In recent years, Formula 1 has known only one trajectory: upwards. Television ratings have reached record highs, the sport’s Instagram account boasts over 34 million followers, and hit formats like Formula 1: Drive to Survive on Netflix — offering a behind-the-scenes look at the teams, fierce rivalries, and the emotions that define the sport — have turned its drivers into relatable, charismatic personalities.
Seven seasons have now delved into the defining moments of recent seasons — and there has been no shortage of drama. Lewis Hamilton’s sensational switch to Ferrari has officially marked the end of his iconic partnership with Mercedes. Max Verstappen has pushed his Red Bull car to the front of the grid with extraordinary precision, injecting fresh momentum into the series. And rising stars such as Oscar Piastri, who has been battling his way to the top in the shadow of his McLaren teammate Lando Norris, provide a compelling narrative for future instalments.
This growing allure of Formula 1 is now making itself felt in the world of mechanical watchmaking. Reflecting this connection is the new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”, which draws design inspiration from the Visa Cash App Racing Bull Formula 1 car sponsored by Tudor — translated directly onto the dial and caseback. Here’s a closer look at the details behind this new timepiece.
At this year’s Watches and Wonders — the world’s most prestigious watch fair — it became abundantly clear that the Formula 1 trend has firmly entered the realm of mechanical timekeeping. TAG Heuer’s stand was flanked by two full-size F1 cars, radiating the aura of motorsport. At the centre of IWC’s booth stood the original race car set to appear in the upcoming Brad Pitt film F1. Tudor also showcased a Formula 1 car, accompanied by racing suits from its partner team, Visa Cash App Racing Bull.
Beyond the fair, other brands are embracing the sport in similar ways. H. Moser & Cie supports Alpine Motorsports, while Girard-Perregaux partners with Aston Martin, offering their clients exclusive motorsport experiences. Richard Mille is a notable exception, sponsoring not just one but two teams — McLaren and Ferrari — and ensuring its watches are prominently displayed on the wrists of drivers.
Formula 1 plays a pivotal role in Tudor’s latest release. In tribute to the pinnacle of motorsport, Tudor has chosen its Black Bay Chrono to combine certain elements of its first chronograph — the Oysterdate from 1970 — with visual codes of the Visa Cash App Racing Bull team, presented here in a limited edition version of its dive watch.
To reduce the weight of the case, Tudor has utilised a fixed tachymetre bezel, as well as a case, crown, and chronograph pushers — all crafted from carbon fibre. This clearly nods to Formula 1 technology: in today’s race cars, carbon fibre is employed virtually everywhere that requires low weight and high strength. Most notably, the monocoque — a single-piece structural chassis that also serves as the driver’s safety cell — is made entirely from carbon fibre.
The case of this new model measures 42 mm in diameter and has been reshaped with a flatter profile compared to its stainless-steel counterparts. The titanium caseback, meanwhile, offers the clearest reference to Formula 1: engraved with a bird’s-eye view of the Visa Cash App Racing Bull Formula 1 car, it also features the unique serial number of the watch, which is limited to 2,025 pieces. Subtle aerodynamic lines around the engraving reinforce the impression of speed so inherent to the world of racing.
The new model continues the concept introduced with the first watch, the Black Bay Ceramic Blue, which was launched in 2024 as a nod to the racing team. It featured a matte black ceramic case with a diameter of 41 mm, paired with a domed dial in a striking shade of blue inspired by the colours of the Visa Cash App RB team.
The domed dial is dominated by a colour combination that draws a further connection to Tudor’s sponsored Formula 1 team. A tone referred to as “Racing White” is accented by a shade of blue that encircles the dial, beginning at the seconds track. This very combination features not only in the 2025 season livery of the Racing Bull F1 car, but also on the race suits of the team’s two drivers, Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar.
Like other models in the Black Bay line, the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” adopts Tudor’s distinctive angular hands — known as “Snowflake” hands — which first appeared in the brand’s catalogue in 1969. On this model, both the hands and the hour markers are outlined in black and coated with Super-LumiNova for optimal legibility.
Additional vintage-inspired elements include the 45-minute chronograph counter and the date display at six o’clock — both design cues taken from Tudor’s very first generation of chronographs. The dial’s composition is further enhanced by two recessed subdials, whose carbon fibre-style texture echoes the case and offers a striking contrast against the predominantly white backdrop. Only two red accents interrupt this appearance: the tip of the chronograph seconds hand, and a line of text above the date window noting the watch’s water resistance of 200 metres.
Inside the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” beats the Manufacture chronograph calibre MT5813. Based on Breitling’s calibre 01, the movement has been enhanced with a regulating organ developed in-house by Tudor. Featuring a tungsten rotor with cut-out sections, as well as satin-brushed and sandblasted finishes, the design remains faithful to previous Tudor movements — complete with a mix of sandblasted and polished surfaces and laser decorations on the bridges and mainplate.
Offering a power reserve of 70 hours and fitted with a silicon balance spring, the MT5813 has been officially certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). While COSC standards allow for an average daily variation of –4 to +6 seconds per day for uncased movements, Tudor claims an accuracy of –2 to +4 seconds per day for the fully cased calibre.
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is presented on a strap featuring carbon fibre elements and is now available in a limited edition of 2,025 pieces worldwide. The retail price is €7,350.
FEATURES
