Christmas is on the horizon and the new year beckons! As we look back on our achievements in 2021 and look forward to the next 365 days with renewed hope, why not mark a job well done with a TUDOR for yourself and your loved ones? Here are our recommendations: some classic icons and a few outstanding novelties but all worthy of capping a brilliant year.
Quite possibly a watch that represents the peak of TUDOR’s technical prowess, the Black Bay Ceramic is the first creation from the brand to achieve the Master Chronometer certification. Sporting its uber-cool, full-black look, the watch surpassed the set of stringent quality control standards by Switzerland’s Federal Institute of Metrology in attaining the certification. It features the same elements found in its family, including the “Snowflake” hands and the domed dial and sapphire crystal. Its matte black monobloc ceramic case is a striking piece of work with its bevelled edges mirror-polished for contrast, while its black ceramic bezel insert comes with an impressive sunray satin finish too. To showcase its certification, the Black Bay family name and the words “Master Chronometer” are inscribed on its dial area just above 6 o’clock.
Why gift? With its all-black aesthetics – yes, inside out – everyone can’t help but fall in love with such an understated and stealthily cool watch.
In 2021, TUDOR relaunched not one but two versions of the Black Bay Chrono to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first chronograph. The relaunched Black Bay Chrono retains key aesthetic elements of the 2017 version, including a satin-brushed and polished 41mm-wide case, “Snowflake” hands and Manufacture calibre MT5813. What’s different is that it comes with a new slimmer case (down from 14.9mm to 14.4mm in height) and new dial treatment. The new Black Bay Chrono has dials that come in either a matte black or opaline, with two hollowed sub-counters of contrasting colours—white opaline on the matte black dial, and matte black on the white opaline dial—for optimised readability.
Why gift? Not only are the black-on-white and white-on-black treatments currently trendy hits, the two Black Bay Chrono watches are handsome, sporty creations that are suitable for both work and play.
One of the foremost Black Bay models in TUDOR’s modern crop of diver’s watches, the Black Bay is quite the modern classic. Its general aesthetic lines as well as domed dial and crystal are inspired by the brand’s first generation of diver’s watches, while its prominent winding crown takes creative spark from reference 7924 from 1958. This version with a matte burgundy anodised aluminum bezel insert comes with four strap options: rivet steel bracelet, aged leather strap and jacquard fabric strap in either burgundy or black. Equipped with the TUDOR MT5602 Manufacture Calibre that has a 70-hour power reserve, the wearer is assured of a “weekend-proof” timepiece – take the watch off on Friday and put it on again on Monday without having to wind it.
Why gift? Good-looking and versatile, the Black Bay goes well with any outfit and is suitable for all occasions. It’s good enough reason for every watch-loving individual to own one.
A tribute to its origins and watchmaking traditions, the 1926 line comprises a range of mechanical watches that are timeless, classic and elegant. Available in four sizes with a wide variety of dials and in steel or gold and steel, the range is versatility at its best. Not only is it suitable for both work and the weekend, it makes for the perfect choice for couple watches too. Reward yourself for a fruitful year and surprise your partner with a matching one with diamond-set hour markers, and celebrate the end of 2021 with them.
Why gift? Because of its classic looks and versatility, the 1926 is a simple, fuss-free entry into the world of watches for many.
An interesting take on the popular Black Bay Fifty-Eight, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 features a sterling silver case entirely satin-finished for a matte effect – which explains the “925” in its name, a reference to the silver alloy used. TUDOR matches the silver case with a taupe dial and a 925 silver bezel with a matte taupe anodised aluminium disc on it. The combination of silver and taupe is a match made in heaven, as it remains understated yet handsome, while its cool factor spikes instantly. Those who likes to appreciate the inner workings of the watch can see the beauty of its Manufacture Calibre MT5400 through the open case back.
Why gift? A cool individual requires a cool watch on his wrist, and honestly, there is nothing as cool as the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 with its matinee good looks and interesting use of material.
To call the Pelagos one of the most complete traditional mechanical divers’ watches today is by no means a stretch. Not only is it waterproof to 500m, it is also equipped with a helium escape valve, an essential device for preserving the watch during “saturation” dives. And with a power reserve of approximately 70 hours thanks to the TUDOR Manufacture calibre MT5612 movement, it’s an impressive workhorse too. Available in both left and right-handed versions, the Pelagos comes with either a black or blue dial and bezel. The blue used for the Pelagos is widely regarded as an emblematic colour among the brand’s divers’ watches since the 1960s.
Why gift? Like all things in life, we demand the best, and the Pelagos clearly represents the pinnacle among all the divers’ watches in the market. Enough said.
Kee Hing Hung wishes all clients, readers and watch enthusiasts Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! In the new year, we hope you keep the #BornToDare spirit alive!