Launched in 2018, Tudor Black Bay 58 is a classically styled contemporary diving watch from Tudor. At present, it is one of the most popular creations from the iconic Black Bay family. Water-resistant to 200 meters (660 ft), this modern interpretation of a legendary Tudor diving watch has a 39mm diameter case with a new in-house self-winding movement beating inside. The number 58 refers to the launching year of Tudor Submariner reference 7924, the source of inspiration of Black Bay 58.
History and evolution
Tudor was established in 1946 by visionary entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex. Tudor began producing diving watches in 1954. Naturally, it has derived its inspiration from the legendary Rolex Submariner watch. The first diving timepiece from the brand was the Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 with 100-meters water resistance. In 1958, Tudor launched its first dive watch with 200 meters water resistance, the reference 7924. This first-generation Tudor ‘Big Crown’ Submariner is the inspirational source of the Black Bay 58 series. The early generation Tudor dive watches are most-sought after by the passionate collectors of rare vintage sports watches.
In 2010, Tudor launched the Heritage collection for introducing modern interpretations of some of its iconic timepieces. Among them, the Tudor Heritage Black Bay was launched as an appropriate tribute to the brand’s legendary diving timepieces. Presently known as Black Bay, it is a best-selling collection from the house of Tudor. This flagship series is comprised of diving watch models like Classic, Date, GMT, Bronze, P01 and Black Bay 58.
Tudor Black Bay 58 family
The Tudor Black Bay 58 dive watch was introduced in 2018. Presently, the successful series is comprised of automatic diving watches featuring 316L stainless steel, 925 Silver or 18-carat gold cases.
In stainless steel, two dial color versions are available: Black and Blue. The black dial version is topped with a matt black bezel-insert with pink gilded markings and numerals. The blue dial variant comes with a matt blue bezel-insert featuring silver gilded markers and numerals.
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 model features a sterling silver case with satin-finishing, a taupe (dark gray-brown) color dial and matt taupe bezel insert with silver gilded markings and numerals. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18K version comes elegantly dressed in an 18-carat yellow gold, satin-finished case, green dial and matt green bezel insert with gold gilded markings and numerals.
Special features
Proudly displaying Tudor’s 70 years of dive watch legacy, this spectacular diving timepiece seamlessly blends traditional aesthetics and contemporary watchmaking. Aptly known as the perfect modern-day Tudor “Submariner”, Black Bay 58 stands out within Tudor’s popular Black Bay family. Its hallmarks are compact size, vintage style, contemporary features, a technically brilliant manufacture movement and the attractive price range.
(1) Compact case design
Tudor has chosen classic proportions for the Black Bay 58 watch instead of following the existing trend of bold-sized diving wristwatches. To validate its vintage inspiration, it comes with a compact case measuring 39mm diameter. Its thickness is 11.9mm and lug-to-lug width is 47.5mm. In comparison, the Tudor Black Bay Classic models and new generation Rolex Submariners feature 41mm diameter cases. The compact size of Tudor Black Bay 58 naturally makes it an ideal timepiece for smaller wrists.
The large winding crown, which highlights the Tudor rose in relief, is a nod to the first generation dive watches from the iconic brand. A domed sapphire crystal glass generously offers the clear of the domed dial.
(2) Vintage inspired rotating bezel
Tudor Black Bay 58 is fitted with a uni-directional rotating bezel with a 60-clicks mechanism and coin-edges. Depending upon the variant, the bezel material can be stainless steel, sterling silver alloy or 18-carat gold. It is mounted with an anodized aluminium bezel-insert with glided markings and numerals. The bezel of this Tudor watch is smooth and easy to operate. The triangle indicator at the 0/60 position incorporates a lumed dot. The matte-finishing of the graduated bezel disc takes inspiration from vintage dive watches.
(3) Domed dial inspired by classic dive watches
Featuring a three-hand, no date configuration, the domed dial provides crystal-clear view. Its hour-markers and hands are embedded with Grade-A Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminescent material for ensuring legibility around the clock. The dial design is inspired by the Tudor diving watches produced during the 1950s. The emblematic snow-flake hand is the stand-out feature of all Black Bay 58 timepieces.
(4) In-house movement with enhanced technical features
Behind the brilliant chronometric performance of each Tudor Black Bay 58 watch is an in-house self-winding movement. The MT5402 manufacture calibre beats at 28,800 v.p.h (4 Hz) and efficiently provides an exceptional accuracy in all conditions. This state-of-the-art automatic caliber was introduced in 2018. Energized by a bidirectional rotor system, the movement offers a power reserve up to 70 hours.
Its non-magnetic silicon balance spring ensures consistent timekeeping even in places where strong magnetic interferences are present. The Stop Seconds function allows the wearer to undertake quick and precise time-setting.
(5) Excellent Bracelets and Straps
At present, the stainless steel Tudor Black Bay 58 variants are available with the choice of a riveted steel bracelet, leather band or fabric strap. The silver version is available with genuine leather or fabric strap, secured with a silver buckle. The 18K Black Bay 58 model has a dark brown alligator strap secured with an 18-carat yellow gold buckle. An additional green fabric strap is also provided with the Yellow gold variant.
(6) Accessible Pricing
Tudor offers an attractive price range for its Black Bay 58 models when it compared to the identical diving watches available in the market. The Tudor black bay 58 Singapore price range of a stainless steel version is around S$ 5,100 for the metal bracelet and S$ 4,700 with the strap. The Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 silver watch costs around S$ 6,000 while the 18K gold model retails just above S$ 23,100. Many enthusiasts prefer Tudor Black Bay 58 as an affordable alternative to Rolex submariner, which usually sells above S$ 12,000.
Conclusion
Boasting a neo-vintage style, Tudor Black Bay 58 is one of the most talked about contemporary wristwatches. Since its debut in 2018, this timepiece has been immensely popular among the divers with smaller wrists, diving watch enthusiasts and the passionate lovers of vintage style wristwatches. Prominently a recreational dive watch, the Black Bay 58 can also be easily worn as a comfortable daily wear accessory thanks to its compact dimensions.
Tudor watches always stand above existing industry standards. Although its roots trace back to the 1950s, the Tudor Black Bay 58 utilizes modern technology and durable materials for ensuring durability, precision, reliability, robustness and high-quality finishing.
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