This Year’s Tudor Black Bay Steel is One of its Finest

Tudor knows when they have a good thing going. The raw basics of luxury, fine workmanship and a name that is undeniably the seal of perfection. The Black Bay in year five since it’s entrance into the world makes no apologies for its essential representation with the Steel edition. There has to be an example of how simplicity and a return to the basics reveals the true character and personality of the original intention. Tudor didn’t care to add any extra frills or enticements in the watch that doesn’t need adornment to elicit excitement. The class and luxury are built in from the beginning.

Tudor Black Bay Steel

Critiques remark about the lack of accoutrements in the latest edition, without the observers perhaps realizing its purposeful design. There is a truth and purity in this representation of the Tudor Black Bay collection. It fairly represents the heart and spirit of the line without overstating the raw beauty and high functionality of the finished product. To cut to the chase, it’s an attractive watch to being with and there are times when simplicity is the demand of the clientele. There is a freshness about a new piece that does not tamper with perfection, Not everyone is looking for a departure from the classic aesthetics of a line that they already appreciate. There is no evidence that a single corner was cut in the design and execution of the Steel edition of the Black Bay line.

The latest example born into the Black Bay family was represented at Baselworld 2017 and deserves a closer examination. A thorough description of the technical specifications are in order. Similar to the information that the announcement of the birth of a new child is offered, here are the details.

Case

The 41mm case features a solid one piece design of steel material available with polished and satin finish. The watch is waterproof up to 660 feet or 200 meters.

Bezel

Bezel is unidirectional rotating of steel materials including one hour graduated steel disc with black engraved markings. Bezel is a brushed steel insert.

Movement

The self-winding calibre MT5612 (COSC) features bidirectional mechanical rotor system. Tudor’s in house calibre. The power reserve is roughly 70 hours. Functions of this watch include hours, minutes, seconds and a date.

Crown

Winding screw-down style steel crown featuring an engraving of the Tudor rose in black laquer.

Dial

Simple and classic black domed dial beneath the domed sapphire crystal. The indicators are applied white in circular dot style with steel framing white this theme repeated on the hours and minute hands. A brushed steel second hand combines to produce a marvelous contrasting effect on the face of the dial. The date window is placed at the 3 O’ clock position with a white background and contrasting black date indication.

Aesthetics

The Tudor Geneve logo is placed at the dead center of the dial in white, with the Chronometer Certification in white below. The waterproof limitations appear in red lettering directly above the Chronometer Cert in the lower center of the dial. Overall, the dial achieves wonderful balance and readability without becoming too busy. In this regard, it is neither bland, nor overstated.

Visibility

The black face of the dial gives the watch good visibility. The domed crystal is useful in defecting glare from bright light for a clearer image of the indications beneath.

Bracelet

Options for steel bracelet or strap made of aged leather with additional strap included. Folding clasp closure with safety catch of the same steel material as the body of the watch.

Pricing: $3,475

A modest asking price for the aged leather strap version. You’ll pay a little more for the steel bracelet which begins at $3,800. Each example comes with an additional strap that is included in the box.

Final thoughts

The Tudor Black Bay Steel was officially introduced to the world at Baselwood 2017 and is the most recent addition to the Black Bay collection, giving patrons one more option with additional bracelet variations in a simple style that presents the understated elegance that some prefer. The only new feature for Tudor is the addition of the date function which is smartly positioned in a symmetric theme that blends nicely into the overall scheme of the dial.