Tudor Black Bay Chrono

A Chronograph with Roots in the Ocean

Diving watches and chronographs have been among Tudor's most popular timepieces for decades. This explains the global fervor surrounding the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer's release of the Black Bay Chrono in spring 2017. This timepiece embodies the best of both watch types, combining the practicality of a chronograph with the durability of a diving watch.

Its 41-mm stainless steel case, large crown, domed sapphire crystal, distinctive indices, and snowflake hands are all holdovers from the standard retro Black Bay diving watch. On the other hand, the screw-down pushers, two-subdial layout, date window at 6 o'clock, and stationary tachymeter bezel were all inspired by the Tudor Oysterdate Chrono from the 1970s.

However, don't be fooled by the Black Bay Chrono's retro charm; this timepiece boasts cutting-edge technology. For example, its power comes from the MT5813, a state-of-the-art in-house caliber based on the Breitling B01. What's more, the case is water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft), meaning it can join you on your diving trips. Tudor introduced two new models of this diving chronograph in 2019: the solid black Black Bay Chrono Dark and the two-tone Black Bay Chrono S&G. With its wide selection of stainless steel, leather, and textile bands, this collection truly has something for everyone.

Reasons to Buy a Black Bay Chrono

• A practical diving watch with a chronograph function
• COSC-certified in-house caliber MT5813
• Water-resistant to 200 m (20 bar, 656 ft)
• Available in stainless steel, with a black PVD coating, or as a two-tone watch
• Numerous strap and bracelet options

Prices at a Glance: Tudor Black Bay Chrono

The Black Bay Chrono in Stainless Steel

The standard Black Bay Chrono bears the reference number M79350. Its stainless steel case is satin-brushed with polished sides and pushers. The fixed bezel is also stainless steel and has an engraved tachymeter filled with black lacquer.

The matte black dial features slightly sunken subdials with a 45-minute counter at 3 and small seconds at 9 o'clock. Its white hands, indices, and numerals stand out nicely against the dark background. The date at 6, Tudor logo, and "Chronometer Officially Certified" inscription are in the same bright white hue. The only splash of color comes from the red depth rating indication. Thanks to luminous material on the hands and indices, you'll always be able to tell the time, even in the dark.

Tudor offers this watch with various strap and bracelet options. If you choose the version on a stainless steel bracelet, be prepared to spend around 4,300 USD. Pre-owned pieces cost slightly less at 3,700 USD. The Black Bay Chrono on a leather strap demands similar prices, though used watches can sell for as little as 3,400 USD. Lastly, there's the Black Bay Chrono on a denim strap. Prices for this model range from 3,400 to 4,900 USD, depending on its condition.

Solid Black: Black Bay Chrono Dark

Tudor shocked the watch industry in 2019 with the release of the Black Bay Chrono Dark ref. M79360DK, a special-edition diving chronograph. Technologically speaking, it is identical to the standard edition; it even shares the same matte black dial as its sister model. However, the stainless steel case and bracelet are both covered with a matte black PVD coating. As a result, the white hands, numerals, and indices stand out even more.

This timepiece is dedicated to New Zealand's legendary rugby team, the All Blacks, who traditionally (and appropriately) play in solid black uniforms. Tudor has built 1,181 copies of this model so far – one for every All Blacks player since the team's foundation. As new players get called up to the national team, Tudor will produce additional watches. You'll find the chronograph's production number and the words "Special Edition" engraved on the case back.

You can purchase this sleek black watch for around 8,900 USD new. Pre-owned versions change hands for roughly 7,700 USD.

Steel and Gold: The Two-Tone Black Bay Chrono

The year 2019 also saw the introduction of the Black Bay Chrono S&G ref. M79363N. The letters "S&G" stand for "steel and gold," a reference to this watch's two-tone design. In terms of technology, this model is identical to the plain stainless steel version. While its case is stainless steel, Tudor crafts the pushers, crown, and bracelet's middle links out of yellow gold. The bezel is also gold and has a black satin-brushed aluminum inlay with a golden tachymeter scale.

The black dial also features several yellow gold accents, including the indices and subdials.

Tudor pairs this watch with your choice of a stainless steel and gold bracelet, dark brown leather strap with removable cuff, or black textile strap. The version on a metal bracelet demands about 5,800 USD in mint condition. You can also purchase the S&G on a textile strap for a similar amount. A leather strap is the most affordable option, with prices of between 4,700 and 5,200 USD.

The Tudor In-House Caliber MT5813

Tudor equips every Black Bay Chrono with the caliber MT5813 – the Genevan company's first in-house chronograph movement. While based on the Breitling B01, Tudor outfits the MT5813 with their own rotor and silicon spring.

The final movement has a 70-hour power reserve and comes with chronometer certification from the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Its chronograph function is operated via a so-called "column wheel" with vertical coupling. Watch aficionados consider this intricate mechanism easier to use, more precise, and of higher quality than the conventional cam-actuated mechanism.