For Watches&Wonders 2023, TUDOR enriches the Black Bay line with a new model that embodies, in a modern key, the milestone of the brand's divers: the reference 7922 presented in 1954. Today, the Black Bay 54 (ref. 79000N) pays homage to this historic model, with a case measuring 37 mm in diameter and an in-house calibre.
Known for being evaluated and subsequently adopted by the French and US Navies and widely used by diving professionals, the Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 is an extraordinary source of inspiration. The first models that aimed to reproduce this reference were distinguished by their small crown and, favoring a more essential and uniform aesthetic, they lacked the now emblematic red triangle at 12 o'clock. The Black Bay 54 is in line with this tradition and features multiple design details that, however small, make a big difference. This is visible for example in the hands which, in addition to being adapted in proportions, are joined to the base, just like in the 1954 model. The edge of the bezel has also been redesigned, with a modern reinterpretation of the ergonomic motif of the reference 7922. Naturally,
The Black Bay line celebrates many of TUDOR's first diving watches: today, with the new Black Bay 54, the Brand has chosen to offer a model that is more faithful than ever to its very first diving watch, the reference 7922. The 37 mm case takes up the classic proportions of the past, but it encapsulates all of TUDOR's modern know-how in the Manufacture Caliber MT5400 and boasts water resistance to 200 m.
As with reference 7922, the unidirectional bezel lacks a minute scale – harking back to the early 50s, when scuba diving was in its infancy and TUDOR created a watch for the brave few who dared to try their hand at this fledgling sport. The new aesthetic details, however, are not limited to the size of the case and the bezel. The “Lollipop” shaped seconds hand evokes that of the original model. The evolution is also visible from an ergonomic point of view, with a redesigned crown and bezel, both featuring the proportions of the historic model.
The Black Bay 54 also features absolutely contemporary elements, such as the dial with sunray satin finish and the "T-fit" closure that adapts perfectly to the wrist. And above all, an avant-garde movement: the Manufacture Caliber MT5400. Its one-piece tungsten rotor is exposed and satin finished with sandblasted details, while the bridges and mainplate have alternating sandblasted and polished surfaces and laser decorations.
Thanks to the variable inertia balance wheel, held in position by a sturdy double bridge with two fixing points, it is designed to guarantee solidity and precision. Together with the anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, this system allows the Manufacture Caliber MT5400 to function in a fully assembled watch within a tolerance range of six seconds (-2/+4). Another notable feature of the MT5400 Manufacture movement is its “weekend-proof” power reserve, ie approximately 70 hours.
The Black Bay 54 is offered on a fully brushed steel three-link bracelet with a TUDOR “Tfit” clasp featuring a system for quick length adjustment. Easy to use, without the aid of any tools and through five positions, this practical system allows the wearer to instantly and precisely vary the total length of the bracelet up to a maximum of 8 mm. In addition to offering a pleasant tactile sensation, the ceramic ball bearings on the clasp allow the bracelet to be closed easily and in complete safety.
The Black Bay 54 is also available with a black rubber strap. The strap features a TUDOR “T-fit” clasp and is available in three sizes; it can also be trimmed to perfectly reflect the measurements of the wearer's wrist. It features the emblematic “Snowflake” motif inside to offer optimal grip, as well as the contoured shape designed specifically for the Black Bay54.
BLACK BAY 54 REFERENCE 79000N
CASH DESK
Stainless steel case, 37 mm, polished and satin finish
STEADY
Unidirectional graduated bezel
60 minutes in stainless steel with aluminum disc without minute scale
CHARGE CROWN
Screw-down winding crown in stainless steel with the TUDOR rose in relief
CLOCK FACE
Black, rounded
GLASS
Domed sapphire crystal
WATERPROOF
Waterproof up to 200m
BRACELET
MOVIMENTO
CALIBER
Manufacture Caliber MT5400 (COSC)
Self-winding mechanical movement with bi-directional rotor
PRECISION
Swiss chronometer officially certified by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute)
FUNCTIONS
hour hands,
minutes and seconds in the centre
Second stop function for precise time setting
REGULATORY BODY
Variable inertia balance wheel, precision screw calibration
Anti-magnetic silicon balance spring
Frequency: 28.800 vibrations/hour (4Hz)
TOTAL DIAMETER
30.3 mm
THICKNESS
5 mm
NUMBER OF RUBIES
27 rubies
AUTONOMY
Autonomy of about 70 hours
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