April 16, 2021

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18k And 925 Editions

A vintage-inspired favorite is back and seems to have evolved into a slightly more distinct look of its own. We’re talking about the “Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight” diver watch, which has been released in a luxurious 18k yellow gold with green dial version and a 925 silver edition. Yes, you read correctly “silver”, not steel. This may not be a common choice nowadays, but may be a welcomed return. Let’s take a closer look at what other novelties Tudor has crafted for 2021.The 39mm case is available in 18k yellow gold with a brushed finish, or a 925 silver version. This is the first time Tudor has made a diver watch in gold, in “case” you didn’t know (pun intended).But, let’s focus on the choice of silver instead of steel. This is also a first-time appearance and Tudor has stated the 925 silver used for this case is a proprietary alloy that will resist the tarnish, usually associated with silver cased watches. Although bronze and its “character-inducing” patina makes it an alloy favorite among many watch enthusiasts, so even if this silver case were to gain some stains they may be an endearing feature. Time will tell and we hope to be around to see.Mounted to the watches is a unidirectional rotating dive bezel (matching each cases alloy) with an aluminium insert in either matte green or taupe; both featuring a 60-minute scale. This bezel has a flat coin edge style, which provides a better grip and offers a tactical touch, besides the aesthetics value.On the flip-side both watches have an exhibition case back, which allows to view the inner workings of the mechanical movement. This is another first on these new releases, versus the usual solid screw-on case back. The inclusion of this view point has added 0.8mm to the over alll width and made the case slightly thicker compared to previous editions. It comes equipped with a screw-down winding crown adorned by an engraved Tudor rose. The chamfered lugs provide a comfortable wrist fit and adequately acommodate these strap options. All topped by a domed sapphire crystal with a water-resistance capable of reaching up to 200 meters (660 feet). Time is exhibited on either a green or taupe (grey-brown color) dial, both with a mixture of round and rectangular hour index markers, plus a single-triangular mark at the 12 o'clock position. There is also a railroad-motif minute track circling the dial. It comes equipped with Tudor’s characteristic angular hands commonly referred to as “snowflake hands”, a direct inspiration from the French Navy in the 1970’s. These are classic looks that provide essential elements, except for the inscriptions found on the lower-half that indicate its water-resistance and “Chronometer Certified” status. The numerals, hour index markers and hands have all undergone a luminescent coating, for an enhanced legibility.

Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18k & 925

The “Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 18k” and “Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925” (References below) are powered by the in-house self-winding mechanical movement, caliber MT5400, with 27 jewels and 28,800 vph. It comes equipped with a bi-directional rotor system. Power reserve on these timepieces can last up to 70 hours, when fully wound. Mounted to the 925 silver case model is a brown leather strap, or a taupe fabric strap; both secured by a 925 silver buckle. Each of these editions has their own references and sell at the same price point. While the 18k gold model is mounted to a more luxurious brown alligator strap and comes with an additional bonus green fabric strap with a gold-colored stripe; both secured by an 18k gold buckle. For more up to date information visit the official Tudor websites here.