New Release Watches & Wonders 2024 – The TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT
Thursday - 02 May 2024
The new Black Bay 58 GMT “Coke” bezel in black and burgundy tones could just be the travel companion you don’t know you needed.
The concern amongst enthusiasts before Watches and Wonders 2024 launched this year was that it was going to be a bit of a quiet one. Clearly, they weren’t considering what TUDOR would have up its sleeve. I mean, anything from the Black Bay watch collection was always going to go down an absolute treat, wasn’t it? And if you thought otherwise, then have you been hiding behind a rock? TUDOR never disappoints. In ways, some of the new Watches & Wonders releases are subtle and centred around refinement, but that doesn’t mean that manufacturers can’t throw a bit of bold colour around. That certainly seems to be the case for the new TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT watch. The retro diving watch has been released in several different versions over the years, one of which is the Black Bay 58, which offers the neo-vintage dive watch in smaller, more compact proportions compared to its original 41mm released in 2012.
When the Black Bay watch first hit people’s radars, it came in a striking red bezel, followed by a blue bezel just two years later. The most desired of all was the hugely anticipated black version, which launched in 2015. TUDOR has also dabbled in bronze and gold versions, so it’s clear that the brand is not afraid to experiment with tones, textures and colours. Nevertheless, the TUDOR Black Bay 58 is one of the brand’s most popular collections. The first model was presented in 2018, answering the needs of those who had always felt the Black Bay was a little too bulky on the wrist. When the case was shrunk to 39mm, it came with a flatter and more elegant design. The expansion of the collection has included blue dials with matching blue bezels and, of course, the rather indulgent Fifty-Eight Bronze, complete with a matching bronze bracelet. Taupe and brown dial and bezel iterations also add to the versatility of the series. But now it is time for something altogether new. TUDOR has released a “Coke” version. And if you’re a fan of the 1970s sports watch era and Rolex’s collection of Submariners (if you know you know!) then this this is a watch you’re going to want to add to your collection, and fast!
The original Black Bay GMT watch arrived in the same year as the Fifty-Eight. Now, just six years later, things look quite different for the tool watch. The red and black “Coke” bezel really breathes life into a colour combination that personifies the luxe, elegant aesthetic of yesteryear. Still sporty in appeal, but carrying all the vital dive watch characteristics, this new bezel colour combination is sure to be one of the most sought-after yet. This year, TUDOR combines the two ideals of the compact 39mn dimensions of the Black Bay 58 with the travel-friendly GMT complication. Meet the new TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT “Coke” watch.
The New TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT Watch
The new TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT watch for 2024 can be enjoyed on a black rubber strap or a stainless steel bracelet. Either way, the models benefit from the T-Fit clasp – a tool-less micro-adjustment system that better accommodates your wrist when it swells under heat or when you need to wear additional equipment. Aside from being 0.9mm thicker than the TUDOR Black Bay 58, this new GMT model carries all the same specs as that watch. Smaller than the Black Bay GMT with a 41mm diameter and thinner than the Black Bay Pro, this is certainly the sweet spot for many avid travellers.
The 200-meter water-resistant case of the TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT watch is topped with a strong sapphire crystal glass front and holds a brand-new Manufacture movement at its centre. The calibre MT5450-U beats at a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour and boasts a silicon balance spring that protects the movement from damage caused by magnetism. Once fully wound, the beautifully crafted engine will provide a power reserve of 65 hours, making it particularly weekend-friendly. The movement is also METAS-certified. Wondering what the “U” stands for? It echoes the horseshoe shape that we commonly associate with a magnet.
The black dial of this TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT watch forms the perfect backdrop to a 24-hour hand that can be used in conjunction with the “Coke”-style bezel. If you travel frequently, you can fully make use of this convenient set up. The diver-style hour markers glow in a rich turquoise hue at night or when in dark conditions thanks to plenty of Super-LumiNova coating on their surface. The hands, represented in the iconic “Snowflake” shape are also lume-treated for extra legibility.
Overall, the new TUDOR Black Bay is a comfortable and ergonomically crafted design. Whether you have a soft spot for the Pepsi, Batman or Coke bezels of the Rolex catalogue or not, the TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT certainly carries an identity of its own. The gilt accents on the dial and bezel are a particularly striking element which I really love. They bring the entire design together, capturing its distinctive, sporty elegance.
If you’re tempted to buy the TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT watch, you can talk to our sales team here at Jura Watches today, who will be more than happy to answer any questions on 01335 453453. Alternatively, you can email us a question at help@jurawatches.co.uk
