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…
Mit der Big Bang MECA-10 Concrete Jungle präsentiert Hublot eine 44-Millimeter-Sonderedition. Als Hommage an den Umzug der Flagship-Boutique in die Fifth Avenue in New York trifft zeitgenössische Uhrmacherkunst auf den rauen Charme der Betonarchitektur. Das Gehäuse der Uhr mit skelettiertem Zifferblatt ist gänzlich in matten Beton gehüllt und nimmt damit nicht nur Bezug auf die…
While the watch collector community continues to laud steel models, many Swiss manufactures are endeavoring to increase the appeal of precious metal models. Take Bulgari, for example, which recently opted for lightweight aluminium with the release of two limited-edition models created in collaboration with the computer game Gran Turismo. Que bella Macchina! Over the past two…
In an exciting move for fans of the brand, Tissot is bringing back a historic model. The new Tissot PR516 adopts the design of the original from the 1970s, but is now equipped with a state-of-the-art movement. True to its history, it dispenses with automatic winding in favour of manual winding. The mechanical chronograph represents…
The Flieger Verus is Stowa's modern interpretation of the classic pilot's watch. Now, with the Stowa Flieger Verus 40 Baumuster B, a variant with an alternative dial featuring a central hour circle is coming to the market. The design harks back to the year 1942 when the Baumuster B-style dials were put into production. Case…
OMEGA is updating the Seamaster 300, which was launched in 2014 to bring the 1957 original back to life. Now, three new variants are being released that stick to the basic concept but break new ground in some details. In addition to two models with steel cases, OMEGA presents a completely new variant with a…
After presenting the colourful DEFY 21 Chroma Limited Edition at LVMH Watch Week last year, Zenith has now launched two new limited editions with their own colour concept. Technical precision and chromatic design meet once again in the Zenith Defy 21 Chroma II, which is housed in a black or white ceramic case. The case Coming…
When it comes to bold and extravagant timepieces, LVMH brand Hublot is undeniably a master of its craft. Yet the maison is equally adept at embracing subtlety, dressing itself in the elegantly modern guise of the Classic Fusion collection. Back in 1980, the very first Hublot watch set the stage for what is now an…
The watchmaker Roger Dubuis is well-known for its unconventional, ingenious creations. Now, the new Roger Dubuis Excalibur Twofold is furthering the horology house's reputation. The 45mm skeletonised timepiece displays a unique 'ultra-white' design and a double flying tourbillon. The case is made out of a mineral composite fibre and is presented on a matching white…
With the Patravi ScubaTec Maldives, Carl F. Bucherer celebrates its long-standing partnership with the Manta Trust - a non-profit organisation that works to protect the endangered manta ray. With its stainless steel case and water resistance of 500 metres, the ScubaTec Maldives is a real diver's watch. In addition, the certified chronometer has a rotating…
With LM101 MB&F x H. Moser and the Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser x MB&F, Edouard Meylan of H. Moser & Cie. and Maximilian Büsser of MB&F have created two watch models that have emerged through the long friendship of the two men. Endeavour Cylindrical Tourbillon H. Moser x MB&F and LM101 MB&F x H. Moser…
With the Luminor Tre Giorni PAM01628, Panerai presents a new watch that pays homage to the brand’s historical roots. The watch features a robust 47mm case, a vintage-inspired dial, and a manual movement. It embodies the brand’s commitment to blending tradition with modern innovation. Let’s take a closer look at the features of this timepiece.…
Breguet's two new ladies' models, the Reine de Naples 9835 and 9838, take their inspiration from the first-ever wristwatch, delivered to the Queen of Naples (Napoleon's sister) in 1812. Interestingly, the minute hands on these latest additions to the Reine de Naples collection adopt a variety of shapes while moving around the dial. Case The…