Tudor is good at make diving watch. Black Bay Bronze is the first Black Bay use the Tudor’s in-house movement. It was debuted at Baselworld 2016.
The case is slightly larger than the regular Black Bay cases, measuring some 43mm in diameter. This is provide better structural rigidity to the bronze case, which as referenced above is softer and weaker than steel. The case design is beautiful, lines flowing nicely, and creating a very harmonious aesthetic. The design reflects the characteristics from Tudor’s history. The domed crystal, and a dial which is a good tribute to Tudor’s vintage diving watches.
The Tudor logo of a rose, which was present on the dial in the earlier Black Bay watches is deleted, and replaced with the Tudor shield. The rose remains embossed on the side of the Big Crown. Drilled holes on the side of the lugs, which is another characteristic from vintage models are brought back, as are chamfered sides of the case.
Hands are what is known as snowflake, and make the watch highly legible in light and in the dark.
The watch will be delivered with two straps. One in nylon, which is a NATO strap, inspired by a vintage found Tudor Diver originally issued to the French Navy. The watch was found with a self made strap from the strap used by the Navy’s Rescue Parachutes. The Black Bay Bronze’s NATO strap carries the same motif and is inspired by this strap. It also comes with a vintage looking calf strap, with a characteristic weathered look.
Aesthetically, it is a real winner. From the snowflake hands, the domed crystal, the sculptured case, and the warmth of the bronze, it remains quiet, yet screams vintage and class. The rust colored combination, either the NATO strap or the vintage calf strap is beautiful, and will match well with the usual gentleman’s accoutrements like brown shoes and other leather accessories.
