TUDOR is standing out at this year’s Watches & Wonders thanks to the introduction of its brand new Black Bay Fifty-Eight models. Two versions are available; the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 with a sterling silver case, or the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K with an 18-carat gold case and green dial. Both models now integrate a sapphire crystal caseback – a rarity, not to mention an achievement, for a professional diver’s watch.
As a result, the timepieces are likely the most exciting TUDOR pieces of the year, following guessing games by TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight fans ever since the release of the navy blue model last year. The well-executed new colour schemes do not disappoint.
Both of the new models, in 18-carat gold or sterling silver, are housed in a case with a 39 mm diameter. Furthermore, both the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 and Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K are powered by the in-house, COSC-certified MT5400 calibre. This self-winding movement, which uses a bidirectional rotor system, has a 70-hour power reserve and a frequency of 4 Hz.
Moreover, it is now visible via the sapphire crystal caseback for the very first time. This may give the two new models a strong advantage over their two predecessors – although purists will likely disagree. Additionally, the models are water-resistant to 200 m.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 is housed in a sterling silver case (hence the “925”) with a matching screw-down crown. This marks the introduction of the brand’s first ever silver diving watch.
The new case uses a special silver alloy, which TUDOR plans to keep under wraps. The silver has been brushed, making it appear matte. Meanwhile, the unidirectional rotatable bezel in 925 silver with a 60-minute graduated disc is in anodised aluminium. Furthermore, the bezel features low-key silver gilded markings and numerals.
Both the domed dial and silver bezel are “taupe”, which TUDOR describes as a “very mod” warm grey colour. As one would expect, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 displays the time using the company’s historic snowflake hand. It also puts Swiss Super-LumiNova to use for 24/7 clock legibility, not to mention readability in deep waters.
Last but not least, the watch comes with either a brown leather strap with white stitching or a taupe-coloured fabric strap. Both options operate using a 925 silver pin buckle.
The price of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 is 4,010 euros.
The brand is also launching the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K. While the “Fifty-Eight” of course refers to the birth year of the “Big Crown” Ref. 7924, the “18K” is a reference to the watch’s 18-carat gold case.
The 39 mm brushed gold case aims to evoke a sporty yet laid-back look. The screw-down crown is made of the same precious metal.
The model also features a matching 18-carat gold unidirectional rotating bezel with a 60-minute graduated aluminium disc. Furthermore, the green dial also showcases another TUDOR BB58 first: 18-carat gold hands and hour markers. Additionally, the dial of course features the iconic “Snowflake hand”, which, along with the indices, use Super-LumiNova – an essential to any diver’s watch.
Last but not least, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K comes with a brown alligator leather strap, as well as a complementary green fabric strap with a gold-coloured stripe. Both secure onto the wrist via a 18-carat gold pin buckle. Its price is notably higher than its siblings due to the material, costing 15,620 euros.
