Tudor Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26: F1-Inspired Limited Edition for the 2026 Season
Tudor Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26: F1-Inspired Chronograph for the New Season
Tudor continues its Formula 1 partnership with the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls team by launching the Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26, a lightweight chronograph inspired by the team's 2026 car livery. Revealed on April 30, 2026, this limited edition of 2,026 pieces updates last year's popular Carbon 25 with a fresh white-and-yellow colour scheme matching the VCARB 03 racing car.
Carbon Fibre and Titanium Construction
The Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26 features a 42mm case constructed from a combination of carbon fibre and titanium. Carbon is used for the middle case, end-links, and the one-piece fixed bezel with tachymetric markings, while titanium handles the crown, pushers, and caseback — all coated in black PVD. Despite its imposing size, the watch remains remarkably light on the wrist. Screw-down pushers and 200m water resistance ensure robust performance.
The layered dial construction alternates brass discs and carbon fibre sheets, creating a racing-inspired aesthetic. The white base is paired with carbon fibre circular sub-dials and a carbon-framed date window. Yellow accents on the minute track, sub-dials, and date disc replace last year's blue accents, aligning the watch with the team's 2026 livery. Classic Tudor snowflake hands and applied markers, outlined in black, provide contrast and legibility.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 42mm x 14.3mm, carbon fibre and titanium |
| Dial | Racing white with carbon fibre sub-dials |
| Movement | Calibre MT5813 (Breitling B01 base) |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Water Resistance | 200m |
| Strap | Hybrid leather-rubber with tyre pattern |
| Reference | M79377KN-0003 |
| Limited Edition | 2,026 pieces |
The calibre MT5813, based on the Breitling B01 architecture, is a COSC-certified automatic chronograph with column wheel, operating at 4Hz with a 70-hour power reserve. Tudor applies a -2/+4 seconds accuracy standard on the assembled watch.
Pricing and Availability
The Tudor Black Bay Chrono Carbon 26 is priced at EUR 7,980 / CHF 7,050 and is limited to 2,026 pieces worldwide. It comes on a hybrid leather-rubber strap with a rubber tyre pattern and PVD-coated pin buckle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What changed from the Carbon 25 to the Carbon 26?
The primary change is the colour scheme: yellow accents replace last year's blue, matching the 2026 VCARB 03 car livery. The case construction, movement, and specifications remain identical.
Is the movement still Breitling-derived?
Yes, the MT5813 is based on the Breitling B01 architecture. Tudor has not yet introduced a Kenissi-manufactured chronograph movement for this model.
How does the carbon case compare to steel?
Carbon fibre is significantly lighter than steel while offering excellent rigidity and scratch resistance. The titanium components add strength at critical stress points like the crown and pushers.
According to Monochrome Watches, the Carbon 26 maintains what was great about last year's model — the lightweight construction, bold aesthetics, and solid movement — while updating the livery for the new F1 season. Visit tudorwatch.com for more information.
Related reading: The Complete History of the Tudor Black Bay Chronograph
