INTRODUCING: The All-New Tudor Black Bay 58 “Vintage Coke”
With all the Rolex predictions swimming around for a Coke bezel GMT, enthusiasts were once again disappointed that the release didn’t come this year. Maybe later in the year (I doubt it), but Tudor actually stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park with their novelties. Their biggest and baddest was actually one of their Black Bay GMT models. Introducing the Black Bay 58 ‘Vintage Coke’ - A watch that enthusiasts have been waiting for a long time.
THE BASICS:
BRAND: Tudor
Model: Black Bay 58 GMT (Ref. 7939G1A0NRU)
Case Material: Stainless steel
Case Size: 39mm x 12.8mm
Water Resistance: 200m
Movement: Tudor MT5450-U
Movement Specs: Automatic, 65 hour power reserve, COSC and METAS certified
Strap Options: Steel Bracelet, Black Rubber with T-Fit Clasp
THE JUICE:
Lets be honest here, what more could we ask for from Tudor? I think this is going to take the cake for the most buzz-worthy watch of Watches and Wonders this year. I think there was so much anticipation for Rolex to release a Coke model, that Tudor was able to predict and step up to create a wildly popular version of it’s already fan-favorited Black Bay 58. I’m normally not a massive measurements guy, but here they’re just perfect. The stainless steel case comes in an increasingly popular 39mm with a thickness of just 12.8mm.
The case size is largely due to the MT-5450-U - Tudor’s COSC and META’s certified master Chronometer. It fits nicely into the modest case size that has quickly become a lot of enthusiasts’ favorite size for the Black Bay. With the increased popularity of smaller, thinner cases, Tudor had it’s finger on the pulse with the Black Bay 58 Release.
Further, the Black Bay 58 ‘Vintage Coke’ is one of the only major watch brand’s with this particular aesthetic. While Rolex can tend to be more hard-lined and rigid, Tudor opted for a more vintage look (they call the bezel “Burgundy”) that feels nicely aged without being a meme vintage homage. The watch itself features softer colors with a matte black dial, all tied together with gilted indices, hands, and bezel numerals. It almost harkens back to the original Black Bay 58, which also featured these vintage accents.
I think Tudor really knew what it was doing with this release. With the popularity of the Pepsi GMT, and the anticipation for a Coke GMT, Tudor melded what the brand best - Vintage dive aesthetics with modern complications, and popular colorways. For lack of a better term, the BB58 ‘Vintage Coke’ is a perfect watch for GMT or travel enthusiasts who don’t want to dip their toes into the 5-figure Rolex bucket. I’d argue that the BB58, historically has become a wildly popular alternative to a number of major watch brands - Not only in price, but quality as well. It’s truly a luxury watch without the traditional luxury price tag. I salute Tudor, and always have, for listening to what enthusiasts want, and providing just that. I’m excited to see the bright future of Tudor.
How much is the Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT ‘Vintage Coke’?
Price for the watch will come in at $4,400 USD on the rubber strap, and $4,600 USD on the steel bracelet.
Read more about the watch on the brands website here.