Tudor Unveils Bright Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee'

If you ask Tudor fans what they would like to see from the brand, one popular answer would be a smaller version of the Black Bay Chrono.

This request has been heard and realized in the new Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee'. The model features a new, compact 39mm case that is noticeably thinner. The bright yellow dial makes this addition to the Daring Watches collection particularly eye-catching and discussed among fans. With this release, Tudor showcases the brand's direction in racing chronographs.

Daring Watches Collection: Unexpected Color Solutions

The Daring Watches collection is known for releasing unexpected versions of existing models. Good examples include the 'Pink' and 'Flamingo Blue' versions of the Black Bay Chrono, as well as the Black Bay 54 'Lagoon Blue'. All have brought bright color solutions to classic models. In the case of the Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee', Tudor took a different approach. In addition to the new yellow dial, the watch features a compact stainless steel case with a diameter of 39mm and a thickness of 13.1mm. For comparison, the standard Black Bay Chrono has a diameter of 41mm and a thickness of 14.4mm - the difference is significant and positive in terms of comfort.

Main Features of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee'

Let's look at all the details of the new model. The stainless steel case has a diameter of 39mm, a thickness of 13.1mm, and water resistance up to 200 meters. Due to the reduced case size, the width of the Oyster-style bracelet has also been reduced - it is now 20mm instead of the usual 22mm.

The right side of the case features a crown with the Tudor logo and two screw-down pushers to operate the chronograph at the '2' and '4' o'clock positions. The case is predominantly finished with vertical satin, while the bezel, chamfers, and sides are polished.

The bezel is made of stainless steel with a black anodized aluminum insert and a silver tachymetric scale, which contrasts with the bright yellow dial and black subdials. It is the combination of yellow and black colors that gave the model the nickname 'Bumblebee'.

The dial features black minute markers and black indices filled with white luminescent Super-LumiNova. A white date disc with black print is used in line with the hour markers, located at a domed window at the '6' o'clock position - this visually completes the set of indices. Above the dial rise Tudor's signature 'snowflake' hands - black hands with white luminescent Super-LumiNova coating. The red central chronograph hand and the red '200m:660ft' inscription at the bottom of the dial add an additional color accent.

Movement Tudor Caliber MT5813

Inside the case is the MT5813 caliber manufactured by Kenissi. Despite the reduced case size, Tudor maintained the use of this same movement. The automatic chronograph is based on the Breitling B01, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, contains 41 jewels, and offers a power reserve of up to 70 hours.

The caliber is equipped with a column wheel and vertical clutch, ensuring smooth chronograph operation. The balance spring is made of non-magnetic silicon. Unlike the standard COSC accuracy (-4/+6 seconds per day), Tudor regulates the watches with a tolerance of -2/+4 seconds per day for assembled pieces.

The 20mm wide bracelet has a three-link construction without the controversial decorative rivets - the sides are smooth, which many brand fans will appreciate. Additionally, the bracelet is equipped with the signature T-Fit clasp with tool-free micro-adjustment, simplifying size adjustment.

Conclusion: New Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee'

The new Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee' has been a pleasant surprise. It demonstrates that a compact and thin chronograph, while retaining the powerful MT5813 caliber, is possible. A similar approach has already been applied in the Black Bay 58 GMT series compared to the bulkier Black Bay Pro, which also uses this mechanism. Moreover, the novelty follows the optimization of the Black Bay 58, presented at Watches and Wonders 2026 just six weeks ago. Although the yellow dial is not for everyone, the main advantage of the model is opening new possibilities for future releases of the compact Black Bay 39 chronograph. For now, 'Bumblebee' is the first such version.

As part of the Daring Watches collection, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 'Bumblebee' is released in a limited edition. The watch is already available for sale at a price of €6,200 / US$6,725 / CHF 6,000. It will be interesting to see how quickly the 'Bumblebee' appears in real life and what new vibrant versions of this model will appear in the future.

Technical Specifications