baselworld 2017 tudor | Review: Baselworld 2017 Tudor Heritage Black Bay

Baselworld 2017 was a pivotal year for Tudor. Stepping out from the shadow of its parent company, Rolex, Tudor presented a collection that solidified its identity as a purveyor of attainable luxury timepieces with a distinct character and impressive technical prowess. The brand unveiled a compelling range of watches, including new chronographs and steel variations of their popular Black Bay series, capturing the attention of enthusiasts and critics alike. This article delves into the specifics of Tudor's Baselworld 2017 releases, exploring their design, technical innovations, and overall impact on the brand's trajectory.

TUDOR BASELWORLD 2017: A Coming of Age

For years, Tudor was often perceived as the "entry-level Rolex," offering similar designs at a more accessible price point. However, Baselworld 2017 marked a significant shift. Tudor showcased a maturity and confidence in its own design language and technical capabilities. The brand presented watches that were not merely affordable alternatives but desirable pieces in their own right, boasting unique aesthetics and robust in-house movements. This strategic move cemented Tudor's position as a serious contender in the luxury watch market, attracting a broader audience who appreciated quality, heritage, and contemporary design.

Every Single Watch Tudor Released At Baselworld 2017: A Detailed Overview

Tudor's Baselworld 2017 lineup was diverse and impressive, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Let's examine each model in detail:baselworld 2017 tudor

* Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono: This model was arguably the star of the show. Combining the iconic Black Bay aesthetic with a chronograph complication, the Heritage Black Bay Chrono represented a bold step for the brand. It featured a 41mm stainless steel case, a black dial with contrasting white sub-dials, and a fixed stainless steel bezel with a tachymetric scale. Powering the watch was the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a chronograph movement developed in collaboration with Breitling. This movement offered a 70-hour power reserve and was COSC-certified for accuracy. The Black Bay Chrono was available on a stainless steel bracelet, a black leather strap, or a fabric strap.

* Tudor Heritage Black Bay Steel (Ref. 79730): This model introduced a steel bezel insert to the popular Black Bay line. Replacing the traditional burgundy, blue, or black bezel, the steel bezel offered a more understated and versatile look. The Black Bay Steel retained the signature snowflake hands, domed dial, and vintage-inspired design elements. It was powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5602, an in-house movement with a 70-hour power reserve and COSC certification. The watch was available on a stainless steel bracelet, an aged leather strap, or a fabric strap.

* Tudor Heritage Black Bay Two-Tone: Also known as the S&G (Steel & Gold), this model combined stainless steel with yellow gold accents. The bezel, crown, and center links of the bracelet were crafted from yellow gold, adding a touch of luxury to the Black Bay design. The dial was available in black or champagne, both featuring gold-tone markers and hands. Like the other Black Bay models, the Two-Tone was powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5602.

* Tudor Heritage Black Bay 41: Expanding the Black Bay collection, the Black Bay 41 offered a more streamlined and elegant design. It featured a 41mm stainless steel case with a polished finish, a flat sapphire crystal, and a simple dial with baton markers. The Black Bay 41 was available with a black, blue, or silver dial. It was powered by the ETA 2824 movement, a reliable and widely used Swiss movement.

* Tudor Heritage Black Bay Bronze Blue: While not entirely new for 2017, the Bronze Blue version of the Black Bay Bronze was still a significant part of Tudor's Baselworld showcase. This model featured a 43mm bronze case that developed a unique patina over time, a blue dial, and a blue bezel. It was powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5601, a larger version of the MT5602 movement designed to fit the larger case.

A Mid-Range Marvel: The Appeal of Tudor's Pricing

One of the key factors contributing to Tudor's success is its strategic pricing. The brand occupies a sweet spot in the luxury watch market, offering high-quality timepieces with in-house movements and distinctive designs at prices significantly lower than those of Rolex and other high-end brands. This "attainable luxury" positioning makes Tudor watches accessible to a wider range of consumers, attracting both seasoned collectors and first-time luxury watch buyers. The Baselworld 2017 releases perfectly exemplified this strategy, offering exceptional value for money and making Tudor a compelling choice for those seeking a well-crafted and stylish timepiece without breaking the bank.

Baselworld 2017: Tudor Black Bay Steel Ref. 79730. Live Pictures: A Closer Look