TUDOR unveils a black dial version of the Pelagos FXD watch
Tuesday - 19 September 2023
The new Pelagos FXD watch from TUDOR now comes with a black dial and bezel to meet the standards outlined by the French Navy.
It has been two years since the TUDOR Pelagos FXD was introduced. TUDOR’S devoted fan base has been awaiting its arrival with trepidation. As it just so happens, the model, like all TUDOR watches, proved itself incredibly popular. The Pelagos FXD was designed in collaboration with the French Navy and was geared towards professional and recreational divers but mainly the work of the French Navy, which times its missions meticulously. Since then, TUDOR released a couple of co-branded models released in collaboration with the Alinghi Red Bull Sailing Team. Following on from these releases earlier this year, the Genevan-based manufacturer has decided to return to basics with the trusty design of the Pelagos FXD.
It comes complete with the already familiar marked bezel and the FiXeD strap bars that give the luxury dive watch such a unique look. Despite being considered the next best thing to a Rolex, it is quite clear that TUDOR is certainly making its own way in the industry with several watch collections that own their own identity. This new model presents the time on a black dial with red and white accents that look sharp on the wrist no matter how or where you wear it.
Details of the new Pelagos FXD watch from TUDOR
We’ll start the review of the new TUDOR Pelagos FXD watch for 2023 with its case design. Developed in the same way as the Pelagos FXD watches that went before it, it features a satin-brushed finish across its grade 2 titanium case. Without the lug-to-lug measurement (52mm), the new dive watch measures a very comfortable 42mm diameter and has been topped with a strong piece of scratch-resistant sapphire. To enable you to reference the time without any undesirable glare from the sun or artificial lighting, the sapphire crystal glass has been treated with layers of anti-reflective technology.
The fixed lugs attached to the case of the new Pelagos FXD watch by TUDOR, however, are its stand-out feature. They have been machined from a single piece of grade 2 titanium and are linked with a fixed bar. As a result, any pass-through style strap can be used on the watch, accentuating its unique look on the wrist furthermore. Attached to this model is a fabric strap in dark forest green and red. The striped design looks incredibly sporty and creates yet another spin on the Pelagos FXD design. The fabric strap also has a system that is self-gripping, making it easy for adjustments. Fear not, however, if you consider the strap too “out there” for some occasions, there is the option to alternate it with an additional strap supplied with the watch. The black rubber band is not only sleek and youthful looking, but it is also quick drying. It encloses against the wrist with a titanium pin buckle closure.
The case of the new TUDOR Pelagos FXD watch is also water resistant to 200 meters. Its screw-down crown, located at 3 o’clock on the case, bears the brand’s logo in relief upon its surface. The titanium timing bezel equipped to the top of the case stands out legibly with its contrasting markings against a black ceramic centre. It differs from most diving bezels that normally feature a graduating scale individually marking out the 0-15 minutes. Instead, it marks out every individual minute – a specification that has been outlined by the Marine Nationale. Ideal for underwater navigation and for combat swimmers, the watch’s colour scheme makes for a nice alternative to the blue ceramic bezel.
TUDOR reveals that this new Pelagos FXD watch is most in line with the design of its vintage 7016 reference, yet its black dial is also similar to the Pelagos 39. The hour markers around the edge of the dial are chunky and block-like and have been paired with the much-loved Snowflake handset. All the features on the dial of this new TUDOR Pelagos watch are treated with a generous helping of Super-LumiNova apart from the dial text itself.
Inside the robust yet lightweight case of the TUDOR Pelagos FXD watch is the Manufacture Calibre MT5602. Made by Kenissi - a company owned by TUDOR - the movement is chronometer-certified and provides a very useful 70-hour power reserve once fully wound. We call this type of movement a weekend-proof one. It means you can take the watch off on Friday and return to it first thing on a Monday morning to find it has kept perfect timing. It also beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour and promises an accuracy of -2/+4 seconds per day.
Whilst the TUDOR Black Bay is certainly the brand’s most iconic and collectable series, the Pelagos is perhaps where TUDOR can play about with its approach to modern watchmaking. These professional dive watches are more daring and youthful and they certainly prove a neat option when it comes to sourcing a companion that will hold up in conditions that even the French Navy are accustomed to.
If you’d like more information on the new TUDOR Pelagos FXD watch, you can check it out here on our Jura Watches collection of Pelagos watches or call and speak to a member of our sales team on 01335 453453.
