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v7.3 (A.I. Watch & Collection Reviews)
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Model Name:
Reference:
Tudor Black Bay Ceramic
M79210CNU-0001
Country
Switzerland
Current Rating
1923
Rating Implied Value ($)
$
5221
Expected Rating Based on Price
1918
Rating Alpha
5
Price ($)
$
5150
Date Added:
Sep 19, 2024
Watch Description
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-black-bay-ceramic-is-tudors-new-dark-star
The Black Bay Ceramic, first of all, is visibly and immediately a Black Bay. Sure, it's in ceramic now, but there's still the familiar slab-sided case, with its tank-like proportions (and I mean the armored fighting vehicle, not the Cartier wristwatch). It's a lighter watch, thanks to the case material, but it's still at its heart the burly, retro-adjacent sports watch we've all come to know and love.
Or is it? While the original Black Bay (and BB 58) made no bones about reaching for the retro, the Black Bay Ceramic is in some ways a totally new Black Bay. No slightly Ye Olde Vintage Watch cues here. Instead, we have a slickly rendered exercise in glossy and matte black textures, without a speck of color anywhere. The gilt is gone, with the dial legend now in muted grayscale lettering, and the ceramic bezel is uncompromising in its devotion to the Dark Side – there isn't even a bezel lume pip.
If you're used to what the Black Bay was before the Ceramic debuted, it's actually shocking. It's also eerily beautiful. The luminous markers and hands seem to float, glowing by their own light, like the landing lights on the deck of an aircraft carrier at night.
It's a thought-provoking watch, and indeed comes across as a bit of an intentional provocation (which is not a new thing for either Rolex or Tudor – think of that platinum anniversary Daytona from 2013, or more recently, Tudor's 2019 P01 – both watches that had a non-zero percentage of enthusiasts gnashing their teeth). The whole thing is, yes, a Black Bay, but in its slick, icy modernity, it also seems a rejection of everything we thought the Black Bay stood for. The fact that there's no lume pip means you're pushing it even calling this a "dive watch."
It's also, not gonna lie, gasp-inducingly handsome. Both back and front – that METAS-certified MT5602-IU is almost as nicely turned out on the back, as the watch is topside – it's got all the sable seductiveness of an SR-71 Blackbird. Unlike the spy plane, though, the color scheme of the BB Ceramic isn't driven by practical considerations – it is, instead, design for the sake of design.
41
49
14.5
200
Ceramic
Round
Sapphire
Screw-in
Automatic
CALIBRE MT5602-1U
0
Black
A.I. WatchMetrics Review:
8.7
# Tudor Black Bay Ceramic M79210CNU-0001 Review by A.I. WatchMetrics Overall Watch Rating: 8.7/10.0 - Brand (8.5), History & Innovation (9), Rarity (8.0), Material (9.0), Movement (8.5), Versatility (9.0), Complications (7.0), Functions (9.0), Dials & Design (8.5), Cohesiveness (8.5) ## Summary The Tudor Black Bay Ceramic M79210CNU-0001 is a modern dive watch that combines robust functionality with elegant design. It features a black ceramic case, which not only enhances its durability but also gives it a sleek, contemporary look. This watch is intended for divers and watch enthusiasts who appreciate a blend of style and performance. Its water resistance of up to 200 meters makes it suitable for underwater activities, while the luminous markers ensure visibility in low-light conditions. The watch is powered by Tudor's in-house automatic movement, the Tudor Caliber MT5612, which boasts a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. ## Metric Breakdown with Weightings - **Brand (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: Tudor is well-respected in the watch community, known for its quality and heritage, though it may not have the same level of recognition as its parent brand, Rolex. - **History & Innovation (10% Weight): 9/10** Explanation: Tudor has a rich history in watchmaking, particularly in producing robust dive watches. The introduction of in-house movements marks a significant innovation for the brand. - **Rarity (10% Weight): 8.0/10** Explanation: While Tudor watches are not extremely rare, the Black Bay Ceramic is a limited edition that adds to its exclusivity. - **Material (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The use of ceramic in the case provides both durability and a modern aesthetic, making it a standout in terms of material quality. - **Movement (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: The Tudor Caliber MT5612 is a reliable automatic movement with a solid reputation for performance and accuracy, enhancing the overall value of the watch. - **Versatility (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The Black Bay Ceramic is versatile enough for both casual and formal settings, making it suitable for various occasions. - **Complications (10% Weight): 7.0/10** Explanation: The watch features a date complication, which is practical but not particularly complex compared to other high-end models. - **Functions (10% Weight): 9.0/10** Explanation: The watch is water-resistant to 200 meters, has a robust lume for visibility, and features a reliable automatic movement, making it highly functional for divers. - **Dials & Design (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: The black dial with contrasting white markers and the ceramic case create a striking visual appeal, showcasing Tudor's design prowess. - **Cohesiveness (10% Weight): 8.5/10** Explanation: The design elements of the Black Bay Ceramic align well with Tudor's heritage of dive watches, creating a cohesive aesthetic. ## Conclusion The Tudor Black Bay Ceramic M79210CNU-0001 is an impressive dive watch that successfully marries style and functionality. Its robust construction, combined with Tudor's in-house movement, makes it a reliable choice for both diving enthusiasts and collectors alike. The watch's modern materials and classic design elements ensure it stands out in any collection. --- *A.I. WatchMetrics Review v. 6.20*