Is 2025 the Year Tudor Refreshes the Black Bay 58?
Last year, I made predictions about Tudor’s plans for the Black Bay 58. I was confident we’d see a refresh with a T-fit clasp and Master Chronometer certification in 2024, but as you may know, that didn’t happen. Don’t get me wrong, this is a great watch as it is, but I stand by my statement: the Black Bay 58 is itching for a refresh. Now, with 2025 upon us, and Watches and Wonders approaching, I’m more convinced than ever that big changes are coming. Let’s discuss what those changes might look like and why the timing feels right.
Why the BB58 Is (Still) Awesome, Yet Overdue
Image Source: Tudor
It’s hard to fault the Black Bay 58. Since its 2018 debut, it’s been a go-to recommendation for anyone shopping in that $3k-$5k range. It’s slim, vintage-flavored, and versatile enough to go anywhere. I often call it a near-perfect watch. However, there’s one key omission in the steel model: tool-free microadjust. In 2025, a microadjustable clasp is practically table stakes for any dive watch at (and a bit below) this price range.
Image Source: Hodinkee
In my earlier article, “Why Does the Black Bay 58 Still Not Have T-Fit?”, I explained how the T-fit clasp evolved and why we haven’t seen it on the standard steel BB58 yet. Sure, a couple of gold and bronze versions do have T-Fit, but the everyday steel references? Still no love. Given that T-Fit is showing up across the Tudor catalog—from the 2022 Ranger to the 2025 Black Bay Chrono 'Flamingo Blue'—I’d be surprised if Tudor holds off another year on bringing it to the flagship 58.
Master Chronometer or Bust
Image Source: Tudor
The other big “missing” upgrade is METAS certification. By now, Tudor has been pretty transparent about its goal to make the entire Black Bay lineup Master Chronometer-compliant at some point. The brand has introduced METAS in several references—including the Black Bay 58 GMT, Black Bay 54, and 41mm Black Bay—so it’s certainly not a stretch to assume the beloved 58 is on deck next. Frankly, it would be odd not to give the crown jewel of the Black Bay series the Master Chronometer treatment.
If you’d like a deeper dive on why METAS is such a game-changer, check out my article, “Why METAS Is Changing the Mass-Produced Luxury Watch Industry.”
What Else Might Change?
Image Source: Tudor
If you’ve followed Rolex and Tudor for a while, you know they prefer evolution, not revolution. The odds of Tudor overhauling the BB58’s look are pretty slim (pun intended). Yes, we might see the case go a hair thinner—especially if they manage to slot the newer METAS-certified caliber in without adding height—but I wouldn’t expect dramatic changes to the dial, bezel, or overall aesthetic.
I do expect more bracelet and strap choices, though. The Black Bay Monochrome introduced last year can be had on a riveted three-link, a five-link, or a rubber strap with steel endlinks. That trio of options might carry over to the new Black Bay 58. And let’s be honest: the five-link bracelet would be a killer pairing for a modern, Master Chronometer-certified BB58.
Why 2025?
Honestly, I can’t say for certain. It’s felt plausible for at least a couple of years that Tudor might update the BB58, and yet here we are. Tudor tends to work on a timeline closer to Rolex than most other brands, and they could easily wait another year on this. Still, given all the recent upgrades across the brand, 2025 feels like as good a time as any.
Bottom Line
Curved End Rubber Strap For Tudor Black Bay 58
At this point, I’m hopeful that 2025 will be the year we see a T-fit-equipped, Master Chronometer Black Bay 58. It might happen; it might not. Tudor’s deliberate pace with these kinds of overhauls means each one is a big deal, and if (or when) the BB58 does get its refresh, I expect it to remain every bit the modern classic we’ve come to love—just with all the handy upgrades we’ve been waiting for.
Header Image Source: Analog:Shift
Leave a comment