The Tudor Pelagos 39 In-Depth Review

Today we are going to delve into one of Tudor’s most beloved timepieces. For quite some time, enthusiasts of Tudor timepieces have eagerly anticipated the release of a modernized edition of the Snowflake Submariner. Frankly speaking, I held doubts that such a momentous occasion would ever come to pass. However, our hopes have been met with utmost satisfaction through the introduction of the remarkable Pelagos 39. This latest addition to the esteemed Pelagos collection strikes a perfect chord, igniting a genuine sense of enthusiasm among Tudor’s dedicated followers.

What Makes The Pelagos 39 So Special?

The Pelagos 39 has been generating quite a buzz, and its dimensions are at the heart of the excitement. Many individuals, including myself, found the previous Pelagos model to be a bit bulky, featuring a 42mm wide case and a thickness of 14.3mm. In contrast, the Pelagos 39 offers a much more comfortable wearing experience. With its 39mm case, 47mm lug-to-lug measurement, and a slimness of 11.8mm, it hits the sweet spot for numerous enthusiasts.

This release is reminiscent of the reception Tudor received when they introduced the Black Bay 58 back in 2018. While the Heritage Black Bay had a design that appealed to many, its larger size and thickness were concerns. Consequently, the arrival of the BB58 with a slimmer, slightly smaller case caused quite a stir. The Pelagos 39’s dimensions bear a striking resemblance to those of the vintage Tudor Submariners, which, combined with its overall design, has led to comparisons to a modern Tudor Sub. Furthermore, the watch’s grade 2 titanium case and bracelet contribute to its exceptional lightness, enhancing its overall wearability.

The Pelagos 39 exhibits a case shape that closely resembles its larger counterpart, the Pelagos. However, the Pelagos 39 distinguishes itself with chamfered undersides in its case, creating an illusion of slenderness and enhancing the overall comfort of wearing the watch.

The Pelagos 39 offers two strap options to choose from. The first option is the titanium oyster bracelet, which comes with Tudor’s T-Fit clasp. Despite its relatively larger size, the clasp does not feel overly cumbersome. Moreover, the T-Fit system offers a convenient on-the-fly micro-adjustment of 8mm across 5 positions, allowing you to achieve the perfect fit. Additionally, a diver’s extension is included, enabling you to wear the watch comfortably over a wetsuit, especially if you plan on diving with it.

In addition to the titanium bracelet, the Pelagos 39 also comes with a complimentary rubber strap, utilizing the end links from the bracelet. The rubber strap is exceptionally soft and provides a high level of comfort. Choosing between the rubber strap and the bracelet can be a difficult decision as both options have their merits. However, despite the appeal of the standard strap choices, I am curious to explore the possibility of trying the watch with aftermarket straps. It’s worth noting that Tudor’s decision to opt for a 21mm lug width is somewhat unusual and may pose some challenges when searching for compatible straps.

Design

Although the Pelagos 39 shares a similar design with its larger counterpart, the Pelagos, it is not merely a scaled-down version of the older model. While maintaining the all-brushed case finish that characterizes the Pelagos range, the new model introduces enough changes to give the watch a fresh feel.

Firstly, the ceramic bezel insert now features a sunray finish, adding an intriguing play of light as it transitions from black to grey depending on the lighting conditions. The dial also boasts a subtle sunburst finish, though it is barely noticeable. This understated feature, however, is not a criticism as it preserves the Pelagos 39’s no-nonsense diver aesthetic while subtly enhancing the dial’s color.

The applied hour markers, although visually plain as they are simple white blocks, have an interesting quality – they are crafted from a luminous ceramic composite. These markers are complemented by a white-painted snowflake handset, resulting in a high-contrast dial that is ideal for a serious dive watch.

The rehaut, which is the inner edge of the dial, has been simplified compared to the one found on the 42mm Pelagos. It no longer incorporates hour markers, but it maintains a sloped design with the minute track printed along its length. This subtle alteration adds depth to an otherwise straightforward dial.

Another noteworthy change is the reduction in dial text, particularly at the six o’clock position, where the 42mm Pelagos had five lines. The Pelagos 39 now features only four lines of text. Although still relatively abundant, Tudor has achieved a sense of balance by making the word “Pelagos” stand out in vibrant cherry red. This pop of color is a welcome addition to an otherwise monochromatic timepiece and contributes to its overall appeal.

Specifications 

The Pelagos 39 is undeniably a highly capable diving timepiece, boasting impressive specifications. One notable aspect of its design is the omission of the helium escape valve present in the larger Pelagos, allowing for a thinner case. The Pelagos watch now has a water resistance of 200m instead of the previous 500m. However, this change is not significant for most people. I personally think that having a more wearable case size is worth the sacrifice of lower water resistance. 

The watch still includes standard features like a flat sapphire crystal and a screw-down crown, making it suitable for diving. The unidirectional bezel has also been improved for easier use, with a smoother 60-click action and redesigned knurling on both the crown and bezel edge for a better grip. The bezel width slightly surpasses that of the case, contributing to its improved manipulation. The luminosity of the watch is exceptional and offers long-lasting visibility. While the solid lume markers charge more readily than the hands, the dial remains highly legible in low-light conditions.

The Pelagos 39 watch is powered by Tudor’s caliber MT5400, an automatic movement that includes 27 jewels, operates at a 4Hz beat rate, and has a non-magnetic silicon balance spring at its core. The movement boasts a commendable 70-hour power reserve and holds a COSC certification as a chronometer. Notably, Tudor exceeds the standards set by COSC in regulating the movement, ensuring an accuracy within -2 and +4 seconds per day.

Final Thoughts

The Pelagos 39, in my humble opinion, is a resounding success for Tudor. It encompasses all the essential features that an average individual would seek in a diver’s watch, while boasting an incredibly sleek and adaptable size that will undoubtedly captivate a wide audience. Furthermore, its design evokes the essence of vintage Tudor Submariners, effectively serving as a worthy successor to those iconic models.

Lastly, I feel compelled to address the price. Priced at £3500 or $4,400 USD, the Pelagos 39 sits a mere £500 above the Black Bay 58. I believe that the price of this product is quite reasonable, given its ceramic bezel, titanium build, and T-Fit clasp. Consequently, I daresay that this release might be Tudor’s most significant since the inception of the original Black Bay 58.