FEATURED: TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze Boutique Edition

Bronze is certainly making a comeback! Over the years we have seen various prestigious watch brands introducing bronze versions to their already existing collections. Did you know that Gerald Genta was one of the first few to come up with the idea of creating a bronze case for a watch, back in 1984. Back then the reasons to use bronze was to keep the watch from reflecting light, hence maintaining discretion. Today however, its all about that oxidization effect. As you age, so does your watch and certainly with a unique patina.

The most recent addition to the world of bronze watches is the new TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze Boutique Edition. A new rich “brown-bronze” tone, adorning the dial and bezel of this divers’ watch whose naval inspiration can be seen in every detail. Be it that 39 mm bronze case, which is an aesthetic nod to the bronzes on old ships or the characteristic proportions of the first TUDOR divers’ watches from the 50s, particularly the famous 7924 reference or “ Big Crown”. The combination of a domed dial in matt “brown bronze”, shaded concentrically from the exterior towards the centre, and a bezel presenting the same gold accents found on the hands and hour markers, completes the face of this model. In addition to a highly functional appearance, the TUDOR Black Bay Bronze presents entirely satin-brushed finishes that guarantee the homogeneous development of this patina.

Bronze as a metal is not new to TUDOR but it is the first Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze model with a full bronze bracelet. Those satin-brushed riveted links are coordinated with the case and will most certainly develop a patina at the same pace. The new bronze clasp, also satin-brushed, with a redesigned cover and TUDOR «T-fit» rapid adjustment system, is quite easy to use too. Without any tools, this system allows you to carry out a fine & almost instant adjustment to the length of the bracelet.

The new Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze model also comes with a free complimentary strap. Did you know that for several decades the French Navy had TUDOR watches were delivered without bracelets and then fitted them with their own straps, handmade or otherwise. One of them, found in the brand archives, is made of elastic recovered from a French rescue parachute. It is to this ultra-functional relic, recognisable by its central yellow thread, that the “brown-bronze” woven jacquard strap alludes. The fabric strap is one of the hallmarks of TUDOR, which, in 2010, became one of the first watchmaking brands to offer it with its products.

The Manufacture Calibre MT5400, which powers the TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze, displays hour, minute and second functions. It has the typical finish of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres: Its rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, and its bridges and mainplate have alternate sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations. Together with its nonmagnetic silicon hairspring, the Manufacture Calibre MT5400 is certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), with its performance going beyond the standards set by this independent institute.

Another notable feature is the 70 hours “weekend-proof” power reserve of the Calibre MT5400.  Take it off on a Friday evening and put it back on again on Monday morning without having to reset it!  With its high technical performance and uncompromising aesthetics, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze is available exclusively in around fifty TUDOR boutiques throughout the world.

With a 39 mm dial, a case not thicker than 12mm and waterproof to 200 m (660 ft ), the new TUDOR Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze seems like the perfect "daily beater", as they are calling it nowadays.

Approximate Price: CHF 4,300