A technically impressive chronograph with a COSC-certified movement, but the Tudor Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” left me feeling underwhelmed.

As much as I wanted to like the Tudor Pelagos FXD Chronograph “Alinghi Red Bull Racing” edition, the experience left me feeling underwhelmed – an opinion that might not sit well with the most devoted Tudor enthusiasts or watch purists. But hear me out: while this watch is technically impressive, it simply didn’t resonate with me.

At the core, the Pelagos FXD Chronograph delivers an impressive technical performance. The COSC-certified Calibre MT5813 movement inside, based on the robust Breitling B01, is a powerhouse for chronographs, offering impressive reliability and precision that make it stand out. The watch features a 70-hour power reserve and an anti-magnetic silicon balance spring, which boosts its resilience and functionality, especially in demanding conditions. Its water resistance rating of 200 meters and fixed lug construction cater well to its rugged identity and nod to maritime sports.

Aesthetically, though, the watch fell flat for me. Its design, while undeniably built with craftsmanship and attention to detail, seemed too calculated, almost cold. The 43mm black carbon composite case with its matte blue and red accents, celebrating the collaboration with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, didn’t fully capture my admiration. The colour palette and overall styling felt a bit forced, as if trying too hard to appeal to a specific demographic rather than conveying Tudor’s authentic, sport-inspired DNA.

This Tudor Pelagos FXD Chronograph has all the right technical components and a reputable lineage, and on paper, it sounds remarkable. But despite all these strengths, I found the watch lacked a certain spark that I typically look for in a chronograph. Tudor purists and sports-watch lovers may still find it to be a worthy piece – but for me, the watch just didn’t gel.

Watch Specifications:

• Reference: M25807KN-0001
• Case: 43mm black carbon composite case with matte finish
• Lugs: 22mm lug width
• Case thickness: 13.6mm
• Movement: Manufacture Calibre MT5813 with chronograph function
• Self-winding mechanical chronograph movement with bidirectional rotor system
• Power Reserve: Power reserve of approximately 70 hours
• Winding Crown: Titanium screw-down crown with the TUDOR shield in relief
• Waterproofness: Waterproof to 200m (660 ft)
• Bezel: 60-minute bidirectional bezel in titanium with matte black carbon composite insert, 120-click
• Dial: Matte blue, red accents on the chronograph counters
• Crystal: Sapphire crystal
• Bracelet: Blue fabric strap with self-gripping fastening system