I think we can agree that Tudor just broke the watch world’s internet with this one. Today at Geneva Watch Days Tudor gave the people what they wanted – a downsized version of their modern icon, the Tudor Pelagos. In what is essentially, finally, a modern version of the adored Tudor Snowflakes of the past, the new Tudor Pelagos 39 works to expand the model’s appeal among new audiences. Aside from the sizing, some of the design updates take the Pelagos in a different, slightly more luxurified direction. Let’s take a look.
Here’s what we’ve got… and probably what you’re looking to see first. Dimensions are 39mm in case diameter, 11.8mm thick, and with a lug-to-lug distance of 47mm. And judging by Tudor’s recent ability to work with smaller cases like what we saw in the Black Bay Pro and the Fifty-Eight Series, I can bet that this is probably a really, really nice-wearing watch. But at the same time I’m still wondering, “did I ever have a problem with the original size of the Pelagos?”
As with any big watch release, I’m already seeing somewhat of an ideological split among enthusiasts online. I’m assuming this has to do with what Tudor considers a “crossroads between the world of technical diving and urban sophistication”. Unlike the fully matte visual elements found in older Pelagos models, the new Tudor Pelgos 39 features a brushed pattern along the bezel insert and what Tudor refers to as a satin sunray finish on the dial.
While some might argue that this takes away from the utilitarian and toolish charm of the Pelagos, some of the live shots I’ve seen so far don’t make the dial out as something overly-glitzy. Then again, I feel like I’d miss those full-matte vibes the older Pelagos models brought out. Additionally, we have no rehaut cut-out (like the FXD), no helium escape valve, no date window, and no automatically-adjusting trick clasp like we saw in the older versions. That last one might warrant a torches & pitchforks response, maybe.
Tudor Pelagos 39 Specs
- Case Diameter: 39mm
- Case Thickness: 11.8mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 47mm
- Case Material: Grade 2 Titanium
- Water Resistance: 200m
- Movement: Tudor MT5400
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Titanium T-Fit Bracelet + Black Rubber Strap
- Price: $4,400
This one is tough for me. On the surface I see no issue with a smaller Pelagos and minor adjustments to the design. This will definitely be one of the hardest watches to snag throughout the rest of the year and well into 2023 – it’s already a hit. But I always just saw the Pelagos as “Tudor’s big dive watch.” Kinda like the Sea-Dweller / Submariner relationship. I’ve long referred to the Pelagos as our generation’s Submariner; a watch that saw many of its own shifts in sizing and design in its earlier years. It’s clear that the Pelagos is now experiencing much of the same in its own lifespan. Overall I’m excited, but mostly because this might pull back on the widespread lust for the FXD 😉
The Tudor Pelagos 39 is available now and you can read more about the watch on Tudor’s site.
Co-Founder & Senior Editor
Michael Peñate is an American writer, photographer, and podcaster based in Seattle, Washington. His work typically focuses on the passage of time and the tools we use to connect with that very journey. From aviation to music and travel, his interests span a multitude of disciplines that often intersect with the world of watches – and the obsessive culture behind collecting them.