Tudor returns as official timekeeper of Rugby World Cup 2023

AS FAR as global sporting events are concerned, the Rugby World Cup (RWC) was one of the “lucky” ones that neatly sidestepped the pandemic, compared to, say, the Summer Olympics or the SEA Games, both of which had to be postponed.

The quadrennial event last took place in 2019, and the current edition is taking place in France now. 

But what do global sporting events have to do with an article on timepieces? To answer that, we would have to wind the clock back six years. That was when Tudor joined forces with the legendary All Blacks – New Zealand’s national rugby team – and World Rugby, the global governing body for the sport. 

It was not just a matter of slapping on a logo, mind you. Beyond the façade of branding, the partnership has stood as a testament to shared ideals. Think grit, teamwork and going beyond limits – the things that pump through rugby’s veins are also what define Tudor’s ethos. In that sense, the watch brand’s Born To Dare philosophy is in perfect sync with the high-energy world of scrums and touchdowns.

What is Tudor’s role on the field, then? Well, it is the official timekeeper for the RWC, Women’s Rugby World Cup, World Rugby U20 Championship, and Rugby World Cup Sevens. This means plenty of clocks, scoreboards and digital displays emblazoned with the Tudor logo. The 48 matches of the RWC 2023 add up to a great deal of airtime for the brand. 

Of course, spectators in the stands or at home can be a part of the action too – just strap on one of two timepieces that Tudor is plugging for the RWC 2023. Think of them as the MVPs of Tudor’s rugby story: the Black Bay Chrono (ref 79360) and the Black Bay Pro (ref 79470). 

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It is worth noting that these are existing watches in Tudor’s lineup – interesting choices given that in 2019, the brand unveiled a limited edition Black Bay Chrono Dark (ref 7936DK). That was – you guessed it – an all-black version of its Black Bay Chrono, created in the hopes that reigning champions, the All Blacks, would retake the crown. (They didn’t. The title went to South Africa’s Springboks.) 

Perhaps it was just as well. Non-limited watches are more democratic, after all. 

Black Bay Chrono (ref 79360)

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A chronograph is a natural companion to any sporting event. Just think of the Rolex Daytona and its inextricable link to motorsports. In this case, rugby fans can use the Black Bay Chrono’s 45-minute counter to time each half of the match, which typically lasts 40 minutes. 

Since the launch of the original Black Bay Chrono (ref 79350) in 2017, there have been a few versions: One in steel and gold, dubbed the S&G; the previously-mentioned Black Bay Chrono Dark; and the 2021 edition (ref 79360) with black-and-white dials, affectionately known as the panda or reverse-panda, depending on the dial. 

We suspect Tudor chose this edition to try and forge an undeniable association with rugby, much like how Rolex Daytonas with panda dials have become so entrenched with Paul Newman and the Daytona and Le Mans motor races. 

In any case, the watch is a stunner on its own, with a 41-mm satin-brushed steel case and Snowflake hand. But whether on field or off, legibility is paramount, and the contrasting dial delivers that to a T. At its core beats the MT5813 movement, which was developed together with Breitling, and which boasts an impressive 70-hour power reserve. 

Black Bay Pro (ref 79470)

For rugby fans who are not in France during the RWC, the Black Bay Pro, launched in 2022, makes keeping track of match times in a different time zone a breeze. 

Its distinctive 24-hour Snowflake hand in yellow stands in stark contrast to the black dial and satin-brushed steel bezel. This is used to indicate a second time zone; you could, for example, set it to France’s time zone, which is six hours behind Singapore. 

Although the watch is part of the Black Bay family, Tudor introduced a host of upgrades on both the technical and aesthetic front. A key enhancement is the new bracelet clasp, now equipped with a “T-fit” rapid size-adjustment system. The five positions enable wearers to make minute, instant adjustments totalling 8 mm, to the bracelet without the need for tools. 

The winding crown has also been redesigned to provide a better grip. Set flush against the case, it is a throwback to Tudor’s earlier technical watches, which sported a similar look.

Tudor used monobloc luminous ceramic for the hour markers on the dial, improving legibility and ensuring a more lasting lume. 

The 39-mm timepiece is fitted with the MT5652 Calibre, which, like all of Tudor’s in-house movements, has a 70-hour power reserve. You have a choice of pairing the watch with a steel bracelet, a black Nato-style strap with yellow band, or a hybrid rubber and leather strap.