Unboxing These 6 TUDOR Watches This Festive Period Will Be Such A Treat
A utilitarian watch that melds heritage with technical excellence, the Black Bay is what will appeal to the modern man. It features the silhouette of the TUDOR divers’ watches from the early days as well as the iconic domed dial and sapphire crystal. Also prominently featured on the watch dial are the characteristic angular—otherwise affectionately known as snowflake—hands from tickers delivered to the French National Navy in the 1970s. With its handsome aesthetics, the Black Bay is the perfect watch that brings one easily from work to play and from the boardroom to the bar.
While it’s popular for women to share watches with their partners these days, there are times when dainty timepieces are more suitable for various occasions. Case in point: a formal dinner date at a Michelin-starred restaurant. This is when a smaller, slimmer wristwatch like the Black Bay 32 S&G makes for a better option to match the elegant frock on her. Besides “snowflake” hands, the watch also sports a prominent winding crown, a design element in tribute to the famous 7924 reference of 1958. This steel and gold ticker offers either a lacquered black or sunray satin-brushed champagne-coloured dial. Another winning factor is the combination of polished and satin-brushed steel with satin-brushed yellow gold, which gives the watch an additional touch of elegance.
The Black Bay Chrono is an amalgamation of TUDOR’s vintage design elements, ranging from a dial inspired by the brand’s divers’ watches from the 1950s to a chronograph popularised by the Oysterdate circa 1970. But the steel-and-gold variant gives the ultra-sporty chronograph a different spin, making it viable for both work and play. What makes this watch a worthy investment is the fact that it is powered by the self-winding, COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre MT5813—the integrated chronograph movement is equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch, making it more precise and accurate. While a brown leather strap with removable bund and a black fabric strap are both available, it is the steel and yellow gold version that deserves the adulation.
Putting a smile on the face of your loved ones during Christmas is priceless, and we dare say the Black Bay Fifty-Eight will help do so. Named after the year in which the first TUDOR divers’ watch that was water-proof to 200m, the reference 7924, was introduced, this ticker is a good balance of old-school aesthetics and modern design sensibilities. For one, it measures only 39mm, keeping with the characteristic proportions of watches from the 1950s. As such, it is proportionately lithe and sits beautifully on slim wrists. Similar to the first-generation TUDOR divers’ watches waterproof to 200m (660 ft), it is fitted with a large winding crown. Not only is the Black Bay Fifty-Eight a handsome watch, it’s a reliable and industrious one too—equipped with the Manufacture Calibre MT5402, it can run smoothly for about 70 hours, a big increase from the usual power reserve of 40 hours for most watches.
While TUDOR is recognised for its stable of sporty yet contemporary Black Bay creations, it shows off the other side of its design prowess with the Clair de Rose collection. The Clair de Rose is a timeless and sophisticated timepiece designed for women, and it is created exclusively in steel with mechanical movements. Two features stand out the most: its winding crown and steel bracelet. The former is adorned with a precious spinel cabochon, which instantly ups the watch elegance factor by a notch, while the latter boasts small rice grain-like links that gives it comfort, suppleness and shine. Refined and classy, the Clair de Rose will speak to the modern-day power woman, who holds court in the boardroom as well as the ballroom.
If your better half is a hardcore sports enthusiast, then the Pelagos will definitely be of interest. A stellar example of a tool watch and symbol of adventure, the Pelagos is one of the most complete traditional mechanical divers’ watches available in the market today. Equipped with the TUDOR Manufacture calibre MT5612 movement that provides an impressive power reserve of approximately 70 hours, it is waterproof to 500 m (1,640 ft) thanks to a helium escape valve. Another interesting feature is its titanium bracelet featuring a steel folding clasp with a unique auto-adjustable spring mechanism developed and patented by the brand. This way, the bracelet can be contracted at greater depths, and expanded again during the diver’s return to the surface. An additional rubber strap equipped with an extension system for easy adjustments is also available.
For more information, visit Kee Hing Hung’s website at www.keehinghung.com/tudor