Amanico's Basel 2016 report on the Tudor Black Bay highlights crucial updates that might have been overlooked amidst the excitement of new releases. His detailed observations, particularly on the Bronze Black Bay, its unique size, and the subtle dial changes, provide valuable insights for collectors. This article serves as an essential guide to understanding the evolution of a beloved Tudor reference.
The Bronze Black Bay is certainly the most spectacular Tudor novelty, this year. Aesthetically, for sure, as it shows a bronze case, which is still an unusual color for a watch, even if in our modern times, Genta did what, 10 years ago with the Gefica, and Panerai, too, with the Bronzo.
The size is a first, too, with 43 mm, which is exclusive to the Bronze.
With the Bronze Black Bay, you also have a new dial: 3 / 6 / 9 applied indices is the first detail which will jump to our eyes, the brown color, too.
What you may have missed is the straight wording on the dial. Before, half of the wording above 6 o' clock was curved.
The Rose has gone, for a shield, too... Maybe, or probably to announce a mechanical change and to avoid any confusion with the former versions...
Indeed, the movement, Cal 5602, is in house, now, with its silicon spiral. This movement increases the power reserve, compared to the former one, by almost 100% ( 70 hours ), as the ETA had an autonomy of 38 hours. I quite liked the ETA for what it was, a reliable and accurate movement, though.
The Cal 5602:
Some other points to underline, now...
- In parallel to the Bronze, this is the WHOLE Black Bay family which has been revisited.
The Red, the Black and the Blue still exist, but with two changes: The Manufacture movement, now ( Exit the ETA, which is not housed in the black Bay anymore ), and the straight wording at 6 o' clock.
- The Black Bay is also offered in a steel PVD version, called " Dark ". Available with a steel PVD bracelet, or an old looking leather strap and a Nato. The Black Bay Dark has a red depth writing on the dial, the red triangle on the insert, and a silver minutes ring. Exit the gilt writings, and the faux patina on this version.
The funny detail is the absence of end links on the PVD bracelet, while the normal steel version has them...
The Black Bay ETA is dead after a four years career, Long Life to the Black Bay Tudor, an ever growing family.
I regret the absence of a version with pencil hands, though. But maybe it will come in the next years?
So, which one has your favors?
Best,
Nicolas
This message has been edited by amanico on 2016-05-02 00:10:10
