A 39mm case: the long-awaited size
Three-quarter view: the new 39mm steel case, more compact on the wrist.
Since its debut in 2017, the Black Bay Chrono had always worn a 41mm case with a thickness of 14.4mm — a generous volume that did not suit every wrist. The Black Bay Chrono 39 sets this right with a case reduced to 39mm in diameter and, above all, a thickness trimmed to just 13.1mm. With a lug-to-lug of 47mm and a lug width of 20mm, the chronograph enters that balance zone so sought after by enthusiasts, where the watch becomes wearable on wrists of every size.
This slimming exercise follows the logic begun by the Black Bay Fifty-Eight on the diving side: keeping the same manufacture movement while offering a more contained format. Crafted in finely satin-brushed and polished 316L stainless steel, the case remains water-resistant to 200 metres, faithful to the house’s tool-watch DNA.
Seen in profile, the case is just 13.1mm thick — the signature of this slimmed-down version.
A yellow-and-black “Bumblebee” dial
The “Bumblebee” nickname imposes itself at first glance. The domed yellow dial, matte and luminous, is powerfully contrasted by two hollowed circular black sub-counters, in a bicompax layout. The date aperture sits at 6 o’clock, an arrangement inherited from the first generation of Tudor chronographs. The emblematic “Snowflake” hands, a hallmark of Tudor divers since 1969, have been specifically redesigned to preserve the legibility of the sub-dials.
The domed yellow dial, its hollowed black sub-counters and the redesigned “Snowflake” hands.
Tachymeter bezel and screw-down pushers
The fixed steel bezel receives a black anodised aluminium insert engraved with a tachymetric scale in silver markings, a direct nod to the piece’s chronometric calling. The screw-down pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock, inspired by the second generation of Tudor chronographs, adopt a new knurling pattern for a better grip. At the centre, the screw-down winding crown bears the Tudor shield in relief.
Macro: screw-down crown with the Tudor shield, knurled pushers and the anodised-aluminium tachymeter bezel.
The Manufacture Calibre MT5813
Behind the case back beats the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a self-winding chronograph movement with a bidirectional rotor system. Derived from Breitling’s renowned B01 calibre — the fruit of a lasting and respected collaboration between the two houses — it is fitted with Tudor’s own high-precision regulating organ and exclusive finishes.
This movement combines a column-wheel architecture with a vertical clutch, ensuring crisp pusher actuation and a smooth sweep of the chronograph seconds hand. It incorporates a silicon balance spring, superior in its resistance to magnetic fields, and offers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), it is regulated by Tudor to a stricter tolerance of -2/+4 seconds per day once cased.
Steel bracelet and “T-fit” clasp
The Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” comes on a three-link steel bracelet with polished and satin-brushed finishes. It is equipped with the Tudor “T-fit” rapid-adjustment clasp, which allows the length to be finely tuned without tools — a welcome everyday comfort, summer and winter alike.
A standout piece in the Daring collection
The “Bumblebee” joins the Daring Watches collection alongside the “Pink” and “Flamingo Blue” versions of the Black Bay Chrono: a family designed to explore bold, colourful takes on existing models. Without being a numbered limited edition, it is produced in limited quantities, like the other Daring pieces.
Beyond its colour, it is above all the new 39mm format that makes an impression: it opens the way to future variations and redefines what a Tudor chronograph can be on an everyday basis. Daring in its hue, refined in its proportions, the Black Bay Chrono 39 perfectly embodies the house’s motto: Born to Dare.
The Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” head-on: daring in colour, balanced in proportions.
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