The 1970s Racing Chronograph, Rebuilt
In the early 1970s, Tudor produced a series of chronographs (Refs. 7031, 7032, 7149, 7159) with distinctive tricolor dials — grey, black, and white registers arranged in a pattern that collectors nicknamed “Monte Carlo” after the famous casino roulette wheel. These vintage Tudor chronographs were produced in small quantities and are now among the most valuable vintage Tudors ($10,000-$30,000 at auction).
The modern Tudor Heritage Chrono (Ref. M70330N) revives the Monte Carlo aesthetic with contemporary technology: an in-house chronograph movement, 70-hour power reserve, and the distinctive tricolor dial that made the original famous.
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Case | 42mm × 14.5mm, 316L steel |
| Movement | MT5813 (Tudor base + Breitling chrono module) |
| Chronograph | Column wheel, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 70 hours |
| Crystal | Sapphire, domed |
| Bezel | Fixed steel, tachymeter scale |
| Dial | Tricolor “Monte Carlo” (grey/black/white) |
| Strap | Steel bracelet, leather, or fabric |
| WR | 150m |
| Retail | ~$4,775 |
The MT5813 Movement
Tudor’s chronograph caliber is a collaboration: the base movement is Tudor’s in-house automatic (shared architecture with the MT5602 used in the Black Bay GMT), with a chronograph module supplied by Breitling. This hybrid approach delivers:
- 70-hour power reserve: Best-in-class for a chronograph at this price
- Column wheel: Crisp, precise pusher engagement (typically found at $8,000+)
- COSC certification: Every movement individually tested
- Silicon hairspring: Antimagnetic, temperature-stable
The Breitling connection is reciprocal: Breitling uses Tudor’s MT5612 as the “B20” caliber in the Superocean Heritage. Both brands benefit from shared development costs while maintaining distinct final products.
The Monte Carlo Dial
The tricolor dial is the Heritage Chrono’s visual centerpiece. The grey outer ring, black minute counter at 3 o’clock, and white hour counter at 9 o’clock create a dial that’s busier than a standard chronograph but more organized — each function has its own distinct color zone. The tachymeter scale on the fixed bezel completes the racing-instrument aesthetic.
A reverse-color variant (black outer, grey sub-registers) is also available, offering a more subdued look for those who find the classic Monte Carlo too bold.
Heritage Chrono vs Competition
| Watch | Movement | Reserve | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tudor Heritage Chrono | MT5813 (column wheel) | 70h | $4,775 |
| Omega Speedmaster | Cal. 3861 (hand-wound) | 50h | $6,400 |
| TAG Heuer Carrera | Heuer 02 (in-house) | 80h | $5,550 |
| Longines Master Chrono | Column wheel (ETA base) | 60h | $3,100 |
The Heritage Chrono offers the best combination of movement quality (column wheel + 70h reserve) and price ($4,775) in its competitive set. The Longines is cheaper but has shorter reserve. The TAG has longer reserve but costs $775 more. The Speedmaster has superior heritage but costs $1,625 more and is hand-wound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Heritage Chrono a racing watch?
Aesthetically yes — the Monte Carlo dial and tachymeter bezel are pure motorsport DNA. Functionally, any chronograph can time races. The Heritage Chrono’s tachymeter works identically to the Rolex Daytona’s: start at a mile marker, stop at the next, read speed on the bezel. See our tachymeter guide.
Heritage Chrono vs Black Bay Chrono?
The Heritage Chrono has the Monte Carlo tricolor dial (retro, playful). The Black Bay Chrono has a more conventional panda or reverse-panda layout (serious, clean). Same MT5813 movement in both. Choose based on dial preference — the mechanics are identical.
Do you carry Tudor chronographs?
Yes — our Tudor collection at DR.WATCH includes Heritage Chrono and Black Bay references. Working chronograph movements, correct dial layouts, and quality bracelets/straps. Free worldwide shipping + 1-year warranty.