Tudor is making a big splash with its new Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue. This retro-style diver's watch is winning over watch enthusiasts and even winning prestigious awards. Find out why this model is all the rage and whether it really deserves all the praise.
A successful tribute to Tudor's watchmaking history
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue is directly inspired by the brand's historic diving watches. Its name refers to 1958, the year the first Tudor diving watch was launched.
With its 39 mm diameter case, it takes on the dimensions of its ancestor. Every detail has been designed to evoke the vintage spirit:
โ Domed sapphire crystal reminiscent of the acrylic crystals of yesteryearโ Slightly convex dialโ Thin lugsโ Retro typography on the rotating bezelโ No date display
Tudor's famous “snowflake” needles, which appeared in the late 1960s, are also included.
Technical characteristics that live up to its reputation
Despite its retro look, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue makes no compromises on technology:
โ Stainless steel case, water-resistant to 200 metersโ Screw-down crown with decoupling mechanismโ Unidirectional aluminum bezel with diving graduationsโ Manufacture MT5402 movement, chronometer-certified (COSC)โ 70-hour power reserveโ Silicon balance spring
These technical specifications place the watch on par with the best diving watches on the market.
A blue design that makes a splash
The choice of a blue color for the dial and the bezel is not insignificant:
โ Reminiscent of Tudor diving watches from the 1970sโ More timeless look than versions with gold elementsโ Excellent contrast for optimum readability
The matte finish of the aluminum bezel fits perfectly with the vintage spirit of the watch.
A textile bracelet that reinforces the retro style
The blue fabric strap with its central gray stripe adds an extra touch of authenticity:
โ Made using traditional methodsโ Lightweight and durableโ Breathable for comfortโ Tudor crest pin buckle
This strap contributes greatly to the retro look of the watch while ensuring excellent wearing comfort.
An impressive manufacture movement
Although hidden behind a solid caseback, Tudor's MT5402 caliber is worth a closer look:
โ COSC chronometer certificationโ Average observed precision of -1.3 seconds per dayโ Free balance under a bridge for greater stabilityโ Antimagnetic silicon balance springโ Openwork rotor with sunburst finish
This movement combines robustness, precision and reliability, values โโdear to Tudor.
Expert opinion: exceptional value for money
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue combines the following advantages:
โ Successful vintage designโ Undeniable technical qualitiesโ Excellent wearing comfortโ Attractive price (around 3100 euros on textile strap)
These features earned it the โChallengeโ watch award at the 2020 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genรจve.
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue is a must-have in the vintage diving watch market. It manages the feat of combining a perfectly mastered retro design with technical performance worthy of the best modern watches. Its only flaw? Its popularity, which makes it difficult to obtain, with long waiting lists at retailers. A situation reminiscent of that of its big sister, Rolex, and which confirms the status of this Tudor as a future icon. For lovers of beautiful mechanics looking for a versatile and elegant diving watch, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Blue is an obvious choice… provided you have the patience to get it!
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