How Tudor's New Black Bay 68 Completes The Lineup

This year, Tudor unveiled a new addition to the Black Bay family: the Black Bay 68, a 43mm diver that slots in above the classic 41mm Black Bay and brings a few meaningful changes with it. It features a new case, tool-free T-Fit adjustable clasp, and is powered by the MT5601-U movement. Like the new-gen METAS Black Bay, the Black Bay 68 does away with coin-edge knurling, opting for more Submariner-like bezel and crown knurling. The bracelet is also new: a clean three-link Oyster-style design with no rivets in sight.

At launch, there are two colorways—a sunburst blue dial and a sunburst silver dial—both paired with matte black bezels. The silver dial version is particularly striking to me; it’s not a color combo we’ve seen much on many Tudor or Rolex dive watches that I can think of.

A Bigger Black Bay

Options, folks—it’s what we’ve been asking for.

I didn’t expect this larger Black Bay 68, but in hindsight, it makes perfect sense. In 2018, Tudor released the 39mm Black Bay 58, slimming down the line for those who found the original 41mm a bit chunky. Then in 2023, they went even smaller with the 37mm Black Bay 54—a faithful tribute to Tudor’s first Submariner from 1954.

Now, we’re seeing Tudor go in the opposite direction. They took the core Black Bay and fed it a few protein shakes, giving us a 43mm option clearly meant to appeal to larger wrists—or to anyone who just prefers a big, bold diver.

It’s Big—but Wearable

If the 43mm size gives you pause, I’d still suggest trying it on. In terms of on-wrist presence, it reminds me a lot of the Rolex Sea-Dweller 43—substantial, sure, but not overwhelming. On my 6.75-inch wrist, both watches are surprisingly comfortable.

Tudor also kept the case thickness in check. We don’t have exact measurements yet, but from our hands-on experience, the BB68 feels reasonably slim for its size—likely around 13–14mm.

What’s in a Name?

If you’re wondering what the “68” refers to—because there certainly wasn’t a 43mm Tudor Sub released in 1968—it’s a nod to the inaugural year of the now-iconic Snowflake hand… sort of. That actually happened in 1969, but I’m assuming Tudor went with “68” for consistency with the “58.” Regardless, the Snowflake hand design is still used here—a meaningful link to Tudor’s dive watch heritage.

Love it or hate it, the Snowflake hour hand has become Tudor’s calling card. To the average person, it might just look like a funky geometric design. But to a watch nerd? It instantly signals Tudor. I’ve always loved the Snowflake, but I understand it isn’t for everyone.

A Proper Movement

Image Source: Tudor

The Black Bay 68 uses the MT5601-U, the Master Chronometer-certified version (indicated by “-U”) of the MT5601 found in the Black Bay Bronze, Black Bay 41, and others. Master Chronometer certification means it’s been independently tested for accuracy, magnetic resistance, water resistance, and power reserve as a fully assembled watch—not just a movement on a bench. If you’re not familiar with METAS, this is about as rigorous as it gets. (You can read more about it here.)

Why This Watch Matters

The Black Bay 68 is part of a broader move by Tudor to round out its dive watch catalog. Between the core Black Bay, 54, 58, and now the 68—not to mention the Pelagos and FXD lines—the brand now offers a proper diver at nearly every size and style. This isn’t just another Black Bay. It’s a watch that gives people more choice, which is something collectors have been asking for.

Don’t like 43mm? No problem—pick the 41, 39, or 37. If the silver or blue dial doesn’t win you over, just wait; Tudor has a habit of rolling out new dial colors year by year.

At $4,700, the BB68 also remains competitively priced for a fully in-house, chronometer-certified dive watch with this level of finishing and functionality.

Final Thoughts

This is the most robust and complete Black Bay lineup we’ve ever seen, and it’s only getting stronger. The BB68 might not be for everyone, and I think that’s exactly the point. This is Tudor recognizing that no one diver fits all. With the 68, they’ve added something new without sacrificing what’s already working.