Expanding on the third-generation Black Bay models, the new Monochrome reference is a new look at one of the most demanding Tudors yet.
Everyone loves a good underdog story. Who isn’t inspired by the ones who had to fight tooth and nail for everything they have? There’s no shortage of Cody Rhodes-es, Mighty Ducks, and Robert Downey Jrs out there to be enamoured by in the modern landscape, and in the context of the watch world, I believe Tudor also belongs in that list. This year, at Watches and Wonders 2024, they celebrate their victory, releasing the all-new Tudor Black Bay in monochrome.
“But Mario,” you might be asking. “Tudor’s a pretty established brand. What comeback story?” And yes, they didn’t have the biggest life-or-death stakes out there. However, their fight was in the war for relevancy – Tudor’s reputation was built by its heritage, which, while rich and deep, wasn’t seen as favourable for so long. No matter what achievements they built on their own, it almost felt as if Tudor could never step out of the biggest shadow in the watch game, destined to always play second fiddle.
In 2012, they began focussing on their newest collection, the Black Bay, which became the turning point for the Shield. In 2016, the Black Bay collection was given the Manufacture calibre treatment, and in 2020 it exploded in popularity again with the release of the ever-popular Black Bay 58. In a bid to prove the doubters wrong, Tudor struck gold, creating a new and lasting legacy for themselves outside of their sister brand.
Tudor Black Bay (Monochrome) M7941A1A0NU-0003 
Tudor Black Bay (Monochrome) M7941A1A0NU-0001 – 3 Link bracelet 
Tudor Black Bay (Monochrome) M7941A1A0NU-0002 – Rubber Strap
The Tudor Black Bay, as it stands now, is one of the most popular utility sports watch offerings in the modern space, with this year’s monochrome edition representing yet another fruit of their hard work. Following in the footsteps of last year’s Heritage 41 in Burgundy (click here to read the article!) this edition takes Tudor’s design in a new direction.
Tudor Black Bay (Monochrome) M7941A1A0NU-0003 -5link bracelet – On the wrist 
Tudor Black Bay (Monochrome) M7941A1A0NU-0002 – Rubber Strap – On the wrist
All the fixings of the iconic Black Bay collection are present, but now in a monochromatic package. A stainless steel case, black aluminium diving bezel, and sunray brushed black dial complete the timepiece, allowing for unprecedented versatility. Coming in either a three-link bracelet, five-link bracelet, or rubber strap, all outfitted with the T-Fit micro-adjustment clasp, permit the watch to go from effortlessly classy to ruthlessly practical in a single moment. It’s a design that already captured our hearts in the burgundy edition (read Matt’s owner’s perspective on the Black Bay Heritage 41 here!), so I’m glad to see it in a rendition that is more universally appealing to the watch community.
Tudor’s craftsmanship has also levelled up massively, through no small effort of their own. Like its slightly older brother, the monochrome is powered by the manufacture Cal. MT5602-U. A massive achievement in Tudor’s engineering space, the movement beats at 4Hz (28,800bph) with a power reserve of 70 hours. Accuracy has also been massively upgraded, with the movement receiving COSC and METAS certifications. The latter requires accuracy within 5 seconds after the watch has been fully assembled. This new breed of Tudor Black Bay can only signal to us that the best is yet to come.
Final Thoughts
I have another friend who is also a massive Tudor head. When these were announced, I had a feeling she would’ve been spewing over how good they looked, and about 30 minutes later I had a message from her in my inbox.
What’s not to love here? It’s everything you could ask for from a utility-based sports/dive watch from Tudor, now in a classical package for those who don’t like red or gilt. Even if you do, I would highly recommend checking this out. Versatile, accurate and durable is the name of the watch game these days, and with this year’s newest release, no three words encompass the needs of the modern watch wearer quite like the Tudor Black Bay.
Reference: 7941A1A0NU
Specification
- Case: 41mm case diameter, 13.6mm thickness
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Black
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire scratch-resistant, with double anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 200m (20 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic In-house MT5602-U movement with COSC and METAS Master Chronometer certification
- Movement Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Power reserve: Approx. 70 hours
- Bracelet: Three-link riveted/five-link stainless steel bracelet/black rubber strap with Tudor T-Fit clasp
