TUDOR presents a new variant of the Pelagos that does not have a date. The TUDOR Pelagos FXD was created in cooperation with a special unit of the French Navy and has some new function-forward features. The case is milled from a single block of titanium, which is supposed to benefit stability. The strap bars are also fixed and firmly attached to the case. This is where the name of the new model comes from: FXD stands for “fixed”. However, other details also distinguish the TUDOR Pelagos FXD from its siblings in the collection.
The connection between TUDOR and the Marine National goes back to 1956, when some Oyster Prince Submariners were presented to the Navy for evaluation. The management found the watches to be fit for purpose and gave its blessing to the order of additional units for the military. Thus, TUDOR became “Official Supplier of the French Navy”. The new TUDOR Pelagos FXD recalls this connection, but also sets a new tone.
The watch was created in cooperation with the combat swimmers of the French Navy. Therefore, the watch has some functional features such as the robust monobloc case. Last but not least, it carries a bezel that can be rotated in both directions, which can be used for underwater navigation in combination with a compass.
The TUDOR Pelagos FXD has a case of titanium that measures 42 mm in diameter and 12.75 mm in height. It is milled from a single block of titanium and the strap bars are also part of the case and thus fixed. The surfaces have satin finishing, which emphasises the tool-like character of the watch. The crown has protective shoulders and bears the TUDOR shield.
The watch also has a bidirectional rotating bezel with a scale from 60 to 0. This means that it does not comply with the ISO standard 6425:2018 for diving watches, but focuses on the requirement of navigation underwater. However, the bezel carries a sandblasted ceramic insert that has a luminescent coating. The solid case back consists of stainless steel and guarantees water resistance to 200 metres. It also bears the logo of the Marine Nationale and the historically inspired engraving “M.N.21”, which stands for “Marine Nationale 2021”.
The front is reminiscent of historic TUDOR diving watches used by the French navy. The deep blue dial bears square hour indices and angular hands, including the “Snowflake” hour hand. All sport Super-LumiNova, guaranteeing readability even in the dark. The manufacture also reduces the text on the dial, making it look less cramped. In addition, the indices here do not sit in a ring, as is the case with the normal Pelagos.
The in-house calibre MT5602 sets the hands in motion here. It offers hours, minutes and seconds, but no date. However, it does feature automatic winding and a weekend-proof power reserve of 70 hours. TUDOR also installs a large balance with variable inertia, which attaches to a bridge. The non-magnetic silicon spring operates here at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz).
Although the movement remains hidden behind the solid case back, the manufacture nevertheless decorates it with sandblasted or polished surfaces and laser ornamentation. The winding rotor consists of tungsten and carries the TUDOR lettering. Last but not least, the TUDOR Pelagos FXD bears the chronometer certificate of the COSC, which guarantees a maximum rate deviation of -4 to +6 seconds per day. However, the watchmakers make it more difficult for themselves and insist on a maximum deviation of -2 to +4 seconds for the fully assembled watch.
The watch comes on a navy blue textile strap with a grey centre stripe, made by Julien Faure in France. It passes through the fixed lugs and the titanium “D” buckle and closes with a Velcro fastener. A blue rubber strap with an embossed motif is also in the box. This strap secures with a titanium pin buckle.
The TUDOR Pelagos FXD is available now. As usual with the brand, TUDOR offers a five-year warranty without the need for registration or regular maintenance. The price for the watch is 3,620 euros.
