In what’s become an annual tradition, Tudor has just revealed a special edition on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix. But unlike last year’s Black Bay “Chameleon” destined only for the drivers of the Visa Cash App RB Formula 1 Team (VCARB), the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is a commercially available timepiece – but in a limited edition of 2,025 pieces.

The Carbon 25 is presented in a carbon composite case, matched with a domed dial in the colours of the VCARB team that also sports carbon composite registers.

Initial thoughts

I’m a fan of Tudor in general, mainly because of the strong value proposition the brand offers in all its watches. The chronographs stand out as amongst the best in the price segment. However, the chronographs in steel are a little thick and weighty; the Carbon 25 definitely reduces the weight substantially, and it’s also a tiny bit slimmer.

Tudor already has a carbon-case chronograph in the collection (that is actually thinner), but the Carbon 25 has a more appealing case design that retains all of the elements of the steel case, including the bevelled lugs. One detail that stands out are the carbon composite inserts in between the lugs that give the strap a better visual integration into the case.

I like the Carbon 25, enough that I would buy one, but the watch is the most expensive chronographs in the Tudor catalogue, with a price of US$7,575. It is still well priced compared to the competition, but priced substantially more expensive than its steel equivalent that’s under US$5,900.

Racing colours

The Carbon 25 has a case of carbon composite that is the same diameter as its steel counterpart, but 0.1 mm thinner. While the material is new, the design remains identical, right down to the insert between the lugs that mimics the end links of an Oyster bracelet. As is the norm for a composite case, the back is metal alloy – here the back is titanium with a black coating.

The domed dial is a “panda” of sorts – white with black registers – but the registers are actually carbon composite just like the case. The blue seconds scale on the dial’s edge mimics 1970s chronographs, while most of the text on the dial is also in blue to match. Red accents on the central seconds hand and depth rating complete the livery inspired by VCARB’s team colours.

The case back is engraved with both a VCARB Formula 1 car and the individual number of each watch. Underneath is the MT5813, the same calibre found in all Tudor chronographs.

Derived from the architecture of the Breitling B01, the MT5813 has all of the features expected in a modern chronograph, including a column wheel, vertical clutch, free-sprung balance, and a 70-hour power reserve. And like many Tudor movements, it is equipped with a silicon hairspring.

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
Ref. M79377KN-0001

Diameter: 42 mm
Height: 14.3 mm
Material: Carbon fibre composite
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: Leather-rubber hybrid

Limited edition: 2,025 pieces
Availability: Now at Tudor boutiques and retailers
Price: US$7,575

For more, visit Tudorwatch.com.