There’s no doubting the importance of the role the Black Bay has played in the resurgence of Tudor in US markets. It all began in 2012 with the release of the Black Bay with a burgundy bezel. It was a take on the very first Tudor Submariner, the ref 7299 from 1954, and it was a hit right out of the gate. That watch has been followed up with a diverse range of variants in the years since, but the case for the base Black Bay with bezel has remained unchanged. That changes with the new Black Bay Fifty-Eight.
The Black Bay is handsome take on a modern dive watch with just the right amount of “nod to the past”. It looks good in pretty much every configuration Tudor has offered it. There’s only been one complaint consistently leveled against the Black Bay, and justifiably so. That is the case thickness. At nearly 15mm thick, the time-only Black Bay watches wear more like a hefty chronograph.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight, an homage to the vintage reference 7924, may not look entirely different from any other Black Bay at a glance, but on the wrist, the differences will be immediately evident. Tudor has addressed the case thickness issue with the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, thanks to an updated caliber MT5402, a COSC certified chronometer, the new 58 measures in at 39mm in diameter, and 11.9mm in thickness. A massive improvement on the 41mm model.
The Tudor Black Bay 58 is offered with a matte black, gilt dial, and is available on a riveted bracelet, a fabric strap, or an aged leather strap. No surprises there. Look for additional variations of the 58 in the years to come.
