• Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue a Tropical Twist
  • Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue

    A Tropical Twist

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    January 17, 2025
  • The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue isn't your average timepiece; it's a vibrant statement piece with a personality as bold as its color. Tudor, a name synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, has once again pushed the boundaries of conventional watch design with this eye-catching model, the M79360N-0024. Since the beginning, breaking convention has been a TUDOR staple. You already know Flamingos aren’t blue. TUDOR does too, but if you were to describe “Flamingo Blue” to someone, chances are you would come up with this very tone of turquoise, so distinctive of the tropical waters flamingos are known to love. Nothing about a blue flamingo blends in, and that’s why the new Black Bay Chrono model was born to stand out, with a dial in a vibrant blue hue that’s unlike anything else in the TUDOR line-up. Like the Black Bay Chrono Pink released in 2024, this is a watch for those who dare to be different.

    The "Flamingo Blue" isn't just a clever name; it perfectly encapsulates the unique turquoise hue of the dial, reminiscent of tropical waters where flamingos thrive. This isn't just any blue; it's a color that evokes the vibrant energy of South Beach, a color that stands out in a sea of traditional watch designs. This is a watch that makes you feel like summer lasts forever. It's fun, it's playful, and it's undeniably stylish. This watch is part of a special range of watches that are made for those who dare to be different. Complete with a new “Flamingo Blue” dial, TUDOR’s newest chronograph delivers the classic South Beach vibe smack-dab in the middle of the Northern hemisphere’s winter. With a column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph calibre as well as a five-link bracelet featuring the T-Fit clasp, it sits perfectly next to its pink-dialled cousin.

    Courtesy of Tudor
    Courtesy of Tudor


    The Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" is more than just a pretty face; it's a fusion of Tudor's rich heritage in both diving and motorsports. The Black Bay collection itself is a tribute to Tudor's history of crafting professional diver's watches, while the chronograph complication pays homage to the brand's involvement in the world of racing. This watch seamlessly blends these two worlds, resulting in a sports chronograph that's as functional as it is fashionable. The Black Bay Chrono was already quite a bold watch even before this new dial colour was introduced. Since the launch in 1970 of the Oysterdate model, TUDOR’s first chronograph, the brand has always produced watches that are closely tied to the world of motorsports. Since 1954, TUDOR has likewise been constantly improving its professional divers’ watches.

    At 41mm, the 316L stainless steel case is a contemporary size that strikes a balance between presence and wearability. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and satin-brushed surfaces, showcasing Tudor's commitment to quality. The lugs, which measure 22mm in width, are beveled, a design cue borrowed from vintage Tudor chronographs. This attention to detail adds a touch of refinement to the overall aesthetic.

    The "Flamingo Blue" dial is the star of the show, and it's a sight to behold. The domed dial features contrasting black sub-counters, a layout inspired by the first generation of Tudor chronographs. These sub-counters not only enhance the watch's legibility but also add a sporty touch. The date aperture, positioned at 6 o'clock, is a practical addition that doesn't disrupt the dial's symmetry.

    Courtesy of Tudor
    Courtesy of Tudor


    The hands on the "Flamingo Blue" are another nod to Tudor's heritage. The "Snowflake" hands, a signature of Tudor diver's watches since 1969, have been adapted for this chronograph model. They are generously filled with Grade A, Swiss Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent visibility in low-light conditions. The combination of the "Flamingo Blue" dial and the luminous hands creates a striking contrast that's both visually appealing and functional. The dial layout includes a 45-minute counter and a date aperture positioned at 6 o'clock. The recognisable characteristics of the Black Bay line – satin-brushed and polished finishes, bevelled lugs and TUDOR rose-signed crown - are preserved in a steel case with a 41-millimetre diameter.

    Powering the Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" is the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with a bidirectional rotor system. This high-performance movement boasts a column-wheel construction and a vertical clutch, features typically found in more expensive chronographs. The MT5813 has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours, meaning you can take it off on a Friday evening and it will still be running on Monday morning. It has the finish typical of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres. Its rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details, and its bridges and mainplate have alternate sand-blasted and polished surfaces with laser decorations.

    Courtesy of Tudor
    Courtesy of Tudor


    One of the standout features of the MT5813 is its silicon balance spring, which provides resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations. This ensures greater accuracy and stability over time. The movement is also certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), a testament to its precision. Where COSC allows an average variation in the daily rate of an uncased movement of between -4/+6 seconds’ variation per day, TUDOR applies a -2/+4 seconds’ variation standard on the completely assembled watch.

    The winding crown, made of 316L stainless steel, is screw-down and features the Tudor rose in relief. The screw-down pushers, also made of stainless steel, are located at 2 o'clock and 4 o'clock. These features contribute to the watch's water resistance, which is rated to 200 meters (660 feet). This makes the Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" suitable not only for everyday wear but also for water-based activities. This watch is water proof so feel free to dive into the Flamingo Blue waters with it.

    Courtesy of Tudor
    Courtesy of Tudor


    The fixed bezel is crafted from 316L stainless steel and features a matt black anodized aluminum disc with a tachymetric scale and silver markings. The tachymetric scale allows the wearer to measure average speeds over a given distance, a function that harkens back to the watch's motorsports heritage. The black bezel provides a nice contrast to the "Flamingo Blue" dial and the steel case, further enhancing the watch's sporty aesthetic.

    The Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" comes fitted on a 5-link 316L stainless steel bracelet with polished and satin-brushed finishes. The bracelet features Tudor's "T-fit" rapid adjustment clasp, a user-friendly system that allows the wearer to fine-tune the bracelet length without the need for tools. The clasp offers five positions, providing an adjustment window of 8mm. This ensures a comfortable fit on the wrist, regardless of temperature changes or wrist swelling. The clasp also features ceramic ball bearings that ensure a smooth and secure closure in addition to adding a pleasing tactile element to the action of the clasp.

    Courtesy of Tudor
    Courtesy of Tudor


    Tudor's commitment to quality is evident in the five-year transferable guarantee that comes with the Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue". This guarantee does not require registration or periodic maintenance checks, and it's transferable, meaning it remains valid even if the watch changes ownership. Tudor also recommends servicing the watch approximately every 10 years, depending on the model and the extent of its use.

    The Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" is priced at $5,875. While this is certainly not an entry-level price, it's important to consider the watch's specifications, materials, and craftsmanship. This is a watch that's built to last, and it's backed by Tudor's reputation for quality and reliability. It's a statement piece, a conversation starter, and a watch that's sure to turn heads.

    Case: 41mm diameter, 14.4mm thickness, 316L stainless steel. Polished and satin-brushed finishes. 22mm lug width. 316L stainless-steel screw-down winding crown with the TUDOR rose in relief. 316L stainless-steel screw-down pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock. Fixed 316L stainless-steel bezel with matt black anodised aluminium disc with tachymetric scale and silver markings. Waterproof to 200m (660 ft). Domed sapphire crystal.

    Movement: Manufacture Calibre MT5813 with chronograph function. Self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with bidirectional rotor system. Approximately 70 hours power reserve. COSC certified. Silicon balance spring.

    Dial: "Flamingo Blue" with black counters, domed. Date at 6 o'clock. "Snowflake" hands with Grade A, Swiss Super-LumiNova® luminescent material.

    Strap: 5-link 316L stainless-steel bracelet with polished and satin-brushed finishes. TUDOR “T-fit” rapid adjustment clasp.

    Price: $5,875

    Reference Number: M79360N-0024

    Notes: The "Flamingo Blue" dial is a unique color inspired by the turquoise waters where flamingos are known to live, delivering a distinctive South Beach vibe. This watch features a column wheel and vertical clutch chronograph calibre.
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