Three years after its launch, Tudor has heard the calls of enthusiasts and finally dressed the Tudor Black Bay Pro in a dazzling white opal dial. The result? A perfect blend of arctic elegance and functional robustness.
Tudor finally listened to the watchmaking community and revamped its iconic Tudor Black Bay Pro with a white opal dial that takes its inspiration from the Explorer II “Polar.” And no — this is not a “cheaper copy,” but a more wearable, more accessible, and perhaps even more interesting interpretation of the GMT icon.
White dial, cold as Antarctica – hot as a Rolex waiting list
If you mixed the Rolex Explorer II Polar, a vintage soul, and a touch of sporty elegance, you would get just that: the new Tudor Black Bay Pro with white opaline dialThe model, which already stirred up controversy when it was launched in 2022 due to its similarity to the Explorer II, is now finally embracing its true "polar" identity.
But it's not just an aesthetic facelift. This watch has something that many enthusiasts are looking for: a 39 mm size, an in-house movement with a true GMT, and most importantly — affordable price, at least in the world of luxury steel sports watches.
GMT, which can do more than just show time in two zones
Tudor Black Bay Pro was, to be honest, considered the “people’s Explorer II” from the start. Smaller than a 42mm Rolex (which is a good thing for anyone with a wrist smaller than the Hulk’s), with almost identical technical features:
- Housing: 39 mm diameter and 14.6 mm thick — robust but not too heavy.
- Mechanism: MT5652, COSC-certified, with 70 hours of power reserve and functional GMT display (read: you can set the local time independently when you arrive in another time zone).
- Bezel: fixed 24-hour, satin-finished. No rotation, no complications.
- Water resistance: 200 meters. Yes, he can go snorkeling with you too.
And now – the dial. White. Shiny. Opal, as they call it at Tudor. The perfect backdrop for the black ceramic markers, yellow GMT hand and that legendary “Snowflake” hour and minute hand.
Straps that do more than just hold your watch on your wrist
Tudor is a master of detail — which is also evident in the selection of straps for the Tudor Black Bay Pro:
- Steel bracelet with micro adjustment (up to 8 mm without tools, which is worth its weight in gold in summer or when traveling).
- Hybrid rubber and fabric strap — for anyone who likes to get off the beaten path.
- Julien Faure fabric, with a black and yellow line — a homage to the GMT hand and a tribute to the French tradition of belt making.
And no, none of this is a “backup option.” Everything looks great, everything wears great.
Tudor vs. Rolex: A Duel Without Casualties
Let's put things into perspective.
Rolex Explorer II Polar (ref. 226570): 42 mm, €10,250 (if you can even get it).
Tudor Black Bay Pro Opaline Dial: €4,470 (on a steel bracelet), around €4,140 (on a fabric or hybrid strap).
Note: Prices are subject to change.
And yes, Tudor Black Bay Pro offers also an in-house mechanism, similar functionality, and actually more modern wearability. In between, it's not a golden crown, but a rose. And many consider this a plus.
Conclusion: Polar, not for the elite — but for all of us
New ones Tudor Black Bay Pro Opaline It's not just a tribute to the Explorer II. It's a statement. It's a watch that consciously stands on its own path – a little more adventurous, a little more accessible, but no less prestigious.
If you've been waiting for a "polar" GMT that doesn't require a mortgage, now you know where to find it. And the bonus? You won't have to wait two years to get it.
SPECIFICATIONS Tudor Black Bay Pro (for the nerdy soul in you)
- Model: Tudor Black Bay Pro Opaline Dial
- Reference: M79470-0004 (steel), M79470-0005 (fabric), M79470-0006 (hybrid)
- Dimensions: 39 mm × 14.6 mm × 20 mm between the ears
- Water resistance: 200 m
- Caliber: MT5652, GMT, COSC
- Reserve: 70 hours
- Bezel: Fixed, 24-hour, satin-finished
- Price in EUR: ~€4,470 (steel), ~€4,140 (fabric/hybrid)
Photo: Tudor
Available? Immediately. Limited? No.
Tudor wisely decided to make the white dial part of regular collectionsSo no — it's not a limited edition, it's not "you wait three years", it's not "we only sell to VIP customers".
In short: “"Polar" for everyoneAnd the world has become a little whiter, a little more accurate — and a lot more interesting.