The Pelagos FXD ‘Cycling Edition’
Tudor unveils a new Pelagos FXD Chronograph developed with and for cyclists.
Since the unveiling of its first chronograph in 1970, references 7031 and 7032, Tudor has always allowed the chronograph to have a special place in the brand’s collections. Those first models, known for their bold colour schemes of grey, black, and orange, and distinctive hour markers reminiscent of a baseball field’s home plate, led to the affectionate nickname “Homeplate Chronograph.” This daring spirit continued with the second series of watches, the Monte Carlos, and into the earliest Big Blocks and beyond to the Black Bay Chrono Dark and the recent Chrono Pink.
7031 with Black Bay Chrono Dark
Big Block 9420
By 1976, Tudor was breaking new ground with the release of the three-register “Big Block” chronograph. This model was particularly notable as it marked the first automatic chronograph within the Wilsdorf group—a remarkable 12 years ahead of the automatic Rolex Daytona.
2010 Heritage Chrono
Pelagos FXD Chrono "Alinghi Edition"
Central to the revival of Tudor in 2010, was the launch of the Heritage Chrono, directly inspired by the early Homeplate models. Since then, Tudor’s chronographs, including the recent hits from the Black Bay Chronograph series and the Pelagos FXDs for Alinghi Red Bull Racing, have continued to be collectors’ favourites.
Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition”: Engineered for Speed
The Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition” features a 43mm case made of lightweight carbon composite, ensuring the watch remains unobtrusive and comfortable, even during the most challenging races. When Tudor set out to design the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition”, functionality was the order of the day, especially the specific needs of cyclists during races. Unlike traditional chronographs with tachymetric scales that are calibrated for the high speeds of automobiles, the Pelagos FXD Chrono introduces a novel approach tailored for the world of professional cycling. Designed with the cyclist in mind, the tachymetric scale on this model is calibrated for the moderate speeds that cyclists move at, rather than the vastly higher speeds of motor vehicles.
The most striking feature of the “Cycling Edition” is its spirally wrapped tachymetric scale around the dial. By spiralling the scale, the watch allows cyclists to quickly and easily read their average speeds with just a glance, a feature is particularly beneficial during high-speed races where every second and every glance counts!
The watch is powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a movement that has been serving Tudor well for some time now and is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). With a power reserve of 70 hours and a silicon balance spring, the Pelagos FXD Chrono is designed to perform impeccably under the varied and often extreme conditions faced by professional cyclists.
Like other watches in the Pelagos FXD line that were designed for specific professional duties, such as the original Marine Nationale watch and the Alinghi Red Bull FXDs, the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition” is more than just a timekeeper; it’s a tool for competitive cycling. Its yet another demonstration of Tudor’s commitment to offering precision and endurability at a price point that makes sense; an ethos on which the brand was built. And that’s why we love it!
