The Tudor Black Bay GMT: Understanding the MT5652 Date Issue and How to Check For It
The Tudor Black Bay GMT is, without a doubt, a modern classic. When it was released in 2018, it sent shockwaves through the watch community. Offering a "true" GMT complication with an in-house movement and the iconic "Pepsi" bezel, it presented a value proposition that was simply impossible to ignore. It remains one of the most sought-after pieces in Tudor's entire catalogue.
However, early adopters and prospective buyers of pre-owned models will likely have heard whispers of a specific technical gremlin: the MT5652 date issue. While this has been largely rectified in newer production models, it’s a crucial point of knowledge for any enthusiast. Here’s what you need to know and how to check for it yourself.
A Modern Tool Watch Icon
First, let's appreciate why this watch is so special. The Black Bay GMT captures the spirit of vintage tool watches while being a thoroughly modern timepiece. Its 41mm stainless steel case has a commanding presence, and the blue and burgundy anodized aluminum bezel is a handsome nod to its famous Swiss relatives.
The star of the show is the in-house calibre MT5652. This COSC-certified chronometer movement boasts a 70-hour power reserve and, most importantly, a "flyer" or "true" GMT function. This means the local hour hand can be adjusted independently in one-hour jumps, forwards or backward, without stopping the watch—the gold standard for frequent travellers.
The Notorious Date Wheel Issue Explained
The issue that plagued some of the early MT5652 movements (primarily from 2018-2019) was a problem with the date change mechanism. Owners reported that the date would get stuck, fail to advance, or jump by more than one day. It was an unfortunate teething problem for an otherwise stellar new movement.
The consensus is that the issue stemmed from a lubrication or component tolerance problem within the complex date-change system. The good news is that Tudor quickly acknowledged the problem and has since implemented a permanent fix. Any watch serviced by Tudor for this issue, or any model produced more recently, should be free of the problem.
How to Perform a "Stress Check" on Your MT5652
If you are considering a pre-owned Black Bay GMT or want to check your own, you can perform a simple "stress test" to see if the movement is functioning correctly. This process rapidly cycles the date mechanism, which can reveal any underlying stickiness.
Here is the step-by-step guide:
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Unscrew the crown and pull it out to the second position. This is the position that allows you to independently adjust the main hour hand.
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Begin turning the crown to advance the hour hand forward. As you cycle past midnight twice (a full 24 hours), the date should click over crisply to the next day.
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Continue advancing the hour hand rapidly. The goal is to cycle through an entire month’s worth of dates (e.g., from the 1st to the 31st). Watch the date window carefully with each "click." A healthy movement will change the date decisively every single time.
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Now, reverse the process. Turn the crown in the opposite direction to move the hour hand backward. The date should also jump backward cleanly each time you pass midnight. Cycle back through a full month.
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The Natural Run Test - Pull the crown all the way out to Position 3 (time setting mode) to stop the seconds hand. Set the time to exactly 11:45 PM. Push the crown all the way back in and screw it down. Let the watch run naturally.
If the date advances and retreats perfectly through this entire 31-day cycle, your movement is very likely operating as it should. If you notice any hesitation, stickiness, or failure to change, the watch may need a service.
A Flawless Piece for the Informed Collector
The Tudor Black Bay GMT is a phenomenal watch that rightfully deserves its place as a titan in the sub-P180,000 category. The early date issue, while a valid concern, should not deter a potential owner. It's a known, fixable problem that is largely a ghost of the past for newer models.
By understanding the issue and knowing how to perform this simple check, you can purchase with confidence. A well-sorted Black Bay GMT is a reliable and handsome travel companion that will provide years of enjoyment, representing one of the best buys in modern horology.