In 2022, TUDOR decided to embark on a venture to join the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Team as its main partner. With a common creed of pushing the boundaries of traditions and technology; TUDOR dove headfirst into the exciting world of yacht racing.
As the 37th America's Cup approaches (22 Aug–20 Oct), the spirit of partnership between TUDOR and Alinghi Red Bull Racing will test the waters of Barcelona. This will be TUDOR's foray into the world's most important sailing event.
TUDOR announced the release of two remarkable timepieces to celebrate the brand's entry into this competitive sphere: a time-only Pelagos FXD 42mm (25707KN) and the Pelagos FXD Chrono 43mm (25807KN). Both watches are part of the exclusive "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition." Crafted from high-performance materials like carbon composite, titanium and stainless steel, within these robust bodies are the Calibre MT5602 (COSC) and MT5813 (COSC) movements, respectively; both self-winding and come with a 70-hour power reserve.
Mirroring the cutting-edge engineering of the Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75 yacht, the "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" utilise a high-tech composite of titanium and carbon—a first for TUDOR. Inspired by the titanium hydrofoil, the titanium bi-directional rotatable bezel has a black matte-finished carbon composite insert and grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova luminous material for visibility. The racing blue of the AC75 yacht's carbon-fibre hull is reflected in the blue-matted dial, where the luminescent ceramic composite monobloc hour markers add that strikingness to the overall design.
The "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" timepieces have a black matte-finished carbon composite cases with fixed strap bars. On the stainless steel caseback is an engraved Alinghi Red Bull Racing logo. "Snowflake” hands—one of the many signatures of TUDOR divers' watches—are grade X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova luminous material filling. With all these factors, the "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" watches make formidable companions on the high seas.
On cresting waves and the sea-tanged winds, the elements may assail those who dare but the spirit of adventure and innovation often supercede boundaries. With TUDOR's partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, that push against limits can propel them to greatness.
Discover the Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition” watches at the TUDOR boutique by Cortina Watch at Raffles City, #01-37C or online.
It began with a challenge from the TUDOR Pro Cycling team: design a watch capable of enduring the demands of professional cycling whilst remaining a realistic option for the road. What came after is the birth of the Pelagos FXD Chrono "Cycling Edition".
“If you know what you want to be, then you inevitably become it.”
– Oscar Wilde.
The latest addition to the Pelagos FXD catalogue mirrors the very DNA of the world’s fastest bikes. Featuring a 43mm matte-finished case crafted from carbon composite, it's akin to the carbon fibre found in high-speed bicycles. The integration of titanium elements promises greater robustness to the timepiece, preparing it for even the most extreme circumstances.
The “Cycling Edition” of the Pelagos FXD Chrono graduates from its nautical predecessor by introducing a cyclist-focused tachymeter scale tuned specifically for speeds relevant to cycling, rather than that of cars. A fixed 60-minute bezel wraps around the scale to thoughtfully direct focus to the home of the watch. There, a black dial sits with striking red accents to ensure legibility at first glance.
Peer beneath the surface of crystals and carbon and you’ll find the Manufacture Calibre MT5813. This is the same pulsating movement that gave life to the first FXD Chronograph. Featuring an automatic 4Hz movement, it offers a suite of complications including a 45-minute counter, date, and stop-seconds for precise time-setting. Its power reserve of 70 hours coupled with 100m of water resistance makes it a reliable partner suitable for any occasion.
There's a whispering among TUDOR fans about a perennial favourite making an appearance. Since 1985, when TUDOR decided to build upon their first dive watch (the Oyster Prince Submariner), it led to a defining chapter in the brand's history: the Black Bay line. Chief among the range is the iconic Black Bay 58. It had nary a crown guard; the 38mm case sizing; the gold indices and markings—these are the hallmarks of a crowd favourite that felt familiar, timeless even, and, yet, was able to stand on its own. For this year's Watches and Wonders, TUDOR presents to us two Black Bay 58 variants. The first is in 18K gold with a green dial and bezel; this oozes opulence and sophistication. The other—and this is the one that got us into a tizzy—incorporates the Black Bay GMT's dual-time functionality. This is the Black Bay 58 GMT (probably the most on-the-nose appellation) and it's the watch that all TUDOR fans were waiting for.
A mid-size METAS Certified GMT Manufacture Calibre MT5450-U sits inside a 38mm, 12.8mm thick case. On the dial, there's a practical date window and the usual snowflake hands. Hands and hour indices are coated with Super-LumiNova material, guaranteeing visibility even in low-light conditions. Gilt accents adorn a burgundy and black, aluminium, bi-directional bezel. (Might we add that this "Coke" look is a missed opportunity with a certain sister brand but having the Black Bay 58 GMT sport this colour combo is a hit with fans.)
Completing the ensemble, the Black Bay 58 GMT is available with either the timeless rivet-style bracelet or a sporty rubber strap, providing versatility for every occasion.
TUDOR may not have broken new innovation ground with its novelties but the Black Bay 58 GMT is enough to please fans and capture the attention of newcomers.
