In the world of horology, some watches bear not just the weight of time but the legacy of entire eras. TUDOR, the esteemed watchmaker, stands as a testament to this tradition, and their latest release, the Pelagos FXD, is a watch that pays homage to a storied past.

The tale begins in the late '50s when the US Navy first issued TUDOR diving watches. These timepieces weren't just tools; they were companions to the brave SEAL teams, starting from their induction in 1962 through the '80s. TUDOR, as a supplier of issued watches, played a crucial role in the Navy's operations. In the 1965 “First Edition” of the Underwater Demolition Team Handbook, a TUDOR Oyster Prince Submariner ref. 7928 stands proudly next to the “Diving Watch” paragraph.

Usually, military-issued watches bear specific inventory codes. However, the Navy-issued TUDOR watches were unique. There wasn't a standardized marking system across the force. Instead, these watches were either sterile or marked at the unit level, with various coding typologies used primarily for inventory tracking.

The Pelagos FXD is a tribute to decades of TUDOR watches adorning the wrists of US Navy divers. This modern masterpiece boasts fixed strap bars, a titanium case, a high-performance Manufacture Calibre, and a unidirectional elapsed-time rotating bezel, making it the ultimate contemporary “Milsub” (Military Submariner).

TUDOR's dive watches underwent rigorous testing by various Navy units as early as the mid-'50s. By 1958, they officially adopted TUDOR diving watches for divers operating in different units. The Pelagos FXD is a spiritual successor to those historic timepieces. The "FXD" in its name nods to its robust FiXeD strap bars, an homage to the military specifications for diving watches. It draws inspiration from various generations of issued TUDORs, featuring pointed crown-guards akin to early TUDOR Submariners.

TUDOR's legacy of dive watches traces its origins back to 1954 with the introduction of reference 7922. Waterproof up to 100 meters (330 feet), it marked the beginning of a distinguished line of "divers." These watches were known for their affordability, robustness, reliability, and precision, embodying the tool-watch philosophy of the brand. Over seven decades, TUDOR's dive watches have earned acclaim from professionals worldwide, including elite military navies. In 2021, TUDOR continues this storied tradition with the first-generation Pelagos FXD, standing alongside some of the world's most elite navy units.

Driving the Pelagos FXD is the impressive Manufacture Calibre MT5602, which displays hours, minutes, and seconds. The calibre showcases TUDOR's typical finishing, with a tungsten monobloc rotor that's openwork and satin-brushed with sand-blasted details. Its bridges and mainplate alternate between sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations.

This movement is designed for robustness, longevity, reliability, and precision, with a variable inertia balance and a non-magnetic silicon hairspring. It's certified as a chronometer by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), surpassing COSC's stringent standards. Notably, the power reserve of the Manufacture Calibre MT5602 is about 70 hours, making it "weekend-proof" – a testament to both form and function.

In unveiling the Pelagos FXD, TUDOR not only pays homage to its rich naval heritage but also propels this legacy into the modern era. This timepiece stands as a symbol of precision, durability, and the enduring partnership between TUDOR and elite navy units across the globe.

• Brand: Tudor
• Model: Pelagos FXD
• Reference Number: M25717N-0001
• Diameter: 42mm (52mm lug-to-lug)
• Thickness: 12.75mm
• Case Material: Titanium (grade 2)
• Dial Color: Black
• Lume: Super-LumiNova on dial and bezel
• Water Resistance: 200m
• Strap/Bracelet: Black fabric strap + additional rubber strap

Movement:

• Caliber: Tudor MT5602
• Functions: Time only
• Diameter: 31.8mm
• Thickness: 6.5mm
• Power Reserve: 70 hours
• Winding: Automatic
• Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour
• Jewels: 25
• Chronometer Certified: Yes

Pricing & Availability:

• Price: $4,150
• Availability: Immediate at Tudor retailers
• Limited Edition: No