Since the introduction of the Pelagos FXD back in 2021, watch fans have been theorizing about just how many variations Tudor would deliver over time. Recently, Tudor announced a new Alinghi Red Bull Racing set of models with carbon composite cases and a chronograph version. Today, we get something with an even closer tie to the origins of the FXD. This new version is a watch built on the heritage and longstanding connection between Tudor’s dive watches and U.S. special forces operators.
This Pelagos FXD retains many of the same specs and features introduced with the earlier French Navy model. It’s 42mm in diameter, 52mm lug-to-lug, and 12.75mm thick. The springbars (if you can even call them that) are FiXeD and integrated directly with the titanium case. Unlike the first blue version, the rotating bezel is uni-directional, with a more conventional elapsed time scale. To me, the black with the red text is just such a spot-on visual connection to the the older Tudor divers like the 9401 favored by operators in the past.
A lesser known fact about these FXD models, is that Tudor actually makes “commissioned” versions available for operators to purchase directly. These rare Marine Nationale special models have been seen floating around social media for a bit and some differences include a modified dial with just 2 lines of text and unit designations on the caseback. While the text never really bothered me all that much, having one of those 2-liners would be insane. One thing is for sure, this new black model will definitely be tough to score at retail for quite some time.
Tudor Pelagos FXD Black Specs
- Case diameter: 42mm
- Case thickness: 12.75mm
- Lug-to-Lug: 52mm
- Water resistance: 200m
- Case material: Grade 2 titanium
- Movement: Tudor MT5602
- Power reserve: 70 hours
- Crystal: Sapphire
- Strap: Black fabric & additional rubber strap
- Price: $4,150
While I’ve been loving my blue dial Tudor Black Bay 58 for some time, I’m finding it harder and harder to resist the Pelagos these days. This is especially true with this new FXD, which is practically a true modern American “mil-sub” in many ways. The Pelagos 39 is also an attractive model and arguably even closer to those old SOF Tudors. I can’t wait to see folks go hands-on with these and how this release will affect the the second-hand pricing on the earlier Pelagos models. Get ready for Pelagos FXD madness all over again.
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.
*written in neck beard voice*
Erm Michael, I think you’ll find the bezel for this new FXD is in fact unidirectional and not bidirectional as noted in the article.
lol thanks for catching that! Horological neckbeard strikes again.
The blue version bezel is bidirectional according to Tudors webpage.