Introducing The New, Slimmed Down Tudor Pelagos 39

The new Tudor Pelagos 39 is here and it’s everything we hoped it would be and more (or less rather!). Launched in 2010, the original Pelagos quickly earned a reputation as one of the best, pound-for-pound professional dive watches on the market. A serious tool watch in every sense of the word, it blended practical functionality with a minimalist, almost industrial design that has proven undeniably attractive. Now, ten years on, Tudor surprises us again with a pared down, smaller version of the Pelagos that is less of a professional dive watch and more of a daily wearer. This is everything you need to know about the new Tudor Pelagos 39.

THE PELAGOS STORY

Although it may have been launched in the same year as Tudor’s other popular dive watch collection – the Black Bay – the Pelagos is not known for its understated vintage aesthetic. Instead its design is very clean and modern, with a focus on delivering exactly what a professional diver needs and nothing they don’t. That’s not to say though that it doesn’t still draw on Tudor’s rich dive watch heritage, because it absolutely does. More specifically from a group of Tudor Submariners that appeared between 1967 and 1975.

Now, if you know your Tudor history, you already know that the seminal Tudor Submariner made its debut in 1954. Subject to continual refinement and improvement over the ensuing years, a few key updates can be found subtly referenced on the modern-day Tudor Pelagos. For example, on the Reference 7928 from 1967, the circle bordering the minute track was removed and each graduation extended to the flange. The design of the Pelagos minute track is similar. The difference being that it has a sunken dial, so the graduations are now at a taper.

Two years later – on Reference 7016 and 7021 – the eight circular hour markers became square. These two models stand out to collectors thanks to this unique detail, with the new face contributing to the Tudor identity. Today it lives on in the Pelagos. Likewise, Reference 7021 also introduced a date window at 3 o’clock, another feature found on the original Pelagos. Although one that has not carried through to the new 39mm model. But more on that in a moment.

So, you see, while the Pelagos looks and feels every bit the modern professional dive watch that it is, as with all Tudor models, there’s a few key elements from the brand’s rich heritage embedded in the design. Now, let’s turn our attention to the main event, the new Tudor Pelagos 39.

THE TUDOR PELAGOS 39

Changing a winning formula can sometimes be a risky move, just ask Coca-Cola. Yet, when it’s done thoughtfully and well, the results can more than justify the gamble. And that is most certainly the case with the new Tudor Pelagos 39. That said, while some things have changed, many of the key design elements that make a Pelagos a Pelagos, have not.

For example, the case is still made from grade 2 titanium, with its attractive dark tone and satin-brushed finishing. Now, however, it measures 3mm smaller in diameter and slims down to a very wearable 11.8mm thick. The trade-off here is lower water resistance, but at 200m it’s still more than sufficient for all your recreational diving and swimming needs. The use of lightweight titanium for the case and bracelet, combined with the refined proportions, result in an exceptionally comfortable and enjoyable wearing experience.

Speaking of the satin-brushed bracelet, it’s now equipped with Tudor’s T-fit system, allowing for rapid length micro-adjustment. In layperson’s terms, this means you can undertake fine, tool-free, instant adjustments of the total length of the bracelet to achieve the absolute best fit. The clasp also has a 25-millimetre diving extension in case you want to wear it over a wetsuit. In addition to the bracelet, a black rubber strap with titanium pin buckle, titanium end links and a 110mm rubber extension piece for diving is also included.

A CLEAN FACE

Turning our attention to the dial now, we are once again greeted by a familiar sight, although with several subtle changes. First of all, the dial now features an attractive sunray brushed finish in the centre, contrasting nicely against the matt finish of the 45° conical bead-blasted flange. Another update is the square hour markers, which Tudor have chosen to make from a monobloc luminescent ceramic composite. Not only is this aesthetically pleasing to the eye, it also increases the luminous surface of the hour markers, making the Pelagos 39 even more legible in low-light conditions.

The three-hand time display features the iconic Snowflake hands, resplendent in white X1 Swiss Super-LumiNova and easy to read at a glance. In keeping with the clean lines and general luxury sports watch vibe, the dial is sans a date window. There’s only one hint of colour, and that’s the cherry-red, glossy ‘Pelagos’ printing at 6 o’clock. Vintage watch enthusiasts will no doubt appreciate this subtle reference to the pioneering dive watches of yesteryear.

CONSISTENT PERFORMER

Inside beats Tudor’s tried and tested manufacture Calibre MT5400, a robust and reliable workhorse that has been externally certified as a chronometer by the COSC. Although it should be noted that Tudor holds itself to an even higher standard than the Swiss institute, insisting on a rate variation of no more than -2 and +4 seconds per day (as compared with the standard -4 and +6 seconds per day). Equipped with a variable inertia balance and non-magnetic silicon balance spring, this self-winding movement has been designed with longevity and reliability in mind and delivers a healthy 70-hour power reserve.

YOUR PERFECT FIT?

The Tudor Pelagos 39 is available now (subject to stock availability) from Watches of Switzerland and comes with a five-year, transferrable guarantee. Attractive, versatile and practical for everyday wear, the new slimmed down, lightweight 39mm case is the perfect fit for just about any wrist – including yours. And with summer just around the corner, this is a watch you won’t want – or need – to take off. Wear it to the office, the bar, the beach, wherever life’s adventures take you. You will always be in good company with the Tudor Pelagos 39 on your arm. So, don’t wait, click here to enquire today and let our experts do the rest.