The Tudor Black Bay GMT we'll be reviewing today is a model released in 2023. This year, Tudor is celebrating the Black Bay Festival with a wide range of new releases. This model is one of them, and one of the most eye-catching details is the opaline dial, which completely changes the massive impression of the previous Black Bay. The impact of this dial is significant, and when you actually hold this model in your hands, its serene appearance makes it clear that it is a watch that can be worn in a wide range of styles and occasions.
[Article published on January 6, 2024]
An opaline dial model that goes beyond simple color variations
The Black Bay GMT first appeared in 2018, when Tudor announced its return to Japan. That year, three models were released from the brand's core collection, the Black Bay, one of which was the Black Bay GMT. The first model featured a black dial and a rotating bezel colored in deep blue and burgundy, a standard GMT watch design, but in 2022, the Black Bay GMT S&G was added, combining a stainless steel case with a yellow gold bezel. The watch reviewed here is one of these color variations of the Black Bay GMT.
Automatic movement (Cal. MT5652). 28 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 70 hours. Stainless steel (diameter 41mm). Water resistant to 200m. Price: 490,600 yen (tax included).
The rotating bezel is a deep blue and burgundy color combination, just like the original model. While the case size remains 41mm and the movement is still the in-house Caliber MT5652, with no significant changes to the specifications, this model incorporates a new element never before seen on a Black Bay GMT. That element is the opaline dial, which has become a hot topic among some enthusiasts as it evokes the white-dial GMT watch, commonly known as the "albino" model, that was once produced by Tudor's sister brand.
The striking two-tone bezel also adds a touch of elegance.
As the term "opaline" suggests, this dial is not pure white, but rather features a subtle silver tint. GMT watches are primarily designed for airline pilots, so they typically feature highly legible black dials. Perhaps for this reason, we've become accustomed to the combination of two-tone bezels and black dials, but holding this watch in our hands, we find that it also pairs well with a white dial. In fact, the subtle silver hue broadens the range of outfit options. While the deep blue and burgundy rotating bezel is striking, it appears to have a brighter tone due to the dial, significantly reducing the boldness often associated with black-dial GMT watches.
While the dial is naturally white, legibility, essential for a GMT model, has been fully considered. The hour and GMT hands feature the snowflake shape characteristic of Tudor diver's models, making them stand out, and the red GMT hand extends its tip to the very edge of the dial, allowing for clear indication of both home time and local time. The hour and minute hands and indices are each outlined in black or silver, making them easy to read even in bright environments such as outdoors during the day. All hands and indices are coated with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent legibility in the dark.
I wanted the T-fit because it's a convenient watch for traveling abroad!
Perhaps the reason they asked me to give their impressions of the Black Bay GMT this time is because I own a Black Bay with a burgundy bezel and a three-row link bracelet. I don't know what their intentions were, but the conclusion is that although the movement is different, the exterior is based on the Black Bay, so there isn't much difference in the wearing experience.
Because it's based on a diver's model with 200m water resistance, the case is somewhat thick and heavy, but it doesn't feel sluggish on the wrist when worn for long periods of time. In fact, the three-row link bracelet is very stable and doesn't rattle, providing excellent stability when worn. Looking at the design, the rivet bracelet, a distinctive feature of Tudor, adds an accent and gives this watch just the right amount of "tool-like." Of course, rivets are a design element that will divide opinion, but I believe this subtle detail is also a major part of the Black Bay GMT's appeal.
The bracelet also features a safety catch, eliminating the worry of it falling off, but the only disappointing feature is that it lacks the T-fit mechanism found on the Black Bay. This mechanism allows the bracelet to be adjusted in five 1.6mm increments, allowing it to accommodate changes in wrist size due to swelling, and also allows you to loosen the bracelet a little during the summer when you tend to sweat more. This summer was particularly hot, so I frequently used this mechanism when wearing the Black Bay. It would have been nice if this mechanism had been included, especially since it features a GMT function—meaning it's likely to be worn by people who fly frequently. However, the Black Bay 58 GMT, released this year, does feature T-fit, so if this mechanism appeals to you, you might want to choose that model.
Considering the price, the quality and performance are very reasonable
And when reviewing this watch, we can't help but mention the price. To begin with, Tudor's collection is generally reasonably priced, but this watch is also equipped with an in-house manufactured movement with a GMT function, has a carefully finished hairline exterior, and is priced at approximately 61 yen, making it a price that is sure to make you applaud. What's more, this watch features an attractive opaline dial color, which helps it not look out of place when paired with a clean style. So, even if you don't use the GMT function very often...or even if you never have the opportunity to use the GMT function, if you're interested in Tudor watches, this model is worth considering. That's because, as someone who bought a Black Bay, I felt through this impression that I should have done a little more research.
