Tudor Pelagos 39 mm Ideas: Blandly Thrilling, or Excitingly Bland?

Raman Kalra is the founding father of  The Watch Muse weblog and has kindly agreed to share a few of his articles with us right here on Quill & Pad.

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Tudor was on a roll in 2022, releasing a number of new fashions and variations. And maybe essentially the most anticipated watch of all of them was a smaller, extra wearable Pelagos. The Pelagos has been a staple within the Tudor assortment since 2012, and it firmly suits the definition of a instrument watch.

The Pelagos is a purposeful, trendy diver and is usually been under-appreciated for my part, given simply how a lot is on provide for the worth. A giant purpose for this comes all the way down to the sheer dimension of the Pelagos – not essentially the 42mm case diameter, however slightly the 15mm thickness, making it virtually consistent with the dimensions of the Rolex Sea-Dweller.

Tudor Pelagos 39

This massive dimension is just not excellent for on a regular basis wearability, so extra folks find yourself with a Black Bay on their wrists. The Tudor Pelagos 39 addresses these points, and Tudor hopes to seize a broader client base on the expense of some modifications.

Does this now make the Tudor Pelagos 39 THE Tudor to purchase? Or has an excessive amount of been given up in making the watch smaller?

Tudor Pelagos – Temporary Abstract

Earlier than we are able to assess the Tudor Pelagos 39, we have to summarise what is definitely on provide right here and the way Tudor has made changes to the mannequin. Initially, it’s a trendy diving watch. To carry the Pelagos title it must be as that’s what the gathering has come to signify within the Tudor assortment. Nevertheless, in an effort to obtain the brand new proportions they’ve needed to simplify some areas.

In making the Pelagos 39, the case dimension is now extra compact, shifting from 42 mm to 39 mm (because the title suggests). Much more spectacular, and for my part, the place essentially the most notable change can be felt, the thickness has been lowered. The unique Pelagos is a hefty 15 mm, however this new mannequin brings that all the way down to 11.8 mm.

Tudor Pelagos 39 caseband, lug and bracelet

One criticism of Tudor is that the circumstances are considerably slab-sided, and that is made much more noticeable on the thicker fashions. The 39 addresses this and can now be far more wearable, becoming underneath a cuff with far more ease. Mechanically, it will likely be extra interesting to a wider vary of individuals from this single truth alone. To attain this, the Helium Escape Valve has been eliminated and the water resistance has been lowered from 500m to 200m.

Tudor Pelagos 39 on rubber strap

There’s something cool a few Helium Escape Worth on a watch however is it sensible? Not significantly. Solely you may know whether or not this can have an effect on you, however for the overwhelming majority 200 m resistance is greater than sufficient. Realistically, if you’re diving to those depths you can be on the lookout for a instrument that can assist you and never essentially an on a regular basis watch.

The case is totally Grade 2 titanium. Grade 2 titanium is a commercially obtainable titanium alloy recognized for its diverse usability and is stronger than Grade 1, however much less so than Grade 5. Titanium will clearly really feel lighter on the wrist than chrome steel watches, and also you do find yourself with a really enticing shade of gray.

Tudor Pelagos 39 folding clasp

The identical titanium is used on the totally brushed bracelet, which is fitted with a diving extension and Tudor’s T-Match clasp fast adjustment mechanism permitting for flexibility in an 8mm vary over 5 positions. I’ve talked about this in different posts, however Tudor’s bracelets are usually nice! They’re well-constructed, comfy and most significantly, look good. If the bracelet is just not for you, a rubber strap can also be included within the buy of the watch, though there is no such thing as a quick-release mechanism to vary straps rapidly.

Tudor Pelagos 39 lume and indicies

Shifting to the dial, it’s a deep black with a delicate sunburst impact and contrasting white snowflake fingers and indices. The indices observe from different Tudor fashions such because the Black Bay Professional in that they’re produced from luminous, 3D ceramic blocks. There are not any borders to the indices, which removes the luxurious contact of polished gold/metal you discover on different fashions and retains the Pelagos 39 extra consistent with a pure instrument watch.

They only sit on high of the dial and supply an attention-grabbing methodology for giving the watch depth whereas rising the general lume floor space.

Tudor Pelagos 39

One function that’s misplaced, nevertheless, from the bigger Pelagos is the rehaut that wrapped across the indices. This can be a beloved element by the followers of the mannequin and a function that, whereas not initially noticeable, has turn out to be defining within the vary.

Is the lack of dimension a giant deal?

I don’t suppose in order it contributes to how Tudor managed to scale back the dimensions of the Pelagos 39 and I’d slightly have the choice of a smaller Pelagos for my wrist than not. This can be a related state of affairs with the date complication. The Pelagos 39 is a time-only piece, and whether or not that is constructive or destructive comes all the way down to your tastes, however by eradicating the date they had been capable of shed vital dimension from the motion.

It feels as if Tudor has received their time-only actions proper, however they haven’t managed to slim down their different issues (date, GMT, chronographs) as they nonetheless all fall on the thick facet.

Tudor Manufature Caliber MT5400

The motion is the caliber MT5400 and is similar to different Tudor watches (specifically the Black Bay 58) with a 70-hour energy reserve, a stable accuracy of -2/+4 seconds per day and a non -magnetic hairspring. All of this provides as much as an excellent dependable motion.

Lastly, the bezel. It’s a unidirectional rotating bezel with a ceramic insert and luminous indices. The lume makes it extraordinarily practical and the standard of the operation is nearly as good as we’ve got come to count on from Tudor.

Tudor Pelagos 39

The dial ornament is among the extra dividing facets of the Pelagos 39. The sunburst end can also be discovered on the bezel – not one thing generally seen. It undoubtedly takes away from the practical matte end discovered on the bigger Pelagos and can catch the sunshine very simply.

In my eyes, that is higher than I first thought. I have to admit sunburst is just not a end that appeals to me, however the extra I see the Pelagos 39, the extra I respect the impact. In sure gentle the bezel can look utterly black, however in different conditions, it turns into a light gray. It feels as if Tudor did this to present the watch extra visible dynamism to an in any other case comparatively understated piece.

The place Does the Pelogos 39 Match In The Vary?

This can be a tougher query than it first appears. Thus far, Tudor has given us two separate dive watch ranges – Pelagos and Black Bay. Up till now, the Pelagos has been the true divers watch. It has one of the best depth ranking and consists of all of the know-how Tudor has in creating an instrument that can be utilized. It’s no-nonsense and doesn’t compromise on what it has been designed to do. In that sense, the Pelagos, regardless of not being the preferred vary from Tudor, is their flagship mannequin.

Then there’s the Black Bay. That is additionally a divers watch; nevertheless, it is vitally a lot designed with on a regular basis put on in thoughts. There’s a tilt in direction of it being a luxurious watch slightly than a diving system. It focuses on the design and Tudor doesn’t thoughts sacrificing dive practicality to handle this. There are numerous supplies (bronze and silver for instance), a much less sensible bezel (smaller dimension and textual content), and extra polished finishes throughout the case and dial.

On high of this, the Black Bay has a vintage-inspired design – the clearest indication that the watch is designed with client developments in thoughts. This isn’t to say that the Black Bay is just not succesful, slightly it finds a steadiness between functionality and vogue. The Pelagos goes all in on functionality.

The place does that depart the Pelagos 39? Someplace very a lot within the center. Sure, diving capabilities have been sacrificed on the 39, however it has not received these classic touches discovered on the Black Bay. Nevertheless, that mentioned, the Pelagos 39 is extraordinarily wearable and proportionally smaller than the vast majority of the Black Bay line (excluding the BB58). It takes the higher dimension and flexibility of the BB58, however maintains the modernity of the Pelagos.

It’s Good, However How Good?

Studying the above and on the primary reflection it is a stable addition to the Tudor assortment, however it’s slightly uninspiring. Studying the technical specs and the small modifications made to the dial and bezel makes it sound not vastly thrilling. Though, in actuality, that isn’t the case. Tudor has given us one other mannequin that may be thought of a one-watch assortment. It’s no secret that dive watches are usually a few of the hottest kinds, and right here we’ve got a really well-proportioned, neutral-color watch that’s nice high quality and comparatively reasonably priced.

Tudor Pelagos 39 (picture courtesy Łukasz Doskocz/ch24.pl)

Additional to this, Tudor has created a watch that followers have been requesting for some time. By doing this, they’ve captured the loyal Tudor client base, however have broadened their potential to one of many widest client units attainable. Those that know what this watch is will know its significance, and those that don’t will simply see a improbable look ahead to all events.

It’s interesting to all teams and that isn’t one thing achieved simply. Take a look at Panerai  – they confronted criticism from the Paneristi (their loyal fan base) with the launch of the Panerai Luminor Due because it misplaced the core of what Panerai is supposed to be about: water resistance.

There may be a good bigger dialogue available with the Pelagos 39 – is that this the Tudor Submariner of right now? Clearly, this entire thought course of depends on Tudor not really launching a brand new Submariner!

Ever for the reason that latest rise of the model, there was one query on the minds of collectors. Are we going to see an up to date Tudor Submariner? Many have argued for the Black Bay or Pelagos to be this coveted reintroduction however each had been lacking sure components. The Pelagos was too massive and trendy, and the Black Bay was shut with a softer look however had trendy dimensions.

Then the BB58 was launched, and at last, Tudor gave the world a smaller divers watch and got here nearer than ever earlier than. For the final 5 years, this has been accepted, however now we’ve got the Pelagos 39 within the equation. Your views could differ right here, however to me, the Pelagos 39 is the true Tudor Submariner of the fashionable day.

It could not seem like the Submariner, and it could not have the identical aesthetic, however the Tudor Submariner was all about being true to itself (I do know…Rolex Submariner however you get the thought), succesful, wearable and trendy for the time.

That is precisely what the Pelagos 39 is. It isn’t making an attempt to be one thing else. The aesthetic is the fashionable Tudor look, created for now. The watch ticks all the identical packing containers as the unique Submariner and sooner or later, I see this as being regarded upon because the watch that was it. The place the BB58 is nearer to a homage watch, the Pelagos 39 has the potential to be the watch inspiring future homage watches.

So Which Tudor Do You Purchase?

This leaves us with an important query – is that this the Tudor to purchase? It’s clear that if you’re an avid diver or somebody with bigger wrists, then the 42mm Pelagos or bigger 41mm Black Bay is the way in which to go. The problem is whether or not your cash ought to be spent on the BB58 or the Pelagos 39. They’re each nice and belief me once I say, you can not go fallacious with both.

Tudor Pelagos 42 on the wrist (picture courtesy Michal Ciechanowski)

The vast majority of the choice comes all the way down to aesthetics and that’s extremely subjective. That will help you reply this query, I need to concentrate on whether or not or not the Pelagos 39 is bland. It’s simple to see why you may affiliate bland with this watch, particularly whenever you examine it to the variety of vintage-inspired, colourful watches now on provide.

The Pelagos is extraordinarily delicate and inoffensive. It may be even described as chilly. It’s logical to see why some may discover this watch lacks emotion, and I can’t disagree with that prepare of thought. If you’re buying a watch along with your coronary heart alone, it’s simple to see how the heat of the black BB58 or the attraction of the navy BB58 could be interesting.

Tudor Pelagos 39

What the Pelagos does provide although is that up to date look. Once more, that is subjective, however not everybody likes homage watches regardless of what the watch media tells us. Vogue could transfer slower within the watch world in comparison with clothes or sneakers, however the classic model is simply that, a vogue. The Pelagos in that respect has a extra timeless nature. That’s why the Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster are so fashionable. I received’t reply the query for you, however I lean in direction of the Pelagos for this very concept. What about you?

Conclusion

The Pelagos 39 is the watch many (myself included) have been ready for. The Pelagos line has lengthy sat on the high of the Tudor assortment, and by being so centered it has not discovered the identical success because the Black Bay line. With the discharge of the Pelagos 39, Tudor lastly addresses this. It takes one of the best of the Pelagos 42mm and repackages it into a really versatile and interesting watch. By placing a steadiness between diving functionality and on a regular basis usability, Tudor could have eliminated some facets that outlined the Pelagos, however in the end, it’s value it if it opens the door to the Pelagos assortment for extra clients.

Tudor Pelagos 39 on the wrist (picture courtesy Łukasz Doskocz/ch24.pl)

There are some areas that may not be good – the brushed bezel divides folks, the titanium case is perhaps too gentle for some and the design could possibly be thought of a bit too secure. No matter your emotions in direction of this watch, there ought to be little question that it is a nice base now for Tudor to start out increasing, and nobody ought to be sad with that!

For extra info, please go to www.tudorwatch.com/en/pelagos-39.

You’ll be able to learn extra articles by Raman Kalra at www.thewatchmuse.com.

Fast information: Tudor Pelagos 39
Indications: hours, minutes and seconds
Case: 39 mm diameter x 11.8 mm excessive, Grade 2 titanium, unidirectional rotating bezel
Bracelet: titanium three-link bracelet with Tudor T-fit folding clasp, security catch and diver’s extension, plus black rubber strap with pin buckle and diver’s extension
Motion: computerized winding Manufacture Caliber MT5400, COSC licensed, bi-directional rotor, silicon steadiness spring
Water resistance: 200 meters
Value: 3,880 euros

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