Felix Scholz
Tudor has just lifted the lid on the Black Bay Chronograph, and already they’re showing us another Baselworld 2017 novelty, and surprisingly/unsurprisingly it's another take on the Black Bay. But rather than offer novel materials or finishes, like last year's Bronze and Dark version, Tudor has revisited the heart of the collection, and offered another bezel variant to accompany the Red, Blue and Black. Only this time, it's not a new colour per se, in fact it's no colour at all. Meet the Black Bay Steel, with its distinctive, and decidedly tool-look radially satin-brushed steel bezel.The observant among you will have noticed that the bezel isn't the only thing novel about the BB Steel there is, for the first time, a date window at nestled at the 3 o'clock position. From the vintage/purist point of view, the Black Bay's perennial lack of date window was a strong tick in its favour, and bucked the trend of other heritage-themed watches. Having said that, the date is an immensely popular complication in the real world, and there must have been quite a few people bemoaning the lack of that handy aperture. We suspect that all BBs will very shortly be available with date windows, the real question is will they still be available without?Aside from these tweaks, it's pretty much business as usual for the Black Bay Steel, the case is the 41mm number we've come to know and love, and the dial is the same as that seen on the Black Bay Dark with non-gilt printing and a depth rating in red text. The movement is the in-house MT5612. The Black Bay Steel is available on Tudor's excellent rivet' style bracelet, an aged leather strap, and of course their thick woven fabric strap. In this instance the fabric strap is a monotone olive green. The combination of plain (almost Spartan) bezel and dial, and robust khaki strap makes the Black Bay Steel the most serious, martial looking Black Bay in the line-up yet.Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel Australian pricingNo official word on pricing for the Black Bay Steel yet, but we expect it to be in line with existing Black Bay variants, so $4050 on leather, $4350 on bracelet.Update: The Swiss retail price is 3300 CHF on leather, 3600 on bracelet, 100 CHF more than a no date Black Bay.[bagofswag_incontent]
22.03.17