AN ODE TO INNOVATION

AN ODE TO INNOVATION: THE TUDOR BLACK BAY CERAMIC

‘Snowflake’ hands evoke nostalgia, but make no mistake— this extraordinary piece is high-tech to the max.

In its never-ending pursuit for perfection and innovation, TUDOR has released the Black Bay Ceramic, an extraordinary watch and symbol of the brand’s technical expertise. It’s a high-tech aesthetic housing one of the industry’s most stringent, independently tested chronometer certifications, the METAS or Master Chronometer Certification.

For the first time, TUDOR is offering a METAS Certified (Federal Institute of Metrology) caliber as a part of a constant bid to improve the quality of its products. As one of the industry’s most demanding standards in chronometry and resistance to magnetic fields, this

certification is only given to movements that have been independently tested by METAS for the following criteria: n Swiss-made n Certification by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) n Precision within a 5-second range of variation each day (0+5), at two temperatures, in six different positions and at two different levels of power reserve (100 percent and 33 percent) n Smooth functioning when exposed to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss and precision following exposure n Waterproof to 200 m (660 ft.) in accordance with ISO standard 22810:2010 n 70-hour power reserve

THE MANUFACTURE CALIBRE MT5602-1U

To achieve this certification, TUDOR has to make a substantial number of changes to its existing TUDOR Manufacture Calibre. In doing so, TUDOR developed the Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U, which powers the Black Bay Ceramic. Its build is designed to ensure robustness and precision, as is its variable inertia balance, which is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a two-point fixing. Together with its non-magnetic silicon hairspring, the Manufacture Calibre MT5602-1U is able to function within a tolerance range of 5 seconds (0+5).

It has the finish typical of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres but is entirely in black, in line with the general appearance of the watch, emphasizing its distinctive performance. Its rotor in black tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, and its bridges and mainplate have alternate sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations.

Another notable feature is that the power reserve of the Manufacture MT5602-1U Calibre is “weekend-proof;” that is to say, it has been certified for 70 hours by METAS, which enables the wearer to take the watch off on a Friday evening and put it back on again on Monday morning without having to wind it. Even if you need a weekend away, your watch does not.

HIGH-TECH LOOK ARCHORED IN RICH HERITAGE

What better watch to house this innovative movement than the Tudor Black Bay? The Black

Bay draws on over 70 years of Tudor diving watches that have been put to the test by the boldest adventurers because of its manufacturing techniques and its robustness, reliability, durability and precision. The TUDOR Black Bay Ceramic combines contemporary, high-tech details with subtle references to its significant heritage, such as the iconic “Snowflake” hands introduced in 1969. Its matte black monobloc ceramic case has sand-blasted surfaces with beveled edges, mirror-polished for a striking contrast, and is finished with very pronounced lines. The insert of its rotatable bezel is also in black ceramic with a sunray satin finish. The engraved graduations in matching tones offer a complementary additional matte detail, which responds subtly to changes in light. Its dial is also black-on-black, the only contrast being its applied hour markers with off-white luminescent material. Finally, a hybrid leather and rubber strap, black of course, with a “Snowflake” motif on the inside and folding clasp as well as a complementary black fabric strap with cream band complete the stealthy black look of this model.

Already a leader in the technology that makes a great watch, TUDOR outdid itself with the Black Bay Ceramic, which is even considered weekendproof, meaning you can put the watch down on a full wind on Friday evening and it will still be on time when you pick it up Monday morning.