TUDOR expands its bolder side with the new Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee,” a compact and striking evolution of its chronograph line. With a smaller case, an in‑house column wheel movement, and an unapologetically bright dial, this model blends heritage chronograph design with a lighthearted yet retroesque design.
Press release with commentary in italics.
Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee”
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” is priced at CHF 5,500.
Commentary
The Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” feels like a more wearable and focused version of TUDOR’s chronograph formula. At 39 mm wide and 13.1 mm thick, it sits noticeably better on the wrist than previous larger iterations, making it a much more practical daily option. Inside is the MT5813 automatic chronograph movement with a 70 hour power reserve, column wheel, and vertical clutch, giving it tactile operation. The chronograph layout remains classic and easy to read, with a 45 minute counter and date at 6 o’clock.
What really sets this version apart is the dial. The bright yellow “Bumblebee” design with contrasting black subdials gives the watch a bold personality without losing clarity. It feels sportier and more expressive than the typical Black Bay Chrono, while still maintaining the familiar Snowflake hands and overall design DNA. Compared to watches like the Omega Speedmaster or TAG Heuer Carrera, this one leans more playful and visually striking, but still delivers the same level of mechanical seriousness. It is a watch that stands out immediately while still working as a solid everyday chronograph.
Press Release
TUDOR introduces the Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee,” a new addition to its chronograph lineup featuring a redesigned 39 mm stainless steel case with a slimmer 13.1 mm profile. The watch combines TUDOR’s motorsport chronograph heritage with its long‑standing diver’s watch design language, bringing both influences into a more compact and wearable format.
The model features a domed yellow dial with contrasting black sub‑counters, delivering a bold visual identity while maintaining strong legibility. The dial layout includes a chronograph seconds hand at the center, a 45 minute counter at 3 o’clock, small seconds at 9 o’clock, and a date window positioned at 6 o’clock. TUDOR’s signature Snowflake hands are retained and adapted to improve readability across the subdials.
The case is constructed from 316L stainless steel with a mix of satin‑brushed and polished finishes. It is paired with a fixed bezel featuring a black anodised aluminum insert with a tachymetric scale. Waterproof to 200 m, the watch also includes screw‑down pushers and a screw‑down crown, reinforcing its robustness as a sport chronograph.
Powering the watch is the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a self‑winding chronograph movement with a column wheel and vertical clutch system. It delivers a power reserve of approximately 70 hours and is certified as a Swiss chronometer. The movement incorporates a silicon balance spring for improved resistance to magnetic fields and long‑term stability.
The Black Bay Chrono 39 is fitted with a three‑link stainless steel bracelet featuring TUDOR’s T‑fit rapid adjustment clasp. This system allows for quick adjustments without tools over a range of 8 mm, improving daily comfort. The clasp also incorporates ceramic ball bearings for a smoother opening and closing action.
This new model builds on more than 50 years of TUDOR chronograph history while presenting a more daring aesthetic direction. With its compact size, high‑performance movement, and bold dial design, the Black Bay Chrono 39 “Bumblebee” offers a fresh interpretation of the brand’s signature chronograph.
