Back in yellow and black is the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono, slimmed down to a highly wearable 39mm case.
Despite their origins, Tudor has carved out a distinctive identity for itself in the watch world. Whether it’s the robust spec sheet, refined aesthetics, or remarkable build quality, the brand is far removed from its sister brand’s shadow. But for as big and bold as its watches often are, Tudor has worked tirelessly to improve their wearability. Micro-adjustability, improved case ergonomics, and more have all been carefully considered and gradually implemented throughout the Tudor catalogue.
It’s no secret that the 41mm Tudor Black Bay Chrono is in need of such a touch-up. The hulking 41mm frame, complete with slab-sided case flanks, is an undoubtedly fun but often intimidating wear. So, when the brand began teasing the release of a new rendition of the Black Bay Chrono line, we all waited with bated breath to see what kind of touches they’d added this time around. While the dial may catch the eye first, it’s the new, smaller size that’s got the watch world in a spin.
Bee Amazed
At 39mm in case diameter, 47mm lug-to-lug, and 13.1mm thick, the Black Bay Chrono 39 is now the most ergonomic iteration of the line yet. Though it’s still encased in stainless steel, the wearing experience will be a drastic improvement over the original’s bulky demeanour.
Despite the shrunken specs, Tudor hasn’t forgotten what the Black Bay line is supposed to represent. A 200m water resistance rating, screw-down crown, and pushers all complement the narrative of a hardy timepiece that’s ready for all comers.
While I’m saddened that we don’t see the new Black Bay Chrono 39 on a five-link bracelet yet, the three-link provided will do just fine. Even better, though, is the consideration for micro-adjustability. Tudor’s T-Fit clasp has also been implemented, allowing for tool-free adjustment during the hotter months.
Honey, Honey
The size is only one of two new features debuting on the Black Bay Chrono 39. Tudor remains faithful to the classic aesthetic; a fixed bezel in stainless steel, complete with a tachymetric scale insert in black anodised aluminium, encircles the dial, which has now been coloured a bright yellow.
While most of the buzz surrounding the new piece draws comparisons to its larger Flamingo Blue and Flamingo Pink siblings, I find myself more drawn to the brand’s recent VCARB F1 collaboration. Made for the Miami GP, it matched the yellow of the Formula One car driven by Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad. Perhaps that’s where Tudor fell in love with the yellow, and realised they should make a fully fledged colourway beyond the F1 connotation.
The bright yellow is complemented by two concentrically finished black sub-dials, giving the impression of a yellow panda, or perhaps more accurately, a bumblebee. The latter has become the official unofficial nickname for the watch, bringing yet another sense of fun to Tudor that’s entirely its own. No other aesthetic changes have been made, with the lumed indices and Snowflake hands returning for maximum legibility.
Staying The Course
As is usually the case with Tudor, a closed brushed caseback conceals the movement from view. Beneath the steel back beats the classic Calibre MT5813, based on the architecture of the Breitling B01. An automatic movement, it beats at the luxury-standard frequency of 4Hz (28,800VpH) atop Tudor’s ‘weekend-proof’ 70-hour power reserve.
Powering a chronograph complication, the movement’s use of a column wheel allows for more precise timing and smoother actuation. All of this mechanical goodness is compounded by the Cal. MT5813’s COSC Chronometer certification, ensuring the watch remains accurate to within 2 to 4 seconds per day.
Initial Thoughts
When I heard Tudor had released a new ‘Bumblebee’, manchild that I am, I immediately thought of the Transformer before the insect. Maybe, in my mind, a watch named after a cybernetic alien that can transform into a car felt a lot cooler than an actual bumblebee. However, it shows that even a brand as straightforward as Tudor can, on occasion, create a new timepiece that preserves the look and feel of its design language while injecting a bit of fun into the formula.
More than just a simple colour change, the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 presents a powerful precedent for Tudor. While it’s not the most mind-blowing release, it shows that the brand is paying close attention to the ongoing desire for more wearable timepieces. Giving the Black Bay Chrono a universally appealing size not only earns Tudor more brownie points, but also invites a completely new market into the mix. Will it save the watch world? Maybe not, but it may just save your wrist from being bored.
Reference & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Reference | M79310N-0001 |
| Dimensions | 39mm case diameter x 47mm lug-to-lug x 13.1mm thickness |
| Case | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Matte yellow with black accents |
| Crystal | Sapphire |
| Caseback | Closed |
| Movement | Automatic Cal. MT5813 with COSC Chronometer certification, chronograph (45min register), small seconds, & date complications |
| Power Reserve | 70H |
| Beat Rate | 4Hz / 28,800VpH |
| Water Resistance | 200m / 20bar |
| Strap/Bracelet | Steel bracelet with T-Fit micro-adjustable clasp |