Tudor  Pelagos  Watches

Tudor Pelagos: The Ultimate Divers’ Watch 

The Tudor Pelagos collection was first introduced in 2012 as one of two diving watch sets from Tudor, the other being the Tudor Black Bay collection. While the latter is known for its sleek style or design, the Pelagos is known for being more straightforward. Its classic look highlights the whole functionality of the tool watch with a waterproof function of up to 500m (1,640 ft) and fitted with the in-house Tudor Manufacture Calibre, the first-ever in-house movement of Tudor. 

The Tudor Pelagos watches are a classic old favorite that now also comes fitted with a gorgeous blue dial to complement the monochrome look of the watch. Dressed in a 42mm titanium and steel case with satin finish and titanium bracelet, the Pelagos is the first and only titanium watch collection of the Rolex group. Tudor is an arm of Rolex, offering its parent’s movements, casings, and bracelets at more affordable prices. Also known as one of the most complete traditional mechanical divers’ watches today, the Pelagos watches come with 70 hours of power reserve and COSC certification.

Prices at a Glance: The Most Popular Tudor Pelagos Watches

How much does a Tudor Pelagos watch cost? 

The Tudor Pelagos has three models to date. The classic Tudor Pelagos M25600TB-0001 is one of the most popular pieces that is endorsed by David Beckham. The watch is dressed in a 42 mm titanium and steel case with a satin finish and a ceramic matt blue disc. Similar to that is the Tudor Pelagos M25600TN-0001, which is also dressed in a 42 mm titanium and steel case with a satin finish but with a ceramic matt black disc instead. 

Both models are equipped with Manufacture Calibre MT5612 (COSC), a self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system and a titanium winding crown with the TUDOR logo in relief, a helium escape valve at 9 o’clock, and a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The watches’ steel folding clasp is also equipped with a unique auto-adjustable spring mechanism developed and patented by TUDOR that allows the watch to be adjusted during a dive. The watch also features Pelagos’ signature ‘Snowflake hands’, where the hour hand has a square tip that makes it easier to differentiate it from the minute hand, a feature that has been a symbol of Tudor diving watches ever since 1969. Both watch models have a starting price of $4,575 USD. 

The Tudor Pelagos LHD M25610TNL-0001, conversely, has almost the same features as the two Pelagos models, but stands out has a numbered steel case back and a date feature at 3 o’clock with even-numbered days displayed in red and odd-numbered days in black. This watch model is equipped with Manufacture Calibre MT5612-LHD (COSC), a self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system. This model has a starting price of $4,575 USD. 

Vintage Tudor Pelagos — Is it a good investment? 

While the Tudor Pelagos may not be as expensive as other luxury watches, they are valued for their functionality. Designed for use when diving, the Tudor Pelagos is more of a tool watch collection that boasts a classic and timeless monochromatic style that emphasizes its features.

In essence, you’re investing in a watch that marries functionality and style. More than just a decorative accessory to spark small talk, the Tudor Pelagos is there with you through thick and thin.

History Behind the Tudor Pelagos

Tudor was born in February 1926, when watchmaker and dealer Veuve de Philippe Hüther registered the trademark “The TUDOR” for Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of Rolex. The first few watches under the brand were released in 1932 before delving into the manufacture of diving watches. In 1954, Tudor released its first diving watch, the Tudor Oyster Prince Submariner Ref. 7922. Over the next few years, different variations of the watch would be released. 

In 2012, Tudor’s diving watches were revived with the introduction of the Tudor Black Bay and Tudor Pelagos. A familiar nod to the first Rolex Submariner watches, these two collections further value-add with Tudor’s in-house Manufacture Calibre.  

Tudor Pelagos vs. Rolex Submariner

The Tudor Pelagos and the Rolex Submariner may look similar, but these two collections are very different in terms of size, casing, materials, and features. At first glance, the Tudor Pelagos is bigger than the Rolex Submariner. The Pelagos comes in 42mm titanium and steel casing, while the Submariner is at 41mm Oystersteel, yellow or white gold casing, making the Pelagos slightly lighter than the Submariner. 

Noticeably, the dials of Tudor Pelagos are its hour markers and hands, which are immediately different from the Rolex Submariner. The Pelagos has the iconic ‘snowflake’ hands or the square tips while the Submariner has round tips. Its 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions are also marked in rectangles and inverted triangles in contrast to the Pelagos’ square ones. 

Apart from design, the Pelagos and Submariner boast two different movements. The latest Submariner is equipped with Rolex Manufacture Calibre 3230, while the Pelagos is equipped with TUDOR Manufacture Calibre MT5612. Both hold approximately 70 hours of power reserve. 

Cost-wise, the Rolex Submariner is more expensive than the Tudor Pelagos. This doesn’t necessarily mean that one is better than the other, as everything ultimately boils down to individual user preferences. 

Reasons to Buy a Tudor Pelagos Watch

1. Adventurous watch for dedicated diving professionals

2. Lightweight and scratch resistant titanium and steel Case

3. Affordable yet quality diving watch (TUDOR Manufacture Calibre MT5612 movement)

4. Straightforward and simple tool watch 

5. The most complete traditional mechanical divers’ watch to date

Famous Patrons of the Tudor Pelagos

While the Tudor Pelagos is mostly tied to diving professionals, it didn’t slip the eye of a professional footballer and one of Tudor’s first brand ambassadors, David Beckham. He is mostly spotted wearing a Blue Tudor Pelagos and even owns a custom-made Inter Miami FC Pelagos. 

Tudor Pelagos: More than Just a Rolex Submariner Alternative 

Amidst sharing the same background as other reputable diving watches, the Tudor Pelagos collection stands out on its own with its simple and pleasing design that does not overpower the watch’s functions. It carries the same high-quality features and functions that most people think they can only find in more expensive luxury watches. From in-house movements, long power reserves, reliable water resistance, and even the dial designs, the Tudor Pelagos collection goes side by side with other luxury diving watches, boasting the same quality but at a very reasonable price.