CHAPTER 3: A New Frontier Docking "Divers" and "Chronographs" | TUDOR

Worn by ambassador David Beckham, the "BLACK BAY CHRONO S&G" immediately reveals its TUDOR character

WATCH & JEWELRY / FEATURES
August 19, 2020

CHAPTER 3: A New Frontier Docking "Divers" and "Chronographs" | TUDOR

TUDOR

The Birth of the Ultimate Chronograph: A Manufacture Movement in an Oyster Case

2017 marked a pivotal year in the history of TUDOR chronographs. In this year, TUDOR adopted the Breitling Caliber 01 chronograph movement, which it then meticulously tuned and successfully commercialized as the Caliber MT5813. This gave birth to a "modern diver's chronograph" boasting 200 meters of water resistance.

Text & Edit by Takashi Tsuchida

An Unparalleled Waterproof Chronograph, Featuring a Sophisticated Caliber with a Column Wheel and Vertical Clutch

The aesthetic elements that define the Black Bay Chrono are rooted in TUDOR's heritage.
The overall form and the domed sapphire crystal case mirror those of TUDOR's very first divers' watch. The prominent crown, designed to catch the eye, is a characteristic feature of the renowned Ref. 7924 from 1958. That watch, known as the "Big Crown," offered water resistance up to 200 meters (660 feet).
Furthermore, the distinctive square-shaped hands, known as "Snowflakes," echo the design of representative models supplied to the French Navy in the 1970s. The two sub-dials arranged horizontally inherit the characteristics of TUDOR's early chronographs, introduced in 1970 and 1971.
The Black Bay Chrono is a testament to the fusion of TUDOR's rich heritage.
A matte black dial and a domed sapphire crystal case ensure excellent legibility. For optimal contrast, the sub-dials are recessed, and the date display is positioned at the 6 o'clock mark. The 41mm case is equipped with pushers inspired by the first chronographs. The fixed bezel, engraved with a tachymeter scale, contributes to its sporty aesthetic, a consistent pursuit of practical performance.
With its exceptional performance and outstanding design, the Black Bay Chrono was awarded the "Petite Aiguille" Watch Prize at the 2017 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix.
The Manufacture Caliber MT5813, featuring a column wheel and a silicon balance spring.
The chronograph manufacture caliber, based on the Breitling 01, was developed by TUDOR with a high-precision regulating organ and finished to its own exacting standards. This represents the culmination of the recent collaborative relationship between the two brands, who pooled their design and manufacturing expertise to create a reliable mechanical movement.
Boasting a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and equipped with a silicon balance spring, the Manufacture Caliber MT5813 at the heart of the Black Bay Chrono is a high-performance movement certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. It incorporates the refined column wheel mechanism and vertical clutch, embodying the traditions of watchmaking. Ensured by rigorous testing applied to all TUDOR products under its unique quality philosophy, its unparalleled robustness and reliability are beyond question.
The Black Bay Chrono is available with a denim-style fabric strap.
It is also worth noting that TUDOR is one of the first watch brands to adopt fabric straps. Woven on 19th-century Jacquard looms by a family business with 150 years of history in Saint-Étienne, France—a region renowned for its textile industry—these straps offer exceptional comfort on the wrist, in addition to their superior craftsmanship.
Inquiries

Rolex Japan / TUDOR
Tel. 03-3216-5671
https://www.tudorwatch.com/ja

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