The TUDOR Black Bay 41mm Burgundy represents a perfect fusion of heritage aesthetics and cutting-edge watchmaking technology. Reference M7941A1A0RU-0003 features the iconic burgundy bezel that first defined the Black Bay collection upon its 2012 launch, now paired with TUDOR’s Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U. This exceptional timepiece bears the prestigious METAS Master Chronometer certification, demonstrating TUDOR’s mastery of one of the industry’s most demanding standards for chronometry and magnetic resistance. The 41mm stainless steel case, distinctive “snowflake” hands, and five-link bracelet create a perfect balance between robust functionality and sophisticated style, continuing TUDOR’s nearly seven-decade legacy of professional diving watches.
Condition: Unworn condition
Includes: Complete box set
Guarantee: Warranty valid until 2030
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Black Bay 41mm Burgundy Key Features
Iconic Heritage Design
- Signature burgundy aluminium bezel insert that defined the original 2012 Black Bay
- Distinctive domed black dial with applied hour markers and gilt detailing
- Historic “snowflake” hands first introduced in 1969 for enhanced underwater legibility
- 60-minute unidirectional rotating bezel for precise dive timing
- Stainless steel screw-down crown with the TUDOR rose in relief
- Domed sapphire crystal providing excellent clarity and scratch resistance
- Classic 41mm diameter offering perfect wrist presence for most wearers
- Versatile aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from professional to formal settings
METAS Master Chronometer Excellence
- Elite certification from the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS)
- Comprehensive testing of the fully assembled watch for real-world performance
- Exceptional magnetic resistance to fields up to 15,000 gauss
- Chronometric precision within a tolerance of 5 seconds (0/+5)
- Independent verification of water resistance and power reserve claims
- Represents the absolute pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking standards
- Each watch individually tested and certified to meet these exacting requirements
- Certificate of authenticity confirming Master Chronometer status
Technical Innovation
- TUDOR Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U self-winding mechanical movement
- Variable inertia balance wheel maintained by robust traversing bridge
- Non-magnetic silicon hairspring ensuring consistent performance
- Impressive 70-hour power reserve for reliable weekend-off wear
- Bidirectional winding system for efficient power generation
- Dedicated sun laser decoration on movement bridges
- Tungsten monobloc openworked rotor with distinctive laser radial grooving
- Alternate sand-blasted and polished surfaces on bridges and mainplate
Professional Specifications
- Exceptional water resistance to 200 metres (660 feet)
- Five-oval-shaped-link brushed and polished steel bracelet
- TUDOR “T-fit” clasp with rapid length adjustment system
- 8mm total adjustment range across five positions requiring no tools
- Ceramic ball bearings ensuring smooth and secure clasp operation
- 21mm lug width maintaining proportional balance
- 13.6mm case thickness balancing robustness with wearability
- Unidirectional bezel preventing accidental extension of dive time
The Evolution of an Icon
The Black Bay Burgundy represents the culmination of TUDOR’s diving watch expertise, which began in 1954 with the launch of reference 7922. The original Black Bay, introduced in 2012 with its distinctive burgundy bezel, marked a triumphant return to TUDOR’s diving heritage, quickly establishing itself as a modern classic. The 2016 integration of TUDOR’s in-house Manufacture Calibre elevated the collection’s technical credentials, while this latest evolution with METAS Master Chronometer certification represents the pinnacle of performance standards. Throughout this development, TUDOR has masterfully maintained the essential design elements that define the Black Bay identity, the distinctive “snowflake” hands, domed dial, and robust construction, while consistently enhancing the technical specifications to meet the demands of modern professional use.
Five-Year Transferable Guarantee
The Black Bay benefits from TUDOR’s comprehensive five-year transferable guarantee with no registration or periodic maintenance checks required. This industry-leading warranty reflects TUDOR’s complete confidence in the exceptional quality and reliability of their timepieces, allowing owners to enjoy their watch with complete peace of mind. Unlike many manufacturer warranties, TUDOR’s guarantee is fully transferable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, enhancing the watch’s value proposition and demonstrating the brand’s commitment to long-term customer satisfaction.
Perfect For
- Watch enthusiasts appreciating the Black Bay collection’s signature burgundy bezel
- Collectors seeking the pinnacle of technical certification in a heritage-inspired design
- Diving professionals requiring a reliable instrument with authentic credentials
- Active individuals needing a robust timepiece for everyday adventures
- Professionals desiring a versatile watch equally suitable for work and formal occasions
- Those who value precision engineering backed by independent certification
- Admirers of the perfect balance between classic aesthetics and modern technology
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the burgundy bezel connect to TUDOR’s heritage?
The distinctive burgundy bezel of this Black Bay model carries significant historical importance within TUDOR’s legacy. When the Black Bay collection was first introduced in 2012, it was this specific burgundy bezel variant that launched the line, instantly becoming the collection’s defining aesthetic signature. The rich, deep red tone wasn’t chosen arbitrarily—it draws direct inspiration from the faded burgundy bezels found on vintage TUDOR divers from the 1970s, particularly those that had naturally aged through exposure to sunlight and seawater over decades of professional use.
In vintage watch collecting circles, these naturally “tropical” burgundy bezels became highly sought after, representing authentic patina developed through genuine use rather than artificial ageing. TUDOR’s decision to incorporate this specific shade as a deliberate design element in the modern Black Bay represented a thoughtful acknowledgement of their heritage while creating something distinctly contemporary. This burgundy bezel has since become emblematic of the entire Black Bay collection, instantly recognisable to enthusiasts and symbolising TUDOR’s skilfull approach to heritage-inspired design. By selecting this model, owners connect not just to TUDOR’s diving watch heritage in general, but specifically to the colour that launched the modern Black Bay phenomenon and reignited global interest in TUDOR’s diving legacy.
What makes the METAS Master Chronometer certification a significant achievement?
The METAS Master Chronometer certification represents the most demanding and comprehensive performance standard in modern watchmaking, elevating the Black Bay beyond conventional luxury timepieces. Unlike the traditional COSC certification that focuses primarily on basic timekeeping accuracy, the METAS protocol examines a watch’s complete performance under real-world conditions that affect daily wear. Each timepiece undergoes a series of eight rigorous tests after already having passed COSC certification, effectively requiring double certification.
What truly distinguishes METAS testing is its extraordinary magnetic resistance requirement—watches must maintain accuracy when exposed to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, approximately 30 times stronger than a typical refrigerator magnet and far exceeding the magnetic fields encountered in everyday environments like airports, hospitals, or around electronic devices. Additionally, METAS tests fully assembled watches rather than just movements, ensuring that the complete timepiece as worn performs to specification.
The certification process is conducted by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, an independent government authority, providing truly impartial verification of performance claims. This rigorous, independent testing gives owners genuine confidence that their TUDOR Black Bay meets the highest standards of modern watchmaking excellence without compromise. The METAS certification on the Black Bay demonstrates TUDOR’s commitment to exceptional performance rather than relying solely on heritage or aesthetics to distinguish their timepieces.
How does the MT5602-U movement enhance the overall performance of the watch?
The Manufacture Calibre MT5602-U represents TUDOR’s commitment to technical autonomy and exceptional performance standards. Designed, developed, and manufactured entirely in-house, this movement incorporates several sophisticated engineering solutions that directly enhance the wearer’s experience in daily use.
The silicon balance spring provides a crucial advantage in today’s environment filled with electronic devices by offering superior resistance to magnetic fields compared to traditional metal springs. This feature works in concert with the METAS certification to ensure the watch maintains accuracy regardless of exposure to everyday electronic equipment. The variable inertia balance wheel, secured by a robust traversing bridge with two-point anchoring, delivers greater stability and shock resistance during active wear than traditional balance cock designs.
Perhaps most appreciated in practical daily use is the impressive 70-hour power reserve, significantly exceeding the industry standard, which allows the watch to remain accurate and ready to wear after a weekend off the wrist. The bidirectional winding system maximises efficiency by generating power regardless of which direction the rotor turns, achieving full power more rapidly than unidirectional systems.
Beyond pure functionality, the movement features sophisticated decorative elements including a openworked tungsten monobloc rotor with distinctive laser radial grooving, bridges and mainplate with alternate sand-blasted and polished surfaces, and special laser decorations, details that might remain unseen but reflect TUDOR’s commitment to quality throughout the timepiece. This combination of innovative materials, thoughtful engineering, and precision finishing creates a movement that elevates the entire Black Bay experience.
What practical advantages does the “T-fit” clasp system offer?
The TUDOR “T-fit” clasp system represents one of the most practical innovations in the Black Bay collection, addressing a common challenge for mechanical watch wearers, wrist size fluctuation throughout the day. This sophisticated rapid adjustment mechanism allows the wearer to modify the bracelet length instantly without tools across five positions, spanning a total adjustment range of 8mm.
This functionality proves particularly valuable in various everyday scenarios: during summer months when heat causes the wrist to expand, during exercise when increased blood flow changes wrist dimensions, during travel to different climates, or simply throughout the day as normal fluid retention affects wrist size. Unlike traditional clasps that require tools or visit to a jeweller for adjustment, the “T-fit” system enables these micro-adjustments on-the-fly while wearing the watch.
The engineering behind this system goes beyond mere convenience. The incorporation of ceramic ball bearings ensures that the adjustment mechanism operates with a smooth, precise action while simultaneously enhancing long-term durability by reducing metal-on-metal friction points. This attention to tactile quality creates a premium user experience beyond pure functionality.
For diving, the original purpose of the Black Bay, this adjustment system offers the practical advantage of allowing the watch to be quickly tightened over a wetsuit or loosened for post-dive comfort. This combination of sophisticated engineering with practical daily utility perfectly exemplifies TUDOR’s approach to modern tool watches: maintaining professional functionality while enhancing everyday usability.
How does TUDOR balance heritage design elements with modern watchmaking technology?
TUDOR’s approach to balancing heritage and innovation in the Black Bay represents one of the most successful examples of vintage-inspired design in modern watchmaking. Rather than creating a direct reissue of historical references, TUDOR has extracted key design elements that defined their iconic divers, such as the domed dial, snowflake hands, and burgundy bezel, and refined them for contemporary expectations.
The 41mm case diameter represents a thoughtful evolution from historical models, which typically measured 39mm or smaller, offering presence on the wrist while remaining comfortable for a wide range of wearers. The case thickness allows for modern water resistance standards while maintaining a profile that slides easily under a shirt cuff. The bracelet design combines vintage-inspired aesthetics with modern engineering, featuring solid links and a sophisticated clasp system that would have been impossible in historical pieces.
TUDOR has made judicious choices about which modern technologies to incorporate without compromising the vintage aesthetic. The sapphire crystal provides superior scratch resistance compared to the acrylic crystals of vintage models, while the METAS-certified movement delivers chronometric performance far exceeding historical capabilities. The incorporation of silicon components and ceramic ball bearings demonstrates TUDOR’s commitment to modern materials where they provide tangible benefits.
What makes this balancing act particularly successful is TUDOR’s restraint, maintaining the understated tool watch ethos that made the originals so appealing while selectively upgrading technical specifications. The gilt dial details and burgundy bezel create an unmistakable connection to TUDOR’s heritage, while the movement and bracelet technology provide a thoroughly modern ownership experience. This thoughtful evolution rather than revolution approach has established the Black Bay as a benchmark for heritage-inspired design throughout the watch industry.
