Credit where credit’s due – Tudor continues to break the mould of classic diver’s watches by introducing them in new materials and metals, from yellow gold to 925 silver. And keeping in-line with its motto “Born to Dare”, its mid-year release is probably the most significant yet – with the introduction to a mysterious new Black Bay watch, now in ceramic.
While the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic features a contemporary look that references its significant heritage, it remains anchored in the present – rather being an identical re-release of a classic. The matte black monobloc ceramic case is sandblasted and given bevelled edges, then mirror-polished for a striking contrast. Pronounced lines are added to give a modern yet functional look. The insert of its rotatable bezel is also given a black ceramic treatment, with a sunray finish.
As for the dial, it’s mostly black-on-black, with the only contrast being its applied hour markers with off-white phosphorescent material. A hybrid and leather strap completes the watch, with Tudor’s characteristic “Snowflake” motif on the inside and folding clasp. A complimentary black fabric strap with cream band is also offered for a sportier look.
Powering the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic is the Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U. It features the finish typical of Tudor Manufacture Calibres, but entirely in black. Its build is designed for robustness and precision, while ensuring its variable inertia balance, which is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a two-point fixing. Together with its non-magnetic silicon hairspring, the calibre is able to function with a tolerance range of 5 seconds (0 +5).
Another feature worth noting is that the power reserve of the calibre is “weekend-proof”. This means it has been certified for 70 hours by METAS, enabling the wearer to take the watch off on a Friday evening, and put it back on again on Monday morning without having to wind it.
The Black Bay Ceramic is also the first Tudor watch to come with certification by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology in Bern (METAS). Considered a Master Chronometer, the watch had to pass a number of tests – which included examinations on precision in up to 6 different positions, two levels of power reserve, waterproofness, power reserve length, and resistance to magnetic fields. The Black Bay Ceramic of course passed with flying colours, with resistance to magnetic fields of at least 15,000 gauss, waterproofing of up to 200m, a 70-hour power reserve, and precision at two temperatures and at two different levels of power reserve at 100% and 33%.
For more information on the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic, visit their official website.
Photos: Tudor
