Tudor Black Bay Chrono S&G: A Review
By Gregory Francis
It may have taken a while, but Tudor Black Bay has finally celebrated its new look in a striking dual-tone of gold and steel. The brand-new Tudor Black Bay Chrono in Steel and Gold celebrates the similarities of the Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel, but with a new gilded outlook.
With bi-colour timepieces being a key trend in 2019, it was high time for Tudor to keep up with the dual-tone mania. And it certainly aced it with this steel and gold creation. Born to the same family as that of the iconic and luxurious watch brand Rolex, a Tudor chronograph certainly needs no introduction.
A Star at Baselworld 2019
Guests at Baselworld 2019 witnessed the novelty incorporated into the 2017’s steel version of Tudor’s Black Bay Chronograph when this gilded 41 mm steel-case two-tone timepiece led the conversation at the Tudor showroom. The timepiece in its new look features striking embellishments in the 18K yellow gold case, with the bezel, the pushers and first link of the bracelet straps shining like the Midas touch.
However, for Rolex followers, the timepiece will resonate with the look and feel of the John Player Special or the Paul Newman Daytona. This is most especially with the design aesthetics in terms of the gilded sub-dials resting on a classic, chic black dial. But these preceding timepieces are mere inspiration. The edgy tone of gold and steel was a comprehensive attempt by Tudor to give its Black Bay line an upgrade and a touch of royalty. And, as you can see, it has worked quite well.
Crowned to Perfection
One won’t be blinded by the sight of this gold-accented steel timepiece (unlike a few gilded luxury watches), but the look and feel of this Tudor S&G are on point to complement one’s formal and evening wear.
Crowned with a golden plate, the winding crown allows one to manually set the time and date. It is screwed down unto the case to ensure it stays safe and highly water-resistant.
The Chrono Design
The black dial also features a window display for the date section at 6 o’clock, a perfect spot for it as it balances the aesthetics of the dial. The watch is fixed with a tachymeter scale engraved on its bezel, fronting the chronograph function of measuring the speed and flow rate with one’s desired unit of measurement.
The watch also features the pusher ears on either side of the gilded winding crown, allowing the wearer to take charge of starting and stopping the chronograph. At 3 and 9 o’clock positions are the 45-minute and seconds counters for chronograph functions, respectively.
What Lies Beneath
The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono S&G features one of the best of Breitling-developed movements, called the MT5813 calibre. Many watch experts believe that the movement designed for this Tudor timepiece carries the highest features a Swiss brand for a chronograph movement could have.
With a three-day power reserve on a full wind, the movement features steel levers with golden gears and 41 jewels. The spiral graining on the edges feature engravings of the mechanism used in the watch. More importantly, the movement is a COSC-certified chronometer.
Beyond Aesthetics
Of course, we spoke of its resonance with the Rolex predecessors. But this Tudor Black Bay Chrono in a dual-tone of steel and gold has that striking, elegant look. The steel and gilded bracelet with a folding clasp certainly adds to the sophistication of the design. This certainly breaks the monotony that sometimes befalls the all-gold or all-steel look of some watches.
A perfect millennial wrist gear, this Tudor Black Bay Chrono watch is surely a must-have for young entrepreneurs. This is especially perfect for those who like to keep their wardrobe up to date with the latest trends.
For the fans of the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono Dark, they’ll find that this version is an upgrade with aesthetics in gold.
Cant’ get enough of Tudor chronographs? Check out our top 5 coolest picks from the Tudor Heritage Chrono collection here.
