Setting sail with Alinghi Red Bull Racing: Tudor Pelagos FXD and FXD Chrono
A year ago, Tudor entered a partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing. This year, the joint hydrofoil AC75 (America’s Cup 75) racing yacht set sail. It is the first time that Tudor advances into competitive yacht racing. In celebration, two new variations of the legendary Pelagos are released. The high-speed boat’s design inspired the Pelagos FXD timepiece and the chronograph Pelagos FXD Chrono, which were both manufactured in the Swiss Le Locle.
A question of composition: the case
The case of the FXD is characterised by its fixed strap bars and was developed with divers from the French Navy. Inspired by the components of the hydrofoil AC75, Tudor uses a material combination of high-tech carbon, titanium, and stainless steel in the Pelagos FXD and FXD Chrono for the first time.
Both models have a matte black carbon case and a bi-directional titanium bezel with a carbon insert, matching the case in colour. The bezel features a retrograde 60-minute graduation with a Super-LumiNova coating and 120 notches. Thereby, a better overview during the countdown to the start of the regatta is provided. The screw-down crown and pushers (of the FXD Chrono) also consist of titanium, with the Tudor logo in relief on the crown. However, the caseback, bearing an engraving of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing logo, and the movement container are made of 316L stainless steel. In addition, a flat sapphire crystal protects the dial.
Size and water resistance of the case
As similar as the cases are, they differ in size. The Pelagos FXD has a case diameter of 42 mm and is 6.5 mm high. In contrast, the case of the Pelagos FXD Chrono measures 43 mm in diameter and 7.23 mm in height. Both timepieces are water-resistant up to a depth of 200 m.
The dials of the Pelagos FXD and FXD Chrono
The design of the matte blue dial shows some similarities between the two models. An “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” lettering between the 10 and 2 o’clock markers adorns the 45° rehaut. Square-shaped, luminous ceramic monobloc composite constitutes the hour markers for a better legibility. Furthermore, the well-known Tudor “snowflake” hands are also made of ceramic and coated with Super-LumiNova.
Differences in the dial design
Both versions display the hours and minutes with the same hand shape. Yet, there are subtle differences in the design of the red-coloured second hands with stop-seconds. While the central seconds hand of the timepiece has a diamond-shaped ceramic insert to match the “snowflake” hands, the central chronograph second hand of the Pelagos FXD Chrono features a pointed tip.
However, the subdials on the Pelagos FXD Chrono exhibit the biggest difference between the two dials, which are not present on the Pelagos FXD. At 3 o’clock a 45-minute subdial can be found, while the small seconds are placed at 9 o’clock. Inspired by the red stripes on the hull of the AC75, a red frame surrounds the subdials. In addition to these chronograph functions, there is a date display at 6 o’clock with a rapid adjustment without non-correction range.
The movements of the Pelagos FXD and the FXD Chrono
As they offer varying functions, the Pelagos FXD versions host different movements. The calibre MT5602 from the Tudor factory at Kenissi is embedded in the case of the Pelagos FXD. With this automatic movement, the rotor system winds in both directions, and a bridge with a two-point anchoring holds the large balance wheel in place.
For the first time Tudor uses a chronograph calibre, the MT5813, in a case with fixed strap bars. This movement is based on the Breitling 01 calibre with a regulating organ developed by Tudor. To operate the chronograph functions, the movement is equipped with a column wheel mechanism and a vertical clutch.
Common features of the movements
Both movements feature an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, a large variable-inertia balance and an open-worked tungsten monobloc rotor. Likewise, the surfaces of both movements showcase sandblasted, polished, and laser-finished textures – with the Pelagos FXD presenting a mostly polished look and the Pelagos FXD Chrono having a matte finish. The movements oscillate at 4 Hz and have a power reserve of 70 hours. What’s more, both are COSC certified.
Strap, price, and availability
A 22 mm wide navy blue “Team Blue” strap in jacquard fabric with red accents, a titanium D-pin buckle, and self-gripping fastening system, complete both models. In terms of price, the Pelagos FXD is available for 3,590 € and the Pelagos FXD Chrono for 4,960 €.
Matte, black Carbon-case and insert, bidirectional bezel, crown and pushers out of titanium, casebook and movement container out of 316L stainless steel
DIMENSIONS
Diameter (Pelagos FXD): 42 mm
Height (Pelagos FXD): 6.5 mm
Diameter(Pelagos FXD Chrono): 43 mm
Height (Pelagos FXD Chrono): 7.23 mm
WATER RESISTANCE
200 m
DIAL
Blue, matte, red accents (Pelagos FXD Chrono)
STRAP/BRACELET
Blue jacquard strap with red accents, titanium D-pin buckle, self-gripping fastening system
Swisswatches recently had the honour of meeting once again with the CEO of Breitling, Georges Kern, following the launch of the brand’s first own boutique located in Munich, Germany. Spanning over 220 square metres and two floors, the boutique in many ways embodies Breitling’s plans for the future – as Kern explains to our very…
Montblanc launched the Iced Sea Collection for the first time in 2022, with dials inspired by the glacial ice of the Mer de Glace in the Mont Blanc massif. A technique called gratté-boisé was used for the first time for the 'iced' dials. As the watches have been so popular, the Iced Sea is now…
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Extra-Thin (RD#3) accommodates a flying tourbillon in the slim "Jumbo" case. In order to make this complication possible for the "Jumbo", a completely new movement had to be developed. At the same time, the watchmaker wanted to maintain the classic proportions. At the beginning of the year,…
Breitling has introduced a brand new collection, the Breitling Capsule Collection Superocean Heritage '57. Its watches are reminiscent of the laid-back Californian surfer lifestyle of the 50s and 60s, while their inspiration stems from the original 1957 Breitling SuperOcean. As well as three variations, Breitling has also released the colourful Superocean Heritage ’57 Limited Edition.…
Breitling's iconic model since the 1960s is presented with a new manufacture calibre in the form of the Top Time B31 three-hand series. With the launch, Breitling is also introducing the new face of the brand: Austin Butler, the up-and-coming Hollywood star and Oscar-nominated actor, brings a special radiance to the collection with his new…
The new Vacheron Constantin model is not only marked by its technical features, but especially fascinates with the story behind. In cooperation with the American long-distance explorer and photographer Cory Richards the Swiss watch manufacture created the Overseas Dual Time Prototype – a prototype supporting the extreme alpinist during his third Everest climb. Cory Richards climbing the…
Audemars Piguet has unveiled the Code 11.59 Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon in sand gold. This watch, featuring a 38mm case, marks the first time the brand offers the complication in this diameter. It showcases the ultra-thin Calibre 2968 (RD#3) movement, which was introduced in 2022 in small Royal Oak models. The watch is crafted from 18-carat…
Bell & Ross has always been passionate about military history; hence it is not surprising that functional instruments are mostly source of their watchmaking inspiration. This year, Bell & Ross introduces three new watches that are related to sea, air and land with different functions, colours and materials. However, they are all characterized by a…
In a world where every second is meticulously counted, Hermès presents the Hermès Cut Le Temps Suspendu, a watch that challenges the conventional understanding of time. Originally introduced in 2011, the "Time suspended" complication has been a playful emblem of Hermès, inviting wearers to appreciate the present moment by pausing the relentless march of time.…
Today, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer is releasing a limited edition of a redesigned vintage Heuer Carrera. The TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 Gold Edition marks Jack Heuer’s 88th birthday – which is today. The 18-carat rose-gold watch is a new version of the recently relaunched TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph. After all, the TAG Heuer…
At Watches & Wonders 2024 Chanel presented the Monsieur de Chanel Superleggera Edition Intense Black. The models in the collection mostly have precious metal cases and make an elegant appearance. This Superleggera version instead has a robust and lightweight ceramic case and racing-inspired dial and so dedicates itself to sportiness. A similar version with red…
The Laurent Ferrier Manufacture presents a new interpretation of the Classic Origin. The new watch by the name of Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Green appears as a limited edition of 30 pieces. The case, although classically shaped, is made of titanium, which gives the timepiece a modern temperament. The Laurent Ferrier Classic Origin Green The…
After presenting the Master Grande Tradition Gyrotourbillon Westminster Perpétuel on the watch fair SIHH this January, the Swiss watch brand Jaeger-LeCoultre now presents another chiming model: the Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle with silver (Ref. Q5233420) and blue dial (Ref. Q52334E1). Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Répétition Minutes Perpétuelle with blue dial (Ref. Q52334E1) (links) Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition…