Tudor Baselworld 2017 New Releases Review

ImranLondon · 2017-03-27T04:30:15Z

Miranda reviews Tudor's Baselworld 2017 releases, including new Black Bay models and chronographs, highlighting their shift towards a broader commercial market.

ImranLondon

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Miranda's Baselworld 2017 review offers a critical look at Tudor's new releases, suggesting a strategic shift towards a broader commercial market rather than solely catering to niche collectors. Her insights into the new chronograph, Black Bay models, and bi-colour variants provide valuable context for understanding Tudor's evolving brand direction and market positioning.

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This year was a pivotal year in terms of direction in my opinion for Tudorwatch. I got the feeling the company was now moving away from the niche market of collectors and now looking to be more commercial. Tudor want to dominate the price segment they are in. A tough call, because this is an area with a lot of competition.

To start we look at the new chronograph- based loosely on the big block for aesthetics. I was impressed with the build quality, the vintage bracelet was a nice touch. It is definitely a watch created for the mass market unlike the heritage chronographs which maybe were targeted specially at vintage collectors-perhaps.

I was very impressed with the calf strap - would look nice on the Black bay models too.

Next a new Black Bay- with steel bezel based on a vintage Submariner and now with date. Definitely more commercially viable with the date. Again very well made with some nice heritage touches.

Further increasing the appeal of the Black Bay, are the new bi colour models. The bracelet version manages to keep the cost down by only using solid gold for the bezel,crown and solid end link. The rest is gold filled.

Also available on distressed strap

Let years smash hit the Bronze is now available with a new version of the NATO strap

Finally my favourite of this year, the Black Bay 41mm. A very simple classical watch in a new size. Would look great on that calf strap from the chronograph. This would make a great "beater watch".

Best

Imran

Key Points from the Discussion

The new chronograph, loosely based on the 'Big Block' for aesthetics, impressed with its build quality and vintage bracelet, indicating a design for the mass market rather than just vintage collectors.
The new Black Bay with a steel bezel and date function, inspired by vintage Submariners, is seen as more commercially viable due to the inclusion of the date.
The bi-colour Black Bay models keep costs down by using solid gold only for the bezel, crown, and solid end links, with the rest being gold-filled.
The steel bezel with engraved markings and the two touches of red on the Black Bay model are particularly admired, despite the common debate over date inclusion.
The 36mm Black Bay did not work for one collector's wrist, but there are high hopes for the 41mm version.
The snowflake hand on the new chronograph is considered aesthetically odd by one contributor, despite liking it on other Black Bay models.

The Discussion

amanico

Mar 27, 2017

At least my favorite from the 2017 novelties. Best, Nicolas

kev09

Mar 27, 2017

Some nice watches, particularly the 41mm which, as you say, would look even better on a nice strap. The chronograph however, oh dear - no! For me the snowflake hand (which I like on the others in the range) just looks odd on a chronograph. Regards, Kev.

jim vancouver

Mar 27, 2017

Tudor is on the move. Don't forget the Pelagos Chrono and the Heritage Advisor.

MichaelC

Mar 29, 2017

Yes, I know it has a date. I'm afraid we go nuts over its inclusion on every watch. On this model, I am not bothered by it. If I could change one thing, I would erase the extra lines of text on the bottom of the dial (keeping the red water rating though). What I really adore is the steel bezel with engraved markings. And the 2 touches of red, I want to see this model for sure. Thanks for the report, Miranda.

KMII

Mar 29, 2017

As much as I liked the idea of the 36mm, it simply did not fully work on my wrist (admittedly only tried the bracelet one). Have high hopes for the 41mm though Thanks for your report!

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