Hands-on: Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue M79360B watch

This latest “blue” version of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono could be one of the last iterations of this watch model before Tudor updates this collection. I’ve been expecting this for a long time Tudor to develop a new chronograph model that offers a cheaper alternative to the extremely popular Rolex Daytona (which is thinner and smaller). The Black Bay Chrono was never intended to be an analogue to the Daytona, as its focus was to offer a chronograph version of the Black Bay retro dive watch. Although it has a retro look, it also has modern size proportions. Tudor has had comparatively few chronograph models in its recent history, due to the lack of a suitable movement. The movement inside this watch is known as the Tudor Caliber MT5813, but it is actually a Breitling licensed caliber (the Caliber B01). This worked out well, because the B01 is a pretty good movement, and Tudor even out-licensed one of its movements for use in Breitling watches – a simpler three-hand movement that Breitling continues to use in its Superocean Heritage II models. My suspicion is that Tudor’s in-house factory production has been working on its own chronograph. We’ll see where Tudor chronographs go next. At the moment we have that Tudor Black Black Chrono in blue.

Am I the only one who wants this watch to be called the Blue Bay Chrono? I just find it amusing when a color is both the name of a product collection and part of the model family. Surely someone has to agree since there is actually no black in this watch. I would like to point out how important color is to the success of a watch these days. Before introducing the Black Bay Chrono Blue, Tudor had incredible success with the previous (limited edition) version of the Black Bay Chrono, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Pink. When I think about it, “Pink Bay” doesn’t sound so nice, even though it was a fun watch model.

Blue is a great conservative alternative to black or silver. Blue is not a “wild” color, but currently has a decidedly classic appeal. This reference M79360B Black Bay Chrono Blue dial features a blue dial and blue anodized aluminum bezel, with silver subdials that match the steel tones of the dial and the slightly lighter applications of lume on the hands and hour markers. Silver and blue are a great color combination overall, and that’s really the chromatic focus of this version of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue watch.

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono is 41 mm wide on the wrist, but quite thick at 14.4 mm. However, the under 50mm lug to lug distance makes it very portable. The case is water resistant to 200 meters (with screw-down crown and chronograph pushers) and features a box-shaped sapphire crystal over the dial. Again, the overall look and materials used in the design are very inspired by retro sports watches, but the movement, size and build quality are all very modern. Note that this particular watch is a pre-production prototype model that has been heavily used. The retail versions of the Black Bay Chrono Blue will be visually more pristine. Tudor generally enjoys an excellent reputation for its overall quality, which is particularly evident in the excellent craftsmanship and presentation of the steel case.

The Breitling-derived MT5813 automatic movement may be thick, but it is truly one of the best modern chronograph movements available. It operates at 4 Hz with a 70-hour power reserve and is COSC chronometer certified for its accuracy. In this form, the movement features the time, a 45-minute chronograph (helpful for timing football/soccer matches) and a date display window placed symmetrically at the 6 o’clock position on the dial. I think it’s time for Tudor to release a three-register chronograph again, so we’ll see what the Swiss brand has in store for us shortly.

The matching Jubilee-style steel bracelet has an elegant taper and closes with an excellent folding clasp. Tudor uses a small comfort adjustment feature that allows the bracelet to be loosened slightly – certainly a helpful feature, especially for those who live in warmer, wetter places where the wrists may expand or contract depending on the wearer’s climate and climate Body. Overall, it is a very attractive and well-made sports watch for everyday use with a conservative character and masculine appeal. Some people want Tudor to release a thinner chronograph that uses ceramic or other modern bezel material, and as I said, I have a feeling they won’t have to wait too many years for a watch like this. However, I don’t think it will be a direct replacement for the Black Bay Chrono as it is a very special and fun model family that has released some really cool pieces over the years.

Tudor also wins on price here, as compared to most of the competition, the Black Bay Chrono feels like a good deal despite retailing for over $5,000. We are now in a time where a chronograph with a more interesting movement from a major luxury watch manufacturer can easily cost $8,000 or more (significantly more). Tudor has always tried to offer much more compelling value for money than its sister brand Rolex, and models like this are a great example of this. What do you think about this blue version of the Tudor chronograph? Apparently it is only available in Tudor brand boutiques. The price for the reference M79360B Tudor Black Bay Chrono Blue is $5,675. Find out more on the Tudor Watch website.