Steel and gold watches have been around for years. Hitting peak popularity around 30 years ago, they were the epitome of ’80s style, but, then again, so were pastel polos with double popped collars. However, while the mix of these two metals has been used by countless manufacturers, I’ve just never been a two-tone guy. It’s not that I have anything against the combination (double popped collars are a different story), it’s just that they were never for me. This year, something happened that I think no one saw coming. Tudor copy watches released a two-toned Black Bay, and, I have to say, I think they’ve changed my mind.
The case
Apart from the obvious, not much has changed with the 41mm case of the new Black Bay Tudor fake watches. It still holds that same classic tool watch shape, with high, polished sides, chamfered lugs, and oversized crown. On top, the satin-brushed finish is still there, as is the black 60-minute bezel, which surrounds that wonderfully domed sapphire crystal. It’s even still water resistant to 200 metres. What has been changed, though, makes all the difference. The bezel is now a solid piece of yellow gold, and while that may sound a tad ostentatious, it’s really not.
The gold is low-key and contrasts nicely with the black anodised aluminium insert, particularly when combined with its gilt markings. Where the yellow gold is most obvious however is on the crown. But this time it isn’t a solid piece; instead the gold is capped around a stainless-steel inside. Still, there’s nothing showy about it and when combined with the black, and steel, it only accentuates the vintage feel of the Black Bay.
The dial
It’s safe to say that the biggest point of difference of this new Black Bay is the case. However, it’s the dial where you’ll find the most controversial change. The Black Bay now has a date (gasp). You’ll either love it, hate it, or be indifferent to it. Personally, I like the added functionality of a date window, and on the S&G it’s very nicely done. Without intruding into the clean symmetry of the dial, it replaces the hour marker at 3 o’clock. Sure, some may say it’s not perfect, but as far as date windows go, it hits all the right notes. Looking past the addition of a date, with gilt surround hour markers and snowflake hands — which are set on a matt black dial with matching gold writing — it’s the same dial you’d find on the Black Bay Red, and Black versions Tudor replica watches. Only now, the warmth of the golden accents is amplified by the gold of the case.
