Learn about Tudor chronographs: their history and current model variations

If you're unsure about which chronograph to buy, why not consider a Tudor model? The Black Bay Chrono, a favorite of David Beckham and the All Blacks, is a representative current model of Tudor's chronograph. In this article, we'll look at the history of Tudor's chronographs and the types of current models available.

Features of Tudor chronographs

One of the attractions of Tudor chronographs is their "inheritance of tradition." They are not simply replicas of old styles, but rather incorporate modern technology and design, enhancing their practicality while continuing to carry on the tradition.

If you trace its history, you will see how it has been passed down.

The History of Tudor Chronographs

Tudor's first chronograph was the Oysterdate Chronograph, released in 1970. Equipped with the Valjoux 7734 manual-winding chronograph movement, it gained popularity for its original design. Its distinctive dial is particularly distinctive, and it is known as the "home base" among Tudor fans.

In 1971, a model called the "Monte Carlo" was released, featuring the first blue body color. In 1976, Tudor's chronographs became automatic with the Valjoux 7750 movement, and the so-called "Big Block" was released. After changes to the movement, the watch had three subdials and a date window at the 3 o'clock position, and was also called the "Chronotime" due to the inscription on the dial.

Later, they released the "Ref. 70330N" with a home base-shaped index and Valjoux 7750 movement, the "Ref. 70330B" with its striking blue coloring, and the "Fastriders Black Shield."

Then in 2017, Tudor released the Black Bay Chrono, equipped with its first in-house chronograph movement, the MT5813, marking the transition from general-purpose hand-wound movements to in-house movements.

In-house movement

The in-house chronograph movement, MT5813, was developed with a wealth of cutting-edge technology, including a long power reserve of approximately 70 hours and a silicon balance spring. The Black Bay Chrono is also water resistant to 200m, making it a model that is said to represent the meeting of Tudor's two forte - divers' watches and chronographs.

Types of Chronographs in Tudor's Current Collection

Currently, Tudor's chronograph models can be broadly divided into two types: the Black Bay Chrono and the Pelagos FXD. Both belong to collections that continue to evolve while retaining their traditions, and are collections that demonstrate Tudor's technological prowess. Let's take a look at each model.

"Black Bay Chrono"

Tudor's diver's watches have a history spanning over 60 years. Among them is the Black Bay Chrono, a chronograph model that was released in 2017.

The addition of a chronograph function to the Black Bay design further enhanced its sporty feel, drawing attention as a new Black Bay design that combined land and water.

It features a thick case and distinctive snowflake hands, which are well-known as a symbol of Tudor diver's watches.

All Black Bay Chrono models are equipped with the in-house movement, Cal. MT5813. They feature a 45-minute counter and a calendar at 6 o'clock. They also boast a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring. They're also water-resistant to 200 meters, making them highly practical.

"Black Bay Chrono "Blue""

The Black Bay Chrono "Blue" was added to the lineup in 2024 and is dressed in "Tudor Blue." Until now, blue has not been used much in the Black Bay Chrono. However, this color has been used in other collections to create skillfully sophisticated designs, and Tudor is also a pioneer, having been the first to incorporate blue into its watches. In other words, the blue color makes the Black Bay Chrono even more distinctively Tudor.

Another distinctive feature is the five-link bracelet. Compared to the three-link type, it has a more dressy look, while still retaining the robustness that is characteristic of Tudor. Another notable feature is the clasp with Tudor's unique "T-fit" adjusting system, which allows the user to easily adjust the length in five 8mm increments without removing the links.

"Black Bay Chrono S&G"

The Black Bay Chrono S&G, which debuted in 2019, is also a collection that combines the traditions of chronographs and diver's watches.

Like other Black Bay Chronos, it is equipped with the MT5813 movement.

It features a 45-minute counter at 3 o'clock, a date display at 6 o'clock, and a small seconds at 9 o'clock, along with Tudor's iconic "snowflake" hands. It's also water resistant to 200m, making it a highly practical model with excellent chronograph performance.

"Pelagos FXD Chrono"

In 2021, Alinghi, a two-time winner of the America's Cup, an international yacht race, and Red Bull Racing, renowned for their F1 racing, partnered to form Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Tudor partnered with the team in 2022 and announced the Pelagos FXD "Alinghi Red Bull Racing" the following year.

This commemorative model is based on Tudor's renowned tool watch, the Pelagos, but incorporates a number of innovative innovations. It's the company's first to use a high-tech carbon composite as its material. Furthermore, this high-tech composite material is combined with titanium and stainless steel for the case. This gives it a style that exudes both power and agility, reminiscent of the AC75 (America's Cup 75) racing yacht, whose hull also rises out of the water at high speeds, thanks to a unique blend of carbon, titanium, and stainless steel. It also marks the first time that a chronograph movement has been fitted to a case with a fixed strap bar, further enhancing the watch's functionality.

In addition to this model, a three-hand model is also being released at the same time to commemorate this partnership.

Discontinued models are also interesting

We will also introduce some unique modern Tudor chronograph models, although they are no longer in production.

HERITAGE CHRONO

The Heritage Chrono was inspired by the chronograph model that was born in the early 1970s.

It is equipped with a mechanical automatic chronograph movement with a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. The small second hand is located at the 3 o'clock position, the 45-minute counter is located at the 9 o'clock position, and it is also water resistant to a depth of 150m.

Both the black and gray dial and gray and black dial versions are available with a choice of a steel bracelet with a folding clasp or a fabric strap with a buckle. The fabric strap, which reflects the same unique and beautiful colors as the Heritage Chrono dial, also pursues comfort.

HERITAGE CHRONO BLUE

The Heritage Chrono Blue, a model in the Heritage Chrono line, features a blue dial, reminiscent of the Monte Carlo model released in 1971.

Other than the color, the specifications are the same as the Heritage Chrono, and you can choose between a steel bracelet with a folding clasp or a fabric strap with a buckle.

The Allure of Tudor Chronographs

No matter which Tudor chronograph you choose, they all have their own appealing features and performance. We'll be keeping an eye on what new models will be released in the future that incorporate the traditions of both the Black Bay Chrono and Heritage Chrono.