When Tudor launched the Black Bay Pro in 2022, the watch world immediately drew comparisons to the iconic Rolex Explorer II “Polar” with its fixed 24-hour bezel and GMT functionality. The only thing missing was the crisp white dial that made the Explorer II reference 16570 such a cult favorite. Three years later, Tudor has finally completed the homage with a striking opaline dial that transforms the character of this robust tool watch, giving enthusiasts exactly what they’ve been asking for since day one.
The Explorer II’s Cooler Cousin Gets Even Cooler
The Black Bay Pro has always occupied a sweet spot in Tudor’s lineup. At 39mm, it’s more wearable than the 41mm Black Bay GMT, while its fixed steel bezel and GMT functionality give it a distinct tool watch personality that differentiates it from the vintage-inspired Black Bay Fifty-Eight. It’s the modern adventurer’s watch that can handle everything from mountain climbing to board meetings.
What makes the new opaline dial variant so compelling is how it amplifies the watch’s already considerable strengths. The bright white surface creates a stunning backdrop that enhances legibility, with the black-outlined ceramic hour markers and hands standing in sharp contrast. The yellow GMT hand pops even more dramatically against the white backdrop than it did against the original black dial, creating a three-color palette that’s both visually striking and eminently functional.
Same Beast, Different Beauty
Beneath the new face, the Black Bay Pro remains unchanged—and that’s a good thing. The 39mm stainless steel case maintains its perfect proportions, with a thickness of 14.6mm that gives it substantial wrist presence without becoming unwieldy. The fixed 24-hour bezel is still radially brushed for a subtle yet technical appearance, with engraved numerals filled in black.
The case architecture follows Tudor’s familiar Black Bay design language with its mixture of polished and satin-finished surfaces, 200 meters of water resistance, and the signature screw-down crown adorned with the Tudor rose.
Inside ticks the impressive Manufacture Calibre MT5652, Tudor’s in-house flyer GMT movement (a true GMT, at that) developed with Kenissi. This COSC-certified chronometer features a bidirectional rotor system, a silicon balance spring for antimagnetic protection, and a generous 70-hour power reserve.
Versatile Wearing Options
Tudor continues to offer the Black Bay Pro with three strap options. The riveted steel bracelet features Tudor’s excellent T-fit clasp with five positions of micro-adjustment, allowing up to 8mm of extension without tools—perfect for accommodating wrist swelling in changing temperatures or strapping over a wetsuit cuff.
Alternatively, you can opt for the hybrid strap combining black rubber with fabric for durability and comfort, or the distinctive Jacquard fabric strap in black with a yellow stripe that echoes the GMT hand. The fabric straps are manufactured by Julien Faure, a 150-year-old French company specializing in jacquard weaving, adding another layer of craftsmanship to an already impressive package.
A Polar for the People
What makes the white-dialed Black Bay Pro particularly noteworthy is how it democratizes the Explorer II “Polar” aesthetic at a significantly more accessible price point. While the Rolex Explorer II ref. 226570 retails for $10,250 (if you can find one at retail), the Tudor Black Bay Pro comes in at just $4,375 on the bracelet—less than half the price for a watch with the same core functionality, similar aesthetics, and a legitimate in-house movement.
This isn’t to suggest the Black Bay Pro is merely a budget alternative. It stands firmly on its own merits with its distinctive design elements like the signature “Snowflake” hands and ceramic markers. If anything, the Black Bay Pro’s smaller 39mm case size (versus the Explorer II’s 42mm) might actually make it more wearable for many enthusiasts, especially those who prefer the dimensions of vintage sport watches.
Spec Sheet
Model: Tudor Black Bay Pro with Opaline Dial (Ref. M79470-0004 on bracelet, M79470-0005 on fabric strap, M79470-0006 on hybrid strap)
Case Size: 39mm diameter × 14.6mm thickness × 20mm lug width
Case Material: Stainless steel with polished and satin finish
Water Resistance: 200 meters
Movement: Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5652 (COSC-certified)
Power Reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Frequency: 4Hz (28,800 vph)
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, independent 24-hour GMT hand, date at 3 o’clock coupled to local time
Bezel: Fixed 24-hour graduated bezel in satin-brushed steel
Dial: Domed opaline with applied ceramic hour markers outlined in black
Crystal: Domed sapphire
Bracelet/Strap: Riveted steel bracelet with T-fit micro-adjustment clasp; black Jacquard fabric strap with yellow stripe; or hybrid black rubber and fabric strap
Pricing & Availability
The Tudor Black Bay Pro with opaline dial is available immediately through Tudor boutiques and authorized dealers. It’s priced at $4,375 on the steel bracelet (Ref. M79470-0004) and $4,050 on either the fabric strap (Ref. M79470-0005) or hybrid rubber and fabric strap (Ref. M79470-0006). Unlike many Tudor limited editions, this is a standard production model joining the permanent collection alongside the original black dial version.
Recap
Tudor Black Bay Pro with Opaline Dial
Tudor completes the Explorer II homage with a striking white opaline dial option for its 39mm Black Bay Pro, featuring a fixed 24-hour bezel, true GMT functionality with the Manufacture Calibre MT5652, and a bold contrast between the black-outlined markers and hands against the crisp white background.
