Only Watch 2017 Tudor Black Bay Bronze One

2017 Only Watch Charity Auction

The world of haute horology will convene in Geneva, Switzerland this November for Only Watch 2017. A biennial charity event, Only Watch takes place under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. The occasion sees the best watch manufactures on the planet present astonishing one-off pieces for an auction that raises money for research into a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Only Watch is one of the most anticipated events

This edition will be Tudor’s second time participating and following the watchmaker’s great success in 2015 where their Black Bay One sold for over $380,000, we’re excited to see how they perform during Only Watch 2017.

Only Watch 2017 Tudor Black Bay Bronze One

With the Black Bay Bronze One (Ref. 7925/001), Tudor has crafted a unique version of their signature model for this iteration of Only Watch. Paying tribute the brand’s heritage of equipping the world’s largest navies, the Only Watch 2017 Tudor timepiece encapsulates the military look with a khaki green and bronze color combination.

Sized at 43 mm in diameter, the watch features a satin-finished bronze case that’s made up of an aluminum bronze alloy famed for use in naval engineering. Part of the reason that this material was selected for the Black Bay Bronze One is that it changes with time. As a result, the Tudor watch will eventually darken to exhibit a rich patina.

Matching the case material is a unidirectional rotating graduated bezel in bronze with a khaki green anodized aluminum disc. Also, this being a diver’s watch, the bezel includes a 60-minute scale. Unique to this model is a screw-down winding crown also in bronze that sits at 9 o’clock instead of the more traditional 3 o’clock position. Subsequently, this makes the Only Watch 2017 Tudor piece an ideal instrument for left-handed watch enthusiasts!

Furthermore, complementing the bezel’s matt khaki disc is a khaki green dial. Characteristic of the collection, the dial includes a combination of round hour markers and Arabic numerals at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. Additionally, Tudor’s iconic snowflake hands sit front and center on the dial. For optimal legibility in low light, such as diving, the dial includes plenty of lume. In harmony with the Black Bay Bronze One’s overall design, the watch face’s minute track and lettering are bronze-finished.

Tudor Manufacture Caliber MT5601-LHD

Powered by the Manufacture Caliber MT5601-LHD, the Only Watch 2017 Tudor Black Bay Bronze One offers the wearer a self-winding mechanical movement with a bi-directional rotor system. Given that Tudor has been pushing their watchmaking prowess lately, it’s not surprising they use an -in-house movement. An official chronometer, the watch includes a variable inertia balance, a micro-adjustment screw, and a magnet-resistant silicon balance spring. Vibrating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (or 4Hz), this Tudor exhibits hour, minute, and seconds hand functionality. There’s also the practical stop seconds capability for more accurate time setting. Providing a generous power reserve of 70 hours, the Black Bay Bronze One can take a weekend break without stopping.

In keeping with the homage to the military, the Black Bay Bronze One is paired with a khaki green fabric strap. The strap is particularly attractive sporting a central beige line detail. Plus, to match the rest of the watch, the strap includes a bronze buckle. Tudor has also thrown in an extra aged brown leather strap with a bronze buckle to the lucky buyer of this watch. As an added bonus, the future owner of the Black Bay Bronze One will be invited to Tudor’s Geneva headquarters — travel expenses included. Those familiar with Rolex and Tudor know this is a once in a lifetime tour. Since they are ultra-secretive, the Swiss watchmaking giant does not traditionally allow outside visits.

How Much Will The Only Watch 2017 Tudor Sell For?

Pre-sale estimates for this Tudor unique piece range from $4,600 to $5,700. However, chances are the Only Watch 2017 Tudor Black Bay Bronze One will perform much, much better. Remember, this is a unique Tudor timepiece that not only boasts a new color but also an unusual crown placement. Will it beat their last showing at Only Watch? We certainly think so. Especially since a factory tour sweetens the deal.

Tune in to the event on 11th November to find out exactly how well this naval-inspired timepiece does at Only Watch 2017. Also, check-in with us next week to see which other Only Watch 2017 unique piece we highlight.