After the completion of Watches and Wonders 2026, fans and critics noted that Tudor demonstrated relatively restrained innovative activity.
The main event was the release of the Monarch model, timed to the brand's 100th anniversary. In addition, updates and new versions of existing models were presented. Although such changes were less unexpected, some of them turned out to be quite logical and well thought out. The watch that immediately caught my attention is the Blue Black Bay 54. After Tudor discontinued the Black Bay 58 with a blue dial, I was pleased to see the return of the blue Black Bay to the lineup. I was curious to see if the new BB54 could compare to its larger, but now discontinued predecessor.
The History of Black Bay 58 'Navy Blue' and My Impressions
I clearly remember the release of the Black Bay 58 'Navy Blue', which occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to restrictions, we could not examine the model in detail on a steel bracelet, which I consider the optimal option. The reason is simple: I can wear the Black Bay 58 and the smaller Black Bay 54 only on a bracelet, not on a fabric strap as in the review of the blue version of the Black Bay 58. On rubber straps, the watch looks fine, but I prefer the aesthetic of a steel bracelet. Therefore, I gladly tried on the new Black Bay 54 on a bracelet and learned more about the new shade of 'Tudor Blue'.
Main Features of the New Black Bay 54 Model in Blue
The main feature of the new Black Bay 54 is its unique color scheme. We will talk more about 'Tudor Blue' later, but for now, let's recall the details of the most compact model among the Black Bay diver's watches. As many know, this is already the third release in the series: first, in 2023, the model with a black dial was released, then Henry tested the Black Bay 54 'Lagoon Blue'. The first edition particularly impressed me as it abandoned the overly retro style of the Black Bay 58.
Many enthusiasts love the richly decorated gold design of the Black Bay 58, but for me, it was always a bit overloaded. I prefer the clearer and more modern style of the Black Bay 'Monochrome' and Black Bay 54. This is exactly what I liked about the blue version of the Black Bay 58, which appeared after the original model in 2020.
Let's consider the technical specifications of the Black Bay 54. The case is made of stainless steel, with a diameter of 37mm, a lug-to-lug distance of 46mm, and a thickness of 11.3mm, including the domed sapphire crystal. As a result, the watch looks harmonious and does not seem significantly smaller in size than the Black Bay 58 with dimensions of 39 × 47.8mm. In terms of parameters, the Black Bay 54 is closest to the classic Tudor Submariner of the 1950s.
New 'Tudor Blue' Dial
The case is paired with a dial and bezel in the shade of 'Tudor Blue'. This new blue color is noticeably different from the dark blue of the Black Bay 58. The colors used in the Pelagos and Pelagos FXD models also represent different shades of blue. In 2024, Tudor released the Black Bay Chrono 'Blue' with a blue dial and bezel. Thus, we have five models with unique shades of blue. The question arises: what exactly does 'Tudor Blue' mean?
It is known that the blue color of the dial and bezel is inspired by the classic Submariners that Tudor created for the French Navy's Marine Nationale divers. Of course, it would be naive to think that the shade remained unchanged throughout approximately three decades of producing watches for the French Navy. Nevertheless, I tend to believe it is a vibrant matte blue similar to the now-discontinued Black Bay 58. My opinion is based on historical data and personal preferences. However, it may not coincide with others' opinions. That is why historical context is so important in defining the term 'Tudor Blue'. In this regard, I doubt the new color deserves this name.
Tudor MT5400 Movement
Inside the case, there are no changes. The Black Bay 54 is equipped with the MT5400 caliber - an automatic movement with COSC certification. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 semi-oscillations per hour and provides a power reserve of up to 70 hours. While in the Black Bay 58 the brand upgraded the movement to Master Chronometer, for the smallest Black Bay model Tudor retained the COSC-certified version.
The watch comes with either a steel bracelet or a rubber strap with metal inserts. Both options are equipped with a T-fit clasp with convenient tool-free micro-adjustment, allowing an increase in length by 7mm. As you might have guessed, I always prefer the steel bracelet. It features decorative 'fake rivets', which is a point of contention among design enthusiasts. Frankly, they never bothered me, and I happily wear the bracelet without doubts.
Impressions from Wearing the New Black Bay 54 Model in Blue
Speaking of wearing, I gladly tried on the Black Bay 54 after appreciating the black version three years ago. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the watch looks on the bracelet, especially considering its size. Although 37mm is not too small for my wrist, the bracelet is the only option that fits me. After a failed experience with the blue Black Bay 58 on a fabric strap, I repeatedly tried on the watch on the bracelet to ensure the size fits.
With the Black Bay 54, everything fell into place immediately. The size perfectly reflects the spirit of classic Tudor Submariners and sits excellently on my 18.5cm wrist. My preferences have changed, and I have come to prefer more compact watches. Currently, my 'golden mean' is cases from 36 to 39mm, depending on the style. The Black Bay 54 is the ideal size for classically styled diver's watches with modern comfort associated with Tudor. For €4,350 / $4,725 / £3,690, it's hard to find better-made diver's watches than the Black Bay 54.
Final Thoughts on Black Bay 54 in 'Tudor Blue'
The new Black Bay 54 does not surprise with what it offers. However, what did not impress me is the new dial. The color and sunburst finish give it a modern metallic shade that I dislike. Additionally, the dial emits a purplish glow from certain angles, likely due to the anti-reflective coating on the glass. I don't like this effect, and I don't think it matches the name 'Tudor Blue'. Of course, if you ask ten people what this term means, the answers will vary, but watches with a purple glow are unlikely.
I also did not like the somewhat cold and metallic look of the dial. A similar effect was observed last year with the burgundy version of the Black Bay 58. Both dials seem a bit detached, which contradicts the retro charm these watches should convey. This raises questions for me: will this style of dials dominate the Black Bay lineup? The updated black Black Bay 58 shows that it won't. I would say 'fortunately', but opinions may differ. For now, I am not ready to accept the new 'Tudor Blue' in the Black Bay 54. Nevertheless, Tudor has many models that suit me perfectly, so it's important to remain objective.
What do you think of the latest version of the Black Bay 54? How well does the blue dial fit the name 'Tudor Blue'? Share your thoughts in the comments below.