Tudor Black Bay S&G: owner reviews and feedback

The Tudor Black Bay S&G, launched in 2017, is the first steel-and-yellow-gold version of the Black Bay family and one of the first references in this collection to incorporate a date display. Presented at Baselworld, it transfers Tudor’s neo-vintage dive-watch codes into a dressier configuration without abandoning its functional characteristics: 41 mm case, unidirectional rotating bezel, screw-down crown, domed sapphire crystal and stated water resistance of 200 metres. The initials S&G mean “Steel & Gold”. The model therefore combines a stainless-steel case with elements covered in or made from yellow gold depending on their location, notably the bezel, crown and centre links of the bracelet.

The original black dial was joined in 2018 by a champagne version that considerably strengthens the two-tone character. All versions use Tudor manufacture calibre MT5612, an automatic movement certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute, equipped with a silicon hairspring, quick-set date and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

Design & legibility: Black Bay spirit with a dressier presence

The Black Bay S&G immediately retains the graphic elements that have established the identity of the collection since 2012. The large Snowflake hands recall Tudor dive watches from the 1960s and 1970s, while round markers together with a triangle at 12 o’clock and rectangular markers at 3, 6 and 9 provide highly direct reading. The principal difference lies in the treatment of colour. On the black dial, the surrounds of the markers, hands, inscriptions and bezel graduations adopt gold tones that considerably warm the overall appearance. The champagne model goes even further by using a light golden surface with strongly contrasting dark elements. The combination of the domed dial, Snowflake hands and gold details allows the S&G to retain the identity of a Black Bay while appearing significantly dressier. The date aperture is positioned at 3 o’clock and replaces the marker usually found there on no-date Black Bay models. It remains large enough for fast everyday reading without requiring a magnifying lens. The hands and hour markers are coated with luminous material that maintains good readability as light levels fall. The black anodised-aluminium bezel retains a 60-minute dive scale with gold-coloured markings.

Case, gold and bracelet: a more technical two-tone construction than it appears

The stainless-steel case measures 41 mm in diameter, approximately 14.75 mm thick and has a 22 mm lug width. As on Black Bay watches fitted with the first generation of manufacture movements, the case is comparatively thick and has relatively vertical sides. Surfaces alternate between brushed and polished finishing, while the domed sapphire crystal visually recalls the acrylic crystals used on older dive watches. The S&G construction deserves explanation because this is not simply a watch made entirely from steel and solid-gold components. Tudor uses different yellow-gold covering techniques to create the two-tone appearance while controlling the weight and price of the watch. On documented contemporary references, the bezel is steel covered by a 0.3 mm layer of yellow gold and the crown uses a comparable construction. On the bracelet, the first centre links close to the case can be made from solid yellow gold, while the remaining links receive gold covering over a steel base. The bracelet retains vintage-inspired side rivets. Alternatives in aged leather or brown fabric considerably reduce the amount of visible gold and give the watch a more casual appearance.

Movement: manufacture calibre MT5612, date and 70 hours of autonomy

Calibre MT5612 represents an important stage in the evolution of the Black Bay because it allows Tudor to add a date while retaining the characteristics of its manufacture movements introduced from 2015 onwards. This automatic movement operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, or 4 Hz, uses 26 jewels and has a rotor providing bidirectional winding. Its variable-inertia balance is held by a traversing bridge and combined with a silicon hairspring, a material particularly useful for resistance to magnetic fields encountered in everyday environments. The approximately 70-hour power reserve allows the Black Bay S&G to be removed on Friday evening and normally still be running on Monday morning. The movement is certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute and features stop-seconds for precise time setting. The date change is instantaneous and the quick correction allows the calendar to be adjusted without advancing the hands through twenty-four hours. The movement is not visible: Tudor retains a solid screw-down caseback, consistent with the dive-watch purpose of the model. For servicing, exact intervals depend on use, observed accuracy and seal condition, while regular water-resistance testing remains advisable for a watch used in water.

Chronological milestones and main models (2017–2025)

(2017) Tudor Black Bay S&G Black Leather:

The first Black Bay S&G appeared at Baselworld 2017 and could be selected on an aged brown leather strap that deliberately softened the precious character of the two-tone design. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0001 has a 41 mm stainless-steel case, black unidirectional rotating bezel with yellow-gold elements, screw-down crown and domed sapphire crystal. Its matte black dial uses Snowflake hands and gold-surrounded markers together with a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Stated water resistance reaches 200 metres. Automatic manufacture calibre MT5612 operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour, uses a silicon hairspring, benefits from chronometer certification and provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve. The aged brown leather significantly changes the personality of the watch: the case retains its golden accents but the absence of gold-coloured centre links makes the overall appearance more understated than the metal-bracelet version. A folding clasp with safety catch secures the watch to the wrist.

(2017) Tudor Black Bay S&G Black Bracelet:

The metal configuration is the version that most clearly expresses the Steel & Gold concept. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0002 retains the 41 mm steel case and 200 metres of water resistance but pairs it with a riveted bracelet combining steel and yellow-gold-coloured elements. The centre links visually continue the gold crown and bezel and give the watch a considerably more luxurious appearance than an entirely steel Black Bay. The dial remains matte black, with gold Snowflake hands and hour markers, matching peripheral minute track and a date at 3 o’clock. The unidirectional rotating bezel uses a black anodised-aluminium insert with a 60-minute scale. The sapphire crystal is domed and the caseback is screwed down. Inside, the chronometer-certified MT5612 provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve. This early bracelet reference was also supplied with an additional fabric strap in certain markets, allowing the owner to move quickly from a strongly two-tone presentation to a more sporting configuration.

(2018) Tudor Black Bay S&G Champagne Leather:

The arrival of the champagne dial in 2018 radically changes the perception of the model. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0003 retains the 41 mm diameter, domed sapphire crystal, black unidirectional bezel, 200 metres of water resistance and calibre MT5612 but replaces the black surface with a domed champagne dial that immediately strengthens the two-tone effect. Snowflake hands and hour markers use darker outlines to preserve legibility despite their colour proximity to the dial. The date aperture remains at 3 o’clock. The aged brown leather strap complements the watch with a warmer approach than the leather paired with the black dial and maintains a degree of restraint by avoiding an entirely steel-and-gold bracelet. The automatic chronometer-certified movement runs at 4 Hz and provides approximately 70 hours of autonomy. This combination can suit someone who wants the champagne colour without adopting the full visual presence of a steel-and-gold bracelet.

(2018) Tudor Black Bay S&G Champagne Bracelet:

The champagne dial paired with the metal bracelet represents the most demonstrative version of the Black Bay S&G. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0004 uses the same 41 mm steel case, 200 metres of water resistance and domed sapphire crystal but combines the champagne dial surface with gold-coloured centre links on the riveted bracelet. The black bezel then plays an essential role by creating visual separation between the light dial and the two-tone case. Snowflake hands and applied markers retain enough contrast for immediate reading, while their luminous material facilitates night-time use. Manufacture calibre MT5612 adds the instantaneous date at 3 o’clock, operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour and provides approximately 70 hours of power reserve. With the complete bracelet, the watch becomes heavier and more present than on leather or fabric. This execution is particularly suited to someone seeking an openly two-tone dive watch rather than a simple Black Bay decorated with a few gold accents.

(2021) Tudor Black Bay S&G Black Fabric:

The fabric configuration allows the technical qualities of the Black Bay S&G to be used while considerably reducing its precious appearance. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0005 combines the domed black dial and 41 mm case with a brown fabric strap. The black unidirectional bezel remains bordered by yellow gold and uses a 60-minute scale, while the screw-down crown retains the engraved Tudor rose. The contrast between fabric and gold elements creates a watch considerably more casual than the bracelet version. The domed sapphire crystal protects the dial and stated water resistance remains 200 metres. The chronometer-certified automatic MT5612 provides 70 hours of power reserve and an instantaneous date change. Fabric also reduces the perceived weight on the wrist and is particularly suitable in warmer periods. For regular aquatic use, it dries more quickly than leather, although a synthetic or rubber strap would remain even more practical for repeated immersion.

(2021) Tudor Black Bay S&G Champagne Fabric:

The champagne-dial fabric version is one of the most original configurations in the range because it contrasts a distinctly dressy dial with a deliberately utilitarian strap. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0006 still uses a 41 mm stainless-steel case, domed sapphire crystal, black unidirectional bezel with yellow-gold covering and stated water resistance of 200 metres. The champagne dial receives Snowflake hands, luminous hour markers and a date aperture at 3 o’clock. The brown textile strap softens the precious character and reduces weight, potentially making this version easier to wear for a long day than the steel-and-gold bracelet configuration. The MT5612 retains its chronometer certification, 4 Hz frequency, silicon hairspring and 70 hours of power reserve. This combination illustrates the dual nature of the Black Bay S&G: it retains the architecture of a functional dive watch but can change personality radically simply through dial and strap choices.

(2021) Tudor Black Bay S&G Black Aged Leather:

The modern aged-leather reference revisits the spirit of the launch configuration with updated nomenclature. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0007 combines a domed black dial with an aged brown leather strap closed by a folding clasp and safety catch. The case remains 41 mm steel with polished and satin finishing, the bezel rotates in one direction and uses a matte black anodised-aluminium disc graduated over 60 minutes. In recent documentation, Tudor specifies that the bezel and crown covering uses a layer of yellow gold over a steel structure. The crystal is domed sapphire and water resistance remains 200 metres. Manufacture calibre MT5612 provides hours, minutes, seconds and date with approximately 70 hours of autonomy. This configuration is particularly balanced for someone who appreciates two-tone styling but does not want the gold-coloured centre links of the metal bracelet. Leather does, however, reduce the appeal of regularly wearing the watch in water.

(2021) Tudor Black Bay S&G Black Steel & Gold Bracelet:

The bracelet reference encountered on later production retains the two-tone aesthetic introduced in 2017. The Tudor Black Bay S&G M79733N-0008 uses a riveted bracelet with steel outer links and centre links combining steel and yellow-gold covering. Tudor notably states that the first centre links close to the case are made from solid yellow gold, while subsequent links use steel construction covered by a layer of gold. The 41 mm case retains its polished and satin surfaces, domed sapphire crystal and 200 metres of water resistance. The matte black dial is complemented by Snowflake hands, gold-coloured hour markers and a date at 3 o’clock. The rotating black bezel provides enough sporting contrast to prevent the watch from becoming exclusively dress-oriented. The MT5612 remains unchanged with chronometer certification, silicon hairspring, a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour and approximately 70 hours of power reserve.

Choosing the right version: dial, bracelet, dimensions and use

The first choice concerns the dial. Black is the most versatile and retains an obvious visual relationship with other Black Bay dive watches. It also allows the gold elements to stand out without completely dominating the watch. Champagne embraces the two-tone character much more strongly and creates a dressier impression. The black dial is generally the easiest choice for varied everyday use, while champagne is better suited to someone specifically looking for a sports watch with a strong golden presence.

The bracelet transforms the model even more dramatically than the dial. The steel-and-gold version gives full meaning to the S&G designation and creates the most luxurious presence, but it is also the heaviest and most visible. Aged leather considerably softens the two-tone effect and works particularly well in a sport-chic context. Fabric is the lightest and most casual of the original configurations. It is also better suited to heat than leather, although users who swim frequently may prefer a compatible synthetic strap.

The 41 mm diameter tells only part of the ergonomic story. At approximately 14.75 mm thick and close to 50 mm from lug tip to lug tip on measured first-generation examples, the Black Bay S&G has a genuine physical presence. Its comparatively vertical case sides reinforce this impression. Trying the watch on is recommended for wrists below approximately 17 cm or for anyone who normally prefers thin watches. The domed sapphire adds part of the overall height but also contributes strongly to the neo-vintage character.

For aquatic use, the construction remains that of a genuine Black Bay dive watch: unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown and 200 metres of water resistance. The metal bracelet is therefore particularly coherent for sea and swimming-pool use, while leather should ideally be protected from repeated immersion. The presence of gold does not reduce the functional capabilities of the watch as long as its water resistance is correctly maintained. As with any mechanical watch, seal testing is nevertheless advisable when use in water becomes frequent.

Finally, the MT5612 remains an important advantage for an owner rotating several watches. Its 70-hour reserve allows the Black Bay to be left aside for around two days without automatically requiring the time and date to be reset. The calendar is also useful in everyday life but clearly distinguishes this S&G from historical no-date Black Bay models. The model is particularly suitable for someone wanting to combine vintage dive-watch aesthetics, a practical date and a touch of two-tone styling in a single watch. On the pre-owned market, the condition of the gold covering, presence of all bracelet links and servicing history should be checked carefully. Other customers’ opinions are essential.

Conclusion

The Tudor Black Bay S&G is aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate the historical codes of the Black Bay but want a warmer and dressier presence than an entirely steel dive watch. Its 41 mm case, black bezel, Snowflake hands and 200 metres of water resistance retain the functional foundations of the collection, while yellow gold and the date give it a specific personality. The black dial prioritises versatility, whereas champagne more openly embraces the two-tone aesthetic, and the choice between metal bracelet, leather or fabric dramatically changes how the watch is perceived and worn. Calibre MT5612 provides chronometer certification and a power reserve long enough for a weekend rotation. Its thickness and substantial wrist presence nevertheless deserve a trial before purchase.

To compare these characteristics with real owner experiences of comfort, accuracy, finishing and enjoyment, Dialicious customer reviews provide a particularly useful complement.

(Updated August 2026)