Hot Take: Tudor Introduces A New Blue Colorway For the Black Bay Chrono
As the watch world holds its breath ahead of Geneva Watch Days, Tudor has taken the opportunity to debut a new blue colorway for the Black Bay Chrono. This latest iteration also features the fan-favorite five-row bracelet, which only made its way onto the model earlier this year. First introduced in both panda and reverse panda, the latest version of the Black Bay Chrono received an unforeseen splash of pink. Today’s blue colorway is slightly subdued and, arguably, more on-brand.
Does it feel like déjà vu to you? Because it sure feels like it to me. Two years ago, on August 30th, 2022, just ahead of GWD, Tudor announced one of its most acclaimed and popular models, the Pelagos 39. This downsized titanium timepiece took home the GPHG Best Sports Watch award the following year. Perhaps the brand is looking to recreate the magic, or maybe it’s simply seizing the opportunity to strike while the world’s watch media is in town. Regardless, let’s take a first look at this latest addition to the Black Bay Chrono family.
The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue
If you’re anything like me, the words “Black Bay Blue” have always made me think of Bob Dylan and Badfinger. But whereas Dylan sang that “it’s all over now” in 1965, Badfinger’s 1971 sentiment is more that of a “special love I had for you.” I think we can stick to the latter for today’s latest release from Tudor. Forgive the obvious statement, but the color blue is nothing new, neither for Tudor nor in watches and certainly not in any broader sense. So the brand isn’t exactly doing anything revolutionary here. Hell, compared to the pink Black Bay Chrono, this is a very tame release (even though it does feature a more pronounced sunburst dial). But it is one that simply makes sense.
As much as blue is nothing new, it’s still extremely popular. It has also long had a special spot in Tudor’s lineup of sports watches. We’re all familiar with the lovely blue Tudor “Snowflake” Subs that have inspired the Black Bay Blue, Pelagos, and Pelagos FXD. So it’s perfectly logical that the Black Bay Chrono now gets a fresh coat of “Tudor blue.” According to the brand, it’s more of a concept than a specific shade, so don’t try to find coherence across the shades the brand uses. Whereas the pink BB Chrono’s distinctive shade was limited to the dial, in this case, the blue treatment makes its way to the chronograph’s tachymeter bezel. Both sub-dials are given a silver tone, creating a reverse panda aesthetic. I find it to be a great look for the watch.
As to whether Tudor’s experiments with color are “all over now,” I get the feeling (and sincerely hope) that they aren’t (sorry, Mr. Zimmerman).
Final thoughts
Before I wrap up, there are a few other details to note. As I mentioned at the start, this is the second iteration of Tudor’s Black Bay Chrono to feature the five-row bracelet. Its clasp is equipped with the T-fit quick-adjust system for added comfort. Other than that, it’s the same 41mm × 49.8mm × 14.4mm stainless steel case, with Tudor’s COSC-certified MT5813 caliber inside. This Breitling B01-based movement features a silicium escapement and 70 hours of power reserve. You can find the rest of the specs below. Price-wise, we’re talking €5,720 on the stainless steel bracelet — the same price as its pink counterpart. This model will be available exclusively at Tudor boutiques worldwide.
With its new versatile blue colorway, the Black Bay Chrono is sure to be a popular watch (and a key part of any well-orchestrated Canadian tuxedo). Please let me know your thoughts on this latest release from Tudor in the comments section below.
