One of essentially the most compelling mainstream watch designs launched final 12 months was the Tudor Black Bay “Monochrome.”
Representing an extension of the unique Black Bay assortment, which noticed a brand new era arrive in 2023, with a 41 mm x 13.6 mm case (21 mm lug width) and a burgundy and black coloration scheme, the watch is impressed by Tudor’s sibling, Rolex.
Specifically, the Black Bay pays homage to Rolex’s vaunted Submariner dive watch. And this black and white mannequin, launched as Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2024, was affectionately nicknamed the “Monochrome” as a result of its coloration palette, and represents one of many closest fashions you will get to an precise Submariner.
Tudor has been leaning into the Submariner’s iconic design greater than they ever have, lately, not simply with the Black Bay line, but in addition the Pelagos, significantly the Pelagos 39, which we reviewed in-depth simply final month.
Nevertheless, whereas the Pelagos 39 provides Submariner look-alike styling in a matte titanium aesthetic, the Black Bay “Monochrome” presents a shinier, barely bigger interpretation of the Submariner aesthetic, with steel indices, a 5-link Jubilee fashion bracelet choices (proven), and an total extra showy look in comparison with the Pelagos 39.
Last Ideas
For these of you who’re evaluating the Pelagos 39 and the Monochrome model of the Black Bay, with the latter, you get the correct Grasp Chromometer, COSC, and METAS-certified caliber MT5602-U motion. With the Pelagos 39, it’s powered by an older MT5400 COSC-certified chronometer motion. After all, the Grasp Chronometer is preferable; nonetheless, both one is manufactured and controlled for excessive precision. The Black Bay (Ref. Ref-M7941A1A0NU-0003) is crafted from a heavier 316L stainless-steel versus light-weight grade 2 titanium for the Pelagos 39. One other notable distinction, along with having full steel hour marker surrounds, is a extra pronounced sunburst sample on the dial, in comparison with a refined sunburst impact on the Pelagos 39. Each are glorious decisions; you must resolve which options you need extra.
Retail, as proven with a 5-link Jubilee-style stainless-steel bracelet with T-Match microadjustable clasp, is $5,100. The rivet-style bracelet mannequin is $4,975, and the built-in HBNR rubber strap is $4,750.
Be taught extra at The 1916 Firm.
