Big news today from Tudor as the brand has launched two new Tudor Pelagos FXD variations in celebration of its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, an America’s Cup yacht racing team. With a new chronograph and both models rocking carbon composite cases, it’s a big change from the Tudor Pelagos FXD‘s original military-derived intent, so let’s get to the details.
With one time-only model (ref 25707KN) coming in at 42mm and a brand new chronograph (25807KN) – a first for any Pelagos model – coming in at 43mm, both of these new FXDs have matte blue dials with red accents (think: Red Bull). Additionally, both use matte black carbon composite cases and have matching 120-click bi-directional titanium bezels set with carbon inserts that have fully-luminous 60-minute countdown scales.
The crown – and for the chrono, the pushers – are done in titanium, and the time-only model uses the Tudor MT5602 (the same as the standard FXD) while the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono uses the MT5813 (which we’ve seen used in all manner of Black Bay Chronos). Both movements are COSC-certified chronometers, have 70 hours of power reserve, and beat at 4Hz). Those of you who prefer a date function will be happy to see one included at six o’clock on the chronograph.
Aside from the coloring, the direct references to the racing team are kept to a small nameplate at 12 o’clock on the rehaut (the minute marking ring that surrounds the edge of the dial), and a stainless steel case back featuring an engraving for the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team.
Similar to the original Tudor Pelagos FXD, both of the Alinghi models have fixed bars and come on a one-piece fabric strap that uses a hook-and-loop closure system. The time-only model costs $3,675, while the chronograph has a price tag of $5,075. Call me surprised, but I definitely didn’t expect this evolution of the FXD. Carbon cases? A chronograph? It’s a wild move that represents the most tech-forward evolution of the Pelagos since the model was introduced. Perhaps unsurprisingly, I’m here for it.
The watch world has long been fascinated by yacht racing, and that fascination has led to some really great watches made in conjunction with the various teams that battle for America’s Cup. Tudor started its partnership with Alinghi Red Bull Racing in 2022, and if you want a tough yacht racing-ready watch that can pull direct inspiration from the boat raced by the team, a carbon-cased Tudor Pelagos FXD chronograph seems like a great way to go about the task. This is also the first time that the material has been used for a production watch from Tudor (or a certain other sister brand).
The longer I look at the photos, the more I like the raw technical impression of the matte blue dial surrounded by the dark matte black of the carbon case. Additionally, I really dig the contrast of the titanium pushers/crown alongside the subtle carbon finish of the bezel insert. As for the weight figures, I have asked for the information and will update this story as soon as I can.
With or without the Alinghi Red Bull Racing connection, I can see both of these new FXDs being very popular among the Pelagos set. And despite the larger sizing (which should be in part mitigated by the case material), the chronograph feels like the stand-out from this racy new pair of Tudor Pelagos FXD. It represents another considerable evolution in the bloodline of the Pelagos as the line continues to represent the cutting-edge of Tudor’s work in truly modern sports watches.