“Once you push those buttons, it becomes more than just a timepiece”
Tudor Black Bay Chrono S+G
Chronographs go back as far as 1816, invented by Louis Moinet who used it for his work on astronomical equipment. They were first used by the horological industry in 1844 when a Swiss based watchmaker working in London perfected a way of getting the hand to return to zero.
Some twenty years later, we are in awe of a further development that incorporated a reset button. You will be familiar with this function if you own a vintage pocket watch with this feature.
The TUDOR journey with chronographs began in 1970 with the TUDOR Oyster Date Chronograph. Its ground-breaking design which still turns heads today can be seen below. Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year confirms the company’s dedication to producing watches of the highest quality.
The introduction of a collaboration with Breitling, saw a new Chronograph emerge; the Black Bay Chrono, unveiled in 2017. By using the base Breitling’s B01 movement, the calibre MT5813 gives watch enthusiasts a remarkable quality chronometer timepiece.
Once again, TUDOR provide a 45-minute counter opposed to the traditional 30 or 60 minute counter often used in the industry. Those enthusiasts who are keen on the engineering components will pick up on a “Vertical Clutch” to ensure that the gears are always engaging and gives reliability just like a clutch plate does in a car. This superior piece of engineering thus eliminates the small sidestep of the second hand sometimes seen with a lateral clutch. Not only that, the inclusion also of a column wheel gives you an even greater quality movement.
The decision to include this means in simple explainable terms, it gives more accurate and precise functionality leading to smoother action with the pushers. In my opinion, these unseen hero components should take as much glory as the aesthetic beauty of the outer design. They blend together to provide a quality that should not be taken for granted by its owner.
Looking at this 1970 Chronograph, even back then you can see the origins of TUDOR’s “Born to Dare ” ethos. This daring attitude is demonstrated in the current Black Bay Chrono S&G range, in particular, the bund leather strap option. Currently, it is my favourite chronograph available in a steel and gold combination.
So back to this wonderful timepiece, after a very brief history lesson and overview of its technology.
The bezel is solid gold as are the flush fits and the bracelet links have a capping of 18ct gold, which is so thick it can sustain several refurbishments when it comes to servicing after many years of enjoyable wear. With TUDOR there is always plenty to comment on. Like the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono S&G’s 18ct bezel. This key feature has a highly resistant anodized aluminium bezel insert and black tachometer markings. It is extremely complimentary to the overall look of the watch.
The dial of any timepiece is always a pivotal part of the buyer’s decision. It has to live up to the quality of the movement. The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono S&G achieves this with clinical accuracy and without a trace of the wasted overcrowding of glitzy unnecessary features. The gold and black with minimal use of red gives a clarity that is easy to read and enjoyable to look at. With ivory indices and a legible date at the position of 6 o’clock, together with the famous Snowflake hands, all in a package that boasts being 100% Swiss made.
Finally, a nice touch is the red text on the dial as well as the red tip second hand seen on the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono S&G. A gentle but effective reminder of their extensive diving history. TUDOR have demonstrated with this watch that they can be defined as much more than just a sibling of Rolex. Since TUDOR was registered in 1926 they have continued to push the boundaries of watchmaking and offer the highest quality watch, at the most accessible price.
Specifications for this TUDOR timepiece can be seen below along with bracelet options.
TUDOR Black Bay Chrono S&G specifications:
CASE: 41MM with steel and polished satin finish
Waterproof to 300m 660ft
BEZEL: fixed yellow with Matt black anodized aluminium disc with tacky metre scale, yellow gold markings.
DIAL: Black domed.
Crystal: Domed crystal
MOVEMENT: Manufactured Calibre MT5813 COSC chronometer self-winding bidirectional rotary system
POWER RESERVE: .70 hours
[WINDING: Yellow gold screw down with TUDOR rose in relief. Yellow hold with screw down pushers at 2&4 positions.
BRACELET: Brown leather with removable bund, folding clasp and safety catch.
PRICE, current 08/2020
Strap £4,330
Bracelet £5,350
Fabric £4,330
To know more about the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono S&G range, please contact us on 01243 957282. Our passionate and knowledgeable staff look forward to helping you browse the wide and varied collection of TUDOR watches.