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Dipping the proverbial toe into the world of watches can be a daunting experience, especially when there are so many choices. The Tudor Black Bay series, however, is as close as it gets to a no-brainer -- either as a first serious timepiece or an addition to an already impressive arsenal.

The international world of horology may still be reeling from the shock cancellation of Baselworld, not just for the current year due to the coronavirus having devastated nearly all industries, but potentially for the foreseeable future.  Thankfully, interest and passion for watches have not dissipated along with it.  In fact, quite the contrary as the vintage watch market specifically has seen an uptick in sales.  Whilst this does not mean that every Tom, Dick and Harry are sweeping Sotheby’s, Christie’s, and Phillips for lofty vintage timekeepers, dependable tool watches remain a great investment for mechanical watch enthusiasts looking to hedge their bets in these uncertain times.

Whoever said ‘dependable’ equates to ‘boring’ has obviously never laid eyes on the Tudor ‘Black Bay’ series, which has in part fueled the resurgence of the brand, reminding everyone that it is more than just a sister brand to titans Rolex.  With a decidedly more rugged outlook than some of its Swiss counterparts, the ‘Black Bay’ models conform mostly to the classic Submariner aesthetic.  To date, more than a dozen models have been introduced as part of the collection since its debut in 2012.  Here are some models for your (serious) consideration.

Black Bay Fifty-Eight

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Size does matter, but not in the way that one may think.  What sets this watch apart from its siblings in the collection is its relatively smaller size -- sitting at a cozy 39mm which is a whole 2mm reduction in diameter.  Though that may not sound like much, on the wrist the impression is vastly amplified, giving the timepiece a distinctly vintage appearance.  Due to its diminutive size, Tudor had no choice but to tinker and produce its new in-house caliber MT5402 movement.  Another real draw for many would be the ‘gilt’ dial combination -- echoing the black and gold sensibilities so popular in the 1950’s.  Equipped with a matching bracelet, these have been notoriously hard to come by due to their immense popularity.  If one pops up in your local authorised dealer, we suggest you bite the bullet before someone else does.

On a steel bracelet, the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight retails for US$3,625 (HK$28,000) subject to availability

Black Bay GMT

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Brief history on the GMT function and its origin -- developed for Pan-Am Airline pilots to cope with the constant shifting of time zones, the 24-hour hand and rotating bezel allowed the wearer to account for two separate time zones during their travels.  Even the most casual of watch fans would be aware of the infamous ‘Pepsi’ reference which featured the hues of the namesake soft drink brand on the bezel, but this Black Bay GMT is more than just a simple homage to the original.  The Tudor Black Bay GMT lives up to its pedigree as a tried and true travel watch, boasting a local jumping hour hand that is able to be adjusted backwards or forwards independently from the minute hand to adapt to different time zones with ease.  To sweeten the deal, Tudor has offered its own MT5652 in-house movement which provides superb value at this price range where other makers would likely opt for ETA movements.  This excellent GMT is a perennial favourite for those in the know.

On a steel bracelet, the Tudor Black Bay GMT retails for US$3,900 (HK$31,000) subject to availability

Black Bay Dark

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Everything just feels cooler in ‘stealth mode’, and this PVD coated all black model will definitely make anyone feel like a ninja.  The tactically inclined timepiece is composed of steel and coated with a robust and hard wearing black satin finish which can weather everyday scratches and dings, as a tool watch should.  An extra injection of edge in the form of two striking hits of red on the bezel and depth rating on the dial set this watch apart from other typical all black wristwear.  But it’s not just all about looks -- the impressive 70 hour power reserve is nothing to scoff at, courtesy of Tudor’s caliber MT5602 in-house movement.  Aftermarket reworkings to achieve the dark monochromatic look have been in vogue for several years, but why go down that road when a beauty like the Tudor Black Bay Dark can be had straight from the factory.

On a fabric strap, the Tudor Black Bay Dark retails for US$4,150 (HK$32,000) subject to availability

The post Why You Should Own a Tudor Black Bay — If You Can appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

From its humbling beginnings in a small booth in New York City’s Diamond District, Jacob & Co. has grown to be a preeminent jewelry and wristwatch retailer. Inspired by the impossible, the company has been committed for more than a quarter of a century to create powerfully unique jewelry and timepiece creations. The drive and […]

The post Top 4 best Jacob & Co. grand complication masterpieces watches appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

We love military-inspired watches, especially when they are named after Arnold’s best films. While that second part is mere coincidence, our friends at Bamford London were inspired by military timepieces in their new Predator and Commando models. The first is available in black or stainless, arriving with the Swiss Made self-winding Sellita SW330-1 movement with […]

The post Bamford London Unveils Predator and Commando Watches appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

We love military-inspired watches, especially when they are named after Arnold’s best films. While that second part is mere coincidence, our friends at Bamford London were inspired by military timepieces in their new Predator and Commando models. The first is available in black or stainless, arriving with the Swiss Made self-winding Sellita SW330-1 movement with […]

The post Bamford London Unveils Predator and Commando Watches appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Grand Prix drivers have relied on Tag Heuer watches since the earliest races. Already the sponsor of the Monaco F1 race, we’re excited to announce they have expanded to the Monaco Historique races. This new timepiece is 39mm and limited to 1,000 examples. Powered by their award-winning Calibre HEUER 02 Automatic movement. Designed to honor […]

The post TAG Heuer Unveils Grand Prix de Monaco Historique appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Coming in as the fourth example in URWERK’s UR-100 collection is the stunning Gold Edition. This watch has heavy sci-fi cues, borrowing mostly from ‘Star Wars.” For example, the gold is reminiscent of the lovable C-3PO and the asymmetry of the watch was done to pay homage to Millennium Falcon. I should note that this […]

The post URWERK Unveils New UR-100 Gold Edition, Inspired by ‘Star Wars’ appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Coming in as the fourth example in URWERK’s UR-100 collection is the stunning Gold Edition. This watch has heavy sci-fi cues, borrowing mostly from ‘Star Wars.” For example, the gold is reminiscent of the lovable C-3PO and the asymmetry of the watch was done to pay homage to Millennium Falcon. I should note that this […]

The post URWERK Unveils New UR-100 Gold Edition, Inspired by ‘Star Wars’ appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

With Mother’s Day just around the corner we thought we’d put together a list of our favorite items that we’re sure will please and indulge one of the most important people in your lives.

The post Last Minute Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Chronoswiss is following up their beautiful Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue with a new version that adds gold. Now, if you’re looking for a more royal or beautiful color combination than blue and gold, I doubt you’d find it. All it takes is a quick glance at the dial of this new timepiece to know […]

The post New Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec in Blue and Gold appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Chronoswiss is following up their beautiful Open Gear ReSec Electric Blue with a new version that adds gold. Now, if you’re looking for a more royal or beautiful color combination than blue and gold, I doubt you’d find it. All it takes is a quick glance at the dial of this new timepiece to know […]

The post New Chronoswiss Open Gear ReSec in Blue and Gold appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Bell & Ross has taken their fantastic 03-92 watch and created a new special edition model that’s inspired by fighter jets of the sky. While the overall build is similar to that of the other 03-92 watches, this one has a completely new dial that sets it apart. For the glass, Bell & Ross used […]

The post New Bell & Ross HUD Edition Inspired by Fighter Jets appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.

Bell & Ross has taken their fantastic 03-92 watch and created a new special edition model that’s inspired by fighter jets of the sky. While the overall build is similar to that of the other 03-92 watches, this one has a completely new dial that sets it apart. For the glass, Bell & Ross used […]

The post New Bell & Ross HUD Edition Inspired by Fighter Jets appeared first on duPont REGISTRY Daily.