In a surprising move, Tudor is launching the Black Bay 58 18K (ref. 79018V-006) at Watches & Wonders 2024. Essentially the same watch as the 2021 model, the new 58 18K now sports a matching yellow-gold bracelet, whereas it was formerly only offered on a leather or fabric strap.

The dial and the bezel remain in the same green colourway, with gilt markings that match the hue of the yellow-gold case and bracelet. The 39 mm case is complemented by an oversized crown embossed with the Tudor rose logo, while widely cut bevels on the lugs provide a pleasing contrast to the brushed finish of the case.

Initial thoughts

While the Black Bay 58 18K won’t have as much of a wide appeal as the Black Bay 58 GMT – simply as a matter of affordability – it is a perfect update for a model that looked incomplete on a strap.

And the bracelet itself is noteworthy. I like fact that it does away with the fake rivets found on the steel models. The cleaner look feels more modern and functional.

At US$32,100, the Black Bay 58 18K is far beyond the usual price range of Tudor, but arguably delivers a competitive value proposition as far as an all-gold diver’s watch goes.

Granted, the price is not far off from the Rolex Submariner in gold, which retails for US$39,000, but relative to the competition (such as Omega and Breitling), it is perhaps the most competitive in its segment.

All gold and no rivets

The Black Bay 58 18K notably features a solid gold bracelet equipped with a “T-fit” clasp that allows for micro-adjustment for the wearer’s comfort. Unlike the bracelet of Black Bay 58 in steel and bronze, it has no simulated rivets, which existed purely for vintage-style aesthetics without offering any real functionality.

The dial and bezel feature a matte green colourway, which is pleasantly complemented by gilt texts and markers. The iconic snowflake hands, as do the second hand and the applied hour markers, are filled with Super Luminova and sport yellow-gold surroundings to match the overall colour scheme.

And the sapphire crystal is subtly domed to mimic the aesthetics of a vintage Tudor Submariner, which it draws inspiration from.

Beneath the sapphire open case back lies calibre MT5400, which is COSC-certified and boasts a silicon hairspring for improved accuracy and resistance to magnetism. It offers 70 hours of power reserve and beats at 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz).

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay 58 18K
Ref. 79018V-006

Diameter: 39 mm
Height: 12.7 mm
Material: Yellow gold
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: Cal. MT5400
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: Matching bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Available at Tudor boutiques and retailers starting April 2024
Price: US$32,100

For more, visit tudorwatch.com