basel 2017 tudor | Tudor Basel News 2017

Baselworld 2017 was a pivotal year for Tudor, marking a significant step forward in their journey as a brand. While the entire collection presented was impressive, one particular model captured the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike: the Tudor Black Bay Chrono. This watch, reference 79350, wasn't just another addition to the Black Bay family; it was a statement of intent, showcasing Tudor's commitment to technical innovation and exceptional value. This article will delve into the details of the Black Bay Chrono, contextualizing its significance within the broader context of Tudor's Baselworld 2017 releases and examining the impact of the brand's strategic direction.

TUDOR BASELWORLD 2017: A Year of Refinement and Evolution

Baselworld 2017 saw Tudor unveiling a range of novelties that demonstrated a clear strategy of building upon their existing successes while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of their technical capabilities. The show wasn't about radical reinvention; it was about refinement, evolution, and solidifying Tudor's position as a serious contender in the luxury watch market. The key themes that emerged from Tudor's Baselworld 2017 presentation were:

* Expanding the Black Bay Universe: The Black Bay, already a cornerstone of Tudor's identity, continued to be a focal point. New variations, including the Black Bay Chrono and updates to existing models, demonstrated the brand's commitment to leveraging the collection's popularity.

* Technical Advancement: The introduction of the Black Bay Chrono with its in-house chronograph movement was a major highlight. This marked a significant investment in Tudor's horological expertise and solidified their ability to compete with brands offering similar features at higher price points.

* Heritage and Modernity: Tudor continued to strike a balance between drawing inspiration from their rich history and embracing modern design principles and manufacturing techniques. This duality is evident in the aesthetics of their watches, which often feature vintage-inspired elements combined with contemporary touches.

* Value Proposition: Tudor has consistently positioned itself as a brand that offers exceptional value for money. Baselworld 2017 reinforced this notion, with the Black Bay Chrono being a prime example of a high-quality, technically advanced watch offered at a competitive price.

The Star of the Show: The Tudor Black Bay Chrono (Ref. 79350)

The Black Bay Chrono was, without a doubt, the most talked-about watch from Tudor's Baselworld 2017 collection. Its arrival addressed a long-standing desire among enthusiasts for a chronograph within the Black Bay lineup. However, it wasn't just the addition of a chronograph complication that made this watch special; it was the specific execution and the value it represented.

"Fully integrated, in house, column wheel chronograph for under $5.000,= ": This tagline encapsulates the key appeal of the Black Bay Chrono. Let's break it down:

* Fully Integrated: This refers to the movement's design and construction. A fully integrated chronograph movement is one where the chronograph functions are designed and built as an integral part of the base movement, rather than being added as a module. This typically results in a more robust and reliable mechanism.

* In-House: The Black Bay Chrono is powered by the Calibre MT5813, a movement developed and manufactured by Tudor. This is a significant achievement for the brand, as it demonstrates their growing independence and technical capabilities. The movement is based on the Breitling B01 chronograph movement, thanks to a cooperative agreement between the two brands, but has been modified and refined by Tudor to meet their specific requirements and aesthetic preferences.

* Column Wheel Chronograph: The column wheel is a critical component in a high-quality chronograph movement. It controls the starting, stopping, and resetting of the chronograph functions in a precise and smooth manner. Column wheel chronographs are generally considered to be more complex and sophisticated than cam-actuated chronographs.

* Under $5,000: This price point was (and still is) incredibly competitive for a watch with these features. Many chronographs with in-house movements and column wheels command prices significantly higher than this. The Tudor Black Bay Chrono offered a compelling alternative for those seeking high-end chronograph technology without breaking the bank. The actual price at launch was SFr4500, or about $4,500 USD, further solidifying its value proposition.

Design and Aesthetics:

The Black Bay Chrono seamlessly blends the classic Black Bay design language with the functionality of a chronograph. Key design features include:

* 41mm Stainless Steel Case: The case size is versatile and comfortable on a variety of wrist sizes. The stainless steel construction ensures durability and longevity.

* Fixed Stainless Steel Bezel with Tachymetric Scale: The tachymeter scale allows the wearer to measure speed based on travel time over a known distance.