After several collections based on the Heritage Black Bay, Tudor Watches comes back in the game of the rugged, professional-oriented and modern watches, with a new version of its tool: the Pelagos. After a first version introduced in 2012, with a black dial, after a revamp in 2015, with the addition of a blue dial and the introduction of the manufacture movement, the Pelagos is back in a version that most will definitely name “the coolest”. Please say hello to the Tudor Pelagos LHD 25610TNL, or the lefty version with cream indexes and red “Pelagos” printing.
The concept of the left-handed watch isn’t new to Tudor. This Tudor Pelagos LHD is a actually a nod to the past, as paying tribute to a watch made for the French navy in 1961, the Tudor 9401 left-hand, with a black dial and snowflake hands (you see the link already…). In fact, some divers had issues wearing they watch on the left arm, and to face this, 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. This is why some left-handed watches appeared on the market, with the crown positioned on the opposite side of the case.
An example of left handed Tudor Submariner (1981, ref. 94010)
With the introduction of the Tudor Pelagos LHD, the brand offers both a very
option, as well as an answer to left-handed professional divers. Yes, because, we must not forget the original vocation of the Tudor Pelagos. When introduced in 2012, alongside the Black Bay, this watch was the answer to the need for some to have a rugged, efficient and comprehensive dive watch, not especially oriented on the style (even if the result is a very nice watch) but more on the functionality. Indeed, the Pelagos is a real tool, with a 500m water-resistance, an helium escape valve, a clear and legible dial, a lightweight, hyper resistant case in titanium and a bracelet (in that same metal) with a real diving clasp.
It was first launched in 2012 with a black dial, pure-white indexes and hands (of course with the square hour indexes and the snow flake hands, just like the old Subamriners 9401 or 7016). However, while the Black Bay was more playing on the emotional and vintage side, this Pelagos was fully oriented on practicality. In 2015, Tudor revealed a new version of the Pelagos, this time with their in-house movement (calibre MT5612, the 3-hand / date version) and the addition of a new version, with blue dial and bezel. No technical evolutions others than this had to be noted.
This year, the watch we know for now 4 years comes in what is certainly its coolest version: a left-handed edition. Basically, there’s no evolution in terms of technique or style, just a move of the crown from 3 to 9. This will be helpful (and quite
) for left-handed people or those who prefer to wear their watches on the right arm (and I know quite a lot…). The case of the Tudor Pelagos LHD is still measuring 42mm, it is still made in grade 2 titanium with an entirely satined finish and the crown, even if moved, is still protected by a pointy protection. Because the crown is now on the left side, it induced to move the helium escape valve, which is now placed in the case band at 3. The Tudor Pelagos LHD is still delivered on titanium bracelet (with super convenient bracelet extension system developed and patented by Tudor). A rubber strap (in black) with extra extension piece is still offered in the box.
Mechanically, the Tudor Pelagos LHD still relies on the same movement as the normal Pelagos, meaning the in-house Calibre MT5612 (of course, the movement has been turned 180 degrees to have the crown at 9). This movement packs 70 hours of power reserve, features a silicon balance spring, a variable inertia balance with micro-adjustment by screw, beats at 4Hz and is COSC certified. A reliable and strong automatic movement which clearly creates a stronger package, compared to the previous ETA-based Pelagos (2012-2014 versions).
What else is new with this Tudor Pelagos LHD? Not only the case is slightly different, but Tudor also wanted the LHD to have something special. Indeed, even if it features the same square-indexes and snowflake hands, they are now cream-colored and not pure-white as before. This also goes for the scale on the black ceramic bezel, which shares this slightly vintage tone, giving the Pelagos LHD a nice, maybe less professional touch. To complement this, Tudor has also fitted the Pelagos LHD with a red model name at 6 on the dial (again, a tribute to some vintage editions). The red can be seen on the date wheel too, with even days printed in red and uneven days printed in black.
Last detail is the caseback, which features a unique production number engraved in large Arabic numerals. Why that? Even if the Tudor Pelagos LHD is not limited in production, it will be a numbered series. This is why all watches will be different, on the caseback at least. Price for the Tudor Pelagos LHD: 4,200 Swiss Francs / 4,140 Euros / 4,400 USD (just like the standard Pelagos). Available as of tomorrow (18 November 2016). Tudorwatch.com.
Specifications of the Tudor Pelagos LHD 25610TNL
Case: 42mm diameter – grade 2 titanium, fully satined – numbered steel caseback – left crown – unidirectional bezel with 60-minute ceramic insert – sapphire crystal on the front – 500m water resistant
Movement: in-house calibre MT5612, COSC certified – 28,800vph – 70 hours power reserve – automatic – H, M, S and date
Bracelet: titanium Oyster-type bracelet with bracelet extension system – additional black rubber strap
Ref. 25610TNL
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