Will Tudor Unveil a New Chronograph in 2025? (Tudor Predictions 2025)

Tudor has a strong chronograph legacy. It’s a complication that feels integral to the brand. When Tudor returned to the U.S. and U.K. markets in 2010, it did so with a chronograph—one that paid tribute to its archives (more on that later). Clearly, Tudor sees chronographs as an essential part of its catalog and a key piece of its history.

With Tudor’s first fully in-house chronograph movement debuting at Only Watch 2023, speculation is growing about what this means for the brand’s future chronographs. Could we see a refined Black Bay Chrono? A revival of the Big Block? A return of the Heritage Chrono? Each option is worth exploring, but before we do, let's go over what this new movement would mean for Tudor.

The Kenissi Chronograph Movement – A Game Changer?

All current Tudor chronographs—Black Bay Chrono, Pelagos FXD Chronos, and even the recently-discontinued Heritage Chrono—use the MT5813 movement, based on Breitling’s B01 architecture. It’s a solid, well-regarded column-wheel chronograph movement, but after years of using the MT5813, a new Kenissi-built chronograph caliber would mark a significant step forward—one designed entirely in Tudor’s image rather than adapted from Breitling architecture.

At Only Watch 2023, a charity auction showcasing one-of-one watches, Tudor introduced a brand-new Kenissi chronograph movement inside an 18k yellow gold "Big Block" Chrono prototype. Tudor described this movement as "fully developed from the ground up." That’s a major shift from the MT5813.

Two years later, if this movement is ready for mass production, Watches & Wonders 2025 could be the moment Tudor transitions away from the Breitling-based MT5813. And if that happens, the next question is: which Tudor chronograph will lead the charge?

A Fully Overhauled Black Bay Chrono?

The Black Bay Chrono debuted in 2017 and has received incremental updates since. In 2021, Tudor slimmed the case slightly. Since then, the focus has been on dial variety—pink, blue, flamingo blue—paired with the new 5-link bracelet and T-Fit clasp.

A new movement could bring bigger refinements, namely in the case. With a new in-house chronograph caliber, Tudor may be able to refine the case profile, reducing the current 14.4mm thickness. The brand has already embraced dial variety, but an overhaul could bring additional refinements beyond just color changes. The 5-link bracelet with T-Fit has already become standard across the latest models, and it would likely remain. Tudor has also been rolling out Master Chronometer Certification across the Black Bay line (and now one Pelagos), so a next-gen Black Bay Chrono could follow suit.

A Big Block Chrono Revival? (Or Is Tudor Waiting for 2026?)

Image Source: Analog:Shift

The original Big Block Chrono (1976-1990s) was Tudor’s first automatic chronograph, instantly recognizable for its 12-6-9 subdial layout.

Tudor chose a Big Block case for their Only Watch release, hinting at a possible revival. But as one of our readers, Ren, pointed out in a comment last year—2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the Big Block Chrono. That milestone makes Watches & Wonders 2026 the more logical time for a full revival. Tudor may be holding off another year, eventually debuting a stainless steel production version of the Only Watch Chrono.

Could Tudor Bring Back the Heritage Chrono?

Image Source: The Marin Vault

The Heritage Chrono (2010-2020s) was a modern reissue of Tudor’s first chronographs, most notably the Oysterdate 'Homeplate' model. The first version had a grey dial with orange accents. In 2013, Tudor introduced a second version with a blue and opaline dial, paying tribute to the second-generation 'Monte Carlo' Chrono (vintage and modern pictured below).

In 2017, both versions received an upgrade, swapping their ETA-based movements for the Breitling-based MT5813. This update marked a shift toward modern Tudor chronographs while maintaining the funky, colorful aesthetic that made the Heritage Chrono a cult favorite.

A Heritage Chrono revival would likely retain the signature dial elements while incorporating modern refinements. The original color schemes that made the Heritage Chrono a standout would likely remain intact, while a thinner case and potential METAS certification could improve performance and accuracy. Again, a transition to a fully Kenissi-built movement would also be a significant shift for the model.

Or Will Tudor Hold Off?

Tudor Black Bay Chrono on Everest Rubber Strap

A new in-house chronograph movement is a big deal, and Tudor doesn’t rush things. The brand could wait until 2026 to properly celebrate the Big Block’s anniversary, leaving their chronographs unchanged for now. Alternatively, they could surprise us with a Heritage Chrono comeback, refreshed Black Bay Chrono, or even something in the Pelagos line instead.

Watches & Wonders 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Tudor, but whether we’ll see an updated chronograph remains to be seen. If not, the wait for 2026 could be well worth it.

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