TUDOR PELAGOS LHD
Swiss watch brand TUDOR unveils a LHD (left-handed) version of its popular Pelagos technical divers̓ watch. Equipped with TUDOR manufacture movement and featuring a black dial and black bezel, each model is numbered.
The Pelagos left-handed watch (reference 25610TNL) has its winding stem on the left of the middle case so that it can be worn on the right wrist.
TUDOR had already produced watches of this type at the specific request of diving professionals, for example the Ref. 9401 “left-handed” watch made for the French Navy, circa 1981.
Divers’ watches, intended to be worn specifically on the right wrist, require specific ergonomic characteristics. Before the advent of this watch, left-handed divers could be seen wearing their watch turned upside down on their right wrist and were only able to use the minutes elapsed calculating function, leaving the dominant hand free to access the winder.
The introduction of this new model into the Pelagos line, named LHD for Left Hand Drive, means that TUDOR is able to offer a complete range of technical divers’ watches at the same time as bringing a little-known part of its product development history to light.
In keeping with the finest traditions of giving tool watches dedicated reference numbers, Pelagos LHD is produced as a numbered series. Each model has a unique production number engraved in large Arabic numerals on the case back.
The dial of this new Pelagos Reference 25610TNL watch has been reworked with beige luminescent markings and the name “PELAGOS” in red at 6 o’clock. The calendar disc, in beige too, also comes in a new design, with its numbers displayed in alternate colours: the even days are displayed in red and the odd in black.
This aesthetic detail, nicknamed “roulette” by collectors, was especially characteristic of TUDOR divers’ watches with its dial and “snowflakes” hands that first appeared in reference 7021 in 1969. In the same vein, the unidirectional rotatable bezel in ceramic has beige luminescent markings to match those of the dial.
Inside beats a specific variant of the TUDOR manufactured movement developed for the Pelagos LHD (reference 25610TNL) model. Displaying hours, minutes and seconds functions, it bears the reference MT5612-LHD, where “MT” stands for “Mouvement TUDOR”. In 2015, TUDOR announced its first mechanical movement to have been developed, manufactured and assembled in-house. A high-performance calibre of superb precision and proven robustness, it offers a 70-hour power reserve.
Beating to a frequency of 28,800 beats/hour or 4 Hz, it is regulated by a variable inertia oscillator with a silicon balance spring and held in place by a traversing bridge, a guarantee of its robustness. Furthermore, it is certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) in positions in which it is worn with the winding stem on the left.
The Pelagos model is also characterised by its titanium bracelet with a steel folding clasp equipped with a sprung self-adjustment mechanism developed and patented by TUDOR.
This ingenious system enables the automatic adjustment of the bracelet when diving, by contracting when the diving suit is subjected to compression at depth, thus reducing thickness and, conversely, by expanding when the pressure lessens as the diver comes back up again. An additional black rubber strap with an extension link so that the watch can be worn with all types of diving suit is also included.
The matt appearance of its entirely satin finished titanium case, its technological overtones and its colour all serve as an excellent means of communicating the technical vocation of this watch in terms of its design.
Like its case and bracelet, the TUDOR MT5612 movement with which the TUDOR Pelagos is equipped also has matt finishings – sand-blasted, machine-tooled or with a sunray finish suggestive of robustness, precision, reliability and a high level of technological expertise.
The water-proofness of the Pelagos model is guaranteed up to 500 metres (1,640 ft) and has been systematically tested to 125% of its capacity, that is, to 625 metres (2,050 ft).
This extreme water proofness is coupled with an automatic helium escape valve, an indispensable device designed to safeguard the watch during “saturation” dives.
Technical details
Model: TUDOR PELAGOS LHD
Reference 25610TNL
Case
42 mm titanium and steel case with satin finish
Numbered steel case back
Titanium unidirectional rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel with ceramic matt black disc and graduations with beige luminescent coating
Titanium screw-down winding crown at 9 o’clock with the TUDOR logo in relief
Automatic helium escape valve at 3 o’clock
Sapphire crystal
Waterproof to 500 m (1,640 ft)
Movement
Calibre MT5612- LHD, Manufacture TUDOR (COSC)
Self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor system
Swiss Chronometer officially certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute)
Total Diameter: 31.8 mm
Thickness: 6.5 mm
26 jewels
Power reserve: Approximately 70 hours
Oscillator
-Variable inertia balance, micro-adjustment by screw
-Non-magnetic silicon balance spring
– Frequency: 28,800 beats/hour (4 Hz)
Functions
Centre hour, minute and seconds hands
Instantaneous date with rapid setting without non-correction range
Stop-seconds for precise time setting
Dial
Black
Date at 3 o’clock with even numbered days displayed in red and odd numbered days in black
Bracelet
Titanium bracelet with folding clasp and safety catch in steel with bracelet extension system developed and patented by TUDOR
Additional rubber strap with buckle and extra extension piece included in the box
