Tudor introduced the Black Bay 2023, one of the key models in the collection of the brand. The price of the Tudor Black Bay 941A1A0RU is CHF 3,950
The new version features evolved design elements, a “T-fit” clasp and is Master Chronometer-certified by METAS (the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology).
The original Black Bay was first launched in 2012 with a burgundy bezel and it started integrating a proprietary movement in 2016. This evolution of the model, the third, has been successfully submitted for tests to obtain a Master Chronometer certification. This certification covers the main functional characteristics of a watch including precision, resistance to magnetic fields, waterproofness and power reserve.
In order to qualify, a watch must be able to function within a 5-second range of variation each day (0 +5), that is to say 5 seconds less than the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) (-4 +6) carried out on a single movement and a second less than Tudor's internal standard, which is applied to the brand's models with a Manufacture Calibre (-2 +4). The certification also guarantees the timekeeping accuracy of a watch subjected to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Finally, it also guarantees that the waterproof capability claimed by the manufacturer conforms with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 22810:2010, as does the power reserve of each Master Chronometer watch.
Two prerequisites are necessary before the certification can be obtained: Swiss manufacturing must conform with the criteria of Swiss Made, and the movement must be certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
The Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U, which powers the Black Bay, displays hour, minute and seconds functions. Equipped with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring, it beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and guarantees a power reserve of 70 hours. Its build is designed to ensure robustness and precision. To do this, the variable inertia balance wheel is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with two-point anchoring. The rotor is fashioned in tungsten monobloc and is openworked.
Crafted from stainless steel, the 41 mm satin-brushed and polished case features a unidirectional rotatable bezel with an aluminum red insert.
The redesigned winding crown in steel, engraved with the Tudor rose, is screwed down to guarantee water resistance to 200 metres / 660 feet.
Protected by a domed sapphire crystal, the radial-brushed black dial is characterised by large, luminous hands and hour markers, with the unmistakeable hour hand known by connoisseurs as “Snowflake”. The seconds hand recalls the look of the early diving watches of the brand with a lollipop design.
The Black Bay comes fitted with either an entirely satin-brushed three-link steel bracelet or a five-oval-shaped-link brushed and polished steel bracelet, both complete with the Tudot “T-fit” clasp equipped with a system for rapid length adjustment. This practical system allows wearers to carry out a fine, instant adjustment of the total length of the bracelet along an adjustment window of 8 mm.
A black rubber strap option is also available.
The new Tudor Black Bay ref. 941A1A0RU has a price of CHF 4,250 with five-link bracelet, CHF 4,150 with three-link bracelet and CHF 3,950 with rubber strap. tudorwatch.com
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