Causing a Buzz with the New TUDOR Black Bay Chrono “Bumblebee”
TUDOR’s Black Bay Chronograph line, first launched in 2017 with the reference 79350 of the same name, has seen myriad variations of dial, strap, and design over the years since. The Maison’s latest release, however, marks an exciting first for the collection, as the new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono “Bumblebee” becomes the first of its name to feature a slimmer 39mm diameter.
As visually striking as it is versatile and practical, the latest iteration of the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono represents an exciting step forward for the collection, expanding its offering to a much wider range of wrists and sensibilities. It joins its “Pink” and “Flamingo Blue” cousins as another colourful addition to TUDOR’s Daring Watches lineup, injecting this classically sporty timepiece design with a sense of contemporary character and personality. Bright, compact, and astonishingly yellow, this handsome new model is sure to cause a buzz wherever it goes.
Small But Mighty: A Slim Yet Striking Watch Face
The star feature of this new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono release is indubitably the domed, bright yellow “Bumblebee” dial, its vibrant hue offset by two contrasting circular black sub-counters – hence the nickname. In fact, the entire face is a veritable sea of juxtaposition, with vivid yellow paired against white and black accents throughout – the result is one of expressive refinement, visually arresting without appearing overwrought or busy. Faithful to the Black Bay aesthetic, the model boasts two of TUDOR’s ubiquitous “Snowflake” hands, a brand signature for their divers’ watches since 1969, here further honed to ensure optimum readability against the watch’s bright yellow dial.
TUDOR has completely reimagined the classic Black Bay Chrono case for this slimmer 39mm diameter, measuring 2mm narrower and 1.3 mm thinner than its 41mm-wide predecessors for a sleeker and more refined wearing experience. Crafted from 216L stainless steel and presented with a combination of satin-brushed and polished finishes, this compact new addition to the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono line feels suitably sporty without dominating the wrist entirely, offering presence and poise in equal measure.
Although it has been sized down in proportion with the rest of the watch, the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono "Bumblebee"’s case still retains much of its collection’s iconic design codes, such as the large crown sat between two chronograph pushers. In all, it represents a bold statement of intent for the future of the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono collection, reengineering these esteemed models to suit a wider range of wrist profiles and preferences.
New Look, Same Manufacture Movement
The significantly slimmer proportions of the new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono “Bumblebee” belie the Manufacture Chronograph Calibre MT5813 that faithfully powers it. As of now it remains the movement of choice for the entire TUDOR Black Bay Chrono collection, and so boasts impressive functionality: individual hour, minute, second, chronograph, and date functions, as well as a healthy 70-hour power reserve and a silicon balance spring, which helps to protect the watch against dramatic temperature changes and magnetic interference.
Its movement is COSC-certified to an accuracy within -2/+4 seconds a day, and the diving heritage of the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono is honoured by a water resistance rating of up to 200m, making this an excellent all-weather companion for daring and adventurous wrists.
A Stylish Steel Bracelet
The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono "Bumblebee" arrives on a new three-link stainless-steel bracelet with smooth link sides and TUDOR’s T-fit rapid adjustment clasp, allowing for quick, on-the-fly changes within a generous 8mm window. It also features ceramic ball bearings, which ensure a smooth and secure closure while adding a pleasing tactile element to the action. The refreshed proportions of the tapering three-link bracelet allow for comfortable ergonomics whilst the integrated end-links add a sense of refinement and elegance, affording the watch a more ‘mature’ character than its predecessors.
As with every TUDOR timepiece, the watch is covered by a five-year transferable guarantee, with no registration or mandatory maintenance checks required.
Discover the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono with Michael Spiers
The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” is a vibrant and characterful addition to the Daring Watches collection, and one that we are delighted to welcome. It brings together everything that makes the Black Bay Chrono so compelling – its impressive manufacture movement, its heritage-led design, its practicality and stylish silhouette – with a thoroughly modern twist.
To see this reference in person or to explore the wider world of TUDOR, visit our online shop or a Michael Spiers showroom in Truro, Plymouth, or Taunton, where our teams will be glad to help you find your perfect timepiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 Bumblebee in the UK?
You can buy the new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” from an authorised UK retailer such as Michael Spiers, with showrooms that carry TUDOR timepieces in Truro, Plymouth, and Taunton, as well as a dedicated online shop. With over 65 years of experience retailing luxury Swiss watches and fine jewellery, Michael Spiers would be honoured to help you select the perfect TUDOR timepiece.
What are the different sizes of TUDOR Black Bay Chrono?
The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono collection is primarily 41mm in size, with the latest release – the Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” – marking its first 39mm model. The larger 41mm offers a more substantial profile, whilst the new 39mm piece is an overall slimmer and more refined wear.
What colours do the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono watches come in?
The TUDOR Black Bay Chrono collection is available in a variety of different dial colours, from more traditional black and white to the bright “Pink”, “Flamingo Blue”, and yellow “Bumblebee” faces of the Maison’s Daring Watches line. The best TUDOR Black Bay Chrono colour is entirely down to personal preference, but as a general rule, neutrals offer a versatile, everyday option suited for a variety of occasions, whereas brighter-coloured dials add an injection of personality and style that makes them an eye-catching conversation piece.
Is the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 a women’s or men’s watch?
Whilst there are no strict limitations on who can wear the new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee", it has been designed with typically male measurements in mind. However, TUDOR offers a variety of dedicated ladies' watches crafted in proportion to slimmer and more delicate wrists, such as the Clair de Rose, the 28mm versions of the Royal and 1926 collections, and the slightly larger 31mm Black Bay One.
What makes the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 unique?
The new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee" is unique as it is the first of its collection to be offered in a slimmer 39mm diameter, as opposed to the previous 41mm. This marks a versatile and refined new direction for TUDOR's chronograph line, condensing its quality movement and technical abilities into a universally appealing case size. Its striking yellow dial, offset by black subdials and white accents, makes it unique amongst mongst both fellow TUDOR models and sports chronograph offerings more generally, which trend towards more classic blue, black, and silver dials.
What is the size of the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39?
The new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee" is 39mm in diameter, 13.1mm thick, and has a 47mm lug-to-lug distance, offering a slimmer and more refined alternative to its 41mm predecessors with a 14.4mm thickness.
Which movement powers the TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39?
The new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee" is powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5813. This movement offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve, individual hour, minute, second, chronograph, and date functions, an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, and water resistance up to 200m. It is also COSC-certified to an accuracy within -2/+4 seconds a day, making the new TUDOR Black Bay Chrono 39 as powerful and functional as it is stylish.