TUDOR Black Bay P01: The Timepiece Inspired by a Prototype from the Past

Black Bay P01

TUDOR unveiled the Black Bay P01 (Prototype No. 1) watch in 2019, which was inspired by a renowned prototype created in the late 1960s and presented to the US Navy, thereby revealing a lesser-known part of its past.

TUDOR, a watch supplier to the US Navy for divers since the 1950s, began working on a new technical model in 1967 to replace the Oyster Prince Submariner 7928. The American government set specific requirements for this watch, and TUDOR's engineers incorporated the latest research on functionality and ergonomics. The project was called "Commando," and prototypes were developed, including a patent for a new function. However, the regular TUDOR divers' watch, reference 7016, replaced the 7928 and was eventually adopted by the US Navy, and the Commando project was never completed. The TUDOR Black Bay P01 is a watch inspired by a prototype developed during the Commando project, which remained in TUDOR's archives until it was mass-produced with a unique aesthetic 50 years later.

THE PROTOTYPE SPIRIT

The Black Bay P01 watch embodies a contemporary sport-lifestyle vibe but still adheres to the original design principles of the 1960s model, such as the winding crown at 4 o'clock and the notable end-links. The watch was inspired by a prototype that was a blend of a divers' watch and a sailing watch, and the hinged end-link system on the original prototype was patented in 1968 to assist in maintaining the watch's bezel. Although the Black Bay P01 model does not replicate this exact mechanism, it takes inspiration from it by incorporating a stop system for the bidirectional rotating bezel using a mobile end-link at 12 o'clock. The watch is water-resistant to 200 meters and features a date function at 3 o'clock. The domed matt-black dial has luminescent hour markers, and the case has a satin-brushed finish for a matte appearance, which pays homage to the utilitarian aesthetics of the prototype.

THE MANUFACTURE CALIBRE MT5612 

The watch's design reflects the typical finishes of TUDOR's Manufacture calibres. The openwork rotor has a satin-brushed appearance with sand-blasted details, while the bridges and plate have alternating polished sand-blasted surfaces and laser decorations. The build of the watch was created with durability, longevity, and reliability in mind. Its variable inertia balance is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge fixed in two points. Additionally, the watch features a non-magnetic silicon balance spring, contributing to its robustness and longevity. The Calibre MT5612 has been certified as a chronometer by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) due to its high-quality features. The watch also boasts a power reserve of 70 hours, making it weekend-proof.

A HYBRID LEATHER AND RUBBER STRAP

The Black Bay P01 watch comes with a strap that has been specially created for it. The strap has a rubber base with a "snowflake" motif on the back and is trimmed with brown leather. To maintain the vintage look of the period prototype that inspired it, the strap is connected to the watch case using mobile satin-brushed steel attachments.

THE ESSENCE OF BLACK BAY

Similar to other watches in the Black Bay series, the P01 model features the TUDOR hands that are recognized by collectors as "snowflake" due to their angular shape. These hands were first seen in the brand's 1969 catalogue. The Black Bay line is a blend of traditional aesthetic elements and contemporary watchmaking techniques. It is not merely a re-release of a classic model, but rather a fusion of over six decades of TUDOR divers' watches with modern design concepts. While it has a neo-vintage feel, the watch is manufactured using up-to-date techniques, ensuring its reliability, durability, and high-quality finish that meets the strictest standards of today's watchmaking industry.

THE TUDOR DIVERS' WATCH

The TUDOR divers' watch has a rich history that began in 1954 with the release of the first model, reference 7922. It was a durable and high-performing watch that was water-resistant up to 100 meters, embodying the brand's philosophy of creating reliable "tool-watches." Over the next six decades, TUDOR continuously improved its divers watches, leading to universal praise from professionals in the industry, including some of the most renowned navies in the world.

The TUDOR Black Bay P01 watch is a unique timepiece that embodies the brand's rich history and commitment to producing reliable and durable divers watches. Inspired by a prototype from the late 1960s, the P01 model incorporates modern design concepts while adhering to the original principles of functionality and ergonomics. Its Manufacture Calibre MT5612 has been certified as a chronometer by the COSC, and its hybrid leather and rubber strap adds to its vintage aesthetic. The Black Bay line is a fusion of traditional and contemporary watchmaking techniques, resulting in a timepiece that meets the strictest standards of the industry. The TUDOR divers' watch has come a long way since its inception in 1954, and the Black Bay P01 is a testament to the brand's continued commitment to producing high-performing and reliable "tool-watches."