In a surprise launch just before Watches & Wonders 2024, Tudor has just revealed the Black Bay Chrono “Pink”. Departing from the brand’s typical no-nonsense and occasionally military aesthetic, the new chronograph is based on a watch created for Jay Chou, the Taiwanese musician who’s one of the biggest stars in Asia. Though not a limited edition, Tudor states “few of [Black Bay Chrono “Pink”] will ever be made”.

Initial thoughts

Tudor’s watches are almost uniformly good value, regardless of model, so I am a fan. But most have either a sporting instrument or military equipment, which is to say the variety in design is limited (save for a handful of unpublicised special runs). It’s difficult to describe most Tudor watches as fun, which this certainly is.

The Black Bay Chrono “Pink” is appealing because, well, it’s pink. The colour instantly sets it apart from the average Tudor watch, while also having being a subtle reference to historical models. And of course it is the value proposition that a Tudor always is, particularly with the high-spec Breitling-derived MT5813 movement.

I like the watch, but I am unsure about the “5-link” bracelet (that is clearly Jubilee inspired), particularly on a watch of this size. Still, it’s a compelling enough proposition I would buy one given the opportunity.

Jay Chou

Otherwise serious looking

This is based on the standard Black Bay Chrono that is ordinarily a low key watch, available either as a “panda” or entirely in black. The “Pink” on the other hand, is a striking shade of relatively dark pink. Done in a matte finish with a faint graining, the dial has black registers, white lume, and a red depth rating.

The rest of the watch is identical to the standard model, save for the bracelet.

So the case is 41 mm wide and 14.4 mm high, which makes it a chunky watch – size is the only weakness of the model. The bezel insert is black anodised aluminium.

The thickness stems from the MT5813 inside. A sophisticated calibre with a 70-hour power reserve, it’s an automatic, integrated chronograph movement constructed with amenities like a vertical clutch and column wheel.

The MT5813 is derived from the Breitling B01, but heavily modified by Tudor. Amongst the Tudor upgrades are a free-sprung balance and a silicon hairspring. 

Pink is also the colour of Inter Miami, the football team part owned by Tudor ambassador David Beckham

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Pink”
Ref. 79360N-0019

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, but “few of them will ever be made” according to Tudor
Availability: Now at Tudor boutiques and retailers
Price: US$5,550

For more, visit Tudorwatch.com.