Since 2017, David Beckham has been one of the iconic faces of Tudor’s “Born to Dare” campaign. Last year, we reviewed Beckham’s selection of models (see below). Fast forward to 2019, David remains as a key icon for the “Born to Dare” philosophy. A busy philanthropist, football superstar and moreover a global style icon, the former professional footballer is regularly spotted sporting his selection of Tudor watches, so much so, that they’ve become a part of his standard kit for projects and recreation. A watch aficionado with unique style and undeniable charisma, Beckham reflects the drive of purpose, the ability to push boundaries and reinvention the Tudor brand embodies.

Beckham for Tudor

The “Born to Dare” campaign was launched in 2017, with Beckham as one of the founding ambassadors. The philosophy looks to Tudor’s, and parent company Rolex’s, heritage of supplying precision timepieces for the extremes as well as a reinvention of the classics, bolstered by 21^st-century technology. Tudor watches are built for those willing to exist outside their comfort and with an ambition to pursue their passions.

Black Bay S&G

Launched the same year as the ‘Born To Dare’ campaign, Beckham immediately gravitated to the Black Bay S&G. Enhanced by the combination of steel and gold, the luxury dive watch has a formal presence, so Beckham is often seen pairing the watch with his suits. Ever the dapper gentleman, he opts for the black (domed) dial version on a two-tone bracelet. The steel case measures 41mm, with a polished and satin finish. The unidirectional rotating bezel and oversized winding crown are fashioned from yellow gold.

Beneath a domed sapphire crystal, the yellow gold components highlight the Black Bay’s dial features. Not only this, but the Snowflake hands, hour indexes and minute track contrast with the black surface. Likewise, the bezel insert, a matt black anodised aluminium disc, is graduated in gold. Encased the gorgeous exterior is the manufacture calibre MT5612. The Black Bay S&G introduced the date function to the BB family and the self-winding mechanical movement employs a bidirectional rotor and silicon balance spring. Impressively the watch boasts a power reserve of approx. 70 hours and a waterproof limit of 200m/ 20 bar/ 660ft. (COSC-certified.)

The NEW Black Bay S&G

Two years on at Baselworld 2019, the NEW Black Bay S&G was revealed with even more aesthetic updates. The latest Black Bay S&G is available in a chronograph version as well as three new sizes; notably a 32 refined model for women. The new models are available with either a black lacquered dial or champagne-coloured dial both featuring the key two tone steel and gold bracelet and yellow gold bezel.

Image featured to left: The 2019 Black Bay S&G with yellow gold bezel and Champagne-coloured dial.

Black Bay Chrono

Another firm favourite for Beckham from the 2017 debuts is the Black Bay Chrono. Tudor already holds authority over the racetrack complication and The 1970 “home plate” and 1971 “Montecarlo” chronographs are both considered icons.The new ‘hybrid’ chronograph combines this with the aquatic heritage of the Black Bay.

An engraved tachymetric scale is presented on a circular satin-brushed steel fixed bezel which is very reminiscent of Tudor’s first series chronograph- the 1970 reference 7032/0. Its optimum readability is offered against the domed, matt black dial and  sub-counters are hollowed for contrast with a date aperture positioned at 6 o’clock. Recognisable Black Bay features are preserved in the standard-size 41mm steel case with domed sapphire crystal and white lume punctuates the signature hands and hour indexes. Lastly, two pushers flank the oversized crown which, again, is inspired by the first-generation chronographs of 1970.

The affordability of the Black Bay Chrono is made possible through a collaboration. The column wheel and vertical clutch manufacture calibre MT5813 is based on the Breitling B01, but adapted to a two-register layout which includes Tudor’s historically-significant 45-minute counter. Further modifications include a Tudor oscillating weight and key Tudor decorative finishes. This is combined with regulating organs made by Tudor for which they use silicon technology. The self-winding mechanical movement works with bidirectional rotor. The Black Bay Chrono boasts a power reserve of approx. 70 hours with a waterproof limit of 200m/ 20 bar/ 660ft. (COSC-certified.)

The NEW Black Bay Chrono

Fast forward to 2019, The Black Bay Chrono remains a firm favourite, and is now available, like the Black Bay, in a S&G two tone model. The updated Black Bay Chrono comes in further variations with the option of a jacquard fabric, bund leather or ‘riveted’ steel bracelet.

Image featured to left: The 2019 Black Bay Chrono with bund leather strap and S&G bezel.

Black Bay Bronze

Historically, Bronze was highly utilised for maritime applications, including diving because of its resistance to corrosion. Therefore, fast forward to the 21st century and it made perfect sense to pair the age-old metal with Tudor’s heritage-inspired diver’s watch. Bronze watches change through wear, which stimulates the oxidation process and a unique patina forms at the surface, protecting the underlying metal. Tudor employ an in-house aluminium bronze alloy that’s less shiny and moderate in its level of patina. The 43mm case is entirely brushed to emphasise the utilitarian look and ensure the patina is developed uniformly.

Bronze watches are currently hot horological topic, and as usual, Beckham has his finger on the pulse. The Black Bay Bronze makes for an understated tool watch, with a unique colour theme that’s versatile. Beckham opts for a khaki fabric strap with bronze buckle. The Black Bay Bronze features a vintage-style dial with large numerals at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock and brown tones on the dial and bezel work to compliment the metal.

The Black Bay Bronze is equipped with the manufacture calibre MT5601 and the self-winding mechanical movement employs a bidirectional rotor and silicon balance spring. The Black Bay Bronze achieves a power reserve of approx. 70 hours. and a waterproof limit of 200m/ 20 bar/ 660ft. (COSC-certified.)

The NEW Black Bay Bronze

As it stands in 2019, the Black Bay Bronze is still a standout model in the Tudor range thanks to its subtle ombre grey slate dial and two tone grey strap. The Black Bay Bronze perfectly balances modern dive watch with its vintage nautical history and is not one to overlook.

Image featured to left: The 2019 Black Bay Bronze with two tone grey fabric strap and grey slate ombre dial.

Wear it like Beckham

For more inspiration, check out David Beckham’s Instagram page, where he regularly posts pictures of the Tudor watch he’s wearing. To view our full Tudor Collection and speak with one of our expert Tudor specialists, visit us in-store. Alternatively, view a selection of our Tudor models online.