With Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan just around the corner, kicking off on September 20, 2019, TUDOR has released the Black Bay Chrono Dark, a new chronograph symbolizing its connection with the number one team, the All Blacks. The initial production run is limited to 1,181 pieces. Given the brand's immense popularity, orders are expected to flood in from around the globe.

TUDOR introduces a chronograph clad in full black. This is a robust model featuring a case, bezel, and bracelet all coated in black PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), a process developed by NASA. Its defining characteristic is its versatile aesthetic, equally at home with avant-garde fashion, casual wear, or business suits. Owning this single timepiece not only ensures you'll make a statement wherever you go, but also imbues your choice among the myriad of black watches with deeper meaning.

That meaning lies in the bond between TUDOR and the number one rugby team, the All Blacks. In 2017, TUDOR embraced the theme "BORN TO DARE," appointing ambassadors who embody this spirit. Among them are the renowned former footballer David Beckham and the singer Lady Gaga. Standing alongside these two as an ambassador is the New Zealand national rugby team, the All Blacks – the very team famous for performing the Maori dance, the "Haka," before their matches.

The All Blacks boast a winning percentage of 77%, ranking them as the world's number one international team and undoubtedly the strongest in the rugby world. However, their esteemed reputation stems not only from their prowess on the field. Each member is celebrated not for individual stardom, but for their collective dedication to elevating the sport of rugby to new heights. The black of the Black Bay Chrono Dark signifies the team's color. This coloring evokes the spirit of the All Blacks – courageous and constantly challenging their limits – making their presence feel closer.

To deepen its connection with the All Blacks, TUDOR has also strengthened its ties with the rugby world itself, ultimately becoming the official timekeeper for the Rugby World Cup. During the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan, commencing September 20, 23 referees will be seen wearing the Black Bay Chrono to measure match times. The TUDOR shield logo will adorn the substitution boards, visible to many through live broadcasts.

The Black Bay Chrono Dark is equipped with a chronograph movement that TUDOR fine-tuned from an ébauche supplied by Breitling. This is Breitling's high-end automatic chronograph movement, known as Cal. 01. Consequently, the Black Bay Chrono Dark stands out as a special model within TUDOR's chronograph lineup. Incidentally, the series featuring this manufacture movement first appeared at Baselworld in 2017, and the Black Bay Chrono Dark represents an extension of that series.

Other specifications, such as the snowflake hands and the screw-down push-buttons that ensure 200m water resistance despite being a chronograph, are identical to the latest 2019 model, the Black Bay Chrono. However, the contrast between the white indices against the all-black dial, accented with a vibrant red, lends this model the most mature impression within the series.

The highly legible dial presents a refined style, reminiscent of aviation watches. It can be styled sportily or with a fashion-conscious flair, stimulating one's desire for coordination.

The initial production of 1,181 pieces is a tribute to the number of players who have represented the All Blacks since the team's founding in 1884. This signifies that a total of 1,181 players, including current members, have contributed to the team's legacy. Future production runs are planned to accommodate new players as they join.

Although referred to as an "initial production run," this model is effectively a "limited edition." Therefore, those who desire it are advised to inquire immediately. The case back is engraved with the designation "SPECIAL EDITION" along with the serial number.

BLACK BAY CHRONO DARK
Black Bay Chrono Dark

Movement | Self-winding chronograph (MT5813). Swiss Official Chronometer Certified by COSC
Power Reserve | Approx. 70 hours
Case and Bracelet Material | Stainless steel, satin finish, black PVD coating
Case Diameter | 41mm
Water Resistance | 200m
Price | ¥630,000 (incl. tax)
Production Quantity | 1,181 pieces (initial production)