Not all images were able to load for printing. Please close the print window and try again. The New Tudor Black Bay Ceramic on Full Ceramic Bracelet
While many elements reference Tudor's historical dive watches, the ceramic construction and METAS certification firmly anchor this new model in the present.
Tudor continues with its modern “dark” aesthetic by launching a new version of the Black Bay Ceramic, now presented for the first time on an integrated ceramic bracelet. Originally introduced in 2021 as the brand’s first METAS-certified watch, itself following the unique Black Bay Ceramic One created for the Only Watch 2019, the model has become one of Tudor’s most interesting expressions of technical watchmaking and material engineering. For 2026, the watch is offered with an all-black ceramic bracelet matching the case, bringing out the best of its stealthy monochromatic image. Of course, something we can’t dislike…
The new Black Bay Ceramic keeps the familiar 41mm monobloc case in matte black ceramic, with micro-blasted surfaces and polished bevels that add contrast to the otherwise subdued appearance. The case measures 13.55mm in thickness and remains water-resistant to 200m thanks to a screw-down crown and solid caseback in black PVD-coated steel – all being classic features of the BB collection and near identical to the stainless steel version. The watch isn’t fully identical to the original 2021 model on rubber strap. In line with the evolution applied to the steel model in 2023, some elements have been redesigned, such as the notches on the black PVD-coated bezel’s edge, the crown now with a more classic style and deeper fluting, a solid back replacing the sapphire crystal and, importantly, almost 1mm less in thickness. The bezel’s insert, however, retains the same style as before, with a black, radially-brushed ceramic insert featuring the engraved graduations finished in matching dark tones.
The most important update is the new bracelet. Fully executed in black ceramic, the three-link construction has been engineered specifically for the Black Bay Ceramic and fitted with a proprietary double-folding clasp – this version doesn’t come with the brand’s classic foldover clasp with T-Fit system. Ceramic bracelets are still relatively rare due to the material’s complexity and difficult machining, making this new addition a technically significant one, more than it might appear at first. Lightweight and highly scratch-resistant, it complements the Black Bay Ceramic’s contemporary, high-tech positioning.
The dial, at first, appears faithful to the inaugural 2021 model, but has actually evolved more than you’d think. The subtly domed base, with a sunray-brushed finish, is slightly lighter than before, opting for a charcoal-grey tone. The minute track, at the periphery of the dial, is now black while the inscriptions have changed, and the depth rating makes its comeback. Applied geometrical hour markers and Tudor’s signature swowflake hands, introduced in 1969, receive Grade A Super-LumiNova treatment. But now, the luminous material takes on a darkened tone in daylight, maintaining the fully blacked-out appearance. Still, legibility is great in darker situations. Yet, just like the two steel versions (burgundy and monochrome), the handset has been revised, with a pinched profile near the central axle and a new seconds hand, with a classic lollipop design. Overall, the watch remains restrained, with nearly every element in shades of black, charcoal or anthracite. A great-looking piece, indeed.
The new Black Bay Ceramic is powered by the manufacture calibre MT5602-U, the METAS-certified evolution of Tudor’s in-house automatic movement developed with Kenissi. The “U” designation means Master Chronometer certification, meaning the watch complies with METAS’s testing protocols. Apart from traditional COSC chronometer testing, the movement is certified for precision within a 0/+5-second daily tolerance, resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss, waterproofness, and verified power reserve.
The calibre MT5602-U operates at 28,800 vibrations/hour and delivers 70 hours of autonomy, with a bidirectional automatic winding system. The movement features a silicon hairspring and a variable-inertia balance, held by a traversing bridge. The industrial finishing includes laser radial decoration on the rotor and alternating sandblasted and polished surfaces on the bridges, informs the brand, since the movement is now hidden behind a solid caseback. Sadly, Tudor didn’t keep the open caseback and the blackened style found on the previous generation, as it matched the overall technical aspect of this version. For the rest, it is as good as you can expect from Tudor…
The new Tudor Black Bay Ceramic on ceramic bracelet is now part of the permanent collection, priced at CHF 6,300 or EUR 7,040. For more details, please visit the brand’s website.
