The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25”: A Technical Overview of a Motorsport-Inspired Limited Edition

The 2025 Miami Grand Prix marked not only another milestone in the expanding Formula 1 calendar but also the debut of a new horological release by Tudor: the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25.” Designed in collaboration with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls (VCARB) team, the watch is a celebration of motorsport engineering, executed through the lens of precision watchmaking. This limited-edition chronograph presents a fusion of racing aesthetics, technical advancements, and the durable legacy of the Black Bay line.

Evolution of the Black Bay Chronograph

Since its introduction, the Black Bay Chrono has represented Tudor’s blend of classic dive watch styling with the functional complexity of a chronograph. The “Carbon 25” elevates this formula with its motorsport influences and introduces a notable shift in material technology, showcasing the use of carbon fiber for the case construction.

The case measures 42mm in diameter—slightly larger than the standard Black Bay Chrono’s 41mm—yet the new case design manages to be slimmer at 14.3mm compared to 14.4mm in the steel model. This dimension shift is partially attributed to the use of carbon fiber, a material widely recognized for its strength-to-weight ratio and frequent applications in both aerospace and automotive industries.

Case Composition and Build Quality

The case of the Carbon 25 is manufactured from carbon fiber and features an integrated tachymeter bezel, tailored for motorsport timing applications. Titanium has been utilized for the crown, pushers, and caseback, each coated in black PVD to maintain a stealthy, uniform aesthetic. The watch is rated for 200 meters of water resistance, underscoring its dual-purpose functionality as both a sports and diving chronograph.

This design strategy demonstrates a practical fusion of lightweight and corrosion-resistant materials. The application of carbon fiber and titanium reduces the overall weight of the timepiece while ensuring structural integrity and ergonomic wear.

Dial and Aesthetic Features

The dial of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is finished in white with blue accents and features carbon-pattern subdials. The layout preserves the recognizable bi-compax chronograph configuration with a 45-minute counter and small seconds. Surrounding the dial are black markers, hands with luminous fill, and a subtle yet effective automotive visual language.

Carbon-pattern subdials reinforce the thematic connection to motorsports, while the domed dial offers enhanced legibility through a sapphire crystal. The color scheme—white and blue—echoes the livery of the VCARB Formula 1 team, further aligning the timepiece with the spirit of competitive racing.

Movement and Chronometric Precision

Powering the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” is the Tudor Manufacture Caliber MT5813, an automatic chronograph movement based on the Breitling B01 platform. This COSC-certified movement incorporates a column wheel mechanism and a vertical clutch, providing precision and reliability under high-performance conditions.

The MT5813 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), includes a non-magnetic silicon balance spring, and offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve. Tudor subjects each movement to an additional in-house certification process, ensuring accuracy within a -2 to +4 seconds per day range.

The technical dimensions of the movement are as follows:

• Diameter: 30.4mm
• Thickness: 7.23mm
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Jewels: 41
• Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, 45-minute chronograph, and date

Strap Design and Comfort

The Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” comes equipped with a hybrid leather-rubber strap featuring carbon fiber endlinks. This combination allows for flexibility, durability, and a sporty aesthetic aligned with the timepiece’s racing DNA. The strap is secured with a black PVD-coated clasp, enhancing the overall cohesive design.

The strap choice complements the lightweight nature of the watch and underscores its versatility across both racing and casual environments. Designed to wear comfortably even during extended use, the strap supports the dynamic, active lifestyle of its target audience.

Edition Size and Pricing

As a limited edition, only 2,025 pieces of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” will be produced, with each watch individually numbered. The retail price is set at $7,575 USD. This price positions the watch within the higher tier of Tudor’s product lineup, justified by the use of carbon materials, limited production, and collaborative branding.

Tudor’s Connection to Motorsport

Tudor has a long-standing association with motorsport. From the early Oysterdate Chronographs and Monte Carlo references to the more recent Fastrider and Black Bay Chronograph lines, Tudor has frequently drawn inspiration from automotive design and racing performance.

The partnership with VCARB serves as a continuation of this narrative. With Red Bull Racing’s junior team gaining increasing visibility, especially following notable driver changes such as the switch between Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, the timing of the Carbon 25’s release coincides with heightened interest in both the team and the sport.

The Formula 1 ecosystem and the luxury watch industry have maintained a symbiotic relationship for decades. Brands align with racing teams to showcase precision engineering, innovation, and brand synergy. Tudor’s participation reinforces its presence in this competitive and high-visibility arena.

Market Comparison and Positioning

The Carbon 25 occupies a niche segment in the mechanical chronograph market, particularly due to its carbon fiber case. Comparable offerings are relatively few at this price point. For example:

• Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono Cycling Edition: Priced at $5,600 USD, featuring similar movement and non-limited availability.
• Edox C-01 Carbon Chronograph: Uses a Sellita-based movement, has a larger 45mm case, and retails at approximately CHF 3,149.

In the broader luxury segment, carbon chronographs from Girard Perregaux, Zenith, Hublot, and Bell & Ross exist, but these generally exceed the $10,000 threshold. Thus, the Carbon 25 provides an entry point into the carbon chronograph category while maintaining the brand equity and manufacturing consistency associated with Tudor.

Conclusion

The Tudor Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” represents a focused evolution in the Black Bay collection, expanding its identity from a diving-heritage line into the high-speed world of motorsports. Through the use of advanced materials, a proven chronograph movement, and a distinctive aesthetic, the Carbon 25 delivers a cohesive product that bridges the demands of professional racing with everyday wearability.

Positioned as both a limited collectible and a practical chronograph, the Carbon 25 reflects Tudor’s strategic alignment with Formula 1 and underlines the brand’s commitment to innovation, performance, and lifestyle relevance.

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