Nothing encapsulated the anticipation for Watches & Wonders 2022 higher than the countdown timer on Tudor’s homepage. Watched by horology geeks worldwide because it began ticking down someday final week, the thrill for a return to large-scale watch releases a la pre-2020 was palpable. That anticipation manifested within the common hypothesis amongst watch geeks but additionally in additional enterprising sleuths, considered one of whom cleverly seen unpublished hyperlinks on the Watches & Wonders sitemap that pointed towards Tudor’s deliberate releases. That was a pleasant tease, however with simply names and no photos, the suspense continued to construct, particularly due to the mysterious “Black Bay Professional”, a brand new identify in Tudor’s lineup.
When the countdown hit zero at 11:30 p.m. right here on the West Coast, we received our first take a look at the Black Bay Professional. Described as a tribute to Tudor’s adventurous spirit, the Black Bay Professional is an all-steel GMT that includes a brand new black-yellow shade scheme, completely new to the Black Bay line. Acquainted components like Tudor’s “Snowflake” arms are current, together with within the yellow GMT hand, however the actual intrigue comes from what’s new.
Developed in partnership with motion producer Kenissi, the “Manufacture” MT5652 automated GMT motion has been a staple of Tudor’s GMT choices because the unique Black Bay GMT. With 70-hours reserve, it’s simply a weekend-proof watch however what’s extra attention-grabbing is the “retrograde” date operate. When adjusting the time backwards, the date will truly snap again to the earlier date when passing midnight in reverse. This avoids the frustration of getting to click on ahead and round merely to reach on the right date.
Additionally new are the utilized ceramic indices. As a result of the whole floor space of the markers is roofed in lume, the markers present extra brightness with out taking on further area on the dial. Lastly, the “T-fit” bracelet brings the toolless micro-adjustment beloved by Pelagos followers to the Black Bay line, permitting for an additional 8mm of adjustment on the clasp. Additionally out there on black hybrid rubber-leather strap or Tudor’s well-known black-yellow jacquard cloth, the Black Bay Professional appears mission-ready, no matter equipment.
Eager observers will discover the kinship the Black Bay Professional shares with the Rolex Explorer 1655. The 1655’s 39mm dimension was massive by Seventies requirements, however for the Black Bay Professional in 2022, it’s good; smaller GMTs are one factor watch geeks have been clamoring for. Moreover, the 1655’s fastened metal bezel with 24-hour scale might have been the inspiration for the Professional’s near-identical bezel. Regardless, the design is eminently sensible, eliminating a point-of-failure suffered by GMTs with rotating bezels.
As with most watches within the Black Bay line, the Professional is water resistant to 200m, thanks partly to the redesigned screw-down crown. All instructed, the Professional units a brand new commonplace of efficiency for the Black Bay line and we will’t wait to get our arms on it. For extra info, go to Tudor’s web site.
Specs:
Model: Tudor
Mannequin: Black Bay Professional
Dimensions: 39mm
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Case Materials: Stainless Metal with polished and satin end
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Motion: Tudor “Manufacture” Caliber MT5652 (COSC-certified )
Frequency: 28,800 bph
Energy Reserve: Approx. 70 hours
Strap/Bracelet: Riveted metal bracelet (M79470-0001), Hybrid rubber and leather-based strap (M79470-0003), or Black cloth strap with yellow band (M79470-0002)
Value: $4,000 USD (bracelet), $3,675 (black leather-based or black-yellow cloth)
Availability: Accessible now
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