TUDOR Black Bay S&G
Press Release – Baselworld 2018
TUDOR Black Bay S&G
TUDOR’s famous Black Bay divers’ watch is now available in yellow gold and steel version. Fitted with the Manufacture Calibre MT5612, the Black Bay S&G model also introduces the date function to the Black Bay family.
An emblematic model celebrating 60 years of TUDOR divers’ watches with extraordinary craftsmanship. Enhancing the Black Bay with yellow gold creates a new version named S&G, for Steel & Gold. In this version the lines and proportions of the Black Bay are retained, while the rotating bezel and the winding crown are made from yellow gold. The steel bracelet is also dressed in this precious metal on its central link giving it a more formal feel.
The Manufacture Calibre MT5612
This is a variation of the movement first presented by TUDOR in 2015 and has been developed for the Black Bay S&G model. A date function features for the first time in the Black Bay line, adding to the hour, minute and second functions that are a feature of all Black Bay models. A high- performance calibre of superb precision and proven robustness. With a 70-hour power reserve, a wearer can take o the watch on Friday evening and put it back on again on Monday morning without having to reset and wind it. Beating to a frequency of 28,800 beats/hour or 4 Hz, the movement is regulated by a variable inertia oscillator with silicon balance spring. This is held in place by a traversing bridge, guaranteeing its robustness. Furthermore, the movement is certified by the Swiss Offcial Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
A “Riveted" Bracelet
The bracelet of the Black Bay S&G model is inspired by the folding riveted bracelets of the TUDOR watches produced in the 1950s and 1960s. These were famous for having rivet heads for attaching the links, shown on the side of the bracelet. The links also had a distinct stepped construction. These two aesthetic details are incorporated into the bracelet of the 2/5 Black Bay S&G model, integrating modern manufacturing methods using solid links. Two additional designs are available: brown aged leather strap and folding clasp or brown fabric strap. Made using the Jacquard technique, a traditional method achieved by a 150-year-old family rm from the St-Etienne region of France, this strap is a signature feature of TUDOR, which is thought to be a pioneer in this area.
The Origins of the Black Bay Inspiration
TUDOR derived the characteristic aesthetic elements of the Black Bay S&G model from its history. The overall shape, as well as the domed dial and crystal, come from the first TUDOR divers’ watches. The prominent winding crown is a feature of the famous reference 7924 from 1958. The first TUDOR watch to be waterproof to 200 metres (660 ), known as the Big Crown. Finally, the characteristic angular hands, known as snowflake, are typical of the watches delivered to the French Navy in the 1970s.
The TUDOR Diver's Watch
The history of the TUDOR divers’ watch dates back to 1954 with the launch of reference 7922. The first in a long line of ergonomic, legible, accurate and robust divers’ watches, it perfectly embodies the approach formulated by the American architect Louis Sullivan who stated that the form of an object 3/5 must follow its function. Furthermore, it laid down the aesthetic and technical foundations of an ideal divers’ watch; an understated, functional and reliable tool. The sixty years that followed the launch of the original 7922 saw the constant improvement of the TUDOR divers’ watch. Each model gained unanimous acclaim from professionals in the eld including some of the greatest military navies in the world.