof of the Heritage Black Bay Collection, is an excellent alternative for all stealth-look admirers with its classic looks, perfect craftsmanship, and cleverly engineered in-house movement.
We would like to once again thank the Rhodium family for their usual support and cooperation.
