FRIDAY WIND DOWN: What the Beckham Tudor Pelagos hopefully implies…
Zach BlassWhen the David Beckham Tudor Pelagos shot appeared on Instagram, it became a moment where many of us were hoping our prayers had been answered. Is this it? A Marine Nationale Pelagos for civilians to purchase? Details are not entirely clear, as there has yet to be any form of official confirmation from Tudor themselves. Forum posts are one thing, because unfortunately forum and fact do not always go hand-in-hand. But a genuine photo of Beckham’s wrist, on his official social media no less, is a much more reassuring piece of evidence that brings our dream closer to reality.
The photos above and below had made there way onto forums last month, and in tandem with the Beckham Pelagos story on Instagram it would seem a Marine Nationale Pelagos is likely coming – again no official word from the brand themselves, so don’t light the celebratory cigar just yet (although maybe get the ash-tray ready). Comparing the set of photos as a whole, one can infer that Beckham may have been sporting a civilian version of a new Marine Nationale Tudor Pelagos.
As noted in our previous coverage of this potential development, this presumed Marine Nationale Pelagos watch has various different design cues than what we are used to in the current collection. From the outside in, the bezel has a full 60-minute countdown bezel in blue (darker in Beckham’s shot and brighter in the supposed Marine Nationale issued leaked shots above and below). A matching colour dial features a narrower stepped outer minutes track tucked in the inner bezel, and the indices may be printed, or thin and applied, notably no longer framed in the recesses of a thicker stepped inner bezel ring.
Another notable thing to mention is that on the watch above, which many have surmised is a Marine Nationale issue based on the caseback engraving, there are only two lines of dial text: “Pelagos and 200m”. This, along with the narrower inner bezel track, suggests the case may potentially be a tad smaller and thinner than the current 42mm Pelagos. From this side profile shot, which reveals a shield engraved crown protected by crown guards and a military fabric strap passing through fixed bars, it would appear that the watch may have dimensions close to what we have become familiar with in the Black Bay Heritage line (41mm x 14.8mm x 50.1mm). If it were to be revealed as 40mm in diameter, 13mm or so thick, and under 50mm lug-to-lug, my ideal dimensions personally, well… let’s just say don’t hesitate to pull the trigger because it will certainly be a hot watch.
On Beckham’s version, possibly a darker civilian take on the above MN watch, we have more lines of dial text, which I believe reads “Pelagos, Chronometer, Officially Certied, 200m : 660ft”. If you were hoping I’d say Master Chronometer, unfortunately I am not getting that sense from the pixelated image – but you never know.
Based on the hint of black beneath, it is possible a black NATO style strap will be its pairing. Whether it has the same fixed spring bar that only allows a strap to be looped through remains to be seen, as well as if this watch even comes to market. It would really drive home the military purpose of its creation, but strap monsters may not find it ideal as it would limit customization – not to mention the number of SKUs Tudor could release.
Only time will tell if this watch is in fact an upcoming release, but fingers crossed!
Have a great weekend,
Zach
Watch meme of the week: Watch mine is yours, and yours mine
Regardless of the composition of your partnership in life, couples do not always see eye to eye on watch collecting – after all individuals have varying passions. Watches are life for the W.I.S tribe of the world, but there are, of course, more important things in life (as much as it pains me to admit). I myself recognise that my own watch collection may have to shrink one day, when responsibilities arise that my single and twenty-something life has yet to present. I joke with my peers that there will likely be one form of a collection Ragnarok or another when the inevitable big financial moments come in my life, and tough decisions will likely need to be made. I will try to keep as many as I can, as I do really love each watch, but whether financing the next hunt or, more responsibly, a new chapter of my adult life, I try to remain mentally prepared to part ways with some of my pieces – and make sure I account for the ones I know I can’t.
Wrist shot of the week: Sam takes a boss Breitling wrist roll
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This definitely caught our eye. The two-tone Breitling chronomat somehow really blends with the two tone nature of the brick floor below, and with the power heels in the background of the shot the whole vibe screams world domination – in style. Breitling has done a better job as of late introducing novelties in a variety of sizes, having 36mm and 40+mm versions of many of their popular new novelties. The diamond bezel adds a luxurious and elegant flair to what is otherwise a sports watch, a great example of a watch that can walk both lines #robust elegance. Great wrist roll Sam!
Recommended bidding: The Pink Dial Project Auction
October 25th marked the inaugural launch of The Pink Dial Project, a fundraising auction involving a long list of top watch brands in partnership with our friends at Revolution, Fratello Watches, Loupe This, and The Eye of Jewelry. In an effort to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, each brand has been prompted to spotlight the colour pink – referencing and paying tribute to the breast cancer awareness movement (with all funds raised going to the Union of International Cancer Control). Three days in, the auction has had a lot of bidding action, so far raising $289,452 through 613 bids as of October 28th, 9am in Singapore. But there is still time to get in on the charitable fun! To check out all the lots, you can learn more about the participating big box brands here and the indies, micros, and sleeper hits here – or better yet, just head straight to Loupe This to make your account and begin bidding.
Our favourite Time+Tide coverage of the week:
Keanu Reeves’ present to his John Wick stuntmen continues the celeb tradition of gifting Rolex Submariners
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Luke explores the recent news that Keanu Reeves gifted his four stuntman Rolex Submariners this week. I think many of us were debating becoming stuntmen and women in the hopes of getting a special Sub of our own, but then we all come back to reality and remember how crazy (awesome) you have to be to make it in that profession.
VIDEO: IWC introduces two new stealth Top Gun Ceratanium Pilot’s watches
IWC has brought forth two new stealth Ceratanium references: the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Top Gun Ceratanium and the IWC Pilot’s Watch Timezoner Top Gun Ceratanium – the first Timezoner to be introduced in the innovative material. To learn more about the two new limited production pieces, head into the danger-zone via the video above.
Every Watch Tells a Story: Tim’s tale of compassion and a Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1589
We asked for the anecdotes behind your timepieces as part of our Every Watch Tells A Story series. Straight away, we got this cracking yarn from Tim @inversepanda about how this delectable Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 1589 found its way into his grateful possession. If you have a story that you’d like to share, email us at: [email protected]