At Basel Watch Fair 2023, Tudor introduced the Black Bay GMT, a stylish stainless steel worldtimer watch that follows the design of their Black Bay dive watches and also offers true GMT functionality. The Black Bay GMT is a new direction for Tudor, but it is still recognizable for its Black Bay heritage and its aesthetic and functional similarities to the legendary Rolex GMT-Master II.
The Rolex GMT-Master has had a Pepsi bezel since its inception in 1954 as reference 6542. The 24-hour bezel is split into blue and red, which enthusiasts call the "Pepsi" bezel. Other colors have been offered, including red and black, which is called the "Coke" bezel. The split colors help to delineate day and night in the second time zone, and the color scheme has become one of the most noteworthy visual design cues of the GMT-Master and GMT-Master II.
There was a brief pause in the availability of the Pepsi bezel while Rolex developed the ability to produce a red and blue Cerachrom bezel (their application of a ceramic bezel insert). The Pepsi look returned to the lineup at Baselworld 2014 with the white gold reference 116719.
Earlier this year, Rolex released a steel version of the Pepsi GMT-Master II in the reference 126710BLRO. With that blue and red bezel on a full steel case and jubilee bracelet, Rolex re-established the new steel Pepsi that had been missing from the market since the brand discontinued the previous generation 16710 around 2007.
The Pepsi GMT-Master is a popular watch among collectors and enthusiasts. It is known for its stylish design and its ability to track two time zones. The steel version of the Pepsi GMT-Master II is particularly sought-after, as it is the first time that Rolex has made this model available in steel since 2007.
I agree with your assessment of the Black Bay GMT. It is a well-made watch with a classic design, but the GMT functionality is the only thing that really sets it apart from the other Black Bay models.
The case is well-proportioned and comfortable to wear. The brushed and polished finishing is nicely done, and the overall look is understated but elegant. The large screw-down crown is easy to grip and operate, and the wide-set bezel edge makes it easy to turn.
The GMT functionality is a nice addition, but it is not essential for most people. The watch can also be used as a simple two-hand watch, or with the GMT hand set to a third time zone.
Bazel
The bi-directional 24-hour bezel on the Black Bay GMT is a nod to the GMT-Master, but it is definitely its own unique design. The aluminum bezel is less saturated than the Cerachrom bezel on the GMT-Master, and the colors are more muted. This gives the Black Bay GMT a more vintage look, which is in keeping with the overall design of the watch.
The colors of the bezel are also a nod to the Black Bay heritage. The deep navy blue is a popular color on the Black Bay, and the reddish-burgundy is a new color that has been introduced with the GMT. The combination of these two colors is both stylish and functional, and it helps to make the Black Bay GMT a unique and attractive watch.
Movement
The MT5652 is a full-size movement from Tudor that is part of their family of in-house movements. The GMT functionality is integrated into the movement, rather than being a separate module, which makes the Black Bay GMT as thin as a standard Black Bay diver. The MT5652 is COSC certified, has a power reserve of 70 hours, and ticks at 4Hz. It also features a silicon balance spring and bi-directional winding. With 27 jewels and a width of 31.8mm, the MT5652 is a great value for the money at this price point. It is rare to find a legitimate in-house movement at this price point, and Tudor is offering the Black Bay GMT with a qualified GMT functionality that is seldom replicated.
Bracelet And strap
The Black Bay GMT is available with three different straps: a solid steel rivet bracelet, a brown leather strap, or a black fabric strap with a red stripe. The watch comes with your choice of strap at the time of purchase.
I tried the leather strap at Baselworld and found it to be soft and comfortable. However, the deployant-style buckle added some bulk and was not a good fit for my narrow wrist. In contrast, I have worn a standard Black Bay extensively on the fabric strap and found it to be an excellent choice.
If you are looking for a comfortable and stylish strap, the fabric strap is a great option. It is also the most affordable option, so you can save a few bucks if you are on a budget.
- The watch is available for $3,900.
About the replica TUDOR Black Bay GMT watch
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