Tudor Introduces The New Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
We knew something was coming from Tudor this weekend. We also knew it would be related to this weekend’s F1 Grand Prix at the Miami International Autodrome. It had Tudor fans speculating what this new release could be. Especially after the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 team announced a full pink race livery for the race, the rumors of another pink Miami-related dial were rather loud. As it turned out, a new pink dial wasn’t in the books just yet. But we did get a watch that introduced something far more exciting than a new dial color. The new The New Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is the first carbon fiber version of the brand’s popular chronograph. Combined with a white, blue, and red dial, it creates a completely new take on a familiar recipe. Time to find out more.
Let’s start immediately with the most important facts and figures because they show what makes this release stand out immediately. The new Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” comes with a new carbon fiber case slightly different from the stainless steel version. The new case measures 42mm compared to 41mm for the stainless steel versions. Additionally, the brand made the case slimmer at 14.3mm versus 14.4mm for the regular models. So, overall, the proportions of this new carbon fiber version are somewhat different. The case features an integrated tachymeter bezel and is water resistant up to 200 meters. The crown, pushers, and caseback are made of titanium and feature a black PVD coating to match the black color of the case.
The story of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
The new case is combined with a dial inspired by the team colors of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) F1 team. A bright blue outer ring and a blue hour and minute track contrast nicely with the white opaline dial. Additionally, the logo and text are the same bright blue color, except for the depth rating, which is printed in bright red.
The dial also features two carbon fiber counters and a black date disc, all contrasted by white printed markings and numerals. The applied indices and the characteristic handset feature a black outline and are filled with white Super-LumiNova. A second hint of red comes from the tip of the central chronograph hand.
It creates a vibrant dial that contrasts strikingly with the new carbon fiber case. The new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is delivered on a hybrid rubber-leather strap with carbon end links to match the case. Additionally, it features a tire pattern and contrasting blue stitching matches the blue color on the dial, completing the look in style.
It’s an aesthetic that perfectly matches the VCARB’s standard race livery. Despite matching the F1 team’s colors, the combination of black and blue will always attract lovers and haters. Then again, Tudor hasn’t shied away from using that color combo before. We know that from Black Bay Ceramic VCARB and the limited edition Black Bay, the brand made for Inter Milan.
A trusted caliber in the new case of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
Inside the carbon fiber case, Tudor has equipped the watch with its MT5813 chronograph caliber. The same movement also powers the regular Black Bay Chrono models. The automatic caliber is based on the Breitling B01 and comes with a column wheel and a silicon balance spring. It operates at 28,800vph and offers 70 hours of power reserve. Tudor has tested the MT5813 to run at an accuracy of -2 to +4 seconds per day.
The new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is a numbered limited edition of 2025 pieces. The individual number of every piece is engraved on the black PVD titanium case back. The official list price of the new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is €7,460. It makes this race track-inspired Black Bay Chrono one of the brand’s most expensive watches. A quick look at the prices of the other chronograph models shows that the stainless steel Black Bay Chrono is €5,990. Additionally, the black ceramic Pelagos FXD “Cycling Edition” comes in at €5,550. It’s fair to say that Tudor is stretching the price for this lightweight carbon fiber edition into new territory.
Final thoughts on the new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
All in all, this new Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is a great release for Tudor fans who love racing and the world of Formula 1. The partnership with the VCARB F1 racing team has opened new doors for the brand, leading them to a new group of fans. As such, I do not doubt that this new limited edition will sell out quickly. Personally, I love seeing the Black Bay Chrono in carbon fiber.
I prefer carbon fiber over ceramic, especially because its tactility and color make it more intriguing and organic-feeling than ceramic’s more “plastic” look and feel. Combined with the VCARB’s racing colors, it creates a watch that immediately stands out.
Exploring new territory for Tudor
Having said that, the price tag is hefty. I had to look twice to ensure I had read the €7,460 price tag correctly. That is a premium of €1,5K over the regular stainless steel model. Putting that in perspective, it is a premium for a material “upgrade” that is not uncommon in the world of watches. Additionally, Tudor completely redesigned and reengineered the case for this Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25.” It puts some perspective on the price tag that will undoubtedly lead to strong opinions.
For now, I am curious to find out whether we will see more carbon fiber Black Bay Chrono models in the future. While I love seeing this lightweight version of the watch, the dial colors are not necessarily for me. Anticipating a “Miami special” and a build-up to the Miami Grand Prix, I hoped for a pink dial Tudor, especially after the VCARB F1 team announced a special pink livery for the race in Miami. Who knows? That might still be in the books at some point. The big news is that Tudor is exploring new territory with this carbon fiber Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25.” As a result, this latest release will stand out in the Tudor collection.
