The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 in Solid Silver
The silver-bullet Black Bay...?
The Black Bay Fifty-Eight is a smaller-sized vintage-inspired take on the popular Tudor dive watch. Several versions of the compact BB have been presented since it was launched in 2018. On the occasion of Watches & Wonders 2021, two new materials join the collection. One is yellow gold, which we just saw on the Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight, and the other is silver, a rather unusual metal to craft dive watches. Meet the Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight 925 ref. 79010SG.
As you would have understood by now, the 925 reference in the name of the watch refers to sterling silver (containing 92.5% by weight of silver and 7.5% of other metals). This is an unusual metal for a dive watch, and this is a first for a Tudor dive watch. However, the composition of the alloy used is kept secret by the brand. Its specificities aim at not affecting the appearance of the case. The brand also mentions that it stands out for its “unexpected incandescent brilliance“.
The use of silver is not the only modification to the 39mm case. For the first time this year (also on the 18k model), it features an exhibition caseback allowing you to admire the in-house calibre MT5400 in all its glory. That’s quite a cool upgrade as this has been implemented while preserving a 200m water-resistance.
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 ref. 79010SG is also accentuated by its taupe colour dial, and its matching anodised aluminium bezel insert. The signature “snowflake” hands and the hour markers are fitted with luminescent material to ensure optimal legibility in all conditions.
The MT5400 calibre powering the watch shows the hours, minutes and seconds (with no date). The open caseback allows a view of the movement’s architecture and satin-brushed/sandblasted finishes. The monobloc rotor is openworked. Held under a traversing bridge, the balance ticks at 4Hz and its hairspring is amagnetic. The power reserve is of about 70 hours. The movement is a certified COSC chronometer, but Tudor regulates it within a stricter -2 / +4 seconds’ daily variation range.
The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 ref. 79010SG is worn either on a brown grain leather strap or taupe fabric strap with a silver band, both fitted with a 925 silver buckle. The price is set at CHF 4,100.
For more information, please visit Tudor’s website.
6 responses
Like: Dial colour
Unsure: Case material
Dislike: Open caseback
A dive watch made of silver. That’s an unusual choice, to say the least. Sterling silver is an alloy typically made of 92,5% of silver, and 7,5% of copper. And as far as I know, it’s the copper part that causes tarnishing, i.e. corrosion of sterling silver. Pure silver does not tarnish when exposed to water or air, but it does so when it comes in contact with ozone or sulphur.
It’s also interesting to know that while silver is not considered inherently toxic, exposure to very high levels of silver, or silver dust, can provoke reactions, including allergies.
Having said this, it would be very interesting to know how the alloy used by Tudor will behave, both with respect to tarnishing and with respect to allergenic properties.
It looks good, but…it’s tog thick, has too small a movement relative to the case and a complete lack of decoration on top; bring a closed case back and back to sub 12mm thickness and it is a winner.
Maybe they’re using a version of argentine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentium_sterling_silver
A display case back exposes the beautiful industrial movement. Machine made Geneva waves do not make a movement beautiful.
Also, a solid case back allows the watch to go deeper than with a boring solid case back. The first thing to fail under pressure is not the gaskets, it’s the metal case back coming in contact with the movement, making it stop. With a sapphire case back, it doesn’t flex so it can go deeper and still work.
Torrey here from New York City. Not sure what games some of the retailer are playing in NYC. But Rolex as well as Tudor watches are next to impossible to get. I have had my eye on the black bay 58 in Sterling Silver for the last 7months. It finally came in this week. I picked it up today at the new Tourneau boutique in the meatpacking district in Manhattan. When I walked in the sales associate greeted me. When I told her I was in for the black bag 58 in sterling silver she informed me that they were out of stock and that she would be happy to put me on a waiting list… That’s when I mention that Eric has been texting me about the watch and from what i understand you have two of them. She changed her turn rather quickly. after study the watch in person finally. i could not be more happy. i will tuck it away for safe keeping. i have my other favorite watches. Who knows it may be a collectible watch. Who knows. love the open back. I love the face that it has some weight to it. No i will not be swimming in the watch. The price point is wonderful. $4,300.00 its a no brainer.