Tudor Black Bay GMT Pepsi watch— Ref. M79830RB-0012 is an outstanding product that showcases the pinnacle of Tudor's craftsmanship. Since its launch in 2018, the Tudor Black Bay GMT has emerged as one of the brand's most popular models, setting a benchmark with its unique design and functionality. The watch features a striking burgundy-and-blue "Pepsi" bezel, a visual hallmark that draws favorable comparisons to the renowned Rolex GMT-Master II, while coming in at a more accessible price point.
Its original iteration with a black dial, along with the steel-and-gold variant, solidified the connection to Rolex, highlighting both strength and limitation. However, the newly introduced opaline dial reference, showcased at Watches & Wonders 2023, establishes a distinctive identity for the Black Bay GMT. This model's opaline dial is achieved via a galvanic process that yields a refined matte white-grey finish, which possesses a hint of pearlescence— a mesmerizing change of character under varying lighting conditions.
The watch is not just about aesthetics; functionality is key. The SuperLumiNova-filled hands and applied hour markers have been intentionally darkened to enhance visibility against the lighter dial, resulting in an elegant, almost dressy quality. Many enthusiasts have considered its resemblance to the limited-edition Rolex GMT-Master "Pan Am" ref. 6542 with its white dial as a nod of approval although Tudor hasn't confirmed this link. The interplay of the vibrant bezel against this new dial offers an invigorating contrast, while the red snowflake GMT hand ensures instant readability, further transforming its character.
This reference also distinguishes itself from the Black Bay Pro by utilizing the same Cal. MT5652 movement yet features a fixed 24-hour steel bezel. The -0012, paired with a fabric strap, represents one of the most accessible introductions to Tudor's GMT collection.
Key Details
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Reference: M79830RB-0012
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Case: 41mm stainless steel, polished and satin finish
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Bezel: Bidirectional rotating, 48 notches, steel with anodized aluminum insert in matte burgundy and blue, 24-hour graduation
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Dial: Domed opaline (galvanic matte white-grey finish), darkened luminous snowflake hands and applied indices, date at 3 o'clock
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Crystal: Domed sapphire
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Caseback: Solid steel
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Movement: Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5652 (COSC), self-winding, bidirectional rotor, silicon balance spring
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Power Reserve: ~70 hours
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Water Resistance: 200m / 660 ft
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Strap: Black fabric with burgundy band, steel buckle (also available on riveted steel bracelet)
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Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT (independently adjustable hour hand, tracks 3 time zones)