Embodying the history of TUDOR's dive watches: The modern, practical BLACK BAY P01｜TUDOR

TUDOR

A prototype proposed to the U.S. Navy in the 1960s
Remade as the "Black Bay P01"

At BASELWORLD 2019, TUDOR released the new "Black Bay P01." TUDOR had been supplying divers' watches to the U.S. Navy since the 1950s, and in the late 1960s, conceived a prototype based on ergonomic functions, embodying the wisdom of its engineers at the time. Half a century later, based on that model, the "Black Bay P01," signifying "Prototype (P) 01," was born.

Text by OZAKI Sayaka

Remade for enhanced practicality, based on 1960s functional design

In 1967, TUDOR began developing a new model to replace the divers' watches it supplied to the U.S. Navy. This new watch needed to meet strict standards set by the U.S. government, leading to the incorporation of numerous ergonomic ideas born from the engineers' ingenuity. Although this prototype model was completed, it was never standardized. Now, 50 years later, it has been remade as the "Black Bay P01," inheriting the spirit of that era.

This new model reflects characteristic 1960s elements, such as the crown at 4 o'clock and the end links, in a contemporary design. It combines features of both a divers' watch and a sailing watch. The hinged end links, present on the prototype, cover the attachment points and allow the bezel to be disassembled, facilitating maintenance. It also features a bezel rotation prevention function, demonstrating a true pursuit of practicality and respect for the prototype, rather than being a mere remake.

The movement is the in-house manufactured MT5612. In addition to hours, minutes, and seconds, it features a date display at 3 o'clock.

It is packed with TUDOR's unique specifications, including a bidirectional rotating rotor with a satin finish and sandblasting, and laser-engraved bridges.

This movement is regulated by an oscillator with variable inertia, featuring a silicon balance spring that beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz).

The power reserve is approximately 70 hours. This means you can take the watch off on a Friday night and put it back on Monday morning without needing to wind it.

The strap for the "Black Bay P01" was developed using a combination of rubber and leather. The iconic TUDOR divers' watch snowflake motif is subtly marked on the back, with brown leather trim. Inheriting the spirit of the prototype that served as the base model, it comes with detachable satin-finished stainless steel end links.