PHOTO COURTESY OF TUDOR

Made for those who seek timepieces with a departure from the norm, TUDOR unveils two bold models of its bestselling Black Bay watch.

Registered as a brand on behalf of Hans Wilsdorf, the legendary founder of Rolex, TUDOR (tudorwatch.com) is the award-winning Swiss watchmaker best known for reliable tool watches. After manufacturing TUDOR signed watches in the 1930s, Wilsdorf created the Montres TUDOR SA company in 1946 as an avenue for watches with the same merit and dependability as the Rolex, but at a much more affordable price point.


PHOTO COURTESY OF TUDOR

Following the enormous success of the steel Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue” last summer, Tudor has unveiled two wildly unexpected variations: two precious metal diving watches in 18K yellow gold and 925 silver, respectively. Both are firsts for the brand, which started making diving watches as early as 1954 and has built a strong reputation in the field over more than six decades.

The new Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K arrives in solid 18K yellow gold with an open case back. The open case back, which has never been offered by the brand before in this type of product, reveals the new Manufacture MT5400 caliber with an exceptional 70-hour power reserve. Hallmark “Snowflake” hands in 18K gold and an entirely satin-finished matte effect emphasize the unusual use of precious metal used for the case. The Black Bay 18K includes two straps, one in green woven fabric with a gold stripe and a dark brown alligator strap with an 18K gold buckle.

Like Fifty-Eight 18K in its surprising uniqueness, TUDOR is also launching the Black Bay Fifty-Eight model in 925 silver with an open case back revealing the MT5400 caliber. The design also arrives with two different straps—a taupe Jacquard fabric with a silver band and a brown grain-leather strap with a 925 silver buckle. Additionally, the 925 gets adorned with taupe ceramic detailing that adds to the model’s distinctive icy luminescent luster.


TUDOR Black Bay Fifty- Eight 18K and 925 PHOTO COURTESY OF TUDOR
TUDOR Black Bay Fifty- Eight 18K and 925

The unexpected release of its upgraded best selling dive watches comes as a welcome surprise by taking a tool watch favored by adventure-seekers and vintage enthusiasts in an entirely new direction. Both watches are waterproof to 660 feet; who knows if these precious metals will, or should, ever touch water? Following in the footsteps of big brother Rolex, the waitlists have already begun.