TUDOR boasts a storied history that revolves around the twin pillars of reliability and functionality. The brand’s raison d’être since its inception has been the creation of exceptional timepieces that boast durability, reliability, precision and waterproofness. Over the decades, standards improved, limits pushed and TUDOR’s timepieces have evolved to better meet the requirements of the different types of divers around the world. From saturation diving to combat swimming, TUDOR has the watch for you. Aquaphiles, read on to find out which suits you best.
In TUDOR’s stable of divers’ watches, the Pelagos is considered quite possibly the best representation of a tool watch and symbol of adventure. Not only is it waterproof to 500m, it is also fitted with a COSC-certified TUDOR Manufacture Calibre MT5612, which comes with a power reserve of about 70 hours. The Pelagos helium escape valve is an essential component for watches used in saturation diving – it lets trapped helium and pressure out in a safe and controlled manner without letting moisture into the watch. Its titanium bracelet features a steel folding clasp with an auto-adjustable spring mechanism – a unique feature that allows the bracelet to be adjusted during the dive. The Pelagos also comes in a “left-handed” version, namely Pelagos LHD.
The latest addition to the Pelagos family is the Pelagos FXD released worldwide in November 2021. Developed in collaboration with the French Navy, the Pelagos FXD is a celebration of the longstanding relationship between the brand and the Marine nationale. Based on a unique set of specifications, the watch also draws inspiration from the famous reference 9401 with its iconic blue dial and bezel. The FXD, short for “fixed”, refers to the extra robust fixed strap bars of its case. This ultra-hardy 42mm timepiece, which comes with a satin-brushed titanium cased with fixed strap bars, machined from a single block, is designed for underwater navigation and optimised for professional use.
For: The professional or specialist diver, who expects nothing but the best.
In 1967, TUDOR began developing a new watch for the U.S. Navy, which resulted in the production of prototypes. The TUDOR Black Bay P01 takes inspiration from a prototype developed as part of this study. Like all Black Bay models, it sports iconic “snowflake” hands. The outstanding element of this piece is its stop system for the bidirectional rotating bezel via a mobile end-link at 12 o’clock—it is inspired by the concept of a hinged end-link system found on the original prototype. The Black Bay P01 is equipped with the Manufacture Calibre MT5612, which is fitted with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring and boasts a 70-hour power reserve.
For: The history buff, with a penchant for aquatic leisure sports.
Ever faithful to its long tradition of Navy Blue sports watches, TUDOR’s Black Bay Fifty-Eight “Navy Blue” is a popular model, its name is an amalgamation of its color and the year 1958, in which the first TUDOR divers’ watch, reference 7924 (known by moniker “Big Crown”) was presented. The navy blue shade references the TUDOR Submariners of old, a nice touch to a heritage-inspired timepiece. Besides a navy blue dial and bezel insert, the watch is also similar to the first-generation TUDOR divers’ watches—it is waterproof to 200m (660 ft) and comes with a large winding crown. It is offered with either a riveted 316L steel bracelet, a blue “soft touch” strap or a navy-blue fabric strap made by long-term partner Julien Faure.
For: The adrenaline junkie, who travels the world to dive. The Great Big Hole in Belize and Nouméa in New Caledonia rank high on his bucket list.
With bronze so closely linked to the maritime world—the hardy and durable metal was often used in naval engineering for submerged parts that needed to be highly resistant to corrosion—it only made sense for TUDOR to unveil the Black Bay Bronze. The case of this 43 mm beauty is made of a high-performance aluminium bronze alloy, which guarantees the development of a unique patina to match its user’s habits. The entirely satin-brushed finishes of the case will, however, ensure a homogeneous development of the patina. Complementing the case is a slate-grey dial—shaded from the exterior to the centre—and bezel as well as gold accents on the hands and hour markers.
For: The diving hobbyist, who shares a deep interest for the marine and maritime world. He enjoys all things vintage too.
Explore other collections with Kee Hing Hung
