Its build quality is incredibly reassuring and the ceramic bearings on the inside of the flip lock catch should mean that the action will continue to be nice and snappy even after prolonged use. Yes, they are a bit chunky, yes the movement could be better, but just look at it! The same indexes (triangle at 12, dots for the hours), the same snowflake hands, the same inscriptions, with the red depth-rating, and of course the modern shield logo. The integration of the mandatorychronograph elements is subtle and the modern chronograph movement (more on that later) allows for well-proportioned sub-counters. Theyre fiercely expensive today and fitted with the manual wind Valjoux 234. I leave the answer up to you. Unless you were allergic to either beef, broccoli or both. So, this brings us to voting. Will the rotating bezel be useful? Yes, the Heritage Chrono is fairly chunky, but no more than if Tudor had opted for an integrated off-the-shelf automatic movement like the aforementioned Valjoux 7750, for example. 7033 next to the modernHeritageChrono 0006. Yes, it feels slightly more modern than a normal Black Bay, maybe because the chronograph display feels more technical than the standard 3-hand style. With this in mind, if youre going to buy a new Tudor Chronograph, there is potentially a better value option. Love this design, and its even better in blue. This Black Bay Chrono created mixed feelings on us, at first. Again, a matter of choice. Shape, case, materials, details Everything is here. Both classics. Several aspects of this new watch created controversies: the movement, the mix of diving and chronograph elements and the non-historical relevance of this watch. Theres no doubt about the lineage of this watch. Food for thought of the prospective Tudor Chronograph buyer., Overall, Im a big fan of the Tudor Heritage Chrono and Ive really enjoyed wearing it over these past weeks. However, because of the addition of the chronograph, Tudor had to adapt the display. Weve seen dozens of watches with an extra-GMT function (and the 24h bezel that goes along) or a chronograph. On a standard 3-hand dive watch, the rotating bezel is printed with a 60-minute scale, in order to time decompression steps or the length of your diving session. A Tudor Monte Carlo Home Plate chronograph, ref. Yes, if youre wondering, this creates the slightly unfortunate staggered controls on the right side of the case. If youre in the market for a racing chronograph and versatility isnt a big priority, I cant think of a better watch for less than the RRP of 3,390., Additionally, all three watches in the Heritage Chrono line seem to hold their value surprisingly well for a vintage-inspired watch. I dont for 2 reason, 1st, not a fan of modular chronograph movements, and 2nd, Ive handled the original from the 70s, and IMO the new version offers none of the charm of the original. So, the Heritage Chronograph features what Tudor call a Calibre T401 - an ETA 2892 (3 hand + date) with a Dubois Dpraz chronograph module sitting on top of it (dial side).. I personally like it better than the Daytona but thats just me. Tudors timing couldnt have been better. Tudors team immediately mentioned that something big was waiting for us inside the watch without saying more about it. To me, this is a nonsense debate, as many other chronographs (not only divers) face this. Before we answer that question. You see, watches were becoming hot at that time. Its on my list of some day watches. What are your thoughts on this 70's inspired chronograph? First of all, the TudorMT5813 Breitling B01 is a technically advanced movement. In fact, compared to many dive watches and even more when it comes to diving chronographs theBlack Bay Chrono ref. The style, which mixes technical and vintage elements, is great, the DNA of the Black Bay collection is subtly transformed and, in terms of quality, it is simply impressive. Initially, wed been quite sceptical about this watch. For a start, the date wheel is too deep into the dial. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is a masculine piece for sure, but not a beast. In fact, before the B01 was developed, Breitling used a modular set-up in a large number of their automatic chronographs. 2022 Monochrome, An online magazine dedicated to fine watches, Stay up to date with the latest post and updates. Im not sure why they vanished, but Ive looked at what they were making for other markets after this time. And the explanation surprised us (in a good way) for two reasons: the transparency of Tudor concerning the provenance of the movement, and that provenance itself. That watch, known as the Monte Carlo with home base indices, is an absolute legend. Lets now move to the movement, because this was certainly one of the main topics when talking about theBlack Bay Chrono. Tudor have done it again When introduced at Baselworld 2017, their latest addition to the HeritageBlack Bay collection, a chronograph, immediately became a talking piece, bringingcontentious or heated discussions around the table and passionate arguments and not only on collectors forums or on social media but also internally here, at the Monochrome redaction. He has it priced at 2,844, but is open for negotiation. For reference, thats 1mm thinner than the Black Bay Chrono, the same as the current Speedy Pro and only ever so slightly thicker than the current Daytona (which is 12.2mm). My final complaint regards the servicing of theT401 Calibre. In such a price range, few are the watches that feature a movement with such specifications and technical solutions. So, what to think of this watch? Rather than going for a traditional, integrated automatic chronograph movement like the ETA 2894 or the Valjoux 7750, Tudor opted to go for a modular set-up. However, we cant skip here one of the main talking points about this Tudor Black Bay Chrono: the fixed tachymeter scale. Some claim that due to a modular chronographs nature being, well modular, if something were to break in-between services, a whole teardown isnt necessary as it would be for an integrated chronograph. In its place, we have a flat sapphire crystal which looks to have a few layers of clear anti-reflective coating on the inside. These colorful watches were very different from a Daytona, but collectors view them similarly. The bezel is not such an important thing if you really want to go diving. Modern, with integrated architecture (the chronograph function is part of the movement and not later added to an existing movement), it features a column-wheel and a vertical clutch (technically-speaking, the best possible combination for a chronograph) and comes with interesting specifications: 4Hz frequency,variable inertia balance, micro-adjustment by screw, non-magnetic silicon balance spring,COSC certified and a comfortable 70h power reserve. I tried it and it definetely feels like a Rolex (own a Sub and a Datejust). Whether Tudor just plain forgot about this watch or if this watch soldiers on because its so good is a topic for another day. Its hard to believe that the Tudor Heritage Chrono has been with us since 2010, but it has. Dubois Dpraz work at all levels within the movement industry. Would you go after the one that started it all for 2,844? Yet, in 2015, the brand decided to gain its independence, not only from parent company Rolex, but also by integrating production facilities and development of its own movements more flexibility, more added value for the final clientAt Baselworld 2015, theShield introduced itsmanufacture CalibreMT5612 on the Pelagos (3-hand and date) and of the CalibreMT5621 (3-hand, date and power reserve) on the North Flag, followed in 2016 bythe CalibreMT5602 (3-hand, no-date) on the Black Bay. The case of theTudor Heritage Black Bay Chrono is built around the same base as all Black Bay watches. Both will also have an additional denim-blue fabric strap in the box. Back to the first day of Baselworld 2017, on Tudors booth: here it is, the new Manufacture MT5813, which equips theBlack Bay Chrono. Such feelings appeared with this BB Chrono. Like I said above, the version that we will look at today has been produced continuously since that time without any changes. October 17, 2021, Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more, 2022 Bark & Jack. Why is HUBLOT the most hated luxury watch brand. What the world didnt realize is that this watch would lead to annual heritage-inspired releases. The watch was available on a strap or a nice 22mm Oyster bracelet. Instead, we have a classic three-link oversized Oyster bracelet with a pleasing taper from 22mm at the lug to 19mm at the clasp. Of course, this is a matter of choice and of use of the watch. In addition to that, the finishing is, as usual with Tudor, very pleasant (sharp lines between the polished and brushed surfaces) and greatly adjusted (no visible gaps, no badly aligned adjustments of the parts). Their bolt-on modules, which can provide complications such as moon phase, power reserve, chronographs or even perpetual calendars, are a great way for brands to expand their product lines while still using their own base calibres (look at the Offshore series). A movement derived from the Rolex 4130? Thanks again Adam | AdamVintage. The Heritage Chrono is a real Tudor in many ways. In fact, I was set to travel there in early Autumn. It is a safe and reliable watch. Inside, instead of a manual wind movement, Tudor chose the ETA 2892 with a Dubois-Depraz module. No, weve been told it was an integrated architecture. Possibly. The Black Bay Chrono transpires precision and solidity. In 2012, Tudor introduced theHeritage Black Bay, a vintage-inspired dive watch bearing all the traditional codes of the brand (and of the Rolex family). Thats 3,900 for a similarly good-looking watch with the addition of a well-regarded Breitling movement with COSC accuracy and a 70-hour power reserve. While unquestionably a racing-style watch, the Monte Carlos nickname is not a connection to the legendary Grand Prix or Rally, but a reference to the dials resemblance to the roulette tables of the Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco. And stupefaction, it is based on theBreitling B01, with only a few technical and decoration updates. The T401 in the Heritage Chrono features a standard 42-hour power reserve with unstated accuracy and no information regarding a service interval. It is a man watch but does that without unnecessary noise. Review (& Opinion) The Tudor Heritage Black Bay Chronograph, https://monochrome-watches.com/tudor-heritage-black-bay-chrono-m79350-review-opinion-price/. Today well be focusing mainly on the grey dial, as this is the watch Ive spent the last few weeks with. Fratello Watches BV In short, the Heritage Chrono will fit wrists down to around 6 inches.. And in all objectivity, its the same with most of the diving chronographs (Omega PO 600m, IWC Aquatimer, UN Diver) and it has never been that much of an issue for them. Yet, the DNA of the collection is still clear and present. Still, in terms of chronographs, the situation was still based on out-sourced movements, most of them being 2892 (modular architecture) or 7753 (Valjoux-based), for itsHeritage, Black Shield, Fast Rider and Grantour chronographs. Dimensions: Case diameter 41.8mm, 50.3mm lug to lug 22m lug, 13mm height, Movement: Calibre T401 (ETA 2892 + Dubois Dpraz module), by Adrian Barker Since then, weve seen virtually every other mainstream brand produce watches that are either heavily inspired by vintage watch aesthetics, or straight-up re-interpretations from the back-catalogues., Today were looking at a watch that should tick many of the same boxes as the aforementioned Black Bay range that hasnt yet achieved the same cult fan following, despite having had a longer production run., The Heritage Chrono was one of Tudors first releases after their UK re-launch in 2009.