One of the most compelling mainstream watch designs introduced last year was the Tudor Black Bay “Monochrome.”
Representing an extension of the original Black Bay collection, which saw a new generation arrive in 2023, with a 41 mm x 13.6 mm case (21 mm lug width) and a burgundy and black color scheme, the watch is inspired by Tudor’s sibling, Rolex.
In particular, the Black Bay pays homage to Rolex’s vaunted Submariner dive watch. And this black and white model, introduced as Watches and Wonders Geneva in 2024, was affectionately nicknamed the “Monochrome” due to its color palette, and represents one of the closest models you can get to an actual Submariner.
Tudor has been leaning into the Submariner’s iconic design more than they ever have, recently, not just with the Black Bay line, but also the Pelagos, particularly the Pelagos 39, which we reviewed in-depth just last month.
However, while the Pelagos 39 offers Submariner look-alike styling in a matte titanium aesthetic, the Black Bay “Monochrome” presents a shinier, slightly larger interpretation of the Submariner aesthetic, with metal indices, a 5-link Jubilee style bracelet options (shown), and an overall more showy appearance compared to the Pelagos 39.
Final Thoughts
For those of you who are comparing the Pelagos 39 and the Monochrome version of the Black Bay, with the latter, you get the proper Master Chromometer, COSC, and METAS-certified caliber MT5602-U movement. With the Pelagos 39, it’s powered by an older MT5400 COSC-certified chronometer movement. Of course, the Master Chronometer is preferable; however, either one is manufactured and regulated for extreme precision. The Black Bay (Ref. Ref-M7941A1A0NU-0003) is crafted from a heavier 316L stainless steel versus lightweight grade 2 titanium for the Pelagos 39. Another notable difference, in addition to having full metal hour marker surrounds, is a more pronounced sunburst pattern on the dial, compared to a subtle sunburst effect on the Pelagos 39. Both are excellent choices; you have to decide which features you want more.
Retail, as shown with a 5-link Jubilee-style stainless steel bracelet with T-Fit microadjustable clasp, is $5,100. The rivet-style bracelet model is $4,975, and the integrated HBNR rubber strap is $4,750.
Learn more at The 1916 Company.
