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Tudor's New Black Bay Pro Is Already One of the Year's Best GMT Watches
The Black Bay Pro is pure Tudor quality and value, with a healthy helping of Rolex-y vibes.
By
Michael Peñate
Tudor
For Watches & Wonders 2022, Tudor's big release once again blindsided fans (in the best way possible). Just as nobody expected Rolex to debut its first-ever left-handed watch, it's a safe bet that few would've predicted a 1655-style GMT release from Rolex's sister company, Tudor.
Enter the Black Bay Pro, a 39mm steel sports watch featuring Tudor's in-house MT5652 movement, a fixed 24-hour bezel and the option of a matching steel bracelet or fabric strap.
Much like the release of the first-generation 41mm Black Bay GMT back in 2018, the Tudor Black Bay Pro pulls its inspiration from an increasingly hard-to-get Rolex classic: the Rolex 1655 Explorer II.
The comparison is mostly attributed to the fixed, steel 24-hour bezel and that prominent, yellowish GMT hand — which follows Tudor's signature snowflake design rather than Rolex's arrow. But still.
It should fill in nicely for discontinued adventure-themed watches like the Tudor North Flag.
The Black Bay Pro is packed with details and refinements
Tudor
Tudor has introduced an updated, domed dial with a matte black finish to the mix. The applied molded markers seem to add welcome depth to the dial, along with vintage-inspired coloring on the hands, markers and even the date wheel.
The new low-profile crown and steel bracelet clasp with the extension system account for some of the stealthier updates. But these are certainly the kind of features sport watch fanatics will go crazy for.
The 39mm case size is very, very welcome
Tudor
It isn't a stretch to say that many were hoping to see a 39mm Pepsi GMT model at Watches & Wonders 2022, and the Black Bay Pro is at least a half-step in that direction.
With 200m of water resistance, the selection of a Jacquard-woven strap, leather, and steel bracelet options, a highly wearable case and Tudor's typically competitive value proposition, we expect it to be a highly in-demand watch.
Don't forget about Tudor's in-house GMT movement
Tudor
Notably, the Black Bay Pro showcases Tudor's intention to integrate the MT5652 GMT movement into a smaller and more wearable 39mm case. It's something Tudor fans have been hoping to see more of since the release of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight line.
At a glance
Tudor
Reference: 79470 Diameter: 39mm Material: Steel Water Resistance: 200m Movement: Tudor MT5652 Price: $3,675 (strap) or $4,000 (bracelet)
