Hold onto your hats, watch enthusiasts! Tudor has just dropped a collaboration that's making waves in the horology world. This isn't just any partnership; it's a three-way collaboration, a first for the brand, teaming up with Phantaci and Undefeated on a special edition of the Black Bay GMT.
This marks a significant event, as Tudor, unlike its sibling Rolex, doesn't often share the spotlight. But this holiday season, they're feeling generous, and the result is a limited edition timepiece that's already got collectors buzzing.
But here's where it gets controversial... you can't actually buy one. That's right, this exclusive piece is strictly for the 'friends and family' of the collaborating brands.
So, what makes this watch so special? Like the 2023 Black Bay 58 collab with Rowing Blazers, the changes are subtle yet impactful. The standard model gets a makeover with custom dial text at 6:00 and an engraved caseback. These small adjustments completely change the watch's character, making it highly sought-after.
The dial proudly displays the names of Tudor's partners: Phantaci, the fashion label co-founded by Jay Chou, a global ambassador for Tudor, and Undefeated, the LA-based streetwear brand and rare sneaker retailer. Each brand's name is elegantly written in gold, standing out against the monochrome dial. Below, you'll find Chinese characters that translate to "World Time Machine" – a fitting nod to the GMT function.
And this is the part most people miss... the caseback, typically left blank by Tudor (similar to Rolex), gets a unique laser engraving. This design features a pattern resembling an atom, with the Tudor, Undefeated, and Phantaci logos at its core. The limited edition number out of 99 is also featured in the center.
Everything else about the GMT remains the same, including the 41mm stainless steel case, rivet-style bracelet, 200m water resistance, and the Tudor Manufacture Calibre MT5652 automatic “flyer” GMT movement.
Pricing and Availability: Given the rarity of these collaborations, especially from brands like Rolex and Tudor, these watches often become collector's items. The Phantaci x Undefeated x Tudor Black Bay GMT is limited to only 99 pieces, making it one of the rarest Tudor watches ever. Unfortunately, it's not available to the public and is reserved for the 'friends and family' of the brands involved, so there's no retail price.
What do you think? Are these exclusive collaborations a smart move, or do they leave watch enthusiasts feeling left out? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
