Cave Diving into Tudor’s 2022 Novelties

Hot on the heels of some extremely well-received launches over the last few years, Tudor has, once again, gone all guns blazing for 2022 Watches & Wonders as they continue their run of good form and launch a slew of incredible new novelties. Focusing on quality timepieces with beautiful designs and interesting niches has clearly driven Tudor’s success over the last few years, and they are certainly happy to do more of the same as they make their way up the horological weight divisions. While there might not be as many releases as some other brands this year, Tudor have clearly gone with the idea that less is more and made four changes that we will explore here.

The Black Bay Pro

Launched as a brand new collection within the Black Bay family, the Black Bay Pro is a stunning vintage-inspired watch meant to be worn hard. Modeled on the original Rolex Explorer II, the ref. 1655 – a cave explorer’s watch, the Black Bay Pro offers a wide range of utility to the Black Bay collection while also introducing a new aesthetic. Offered on a stainless steel bracelet, leather strap, or NATO strap, the three variants cover every base.

Given that it is modeled on the original Explorer II, it is no surprise that the Black Bay Pro ref. M79470 is a wonderfully capable watch. With a GMT movement, the automatic cal. MT5652, it features 70 hours of power reserve and is incredibly robust – ideal for a sports watch. Featuring a stainless steel bezel, plenty of luminescence on its black dial, and Tudor’s double-locking clasp, it is certainly up to the task of whatever might be thrown at it.

Offered only in stainless steel at the moment, it sports a taller version of the Black Bay 58’s 39mm case. Coming in at 14.8mm, it is on the taller side of things for Tudor. However, this also accounts for its heavily domed sapphire crystal and taller GMT movement. With a 20mm lug width and yellow accents, we can’t wait to get this on one of our very own Tudor watch straps. No prizes for guessing what strap we put it on first!

The Black Bay GMT S&G

Continuing Tudor’s desire to continue the Black Bay’s current state of evolution, the iconic watchmaker has launched another vintage-inspired variant from within the Black Bay collection. Hailing from the Black Bay GMT umbrella, this latest model is the Black Bay GMT S&G ref. M79833MN “Rootbeer.”

Clearly inspired by the Rolex GMT-Master Rootbeer of old, this latest Black Bay GMT reintroduces the old black and brown colorway on an anodized aluminum bi-directional bezel to the Rolex family following its discontinuation long ago. With a yellow gold bezel, winding crown, and bracelet, this is a beautifully executed watch that will undoubtedly be a popular piece for those that want the Rootbeer’s iconic aesthetic without having to wait for the far more expensive ceramic bezel Rolex counterpart.

Offered in a 41mm case like the other Black Bay GMT models, this is a large watch indeed, but with its black dial and dark bezel, it should wear slightly smaller than its measurements suggest. Powered by the same automatic cal. MT5652 as the Black Bay Pro, and also offered on its two-tone bracelet or a leather or NATO strap, this is a watch that can be worn anywhere in any setting. With a 20mm lug width, like the Black Bay Pro, it will undoubtedly be a strap monster too, with its bi-color bezel opening the door for an endless stream of strap combos.

The Black Bay Chrono S&G

Easily one of Tudor’s most popular releases last year, the stainless steel Black Bay Chrono was a wild success with long waiting lists, secondary market premiums, and a general love of this new model. While the Black Bay Chrono S&G is not a new watch, this latest release has sought to maximize on the collection’s newfound popularity with a new dial variant. Offered with a golden dial with black subdials, the new ref. M79363N is a beauty.

Cased in the original Black Bay Chrono’s 41mm case, it features a gold winding crown and screw-down pushers alongside a gold bezel that sports a black aluminum bezel insert with yellow inscriptions. Featuring a black dial with more yellow inscriptions, this latest edition of the Black Bay Chrono is a stylish piece as it accentuates its golden features.

Offered in three strap options, the new Black Bay Chrono S&G can come on a two-tone bracelet, like the Black Bay GMT S&G, a NATO strap, or a brown leather Bund strap that is immediately reminiscent of Paul Newman’s iconic “Paul Newman” Daytona. A well-built and beautiful chronograph, this will undoubtedly go down a treat with Tudor’s passionate fanbase.

The Black Bay 31/36/39/41 S&G

Continuing Tudor’s trend to release two-tone stainless steel and yellow gold Black Bay models is the base variant of the Black Bay. While not offered in two-tone before, this latest launch sees 14 two-tone variants join the Black Bay’s ranks across its 4 case sizes.

Offered with two-tone jubilee-style bracelets, the option of gold or diamond-set bezels, and grey or black dials, these beautiful watches indicate that Tudor wants to fill in the void that called for a Datejust competitor. With Rolex Datejust waiting lists getting longer and longer, this will undoubtedly be a fantastic value pick up for collectors who want the Datejust’s iconic aesthetic without waiting for so long.

The Tudor Royal 28

Tudor’s last release to be debuted at Watches & Wonder’s 2022 is something for the ladies, the brand new Tudor Royal in a 28mm case. Offered in a stainless steel or two-tone variant (are you surprised?!), these beautiful watches sport gorgeous mother-of-pearl dials with diamond-set hour markers that immediately communicate a sense of total luxury.

A strong showing from Tudor this year at Watches & Wonders 2022 as they continue to build their brand and take on the higher-ups of the horological establishment. With incredibly robust and capable watches for reasonable prices, it would be foolish to bet against Tudor, given their releases this year and over the last few years.