Tudor has expanded their ever-popular Black Bay bezel-less range to include a new feminine model. A 32mm model is being added to the existing Black Bay 41 and Black Bay 36 range. The Black Bay 36 is also available in an elegant blue dial option this year for Baselworld 2018.
As a nod to the history of the brand, which has been offering the blue dial colour in its collections ever since the 1960s, the dials of the Black Bay 41 and Black Bay 36 – black hitherto – will now also be available in a new blue version. Meticulously lacquered for a touch of elegance, the new blue dial captures the light in a spectrum of vivid electric blue to a navy so deep it is almost black. With their outstanding contrast and clarity, these shades are in keeping with Black Bay’s original purpose.
Alongside the new blue dial, Black Bay is also being offered in a smaller size creating a perfectly feminine form for the first time. With its new 32 mm diameter, Tudor’s characteristic design brings all the features of a tool-watch to the feminine wrist. Refined as well as functional, the Black Bay 32 is typical of its family, historically and technically. It is waterproof to 150 metres (500 ft), has a self-winding mechanical movement and is highly legible. It has a steel case with alternate polished and satin finish. Finally, its flat, lacquered dial is available both in black or blue. Naturally, it also has the contrasting, luminescent hour markers that are characteristic of the Black Bay line.
Like other models in the Black Bay line, the feminine Black Bay 36 and 32 feature a dial inspired by the Tudor divers’ watches produced during the 1950s. They adopt the characteristic angular hands known to collectors as “snowflake” that appeared in the brand’s 1969 catalogue. These contemporary models also boast a large winding crown, characteristic of the first generation of Tudor divers’ watches that were waterproof to 200 metres (660 ft).
The Black Bay line is the result of the subtle blend of traditional aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking. Far from simply being an identical re-release of a classic, it brings together over 60 years of TUDOR divers’ watches at the same time as being resolutely anchored in the present. Whilst it is neo-vintage in conception, its manufacturing techniques, reliability, robustness and the quality of its finish are consistent with today’s more rigorous requirements.
Made with the lady wearer in mind, the Black Bay 36 and 32 are supplied with a choice of a steel bracelet, a contemporary leather strap with a folding clasp, or in smooth black fabric. Made in the Jacquard technique, a traditional method achieved by a 150-year-old family firm from the St-Etienne region of France, this fabric strap is a signature feature of Tudor, which is regarded as a pioneer in this area.
Technical Specifications
REFERENCES: 79500, 79580
CASE: 36 and 32 mm steel case with polished and satin finish
BEZEL: Smooth steel bezel, polished finish
WINDING CROWN: Steel screw-down winding crown, with the TUDOR rose in relief, with black anodised aluminium winding crown tube
DIAL: Blue or black
CRYSTAL: Sapphire crystal
MOVEMENT: Self-winding mechanical movement, Calibre 2824
WATERPROOFNESS: Waterproof to 150 m (500 ft)
BRACELET: Steel bracelet with satin finish, or brown leather strap with folding clasp and safety catch or black fabric strap with buckle
POWER RESERVE: Approximately 38 hours
Swiss price (VAT incl.) Black Bay 36mm: CHF 2,700 (bracelet)
Swiss price (VAT incl.) Black Bay 32mm: CHF 2,600 (bracelet) and 2,300 (leather/fabric)
2 Comments
Absolutely love that the Black Bay is offered in 32mm. I have tiny wrists, even by women’s standards, so 36mm was way too big for me. The blue dial version is gorgeous, and will be my next purchase.
The BB36 is marketed as a mans watch as well. He majority of the purchases are men since the watch resembles the Explorer 36MM.