TUDOR introduces a bold new version of its popular model, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, in 18 ct yellow gold with an open case back. A first for both in a TUDOR divers’ watch. Its name is of course a reference to the precious metal used in its case, but also to 1958, the year in which the first TUDOR divers’ watch, reference 7924 (“Big Crown”), was introduced.
Among other aesthetic nods to TUDOR divers’ watches of old, this model offers a case 39 mm in diameter in keeping with the characteristic proportions of the 1950s. Ideal for slim wrists, people who like more compact watches and, of course, vintage enthusiasts.
Entirely satin-finished for a matt effect, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K stands out from a plethora of traditional gold watches. The matt 18 ct yellow gold is emphasised by its dial and bezel, a rich “golden green” with matt gold details. Its “Snowflake” hands and appliqués of the hour markers are also 18 ct yellow gold. Its open case back, which reveals the new Manufacture MT5400 Calibre, is a first for the brand and reinforces the dual nature of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K. A union between the TUDOR legacy of a robust tool-watch and a precious object, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K remains as rare as it is exclusive.
Like other models in the Black Bay range, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K has adopted TUDOR's characteristic angular “Snowflake” hands that first appeared in the brand’s 1969 catalogue. A subtle blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking, the Black Bay line is far from being a classic re-release. Resolutely anchored in the present, it brings together almost seven decades of TUDOR divers' watches. Whilst it is neo-vintage in conception, its manufacturing techniques and its robustness, reliability, durability and precision as well as the quality of its finish are above modern industry standards.
With a 70-hour power reserve, a silicon balance spring and Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) certification, the Manufacture Calibre MT5400 that drives the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K presents extraordinary robustness and reliability, with a -2 +4 seconds’ variation in its daily run rate on a fully assembled watch. With TUDOR’s confidence on quality assurance, a five-year guarantee applies on all its products sold after January 1st 2020.
Entirely satin-finished for a matt effect that may seem counter-intuitive with the traditional, bright finish typical of a gold watch, the case of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K in 18 ct yellow gold is another first for a TUDOR divers' watch.
An open case back, which reveals the new Manufacture MT5400 Calibre, has not been offered by the brand before and reinforces its dual aesthetics of being both a precious object and robust tool-watch.
