Black Bay goes festive

HAVING BEEN AROUND FOR OVER a decade, Tudor’s Black Bay diving watch has not only become a classic, it has achieved Master Chronometer status. Which makes it even more of a coveted gift to give and receive.

But Tudor fans also have other looks to choose from, including the expanded Tudor’s Royal line – a cross between classic and sports watches. In addition, the Black Bay 31/36/39/41 S&G’s range of elegant dress watches for men and women has also been retooled for fresh appeal.

Black Bay Master Chronometer

With its Christmas-ready burgundy bezel, Tudor’s Black Bay is a fitting gift for the occasion. Better still, it’s just been given a refreshed look, and is officially certified as a model of cutting-edge Swiss watchmaking technology.

In its third iteration since its 2012 launch, and after a 2016 update that gave it an in-house movement, the Black Bay has resurfaced this year in a slimmer and more elegant case. It still retains its unmistakable Black Bay line features – the angular “snowflake” hands and shoulder-less crown.

The movement inside the 41-mm wide stainless steel case has “Master Chronometer” stamped on it, affirming that the watch stands tall in performance. A Master Chronometer timepiece meets standards higher even than those of the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, whose COSC certification is found on many watches.

A Swiss-made watch – yes, it has to be Swiss-made – seeking Master Chronometer certification has to be COSC-certified first. It then has to pass a barrage of tests and cross higher bars put up by the Federal Institute of Metrology, also known as Metas. A Master Chronometer is deemed to be more accurate, highly anti-magnetic and to have met the International Standard Organisation’s waterproof standards.

The new Black Bay Master Chronometer watch may be worn with a satin-brushed three-link steel or a five-oval-shaped-link bracelet, both with the Tudor T-fit clasp that has a fast length-adjustment system. The watch also comes with a rubber strap option. 

Price: S$6,340

Tudor Royal

If the Black Bay is too masculine for the ladies, there’s the Tudor Royal line – “Royal” being the brand’s historical code for superior quality. The range includes options in stainless steel or gold and steel, in men’s and women’s sizes. The women’s watches also come in diamond versions.

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A cross between a classic and sports watch, each Royal timepiece is powered by an automatic movement that boasts first-class technical performance. The watches are paired with an integrated metal bracelet, currently in fashion for watch fans. The sun-ray themed dial is available in many colours.

Tudor has also just unveiled two new exquisite models with a radial-brushed dial, one in chocolate brown and the other in light salmon.

Price: S$3,290 to S$7,610

Black Bay 31/36/39/41 S&G

Sporting curved cases with domed sides and a fixed bezel, highlighted with polished yellow gold in parts, the watches in this line speak a different language from the Black Bay. While the latter is a tool watch – which Tudor is famous for – the Black Bay 31/36/39/41 S&G reflects sophistication and versatility.

The case of each timepiece has a soft profile, which is now enhanced by a curved gold winding crown. Diamonds may also appear on the bezel for models in sizes 31 mm, 36 mm and 39 mm. As its name suggests, the watches come in four sizes with a five-link bracelet fitted with a clasp with rapid adjustment.

The Black Bay 31/36/39/41 S&G runs on a COSC-certified in-house automatic movement, which has a non-magnetic silicon balance spring.

Price: S$5,300 to S$12,080