Continuing with a practice that began last year, Tudor has announced a limited edition as this year’s Formula 1 season kicks off. As with last year’s edition, the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26” is modelled on the livery of the racing car of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB). It’s otherwise identical to last year’s model, which means it is lightweight, well priced, and equipped with the high-spec MT5813 movement.

Initial thoughts

The Carbon 26 is essentially last year’s watch with a new dial, but I like the new yellow and white livery than last year’s white and blue. The colours are subjective, but the value proposition of the watch remains objectively excellent (though the price has risen largely due to the strength of the Swiss franc). The Carbon 26 is still competitively priced next to its rivals.

As an aside, I hope Tudor will eventually incorporate more design elements from its historical motor racing chronographs, like the Monte Carlo, into its modern-day F1 editions like the Carbon 26. The Carbon 26 is clearly a Black Bay – the “snowflake” hands are a giveaway – but the Black Bay is a dive watch rather than one for the road.

Carbon inside and out

The Carbon 26 gets its name from the carbon fibre composite case and bezel, which have a patterned surface typical of the material. The type of composite employed here is more subtle appearance-wise compared to other composites used in watchmaking, so at a distance the case appears a flat black. Though the case is largish at 42 mm and over 14 mm high, it is lightweight thanks to the carbon case.

Carbon is also used for the twin sub-dials of the watch, which feature yellow print to match the dial. The matte white dial features a seconds scale with alternating hashmarks, an element drawn from vintage Tudor chronographs. As with last year’s model, the date disc is in black, a smart detail that turns it into a design element of sorts.

Like most such watches the case back is in metal alloy rather than carbon – titanium in this case – and it is engraved with the individual serial number of each watch. Inside is the MT5813, which is based on the Breitling B01 movement. Already a solid, high-spec construction in its original Breitling iteration, it’s been improved by Tudor and is made at Kenissi, the manufacture majority owned by Tudor. The movement is a little thick, explaining the overall height of the case.

Key facts and price

Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 26”
Ref. 79377KN-003

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: 2,026 pieces
Availability: Now at Tudor boutiques and retailers
Price: CHF7,050

For more, visit Tudorwatch.com.