Tudor Goes Carbon: A New Black Bay Chrono

Formula 1 is in Miami again, and while most people are tuning in to see who overtakes who, some of us are more interested in the watches turning up. And this year, Tudor dropped something special. Not just another colour update. Not another ceramic twist. No - they went full throttle with a carbon fibre case, motorsport attitude, and a proper limited edition to match. Meet the Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25.”

What's New

If you've been following Tudor’s moves over the past few years, especially their F1 partnerships, this isn’t a complete surprise. But still, the Carbon 25 is something fresh. It's not every day they go full carbon, especially with a chronograph.

Built off the bones of the Black Bay Chrono that most of us know and respect, this version swaps out the steel for a case made entirely from carbon fibre. Not forged carbon or some blend - we’re talking full carbon fibre with a clean, matte texture that plays well with the sporty vibe. The watch is slightly larger than the standard model (42mm wide vs. 41mm), but also a touch thinner (14.3mm vs. 14.4mm - not a huge difference, but still worth noting).

The caseback, pushers, and crown are all black-coated titanium, so the weight is kept low without sacrificing toughness. And yes, water resistance is still a solid 200 meters, which is kind of overkill for a chronograph like this, but I won’t complain.

Colour-wise, the Carbon 25 sticks to a clean white dial with blue accents - clearly reminding us of the Visa Cash App RB (VCARB) Formula 1 team that Tudor sponsors. The subdials are textured carbon, which is a cool detail and ties everything together nicely. The strap is also a bit of a hybrid: rubber and leather, with carbon end links. Not exactly your average NATO.

Source: Monochromewatches

What’s Beating Inside

Under the hood, it’s business as usual, which is actually a good thing. The Carbon 25 runs on the MT5813 movement, the same one used in other Black Bay Chronos. It’s based on the Breitling B01, and it’s a solid performer.

You get all the modern stuff: column wheel, vertical clutch, 70 hours of power reserve, silicon balance spring, and COSC certification. But Tudor goes a step further and tunes the movement even tighter, to run within -2 to +4 seconds a day. Respect.

Source: Monochromewatches

Only 2,025 Pieces - And Yes, It's Numbered

This is where things get a bit spicy. Tudor rarely goes for individually numbered limited editions, and when they do, it’s usually tied to a partnership (think the Inter Milan Black Bay 58 LE). The Carbon 25 follows that pattern - 2,025 watches, one for each piece of the edition, each individually numbered. That’s not a huge run, so it’ll likely get bought out fast, especially by collectors who like anything with a connection to motorsport.

Price-wise, you’re looking at €7,150. Not cheap, but also not too crazy when you stack it up against the alternatives.

Source: Monochromewatches

Let’s Talk About That Price for a Second

If you’re wondering whether €7,150 is too much for a Tudor, you’re not alone. It raised my eyebrows, too. But here's the thing: the standard Black Bay Chrono in steel starts at about €5,400. The Pelagos FXD Chrono (also with a carbon case) is around €5,200. So yes, the Carbon 25 is a premium - but not an absurd one, considering the materials, the limited nature, and the Formula 1 tie-in.

Carbon-cased chronos aren’t exactly cheap to make, and there aren’t many alternatives at this price point. Edox makes one (the C-01 Carbon Chronograph) for less - around €3,200 - but it's bigger, less refined, and runs a Sellita movement. Then you jump to €10k+ territory with brands like Zenith, Bell & Ross, or Hublot.

So is the Carbon 25 “worth it”? Depends on your perspective. If you're a Tudor fan or a Formula 1 follower, there's a strong emotional case. From a specs-to-price standpoint, it’s competitive in the niche it plays in.

Bigger Picture: Tudor in F1

Tudor’s ties to motorsport aren’t new. Go back to the 1970s and you’ll find their “Monte Carlo” chronographs riding the same wave as the Daytona. The Big Blocks, the 79200s, the funky Fastrider ceramics - Tudor’s always been on the track in some way.

Now, with the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 25, they’re anchoring themselves in modern F1 - specifically with VCARB, the Red Bull Racing junior team. 

F1 and watches have always gone together since always. Rolex had the spotlight for years, but now with LVMH stepping in as a luxury partner, the racing paddock is getting flooded with new contenders. TAG Heuer relaunched the Formula 1 this year. Tudor’s Carbon 25 is their answer.

Source: Monochromewatches

Final Thoughts: So, Who’s This Watch For?

This isn’t a watch for everyone. If you’re a die-hard vintage guy who thinks all chronographs peaked in the '70s, this might not be your jam. But if you’re into motorsport, modern tool watches, or just want something that feels different - lightweight, durable, and limited - the Carbon 25 has serious appeal.

It’s a love letter to carbon, to racing, and to that sweet spot where functionality meets design. It doesn’t reinvent the chronograph, but it pushes the Black Bay Chrono in a new direction, one that’s fast, technical, and surprisingly refined.

For collectors, it’s one to chase. For first-time Tudor buyers, maybe not the entry point. But for people who already know the brand and want something a bit different? This is a worthy addition.

Specs Recap:

• Model: Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”
  
  

• Reference: 79377KN
  
  

• Case: 42mm carbon fibre, 14.3mm thick, 200m water-resistant
  
  

• Pushers/Crown/Caseback: Titanium with black PVD coating
  
  

• Dial: Domed white with blue accents and carbon fibre subdials
  
  

• Movement: MT5813 (Breitling B01 base), COSC, -2/+4s, 70h power reserve
  
  

• Strap: Hybrid rubber-leather with carbon endlinks
  
  

• Limited to: 2,025 pieces, individually numbered
  
  

Price: Approx. €7,150