As a brand of the same group, there is a subtle connection between many of Tudor and Rolex's watches. This year, TUDOR unveiled the Black Bay 1958 Reference 18K with a yellow gold case and strap, and for the first time the Rolex "Ghost King" DEE SEA was presented in 18K gold. The TUDOR Black Bay 1958 GMT, also new for 2024, is easily reminiscent of the "COKE circle" that has appeared on the Rolex GMT in history with its red and black bezel – which seems to be in response to the recent rumors that Rolex may reappear in the "COKE circle". In fact, the relationship between TUDOR and Rolex does not stop there, just like the Black Bay, which was presented in monochrome for the first time, with a similar wearing experience and a more competitive price, it has become the best replacement for Rolex at this stage.
The new monochrome Biwan @豫章法师 watch buying operation
The new monochrome Biwan @ERIC666 watch purchase operation
Before the release of the new monochrome Black Bay, the Lingqian 39 was once considered the best replacement for the Calendarless Ghost. But now, I'm afraid the title is about to change hands. The reason for this is mainly based on three points: firstly, from the perspective of positioning, whether it is TUDOR or Rolex, the two major brands of diver's watches are divided into high and low according to their waterproof level. And the series, which is equal to the status of Black Bay, is a water ghost in Rolex.
劳力士无历鬼（潜航者型Ref.124060）
The Rolex Submariner, water-resistant to 300 metres, is the standard model of the entire diving range, and the Sea-Dweller, water-resistant to 1,220 metres, is the "Advanced Edition" of the Rolex diver's watches. The 11,000-metre-waterproof Deepsea is the "ceiling" class of Rolex's diver's watches. Dividing the series by waterproof depth shows its hierarchical positioning strategy.
Lingqian Type 39
The same can be said for the TUDOR diver's watches: the Black Bay is water-resistant to 200 metres as standard, and the "Advanced" Submarine with titanium case and ceramic insert increases water resistance to 500 metres (with the exception of some models). Therefore, the status of the Paradiver is the equivalent of that of the Rolex Seamen. Although the brand has never recognized such a correspondence, it is clear that the "Advanced" of the TUDOR diver's watch is compared with the standard Rolex, and the two are not on an equal footing. And Biwan, which is positioned as an entry-level player, is actually the real "brother" of the water ghost.
The new monochrome Black Bay is available with three straps
A watch can be called a "replacement" for another, which is closely related to appearance, performance, and price, the most important of which is price: the new monochrome Black Bay is priced at 35,300 yuan (plate chain), which is more advantageous than the Lingqian 39 (37,400 yuan), which also uses a metal strap. At the same time, the monochrome Black Bay is also available in a five-bead chain version and a tape version, priced at 36,100 yuan and 33,600 yuan respectively.
The new monochrome Black Bay with Little Red Shield
From the point of view of appearance, as the first work of Black Bay (original) to adopt the design of "black bezel + black dial", this color combination is very close to the Rolex Calendar. You must know that the previous Biwan (original) is not the same color as the outer ring and the disc surface, whether it is "Little Blue Shield" or "Little Red Shield".
Black Bay 54 and Black Bay 58
In the past, the monochrome appearance with stronger visual integration only appeared in special size models such as the 58 type and 54 type, or was applied to the Lingqian type. The new Black Bay (original) breaks through this limitation, which is one of the reasons why it can be a replacement for the Calendarless Ghost.
The new "Little Red Shield", released last year, is available in a five-bead chain version. This kind of "polishing + brushing" process is often used in formal or style watches. Applying it to a diver's watch can take the sophistication and luxury of the product to a higher level. The new monochrome Black Bay also introduces this design with a "T-fit" clasp.
In terms of dimensions, the monochrome Black Bay has a 41mm diameter, which is the same as the current Rolex, and the case is 13.6mm thick, which is why I think it qualifies as a replacement for the Hydro 39.
Finally, let's look at performance. Although the Black Bay is the "standard" model in the TUDOR diver's range, this new model is no slouch or in some respects surpasses the higher-end Submarine model. The new monochrome Black Bay is another piece certified by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) "Master Chronometer" after the Black Bay ceramic model and the 2023 "Little Red Shield". Above the 6 o'clock level on the board, the words can be seen.
帝舵MT5602-U型原厂机芯
The METAS certification is based on the Swiss Official Chronometer Observatory (COSC) certification, which is more demanding than the COSC standard. Watches with METAS certification have a permissible daily error of 0 to +5 seconds, which is better than the -4/+6 standard set by the COSC certification. At the same time, the METAS certification also imposes requirements on magnetic resistance: the entire watch must be exposed to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss to remain accurate.
The new Black Bay M7941A1A0NU is the first Black Bay (original) disc + outer ring to be presented in a single color. Both the color and the diameter of the watch are very close to the Rolex Calendar Water Ghost. Coupled with a relatively approachable pricing strategy, it can be said to be the best replacement for the current water ghost. The fact that this work is METAS certified shows that the brand intends to expand the scope of this certification, which is also expected to become a hard standard for TUDOR watches in the future. (Photo/text Watch Home Xiao Feng)