Among Tudor’s new releases for 2024, the most conservative is undoubtedly the Black Bay 41 METAS ref. 7941A1A0NU, which offers a monochrome, black-and-white alternative to the gilt-and-burgundy ref. M7941A1A0RU-0003 introduced last year.

Initial thoughts

The new Black Bay 41 (BB41) feels instantly familiar. In fact, it’s a little surprising that it wasn’t already in the collection, being about at straightforward as a contemporary dive watch can be. But what it lacks in surprise, it makes up for in simple, tangible quality.

While the BB41 was the original Black Bay – launched a dozen years ago now – it now sits atop a range that also includes the smaller Black Bay 58 and even more compact Black Bay 54. The BB41 METAS’ dimensions of 41 mm by 13.6 mm thick mean it wears similar to a modern Rolex Submariner; those looking for vintage proportions should consider the BB58 and BB54.

Of course, the big news is METAS certification for the MT5602-U movement, which now carries a “U” suffix to identify it as a METAS-certified Master Chronometer.

The differences from the standard MT5602 used to date are likely minimal, since the movement has always had a silicon hairspring, one of the most important features for resisting the METAS standard’s 15,000 gauss anti-magnetism test. The difference, therefore, is that the movement’s high-performance specs have been confirmed by an independent test.

Tudor is all about value, and the BB41 METAS is no exception. Available with two different bracelet options or a rubber strap, the watch is priced between US$4,225 and US$4,550. It’s hard to think of alternatives that offer similar quality at this price point, and the biggest competition will likely come from its own siblings, the BB58 and BB54.

Small enhancements make a difference

In many ways, Tudor is following sister-brand Rolex’s playbook for incremental improvement, albeit slightly faster. One area where this is clear is the crown, which now eschews the colour-matching aluminium crown tube that characterised earlier models.

This upgrade also includes a more substantially serrated crown that is both easier to use and also happens to more closely resemble a Rolex crown, enabling it to catch the light more dramatically.

This new crown debuted with last year’s burgundy release, and the extra grip helps contribute to a very easy-to-operate screw-down crown.

Although the black-and-white combination gives the watch a monochromatic aesthetic at a distance, the dial has a radially brushed finish that Tudor doesn’t employ often, instead preferring a matte graining.

The brushed finish gives the dial slight reflectivity, and also shifts its colour to very dark grey at certain angles. This makes the dial a bit more interesting than if it were a flat, matte black.

Mix and match

The BB41 METAS is available with three different bracelet and strap options, though each feature’s the brand’s proprietary adjustable clasp, called “T-Fit.” Adjustable clasps are just about mandatory at this price point, but it’s surprising to see it included with the rubber strap option as well. This makes the strap feel as well-considered as the bracelets.

Beyond the rubber strap, buyers can choose between a five-link Jubilee-style bracelet or a three-link Oyster-style bracelet with a stepped taper and faux rivets.

While I don’t like the stepped taper or the faux rivets, I really appreciate that Tudor has opted for female end links, which shorten the effective lug-to-lug length and should help ensure a good fit on most wrists.

Closing thoughts

The BB41 METAS is a compelling watch on paper, and very satisfying in operation. It is also a value buy, with fit and finish on par with pricier competitors. But… the same can also be said for many other Tudor watches, which provide stiff competition. And that’s perhaps the only failing of the new BB41; it verges on the generic and doesn’t stand out from its stablemates. In other words, it is catered to someone who wants a no-fills diver in low-key livery.

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay 41
Ref. 7941A1A0NU

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 13.6 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 mm

Movement: Cal. MT5602-U
Features: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: Automatic
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: Steel bracelet (five link or rivet-style) or rubber strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Tudor boutiques and retailers
Price:
Steel and rubber strap: US$4,225
Steel and rivet-style bracelet: US$4,425
Steel and five-link bracelet: US$4,550

For more information, visit Tudorwatch.com.