Tudor Black Bay 2016 New Details

amanico · 2016-05-02T00:09:54Z

Discover the new Tudor Black Bay 2016 details: bronze case, 43mm size, updated dial text, and in-house movement. Amanico's review highlights key changes.

amanico

WPS member · Rolex forum

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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

Key Points from the Discussion

The new Tudor Black Bay models, while introducing an in-house movement, have moved away from the iconic rose emblem and curved dial wording, features that some collectors preferred for their distinct Tudor identity.
The 43mm size of the Bronze Black Bay is a significant departure, raising concerns among collectors about wearability, especially for those who prefer smaller watches.
The bronze alloy of the Black Bay is expected to age and darken, gaining personality over time, which is a desirable characteristic for many collectors.
The change from the rose logo to the shield logo on the dial, alongside the straight-line text, marks a deliberate effort by Tudor to differentiate the new in-house movement models from previous versions.
There is a general sentiment among some collectors that watch sizes, including those from Rolex and Tudor, are increasing, with a desire for brands to offer smaller options.
The bronze Black Bay's warm hue and the potential for patina are appealing, but its larger size remains a key consideration for collectors.

The Discussion

BDLJ

May 2, 2016

It looks like the elastic French diver's strap (that I've been trying to get for a while ;-) )

massi.

May 2, 2016

I find this model very interesting: I don't see often a watch that doesn't make me the desire to "modify" it, for sure this is one of those rare cases! About the metal, probably the bronze alloy aging becoming a little darker, gaining personality... a piece that I would like to have. The only thing is about the steel back, with PVD coating in bronze color: maybe a back in the same alloy of the body would be weak. I hope to see it in metal in the next months! Thanks for the interesting news massi

amanico

May 2, 2016

I have different interrogations about it: The patina of the case, of course, but also the 2 extra mm compared to the normal black bay, and the dial... I really have to see it in the real... All the best, Amico. Nicolas

S F

May 2, 2016

to my other bronze, the Zenith Extra Special. I read in one review that aluminium was added to the alloy to control the rate of patina formation. Not sure if that means the case will hold up much longer in terms of aging.

Bill

May 2, 2016

I just have a little trouble with general direction with size. Even Rolex is growing. I wish they would go on a diet for the next round. But as you said what Tudor is doing is intriguing without a doubt. Bill

Ano Nuevo

May 2, 2016

Thanks for this informative posting, Nicolas. One minor amendment: In addition to the two differences you mention for the “new” Black Bays (in-house movement; changed text language and straight-line orientation of text) Tudor also dropped the former rose logo on the dial for their shield logo. The increased life of the in-house movement is a big improvement, no question. But I do prefer the older models’ text language and orientation — the former design is, to my eye, both friendlier and less Ro

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