Wristwatch Journal
This is it… Somehow unexpected but also envisioned by some collectors, the new Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue. We thought Tudor was not introducing new models this year, and they proved us wrong. First in line for 2020 (and maybe the only new model), a rather simple but efficient animation of an existing watch. Based on the praised and well-executed model introduced a couple of years ago, the brand now adds a cold colour scheme to its vintage-inspired diver.
We’re not going to go into full details here since we’ll be having a hands-on with this watch in a few days. But here’s what you need to know in a glance. Blue is an important colour for Tudor, mostly seen in the highly collectable Submariner watches manufactured for the French Navy (Marine Nationale). As such, we’ve seen multiple editions of modern Tudor watches presented in this desirable colour, including the 41mm Black Bay and the Pelagos.
It is time for the Black Bay Fifty-Eight, the smaller and thinner version of Tudor’s successful dive watch to get this colour, coincidentally replacing the warm colours of the black model – with gilt dial and gold-plated hands – by a more technical and colder colour scheme.
Basically, all the technical elements are retained: 39mm diameter, thinner case (about 12mm), brushed surfaces and polished bevels, screw-down crown with the rose logo, domed sapphire crystal and 200m water-resistance. Same for what’s inside the case, as the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue M79030B is powered by the manufacture calibre MT5402 (itself a smaller and thinner version of the movement used in BB and Pelagos), with a 70h power reserve and a silicon balance spring.
What’s new then? The obvious is the use of dark ‘Navy’ blue for the domed, matte dial and the anodized aluminium insert. No evolution regarding the fonts, the inscriptions or the logos. All are the same as before. Beyond the use of dark blue, this Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue M79030B also changes multiple elements on its dial, with the applied indexes and hands here silver-coated and filled with white luminous material. The bezel also follows this scheme, with a 60-minute track with silver gilded inscriptions.
The new Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue M79030B will be available with three different straps/bracelet. First is the riveted steel bracelet with folding clasp. Second is a new blue “soft-touch” strap (a synthetic, tactile material resembling flannel) with folding clasp. Last is a textile blue strap with silver band and steel pin buckle.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue M79030B will be priced at CHF 3,500 / EUR 3,460 on bracelet and CHF 3,200 / EUR 3,160 on strap.
Technical specifications – Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Navy Blue
Case:
39mm diameter – stainless steel case, brushed and polished – unidirectional bezel with matte blue anodized aluminium insert – screw-down crown – sapphire crystal – 200m water-resistant
Dial:
matte grained – domed, blue – applied indexes and hands filled with white Super-LumiNova
Movement:
Manufacture calibre MT5402 – automatic – COSC-certified – 27 jewels – 26mm x 4.99mm – 28,800 vibrations/hour – 70h power reserve – silicon balance spring – hours, minutes, seconds
Strap:
riveted steel bracelet with folding clasp – or blue soft-touch with folding clasp -or blue fabric strap with silver band and pin buckle
References:
M79030B-0001 – bracelet
M79030B-0002 – soft-touch
M79030B-0003 – textile
Price:
CHF 3,500 / EUR 3,460 bracelet
CHF 3,200 / EUR 3,160 strap
