EXPERIENCE THE DARK SIDE
THE TUDOR BLACK BAY CERAMIC
In 2021 TUDOR launched the Black Bay Ceramic model, an exceptional watch and a symbol of the brand's technical expertise, featuring a case in matt black ceramic, a Manufacture Calibre, and a Master Chronometer certification from METAS.
The Black Bay Ceramic exemplifies TUDOR's expert command of one of the industry's most demanding standards in terms of chronometry and resistance to magnetic fields. Tested by the Federal Institute of Metrology or METAS, this Black Bay model represents the pinnacle of high-tech aesthetic language. Its matt black ceramic elements and black Manufacture Calibre accentuated the Black Bay Ceramic’s outstanding performance.
TUDOR successfully submitted its Black Bay Ceramic model for testing to obtain a Master Chronometer certification as part of its ongoing efforts to enhance product quality. This marked the first time this standard was applied to a watch in the TUDOR collection. Achieving this certification required significant modifications to the TUDOR Manufacture Calibre.
The METAS Master Chronometer certification is comprehensive, covering key functional characteristics of a watch, including precision, resistance to magnetic fields, waterproofness, and power reserve. Its standards are exceptionally high, starting with precision. To qualify, a watch must operate within a 5-second range of variation per day (0 +5), which is 5 seconds less than the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) standard (-4 +6) for a single movement, and 1 second less than TUDOR's internal standard for models with a Manufacture Calibre (-2 +4). The certification also ensures the timekeeping accuracy of a watch exposed to magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Additionally, it guarantees that the watch's waterproof capability meets the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standard 22810:2010, as well as the power reserve for each Master Chronometer watch. Two prerequisites must be met before obtaining the certification: the watch must be Swiss-made, adhering to the criteria for Swiss Made, and the movement must be certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).
Aesthetically, the TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic blends modern, high-tech details with subtle nods to its rich heritage. Its matt black monobloc ceramic case features sand-blasted surfaces and bevelled edges, which are mirror-polished to create a striking contrast, and it is finished with pronounced lines. The insert of its rotatable bezel is also made of black ceramic with a sunray satin finish. The engraved graduations in matching tones add an extra matte detail that subtly responds to changes in light. The dial is black on black, with the only contrast provided by its applied hour markers filled with off-white luminescent material. The watch is completed with a hybrid leather and rubber strap, black with a "Snowflake" motif on the inside and a folding clasp, along with a complementary black fabric strap with a cream band, reinforcing the model's stealthy black appearance.
The Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U, powering the Black Bay Ceramic, displays hour, minute, and seconds functions. It features the typical finish of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres but is entirely in black to match the watch's overall appearance, highlighting its distinctive performance. The rotor, made of black tungsten monobloc, is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, while the bridges and mainplate alternate between sand-blasted and polished surfaces with laser decorations. Its construction is designed for robustness and precision, featuring a variable inertia balance maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a two-point fixing. Along with its non-magnetic silicon hairspring, the Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U operates within a tolerance range of 5 seconds (0 +5). A notable feature of the Manufacture MT5602-1U Calibre is its "weekend-proof" power reserve. Certified for 70 hours by METAS, it allows the wearer to take off the watch on a Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without needing to wind it. Even if you go away for the weekend, your watch will keep running.
DISCOVER THE POWER OF TUDOR
As an authorised TUDOR Retailer, we take immense pride in presenting these exquisite timepieces. Should you desire a firsthand experience of our diverse range of TUDOR watches, don't hesitate to reach out to us by calling on 01234 630821. Our dedicated specialists are eager to assist and guide you in making the perfect choice.