Jay Chou's PHANTACi brand and streetwear icon UNDEFEATED have teamed up with Tudor to create the "World Time Machine." It's the most exclusive Black Bay GMT ever, but it has one major flaw for us mere mortals: it's not for sale. So let's take a look - Tudor x PHANTACi x Undefeated.
Let’s be brutally honest: in the world of luxury watches, we’re used to the word “limited.” Usually, it means that Switzerland painted the dial green, produced 5,000 pieces, and bumped up the price by 20 percent. It’s a marketing ploy we know and – hand in hand – tolerate because we like to wear beautiful things. This time, they’ve cooked it up for us – Tudor x PHANTACi x Undefeated
But what the new collaboration between Tudor, PHANTACi and Undefeated has brought is something completely different. It is the definition of “unobtainium” – a material that you can’t get.
They just unveiled the Black Bay GMT “Friends & Family.” It’s the first triple collaboration in the history of the conservative Swiss brand. And if you’re currently reaching for your credit card, stop. It won’t help you. Unless you’re on speed dial with Jay Chou or the founders of Undefeated, you’ll never wear this watch.
The Holy Grail of Street Fashion Meets Swiss Steel
Why is this collaboration so important? Because it brings together three giants in a way rarely seen in watchmaking.
- Tudor: The younger, bolder brother of Rolex, which dares to take risks where the "crown" dares not.
- PHANTACs: Taiwanese fashion brand from superstar Jay Chou, celebrating its 19th anniversary and literally dictating trends in Asia.
- Undefeated: A Los Angeles institution that defined the street culture of the West Coast of the USA with its sneakers.
When these three sit at the same table, the result is not just a watch. It's a status symbol that screams, "I know the right people."
What's actually new? (Hint: the devil is in the details)
At first glance, a layman would say: “Well, this is just an ordinary Pepsi GMT!” And technically he would be almost right. The basis is the tried and tested Black Bay GMT with a 41mm steel case and that recognizable burgundy-blue bezel.
But collectors and lovers of detail see further:
- Dial: Instead of the standard text at 6 o'clock, there are now the PHANTACI and UNDEFEATED logos in gold print. Below them are Chinese characters that mean "World Time Machine." This is the detail that will make collectors lose sleep over it.
- Background: The back of the case isn't boringly blank. They've laser-engraved an "atomic" pattern with the logos of all three brands and - worst of all for your ego - a sequential number from 1 to 99.
Tudor x PHANTACi x Undefeated
Technology: no surprises, only reliability
Under the hood ticks the in-house caliber MT5652. For those of you who aren’t interested in mechanics: this is the “tractor” among mechanisms. It has a 70-hour power reserve (the watch will work even if you leave it on your nightstand for the weekend) and is a certified chronometer (COSC). It is a true GMT, which means it is ideal for traveling between time zones – if you were to even dare to fly with such a rare watch.
Why is this a “cruel” move?
Exactly 99 pieces were made. In a world where “limited editions” are often measured in the thousands, 99 is a number that signifies absolute exclusivity. These watches were not for sale. They were distributed to a small circle of people around the participating brands.
This is a move that takes Tudor to a new level of “hype.” By creating something you can’t buy, they’ve created a desire that’s stronger than any advertising campaign.
Dreams remain dreams.
If you were hoping to start 2025 with this watch on your wrist, I have some bad news for you. Your only option is the secondary market (read: auctions), where the price will likely reach the stratosphere.
For us mere mortals, it remains “ordinary” Black Bay GMT. Which, honestly, is still a fantastic watch. It just doesn't have those Chinese characters. And maybe it's even better that way – at least you won't have to worry about scratching it on a doorknob.
