Specialist Picks • 05 Aug 2019
Tudor Baselworld 2019 Recap
Looking Back On 4 Baselworld Hits
The biggest watch show of the year has kicked off with Baselworld 2019, bringing an end to months of anticipatory hand wringing about what the new releases will bring. After incredible success with their collection last year, where Tudor focused on significant models from their history and reintroduced them with contemporary flair, they have released another very strong collection this year. With four new pieces brought to life (that come in a range of size and strap options), Tudor has continued its focus on their rich heritage of utilitarian tool watches, while blending modern watchmaking into the production.
Black Bay P01
In what is certainly their most eye-catching piece from the collection, Tudor has drawn inspiration from a 1960’s military dive watch prototype for the brand new Black Bay P01. Produced in steel, the watch is 42mm in diameter, features a screw down crown at 4 o’clock, and a proprietary end link system that locks the bi-directional 12-hour bezel while it is on the wrist. The triangular 12 o’clock marker, white framed date window and matte black dial are all direct references to the piece’s inspiration – a prototype watch designed for the US Navy that at the time was never put into production.
Black Bay Bronze
Adding further to the growing Black Bay family is the Black Bay Bronze, a clean three-handed dive watch that is produced in a 43mm bronze case. This high-performance aluminum-copper alloy case is designed to develop a unique patina, which reflects the owners wearing habits, and will age for a uniformly vintage aesthetic. It features a lumed dial, with numbers 3, 6, 9, in their respective positions, and an intriguing gradient slate grey dial which draws the eye inward.
Black Bay S&G 32/36/41
On the more formal side of the collection is the new Black Bay S&G collection, available in 32mm/36mm/41mm case sizes to cater to a range of wrist sizes. Produced in both black and champagne dial options, the new S&G collection come with Tudor’s reliable screw-down crown for 150m of waterproofness. Despite this robust construction, the new S&G pieces feel much more elegant than previous versions of the S&G, thanks to a bezel without timing increments and the riveted bracelet being updated for a classic jubilee.
Black Bay Chronograph S&G
The final piece in the collection is the Black Bay Chronograph S&G, a well executed nod to both Tudor’s expertise in producing chronographs for the racetrack, and reliable diving watches. Featuring a 70-hour power reserve and a vertical clutch and column-wheel chronograph movement, this is a versatile watch that would be just as comfortable in a boardroom as it would trackside at Monza. It is visually stunning with a black dial that contrasts against champagne sub-dials, and further contrast in a red-tipped chronograph hand against a gold minute track. Available on a steel and yellow gold riveted bracelet, a leather bund-style strap or black fabric strap, this is sure to be a popular model.
Wrapping Up
Tudor continues its focus on heritage in the releases seen at Baselworld 2019, with a range that has something on offer for everyone. Blending history with technological development, Tudor continues to go from strength to strength.