The TUDOR Black Bay 58 GMT represents a masterful fusion of vintage-inspired design and cutting-edge watchmaking technology. Combining the compact proportions of the Black Bay 58 with the practicality of a GMT function, this timepiece offers a compelling alternative for travellers and watch enthusiasts. The distinctive black and burgundy bezel, TUDOR’s interpretation of the classic “Pepsi” colourway, provides both functionality and unmistakable character. While the METAS-certified movement ensures exceptional performance for the discerning wearer.
Condition: Immaculate pre-owned condition
Includes: Complete box set with bezel protector
Guarantee: Warranty valid until 2030
Shipping: Free UK delivery
Black Bay 58 GMT Key Features
Heritage-Inspired Design
- Compact 39mm stainless steel case honouring vintage TUDOR references
- Signature black and burgundy 24-hour bidirectional bezel
- Black domed dial with gilt applied hour markers for exceptional legibility
- Distinctive “snowflake” hands – a TUDOR hallmark since the 1960s
- Domed sapphire crystal enhancing the vintage aesthetic
- Modest 12.8mm case thickness for excellent wearability
- Rivet-style bracelet paying homage to TUDOR bracelets from the 1950s-1960s
Master Chronometer Performance
- Manufacture Calibre MT5450-U with METAS Master Chronometer certification
- Integrated GMT function with independent 24-hour hand
- Exceptional 65-hour power reserve exceeding industry standards
- COSC chronometer certification guaranteeing -4/+6 seconds per day
- Anti-magnetic silicon balance spring for precision in varied environments
- Bidirectional self-winding system for efficient power generation
- Free-sprung adjustable mass balance for stable timekeeping
Practical Functionality
- Waterproof to 200 meters (660 ft) for serious diving capability
- 24-hour bidirectional rotatable bezel for tracking multiple time zones
- 3-link “rivet-style” stainless steel bracelet with polished and satin finishes
- Secure TUDOR “T-fit” clasp with fine adjustment system
- 20mm lug width compatible with various strap options
- Highly legible gilt markers and hands with luminescent coating
- Screw-down crown with the TUDOR rose emblem in relief
The TUDOR Heritage
TUDOR’s journey began in 1926 when Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex, established the brand to offer watches with the reliability and dependability of Rolex, but at more accessible prices. The Black Bay collection, launched in 2012, pays homage to TUDOR’s diving watches from the 1950s and 1960s, particularly the iconic “Snowflake” Submariners worn by professional divers including the French Navy. With the Black Bay 58 GMT, TUDOR combines this rich heritage with modern advancements, including the prestigious METAS certification. A comprehensive standard evaluating precision, magnetic resistance, waterproofness, and power reserve under incredibly stringent conditions.
Perfect For
- Frequent travellers requiring reliable dual time zone tracking
- Watch enthusiasts appreciating vintage design with modern technology
- Collectors seeking METAS-certified chronometric performance
- Active professionals needing versatile wear from boardroom to beach
- Those desiring a more wearable alternative to larger GMT watches
- Dive watch aficionados requiring professional-grade water resistance
- Gift-givers seeking a prestigious timepiece with universal appeal
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the METAS certification significant?
The METAS Master Chronometer certification represents one of horology’s most demanding standards, far exceeding the requirements of the traditional COSC chronometer testing. Administered by the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology, this certification evaluates the complete watch (not just the movement) across eight rigorous criteria. Tests include precision in multiple positions and temperatures, resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 Gauss, waterproofness, and power reserve verification. For the wearer, this translates to exceptional real-world performance with accuracy maintained even when exposed to everyday magnetic fields from devices like smartphones and laptop computers.
How does the GMT function work?
The Black Bay 58 GMT features an independent 24-hour hand working in conjunction with the bidirectional rotating bezel to track multiple time zones simultaneously. The primary hour and minute hands display your local time, while the additional 24-hour hand makes one complete rotation every 24 hours, pointing to the corresponding hour on the bezel. By rotating the bezel, you can quickly reference a second or even third time zone. This functionality proves invaluable for travellers, international professionals, and anyone maintaining contact across different time zones.
What is the significance of the black and burgundy bezel?
The distinctive black and burgundy bezel draws inspiration from the first generation of GMT watches developed for commercial airline pilots in the 1950s. The two-tone colour scheme originated as a practical way to distinguish day (burgundy/red) from night (black) hours when tracking multiple time zones. TUDOR has re-imagined this iconic design with rich, matte colours that give the watch a sophisticated vintage character while maintaining the functional purpose. The anodised aluminium insert provides excellent durability while preserving the classic aesthetic that collectors appreciate.
How does the Black Bay 58 GMT compare to the standard Black Bay GMT?
While sharing the same design language and GMT functionality, the Black Bay 58 GMT offers more compact dimensions than the standard Black Bay GMT. At 39mm versus 41mm in diameter and 12.8mm versus 14.6mm in thickness, the 58 GMT provides significantly enhanced wearability, particularly for those with smaller wrists or who prefer a more vintage-appropriate size. Additionally, the Black Bay 58 GMT utilises the newer MT5450-U movement with METAS certification, representing TUDOR’s most advanced chronometric achievement. The more refined case proportions and enhanced movement specifications make the 58 GMT a compelling evolution of TUDOR’s travel watch offering.
What is special about the MT5450-U movement?
The Manufacture Calibre MT5450-U represents TUDOR’s technical prowess, developed and produced in-house to meet the most demanding performance standards. The “U” designation indicates its GMT functionality with an independent 24-hour hand. Beyond its practical features, this movement stands out for its remarkable 65-hour power reserve (allowing the watch to remain accurate from Friday evening until Monday morning without wearing), silicon balance spring (providing resistance to magnetic fields and temperature variations), and free-sprung balance with micro-adjustment screws (ensuring stable timekeeping in various positions). Combined with both COSC and METAS certifications, this movement delivers exceptional chronometric performance rarely found at this price point.
What details reflect TUDOR’s dive watch heritage?
Despite adding GMT functionality, the Black Bay 58 GMT maintains true diving watch credentials with 200m water resistance, unidirectional rotating bezel, and excellent legibility. The iconic “snowflake” hands, introduced by TUDOR in 1969 specifically to enhance underwater readability, connect this model to TUDOR’s professional diving heritage with the French Marine Nationale and other naval forces. The domed dial and crystal evoke vintage TUDOR divers, while modern luminescent material ensures visibility in low-light conditions. These details reflect TUDOR’s authentic diving heritage while expanding the functionality for modern travellers.
