Tudor presents a new addition to the Black Bay line that embodies the purest modern expression of the brand's first-ever dive watch. In 1954, the reference 7922 was released. Today the Black Bay 54 recalls this model with a 37mm case and a Manufacture Calibre.

While the Black Bay line references a range of Tudor's early dive watches, the all-new Black Bay 54 is the most true-to-form example of Tudor's first dive watch, the reference 7922. The 37mm case retains the classic proportions of yesteryear, yet boasts the technical prowess of time-only Manufacture Calibre MT5400 and a 200m depth rating.

True to form, the unidirectional bezel is devoid of any graduated hash marks, echoing the days of the early '50s when scuba diving was in its infancy and Tudor produced a watch for those daring enough to engage with the burgeoning sport. The new aesthetic details, however, don't stop at the case dimensions and bezel. The seconds hand recalls the look of the original with a lollipop design. Ergonomics have evolved as well, with a redesigned crown and bezel, both featuring historical proportions.

Diving into the past

The Black Bay line was conceived with the past in mind. Honoring the important designs that laid the foundation of Tudor's unique aesthetic is of the highest importance. While the Black Bay line has always incorporated signature elements of past dive watches, the Black Bay 54 is perhaps the most true-to-form Black Bay to have been created thus far.

The Oyster Prince Submariner reference 7922 is a formidable candidate to draw inspiration from, as it was known to have been evaluated and consequently adopted by the French and US Navies and widely used by diving professionals. The earliest iterations of the 7922 used a "small crown" and eschewed the later emblematic red triangle at 12 o'clock for a cleaner, more uniform aesthetic. The Black Bay 54 follows this tradition. In fact, the Black Bay 54 recalls a number of small design details that make a big difference. Take the hands for instance, in addition to proportional adjustments, they're pinched at the base, the same way they appeared in 1954. The bezel edge has been redesigned as well, with a modernized take on the ergonomic pattern of the 7922. Of course, the Black Bay 54 still features thoroughly modern touches, like a subtle satin radial-brushed dial and a "T-fit" clasp for the perfect fit. And of course, the cutting-edge Manufacture Calibre MT5400.

Steel bracelet

The Black Bay 54 is fitted with an entirely satin-brushed three-link steel bracelet, complete with the "T-fit" clasp equipped with a system for rapid length adjustment. Easy to use, requiring no tools and offering five positions, this practical system allows wearers to carry out a fine, instant adjustment of the total length of the bracelet along an adjustment window of 8mm. The clasp 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.

The Black Bay line also features dials inspired by divers' watches produced during the 1950s. It borrows the characteristic angular hands known to collectors as "Snowflake" from models that appeared in the brand's 1969 catalogue. Its unprotected crown and the characteristics of its case are reminiscent of the first generations of divers' watches.

Since the brand's creation by Hans Wilsdorf in 1926 and in line with his vision of the ideal timepiece, Tudor has been ceaselessly creating watches that are as robust, durable, reliable and precise as possible. It offers a five-year guarantee for all its products. This guarantee does not require the watch to be registered or submitted to periodic checks and is transferable. It also recommends that its watches should be serviced approximately every 10 years depending on the model and the extent of its use on a day-to-day basis.