Jamie Weiss
We’ve less than a month since the Watches and Mysterious Geneva, many of the world’s biggest watchmakers are set to unveil the most important releases of the year. Among them, the chief is Rolex and its sister brand Tudor. To be completely transparent, sometimes, sometimes members of the watch press get notifications of brand releases, but Tudor (and Rolex) is not one of those brands. There are no internal tracks here. But I actually like it like this. It keeps us bastards honest – equal arenas – and that also means we can speculate on what these brands will be unveiling in Switzerland on April 1st.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_0jpiozwoa
In recent years, Tudor has become an experimental, rebellious and affordable counterpart to Rolex’s conservatism and repetitive approach to watching releases. From tracking the master chronometer certification for its products to experimenting with case materials such as ceramic and sterling silver, Tudor is a more interesting brother to pay attention to. Last year’s Watch and Wonders saw Tudor release some solid, solid, but very wild watches at the Black Bay 58 18K, including the scheduled Black Bay 58 GMT and its first ever solid gold case and bracelet model. However, this year we are predicting releases that will change more needles from the shield.
New big block
This is probably my boldest prediction and represents a whole new model of Tudor, so it’s actually the safest bet of all. why? In 2023, Tudor created a unique piece called Prince Chronograph One at its only watch auction of the year. This is a modern take on the 7000 series of Oistel Date Chronographs known as “Big Blocks” thanks to its chunky case. Made from 18ct solid yellow gold, the piece is set to introduce a new manufacturing column wheel chronograph movement called the MT59xx.
However, after uncertainty about the charity’s financial situation became clear, it was postponed to 2023 to 2024. Tudor was one of many brands that pulled watches from auctions due to controversy. This is a lot of preamble, but the point is that Tudor worked hard to create a brand new model. And they rarely waste all their R&D just to produce one-offs. They are not such a brand. Tudor is almost certainly prepared to introduce a series-produced version of the Prince Chronograph.
Again, why? Now, there is an established pattern. Only on Watch 2019, Tudor offered Black Bay Ceramic One. At that point, it was the first ceramic-based watch. Then, in 2021, they unveiled Black Bay Ceramic, a series production. This was slightly different from the only watch piece, with a natural room plot rather than black and utilizing a leather hybrid strap rather than a crocodile hybrid strap. If you are following, it was two years since I first saw Prince Chronograph 1. If Tudor repeats history, you should expect a Prince Chronograph “Big Block” in 2025.
I’m sure Tudor will predict it will be released in stainless steel, not gold. It appears to give you a “reverse pander” dial. That’s because it was one of the original dial patterns with large blocks. That’s what I would like to see more details about the movement as well. Will they bring Tiger Woods back on board to promote it?
Tudor Formula 1 Watch Gets a White Ceramic Look
The Tudor Black Bay Ceramic “Blue” is one of the most distinctive watches in Tudor catalogue. Joining last year’s range, Tudor has returned to motorsports and marked the mark with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 team (formula 1 team owned by Red Bull, formerly known as Alpha Touri and Toro Rosso).
It makes sense for F1 Team Watches to receive chronograph complications, but please offer a motorsport-themed counterpart for the Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition. This prediction is probably a case of wishful thinking rather than educated speculation, but Tudor shows his desire to riff on BB ceramic blue. But the white ceramic model makes more sense and I think it stands out as one of the flashiest Tudors ever. I might see something at the Australian Grand Prix this week. I’m on the ground to let you know.
Black Bay 58 GMT’s new bezel color
To make a slightly more realistic prediction, Tudor thinks the Black Bay 58 GMT received last year can respond to the Rave reception and provide another variant of the Goldilocks-sized GMT watch. The original black and red “coke” bezel (or should be “root beer” because of the hint of gold) is appealing, but I think it would be cool if Tudor were looking for a solid bezel colour like “blueberry.” This further distinguishes the BB58 GMT from the standard Black Bay GMT and Black Bay Pro. I’ll talk about that soon.
Expanding the Black Bay 54 range
Black Bay 54 is another cult ferbit Tudor released in recent years, screaming for an expansion of the range, and considering that it hasn’t been added to the family other than the first model released in 2023, we believe 2025 is ripe for release. The wider black bay range offers an incredibly small number of color dial options. Tudors play around with a variety of bezel colors, but they stick to the black dial. What about BB54 “Hulk”? It is sold like pancakes.
Black Bay Pro is finally on the extreme
Now for a watch that I am amazed that Tudor hasn’t done yet. As the owner of the Black Bay Pro, I’m sure it’s an underrated gem from the Tudor Range. Of course, the BB Pro is a homage to the original Rolex Explorer II ref. Since 1655, starting with a black dial makes sense, but why are you giving it a “polar” white dial that keeps you from getting close to the references? Which 16570, 1989, is the most famous Explorer II design?
This has been a long time since I’m a bit confused as to why Tudor didn’t offer a white dial from Day Dot to BB Pro. They gave it to the regular BB GMT! However, I’m not sure that the block LUME index is also very suitable for poller dials. A plot filled with a standard room may have a cleaner look.
Truly proud and solid gold royal
Finally, here is a prediction that may come out slightly from the left field, but when you think about it, it actually makes sense. Tudor as a brand is mostly focused on Black Bay and Pelagos, with the Royal being something of a redheaded stepchild in the Tudor Mountains. That’s a shame, as I think there are so many things in the Royal. It is a slim, integrated bracelet dress/sports watch that is very different from Rolex’s products, while offering a little date class.
About it: In 2023, Tudor saw the addition of a two-tone royal to range. And it’s not unusual to expect Tudor to try out Gold Royal, as we know that Tudor has a desire to make an all-gold gold watch. Think about it: integrated dates. When you put it that way, it sounds cool, right? Certainly, it’s a niche offering, but Tudor wants to push the boat out and give it a try.
