Tudor Black Bay Chrono: A Closer Look at Tudor’s Steely Chronograph

The Tudor Black Bay collection is undoubtedly one of the most popular collections from Tudor. In terms of watches that offer both stylish designs and incredible utility, the Tudor Black Bay definitely stands at the top of the market. The Black Bay collection is best known for its line of luxurious dive watches, but one stand-out piece that breaks the norm is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono.

Classy and incredibly functional, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is an exceptional chronograph watch effort despite being outside of the Black Bay collection’s typical wheelhouse. As a pseudo dress/chronograph watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is extremely versatile, enough to be used for both fun recreational activities and formal dinner events. This is the perfect timekeeper for those seeking something that offers a more balanced bravado. Without further ado, let us closely examine the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, its specifications, history, and just what makes it so popular with modern audiences.

First Impressions

A first look at the Tudor Black Bay Chrono might make you think that it could not possibly be a part of the Black Bay collection. It stands out against the standard Black Bay dive watch designs, lacking the simple dial and the elapsed time scale bezel. However, this was actually an intentional choice by Tudor, as part of their attempt to branch out and introduce more diversity into the Black Bay collection, starting with the Tudor Black Bay Chrono.

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is a powerful utility watch that prioritizes both style and function, deviating from the usual bulky exteriors of the Black Bay collection. This is an excellent watch that upholds Tudor’s passion for watchmaking, showing off impressive features that exemplify utility and durability both on land and underwater.

Specifications

Case, Bezel, and Caseback

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002 is presented in an average-sized 41mm stainless steel case, which is highly resistant to scratches, shocks, and rust, making this a very durable timepiece indeed. The case also has a velvety satin finish which gives it a very luxurious sheen.

Fitted on top of the case is a fixed bezel made of 316L stainless steel, with a matte black anodized disc bearing a handy tachymeter scale in white indicators. This is quite different from most Tudor Black Bay watches, which typically have unidirectional rotating bezels marked with elapsed time scales. The quintessential combination of the silver case and black aluminum bezel adds to the watch’s dignified vibe, reinforcing the Tudor Black Bay Chrono’s status as a handsome dress watch.

On the right side of the case is a stout crown surrounded by two pushers. The crown is thick and comes with grooved edges to provide wearers with a better grip, while the stainless steel pushers can be used to control the watch’s chronograph functions. On the underside of the watch, you can find a securely screwed-down stainless steel caseback. This caseback prevents any moisture or dust from penetrating and damaging the watch’s inner mechanisms. In addition, it provides the Tudor Black Bay Chrono with a 200-meter depth rating, which is very impressive for a non-dive chronograph watch.

Dial

For the Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002, Tudor opted for the appealing, easy-to-read “panda” dial layout, which consists of two black chronograph sub-dials against a clean white dial, resembling the face of an adorable panda. This is a simple yet chic design scheme commonly found in many modern chronographs, as it is extremely popular with younger audiences. The use of the panda dial enhances the Tudor Black Bay Chrono’s refined and effortless stylishness, making it a great piece for a fancy dinner party.

The two black chronograph sub-dials are located across from each other, at the 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, like the eyes of a panda. The compact date aperture can be found at 6 o’clock, providing a clear view of the date that is not hindered by other indicators or markers. In addition, the dial also consists of luminous round hour markers and the iconic Black Bay snowflake hands, distinguishing this watch as a member of the Black Bay collection. The handset is also generously coated in lume, providing the watch face with a vivid green glow in the dark.

Movement

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002 is powered by the brand’s in-house Manufacture Caliber MT5813. This is a COSC-certified automatic movement, offering excellent timekeeping precision. It also has an impressive power reserve that can last for over 70 hours, so you could easily leave this watch aside for a weekend and come back to it without having to waste time manually winding it again.

Price

As a collection of dressy luxury watches, the Black Bay collection generally does not come cheap, and the same is true of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. The price of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Ref. 79360N-0002, in particular, starts at $7,279 USD. Considering its top-notch durability, versatile multifunctionality, and its status as a groundbreaking chronograph watch in the Black Bay collection, we think that the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is certainly worth the price.

Brief History on the Tudor Black Bay

The Tudor Black Bay collection was initially released in 2012 as a way to reintroduce the brand’s heritage dive watches to the world, especially to newer generations. The Black Bay collection is based on a vintage Tudor diver, the Tudor Submariner, boasting the same old-school designs with modernized features and technology. It was an immediate hit upon release, and Tudor has since rapidly expanded the line. Today, the Tudor Black Bay collection offers a wide variety of divers with different looks and colorways, such as the Tudor Black Bay Blue, the Tudor Black Bay Bronze, and much more.

One of the most notable watches in this range is the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. Instead of going for the standard diver route, Tudor decided to diversify the Black Bay collection even more, taking their designs to a whole new level with a Black Bay chronograph watch instead. Chronograph pieces are incredibly popular amongst all ages of men and women, which in turn allows Tudor to be more creative and establish its own take on chronographs. This prompted the birth of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, a versatile, uniquely Black Bay creation that provides style and utility all at once.

Alternatives

1. Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR

When it comes to utility chronographs, Sinn is definitely a go-to brand. Sinn watches are popular for championing durability and longevity by using traditional German watchmaking expertise. One prime example of what the brand has achieved over the years is the Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR.

This Sinn Instruments Chronograph piece comes in a mid-sized 43mm stainless steel case paired with a comfortable grey leather strap. Like the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, its textured black dial is straightforward and easy to read. It is adorned with two jet-black chronograph sub-dials, a date window at 6 o’clock, thick hour indices, luminous sword hands, and vibrant red seconds hands that add a splash of color to the watch face. The watch is powered by the DIN 8309 caliber, an automatic movement that vibrates at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It offers strong anti-magnetic properties and a solid 100-meter water resistance capacity.

The Sinn Chronograph 936 Ref. 936.010-Leather-CIVS-Blk-DSR retails at just $3,299 USD.

2. Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760

For those who find the Tudor Black Bay Chrono a little out of their budget, another dressy and elegant chronograph watch you could opt for is the Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760. This watch is simple and robust without compromising its style.

The Longines Heritage Chronograph Ref. L28144760 has a 41mm stainless steel case, making it the same size as the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. This is paired with a black alligator leather strap and a fixed stainless steel bezel. The white dial is incredibly simple and understated, with two white chronograph sub-dials, gold-tone dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and slender stick hands.

However, one downside to this Longines Heritage piece is that it is not quite as durable or functional as its aforementioned chronograph peers. Unlike the Tudor Black Bay Chrono, it lacks the handy tachymeter scale and date display. In addition, it is only water-resistant up to depths of 30 meters, so it can survive some heavy showers, but you will not be able to bring this watch with you to all your fun watersports activities.

This Longines watch is currently priced at $2,950 USD, making it the most affordable watch on this list.

3. Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952

Another watch that is worth looking at is the Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952. This is a gorgeous and versatile watch, doubling as a chronograph watch and a dress piece at the same time. The watch also stands out for its use of the innovative “Monopusher” design.

This Montblanc Heritage watch has a 41mm stainless steel case, with a matching steel Milanese bracelet completing its refined and professional exterior. On the right side of the case, you can find the “Monopusher”, an interesting design that combines the watch’s crown and chronograph pushers into one. This monopusher comes with some pros and cons. On one hand, it is extremely convenient, ensuring that you do not have to reach around for multiple buttons in order to turn the crown or control the chronograph functions. However, the monopusher is also quite long and can dig into the skin of your wrist, so this watch is not ideal for those with thick wrists.

The dial of this Montblanc watch comes in a silvery-white hue which blends well with the stainless steel exterior. It is decorated with silver dot indices, Arabic numeral markers, and a stylish combination of silver and blued steel hands that contrast delightfully against each other. This watch runs on the brand’s in-house MB 25.12 automatic caliber, which has a good 48-hour power reserve.

The Montblanc Heritage Monopusher Ref. MB119952 retails at approximately $3,099 USD.

Final Thoughts

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is surely one of the best and most stylish chronographs in the market right now. It is very durable, possesses a hardy exterior and a water resistance capacity that rivals actual dive watches, and has a unique status in the Black Bay series. As a versatile dress/chronograph watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono is sure to satisfy your every need, so you should definitely consider adding this watch to your collection.

All images courtesy of WatchShopping, unless stated otherwise.

Featured image courtesy of Tudor

If you are still left undecided, check out our choices for the 15 Best Sailing Watches for the Avid Sailor—it might be your best chance to find the right watch for you!