TUDOR PELAGOS FXD – beyond the standards

Since the 1950s and TUDOR’s creationof one of the first modern professional divers’ watches to the 1980s, the brand has been a regular supplier to the French Navy. With the Pelagos FXD model, where FXD refers to the extra robust fixed strap bars of the case, TUDOR is reviving this historic collaboration. The brand presents a technical watch that meets a unique set of specifications that was developed in conjunction with the French Navy’s combat swimmers, the prestigious Commando Hubert.

A UNIQUE SET OF SPECIFICATION

Developed in conjunction with the French Navy’s combat swimmers, the Pelagos FXD model is based on a set of specifications that are as precise as they are demanding. For this reason, it includes many functional features that are new to TUDOR, such as its fixed strap bars that are machined into the main body of the 42 mm titanium case for increased robustness and reliability. Shaped as an extension of the lugs, they are key to the model’s characteristic silhouette.

Another feature specific to this model is the 120-notch rotating bezel. Bidirectional with retrograde graduation from 60 to 0, it does not correspond to the ISO 6425:2018 standard of divers’ watches, but instead meets the specific needs of the method known as “underwater navigation”, one of the specialities of combat swimmers.

UNDERWATER NAVIGATION

Underwater navigation consists of reaching a precise location by sea, without surfacing, by following a meticulously planned route. Divers swim at a constant speed for a set time in each section, completing as many sections as necessary whilst timing each one exactly. The anticlockwise graduation and luminescence of the bezel of this model make it easy to set up and monitor each countdown, by aligning the time set for the section to be covered on the bezel with the minute hand. When the minute hand arrives opposite the triangle, the team changes course and the diver in charge of timing begins the next countdown.

The model has been fitted with a large rotating bezel ring with a sand-blasted ceramic insert with luminescent material. Its 42 mm titanium case is waterproof to 200 metres and is entirely satin-brushed to produce a matt effect to limit light reflections. To highlight the watch’s official character, its case back bears the logo of the Marine nationale (French Navy), as well as a historically inspired engraving of «M.N.21» for “Marine nationale 2021».

“SNOWFLAKE” HANDS

Tudor Pelagos FXD in Navy blue colour and has the characteristic square hour markers and angular hands, known as “snowflake”, introduced by the brand in 1969 to increase the intensity of the luminescence of its watches in poor light conditions.

A BRACELET WOVEN IN THE FRENCH NAVY’S WAY

The single-piece fabric strap is one of the hallmarks of TUDOR, which in 2010 became one of the first watchmaking brands to offer it with its watches. Woven in France by the Julien Faure company in the St-Etienne region, its manufacturing quality, robustness and comfort on the wrist are unique.

For the Pelagos FXD model, a new, highly technical strap construction was developed by TUDOR and Julien Faure, adapted here to the rustic nature of the French Navy divers’ work. Made up of a 22 mm navy blue polyethylene woven ribbon with a silver central thread, a titanium “D” buckle and a self-gripping fastening system, it adapts to different wrist sizes and is very comfortable to wear. An additional one-piece rubber strap with an embossed motif and buckle is also included with the Pelagos FXD. It is the first time that this very supple, comfortable strap has been offered by TUDOR.

THE MANUFACTURE CALIBRE MT5602
The Manufacture Calibre MT5602 that drives the Pelagos FXD model displays the hours, minutes and seconds functions. It has the finish typical of TUDOR Manufacture Calibres: its rotor in tungsten monobloc is openwork and satin- brushed with sand-blasted details, while its bridges and plate have alternate sand-blasted, polished surfaces and laser decorations.

Its build has been designed to ensure robustness, longevity, reliability and precision, as has its variable inertia balance, which is maintained by a sturdy traversing bridge with a two-point fixing. Together with its non-magnetic silicon balance spring, the Manufacture Calibre MT5602 is certified as a chronometer by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), with its performance going beyond the standards set by this independent institute.