Black Bay Editorial G.r.r. New Releases New Watches New Watches 2021 Tudor

Quick Overview Of The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono Collection From Watches & Wonders 2021

‘Say Goodbye To Paul Newman’ - Quick Overview Of The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono Collection From Watches & Wonders 2021

‘Say Goodbye To Hollywood Paul Newman’ – Quick Overview Of The New Tudor Black Bay Chrono Collection From Watches & Wonders 2021

Editor’s note: Like you, we are also excited for the releases from the Watches & Wonders 2021. Our coverage is going to be split into 3 categories: deep-dive hands-on, shorter Gut Reaction Reviews (Grr…), and nut-shell previews. This is the Quick Overview of the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono Collection. For our other detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here. 

TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 1

Quick Overview

Your first impression on the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono collection models might be akin to going to see a Paul Newman movie only to find out that he was prominently featured in the teasers but only has a cameo. Initially, you might be disappointed. But then you settle in and get into the movie. By the time the curtains close, you forget about Paul Newman and appreciate the movie for what it is. 

The new panda-dialled Black Bay Chronos are that sort of an offering: at first glance unable to satiate the thirst caused by the lack of Rolex Daytona, and then once you get to know them, they stand tall on their own merits. 

TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 4

And quite frankly, even if you are here simply because you want a Daytona substitute, you can’t go wrong with the Tudor BB Chronos: only $6’050 AUD entry fees, COSC-certified in-house movements, 70-hour power reserve, handsome bi-compax panda dials that distinguish themselves from the tri-compax Rolex Daytona, and 200m water-resistance.

Credit where due, I appreciate that the new additions to the Tudor Black Bay Chrono collection are not simply about adding a new colour; both the versions are pretty much new from scratch: 

  • new thinner 14.4mm case reduced by 1mm thanks to the reworking of the crystal and movement
  • new classic panda dials with red accents clearly distinguish these from the older S&G models
  • new fixed steel bezel with aluminium disc and a tachymetre scale 
TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 5

Basic Specifications

The current BB Chrono catalogue stands at nine variations, adding to the S&G models the cheaper, classic panda and reverse panda dials. The watches still use the existing Breitling x Tudor movement, the Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT5813. 

MT5813 Masse FF PR

The reference 79360N — steel bracelet version — retails for only $7’070 AUD and features a COSC-certified manufacture movement, the calibre MT5813. This 30.4mm diameter and 7.23mm thick self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with bidirectional rotor system features a variable inertia balance, a non-magnetic silicon balance spring, an open-worked (with satin-brushed and sand-blasted details) tungsten monobloc rotor, and bridges and mainplate with alternate sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations. It beats at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h), comprises of 41 jewels, and offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve.

The watches come with a five-year transferable guarantee with no registration or periodic maintenance checks required. 

That’s All Folks!

There’s lots to like with the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono:

  • the inclusion of panda treatments, so matt black or opaline dials with two hollowed sub-counters in contrasting colours present optimum readability
  • have retained the 6’o clock date window and the 45-minute counter at 3’o clock from the first generation Tudor chronographs:
  • again having stayed true to the roots of the design, the stainless steel pushers are reminiscent of the first generation
TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 3

From Rolex comparisons to shared Breitling movement to the relevance of these in a world full of Omega Speedmasters and even the new Breitling Premier Heritage B09 Chronograph collection — though the Tudor is the most wallet-friendly out of the competition — I am sure a lot would be said and discussed online when it comes to these watches.

But the bottom line is, I reckon the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono collection has enough charm of its own for any watch enthusiast to not feel like they have bought a poor man’s ‘Paul Newman’.

There is a Billy Joel called ‘Say Goodbye To Hollywood’. Stepping out from the shadows of Rolex’s Paul Newman, the new Tudor says goodbye to any preconceived notions about the similarities between the two. The new chronographs are robust, precise, handsome, legible, and most importantly daily wearable. These new pandas won’t be faced with extinction and won’t disappoint.

TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 2

Stay tuned for a more detailed review coming soon. To find out more about the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono Collection and Tudor watches,  please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are Courtesy ©TUDOR. All Rights Reserved. Make sure to check out our reviews of other Watches & Wonders 2021 releases here.

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