Manufacture History
Tudor was founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf as a more accessible sibling to Rolex, sharing supply chains and service infrastructure. The Black Bay line, launched in 2012, revived Tudor’s dive-watch heritage and became the brand’s flagship. The Black Bay Chrono (ref. M79360N-0013) debuted in 2021, merging the Black Bay aesthetic with a in-house chronograph caliber — a first for the collection.
Movement
The Cal. MT5813 is a column-wheel chronograph with vertical clutch, developed in collaboration with Breitling (based on the B01). It runs at 28,800 vph, offers 70 hours of power reserve, and is COSC-certified. Finishing is industrial but robust — Geneva stripes on the rotor, perlage on the bridges. It’s a workhorse, not a showpiece.
Specifications
- Case: 41mm stainless steel
- Thickness: 14.8mm
- Lug-to-lug: 50mm
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Water resistance: 200m
- Lume: Super-LumiNova X1
- Strap: Leather (ref. M79360N-0013) or steel bracelet (other refs)
- Clasp: Pin buckle on leather
Wrist Feel
At 41mm wide and 14.8mm thick, the BB Chrono is no shrinking violet. It wears chunky — think vintage Heuer Autavia with a modern heft. The 50mm lug-to-lug means it’ll overhang on sub-6.5-inch wrists, but for average-to-large wrists, the weight is balanced thanks to the steel bracelet (if you opt for it). The leather strap option keeps it lighter but still substantial. The crown and pushers are screw-down, adding to the tool-watch vibe. It’s comfortable for all-day wear if you like your watches with presence; if you’re slim-wristed, try before you buy.
Accuracy
COSC-certified to -4/+6 seconds per day, but real-world reports average +2 to +4 spd. The MT5813 is a steady performer — no surprise given the Breitling DNA. Expect rock-solid timekeeping even after a week of desk-diving.
Occasions
Sport, daily, travel — this is a casual-to-smart-casual watch. It’s too thick for dress shirts, but perfect for weekend brunches or track days.
Wrist Presence
4/5 — The panda dial and thick bezel grab attention without screaming. It’s a conversation starter for watch nerds, not a billboard.
Reference Variants
- M79360N-0001: Reverse panda dial, steel bracelet — most sought-after, highest resale.
- M79360N-0002: Black dial with silver subdials, fabric strap — lighter, less liquid.
- M79360N-0003: Same as 0013 but with steel bracelet — the bracelet adds $400-600 on secondary.
Family References
M79360N-0001, M79360N-0002, M79360N-0003
Other Notable Tudor Models
Black Bay 58, Pelagos, Royal, 1926
Similar Watches
- Rolex Daytona 116500LN — obvious panda comparison, but 3x the price.
- Breitling Navitimer B01 — shares movement base, different aesthetic.
- Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch — manual wind, same price bracket.
Homages
Seiko Speedtimer SSC813 — solar quartz panda chrono, $525, vintage vibes.
Investment Value
MSRP: $4,650. Current retail: $5,300. Pre-owned range: $4,800-$5,500. Trend: appreciating. Hold recommendation: Buy at retail if possible — it’s a solid hold for 3-5 years as Tudor continues to hype the Black Bay line. Flip if you need liquidity, but expect a 15-20% premium over MSRP. Auction history: No major auction history; secondary market trades are the primary price driver.
Service Interval
Every 5 years, approx. $800 at Tudor authorized service centers only. Turnaround 4-6 weeks.
Price Range
$4,650-$5,500. Verdict: This is a no-brainer entry-level collector piece with real upside. Skip the hype on steel Daytonas and park your capital here.
Pros & Cons
Pros: In-house column-wheel chronograph movement, COSC accuracy, strong resale value, Rolex-backed service.
Cons: Thick case at 14.8mm may not fit under cuffs, leather strap is stiff out of the box, no display caseback.
Final Verdict
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono ref. M79360N-0013 is a smart bet for the collector who wants Rolex-adjacent quality without the AD games. It’s a chunky, characterful chronograph that holds value and offers real movement pedigree. Buy it, wear it, and watch it appreciate — just don’t expect it to fit under a dress shirt.
