The Tudor Black Bay Chrono has rapidly become a cornerstone of the brand's modern identity, offering a compelling blend of vintage aesthetics, robust engineering, and accessible pricing. Within the Black Bay Chrono family, two references stand out: the 79350 and the 79360N. While seemingly similar at a glance, these two models possess key differences that can significantly influence a prospective buyer's decision. This article delves into a comprehensive comparison of the Tudor 79350 and 79360N, exploring their specifications, design nuances, pricing considerations, and overall appeal.
The Predecessor: Tudor 79350 (The Steel Bezel)
The Tudor 79350, often considered the first modern Black Bay Chrono, was introduced to critical acclaim, offering a sporty yet refined aesthetic. Its defining characteristic is its fixed stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale. This bezel is brushed, providing a subtle contrast to the polished case, and features black engraved markings for the tachymeter scale.
Key Features of the Tudor 79350:
* Case: 41mm stainless steel case with polished and satin finish.
* Bezel: Fixed stainless steel bezel with a tachymeter scale.
* Dial: Available in black or opaline (silver) with contrasting sub-dials.
* Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5813 (COSC certified).
* Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet).
* Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal.
* Bracelet/Strap: Available on a stainless steel bracelet, aged leather strap, or fabric strap.
The Evolution: Tudor 79360N (The Black Bezel)tudor 79350 vs 79360
The Tudor 79360N represents an evolution of the Black Bay Chrono design, introducing a black aluminum bezel insert with a tachymeter scale. The "N" in the reference number signifies "Noir" (French for black), highlighting this key distinguishing feature. This black bezel gives the 79360N a bolder, more contemporary look compared to the 79350.
Key Features of the Tudor 79360N:
* Case: 41mm stainless steel case with polished and satin finish.
* Bezel: Fixed black aluminum bezel insert with a tachymeter scale.
* Dial: Available in black or opaline (silver) with contrasting sub-dials.
* Movement: Tudor Calibre MT5813 (COSC certified).
* Water Resistance: 200 meters (660 feet).
* Crystal: Domed sapphire crystal.
* Bracelet/Strap: Available on a stainless steel bracelet, aged leather strap, or fabric strap.
Tudor 79360N Specs: A Closer Look
To fully understand the 79360N, let's delve into its specifications in greater detail:
* Reference Numbers: The 79360N comes in several variations, differentiated by the bracelet or strap option. Common reference numbers include:
* m79360n 0002: Black dial with steel bracelet.
* m79360n 0006: Opaline dial with steel bracelet.
* tudor 79360n 0019: Black dial with leather strap.
* Case Dimensions: The case measures 41mm in diameter, 14.4mm in thickness, and has a lug-to-lug distance of approximately 50mm. These dimensions make it a substantial watch, but the curved lugs and well-proportioned design ensure a comfortable fit on most wrists.
* Dial Details: The dial features contrasting sub-dials (either black on opaline or opaline on black) for the chronograph minutes and hours. The date window is positioned at 6 o'clock, maintaining symmetry and balance. The hands and hour markers are filled with Super-LumiNova for excellent legibility in low-light conditions.
* Movement Specifics: The Tudor Calibre MT5813 is a robust and accurate automatic chronograph movement. It boasts a 70-hour power reserve, a silicon balance spring, and a column wheel chronograph mechanism. It's also COSC certified, ensuring chronometer-grade accuracy.
* Bracelet and Straps: The stainless steel bracelet features a folding clasp and a safety catch. The aged leather strap provides a more vintage-inspired look and comes with a folding clasp. The fabric strap offers a sporty and casual option.
Tudor 79360N Price: What to Expect