With watches, typically you possibly can spot a collector’s piece from the soar. You’ll be able to already learn the years-from-now future public sale description calling out, for instance, this yr’s new GMT: Rolex’s first full-run destro watch, the auctioneer will bark. Typically, the main points that mark a real collector’s watch are tiny: the “Inverted 6” Daytona or “Lengthy E” GMT-Grasp. Tudor’s new Pelagos, introduced this week, seems like one in every of these watches, thanks largely to the small pink line of textual content bearing its title on the dial. It looks as if a positive hit—and helps clarify the huge heater Tudor has been on this yr.
This model of the Pelagos appears to make all the proper modifications. The brand new watch is barely slimmed down in comparison with previous fashions, and moderately than the matte bezel, this one is satin brushed, which feels to me just a bit richer. The date window has been vaporized, whereas the title of the watch is written out in a really enticing pink slightly below the middle of the dial.
Why ought to these seven crimson letters make all of the distinction for this piece? Nicely, we already know collectors can’t assist themselves when offered with these small pink accents. This element is just like the bizarre little flute of rap songs: it’s a assured hitmaker. Look no additional than the watches now often called the “Single Pink Sea Dweller,” the “Pink Submariner,” and the “Large Pink Daytona.” Right this moment, it appears possible that we’re witnessing the beginning of the collector-favorite “Pink Pelagos.”
This Pelagos is emblematic of the methods Tudor has performed to its viewers so efficiently this yr. Certain, there’s a little bit of fan service occurring right here, however that’s the best way of the watch trade. Collectors have been clamoring for a slimmed-down Pelagos—this one drops from 42 millimeters to 39—and one with out the date window, which is commonly blamed for muddying up a dial with all its…performance. Not like different large companies, watch manufacturers are surprisingly reactive to collectors. Some manufacturers have been identified to place out open calls for brand spanking new designs, whereas others conscript their most passionate and distinguished fan into collaborating. Tudor isn’t going fairly this far, nevertheless it’s clear the model has its ear to the bottom.
