The New Tudor Black Bay METAS Makes A Monochromatic Debut
As Watches And Wonders 2024 kicks off, Tudor introduces the latest incarnation of the upgraded Black Bay model. Following in the METAS-certified footsteps of last year’s introduction, in 2024, the red and gold accents are stripped away in favor of a monochromatic look. And it turns out that when you take away the signature livery we’ve known since 2012, you get something reminiscent of something from Tudor’s past. Long have people wished for Tudor to bring back its Submariner model. So long that it felt like a far-away dream. But it seems that this dream has become a reality today. But is this latest Black Bay the Tudor Submariner we’ve all been waiting for?
Tudor introduced the Black Bay in its 41mm format in 2012. Four years later, the ETA movement was replaced by Tudor’s Kenissi-manufactured movement. Last year at Watches and Wonders, the latest iteration of Tudor’s flagship diver made its debut. Many of its features received a fresh coat of paint, but the highlight was its METAS-certified caliber. This year, Tudor forgoes the classic burgundy and gold colorway of the Black Bay, leaving behind a classic black and steel diver.
The latest Tudor Black Bay METAS
So, what’s new about the freshly launched Tudor Black Bay METAS? Well, other than the color (or lack thereof), not much has changed since last year’s significant improvements. It’s the same 41mm case and Master Chronometer-certified caliber MT5602-U. Specs-wise, you still get a 200m water resistance rating, a domed sapphire crystal, a 60-minute unidirectional dive bezel, and a screw-down case back and crown. It also features a subtly brushed black dial and Tudor’s classic snowflake handset. It’s a case of having found a great formula and sticking to it.
Just like last year’s Tudor Black Bay METAS, its latest iteration is available in three different configurations. These directly impact the price of the watch. Tudor’s still relatively new five-row bracelet is the first, which gives the watch a retail price of CHF 4,250. The second and most affordable option (at CHF 3,950) is a rubber strap, which also features a bracelet-style clasp. And the final one is the classic Oyster-style bracelet, priced at CHF 4,150. All three options feature Tudor’s T-Fit tool-free micro-adjustment system.
First impressions
Most previous versions of the Black Bay have featured a vintage flare. This came from golden hands and markers, a slightly warmer tone of lume, and gilt-tone dial text. But the Black Bay we see here today does away with all that, bringing it more in line with the blue bezel 41mm models, Black Bay Steel, and Black Bay 36. Plus, we are all familiar with the Tudor Submariners of the past. And for as long as the Black Bay has been around, there have been calls for a Sub-style diver to return. Today, after a wait long enough to have made it seem impossible, this is what has happened. Tudor has given people what they have long waited and wished for.
We’ll follow up with a hands-on with live images and more thoughts on this latest Black Bay later this week. For now, you can find all the information on all the latest Watches and Wonders launches on the Fratello WAW2024 landing page.
