Released in 2012 alongside Tudor's full reintroduction to the watch market following a decade of semi-dormancy, the Black Bay collection immediately modernised the brand and revitalised its sense of direction with its vintage design cues and modern appeal. Building upon that appeal, Tudor released the Black Bay Fifty-Eight in 2018 with a smaller case design with more vintage-oriented details, and it proved to be a massive hit. Now, three years later, in 2021, Tudor has released a bronze version of this fan favourite, and I have one right here.
Starting with its most obvious departure from the BB58's aesthetic, the BB58 Bronze is as it says on the tin and introduces a new metal to the family. While already part of the older Black Bay collection, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight features an entirely bronze construction, even with a bronze bracelet complete with faux-rivets, and another family-first; a clasp micro-extension - the "T-Fit," capable of adding or subtracting up to 8mm from the bracelet's length.
Continuing Tudor's tradition of pairing 3-6-9 layout dials with their Black Baby offerings, the BB58 Bronze features a distinctive 3-6-9 dial with a 'brown-bronze' dial that pairs well with the matching aluminium bezel insert. Beautifully balanced with the entire watch, the bezel and dial create a monochromatic aesthetic highlighting the bronze's gold-tone colour.
Beyond its gorgeous bronze construction and stunning dial and bezel combination, the BB58 Bronze also comes with another wonderful surprise, the incredibly capable MT5400 movement. Beating away at 4Hz (28,800 BPH) and packed with 70 hours of power reserve, this automatic COSC-certified chronometer is every bit as capable as the BB58 Bronze deserves.
With Tudor throwing down the gauntlet with their exploration of various materials for their watches, it is no surprise that bronze would make its way further into the brand's catalogue. Serving as the perfect metal to embolden the BB58's conquest for the top spot amongst the value propositions, this watch is a relative bargain and, with its bronze construction, will look a million dollars regardless.
