Tudor surprised with the Black Bay Chrono Pink early last year, and it’s now done the same with the Black Bay Chrono “Flamingo Blue”. Like last year’s pink chronograph, the Flamingo Blue is based on the standard Black Bay Chrono, but with a coloured dial in a bright turquoise. And it will similarly be made in “limited” numbers, though is it not a limited edition.

Initial thoughts

Bright-c0loured dials used to be a novelty for Tudor, but now such “special editions” have become a regular part of the collection. It makes them a bit more predictable and thus less interesting, but they are still intrinsically appealing.

Like its predecessors, the Flamingo Blue chronograph is fun and in typical Tudor fashion, excellent value for money. I liked the pink version enough that I bought one. The combination of a bright dial and “Jubilee” bracelet is a good one; it’s clearly a modern watch but many of the elements have a retro feel.

But the Flamingo Blue is based on the standard Black Bay Chrono so it is a little thick and chunky. Eventually Tudor will introduce a smaller in-house chronograph movement (the current MT5813 is based on the Breitling B01), but for now this has to do.

Miami vibes

According to Tudor, the Flamingo Blue chronograph is meant to evoke the “classic South Beach vibe”, a reference to the coastal Miami neighbourhood. The American inspiration is perhaps because the country is now the world’s strongest watch market. The brand goes on to explain that blue flamingos do not exist, but they stand out, which is what this watch is meant to do.

All that aside, the new Black Bay Chrono is a striking watch. It has the typically chunky dimensions of the Black Bay Chrono at 41 mm wide and 14.4 mm high. The case sports a fixed bezel with a black aluminium insert with a tachymetric scale, along with a domed sapphire crystal. A detail that enthusiasts will appreciate is the wide, polished bevel along the upper edge of the lugs, a nod to vintage Rolex and Tudor Oyster cases.

The “5-link” bracelet is a nice touch, and also equipped with the useful T-Fit clasp that incorporates a micro-adjustment function of up to 8 mm.

Like all Black Bay Chronos, this is powered by the MT5813, a self-winding movement based on the Breitling B01. The B01 is already one of the leading industrial chronograph calibres in terms of construction, but the Tudor version is further upgraded with a free-sprung balance and silicon hairspring.

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay Chrono Flamingo Blue
Ref. 79360N-0024

Diameter: 41 mm
Height: 14.4 mm
Material: Steel
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 200 m

Movement: MT5813
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph 
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 70 hours

Strap: 5-link steel bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Tudor boutiques and retailers
Price: US$5,875

For more, visit Tudorwatch.com.