Inspired by a yacht race.

Tudor's Pelagos FXD model has undergone an unexpected transformation this year. The watch which was born two years ago as a reminder of the brand's connection with the French Navy (Fr. "Marine nationale") is leaving the military for sport in 2023.

Last year, the company announced it would be sponsoring the Alinghi Red Bull Racing team competing in the 37th America's Cup, and has now unveiled the first watch models born from their new partnership. The familiar Pelagos FXD model was their point of departure.

The result saw two models unveiled in one go: the time-only Pelagos FXD "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" and Pelagos FXD Chrono "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" chronograph.  The general style of the original watch has been preserved, but its new sporting spirit manifests itself in the colorway and choice of materials.

As for firsts, this is the first time Tudor has used carbon composite for the case. It's combined with another two materials: steel for the caseback and titanium for the bezel (the bezel's insert is made of ceramic).

The same combination can be found in the material used to construct the Alinghi Red Bull Racing AC75 yacht. Other nods to the yacht: the dials are the same color as the hull of the AC75 with red accents that mirror elements on the hull, and the team's logo also appears on the caseback.

While using details that remind you of the watch's connection with Alinghi, Tudor still preserves the brand's typical details: the large square hour markers and "snowflake" hands that date back to 1969.

The time-only watch is equipped with a COSC-certified Caliber MT5602 chronograph movement, while the chronograph uses Caliber MT5813, which is also chronometer-certified. Both of them boast what the company calls a "weekend-proof" 70-hour power reserve.

The case is paired with textile straps woven by the French company Julien Faure on 19th century Jacquard looms. The strap made of Jacquard-woven ribbon is in a shade called Team Blue with red accents.

It's secured with a titanium D-shaped buckle with a self-gripping fastening system, which means the strap can adapt to fit different wrists sizes. The Pelagos FXD "Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition" measures 42 mm in diameter and 12.75 in height. The chronograph is slightly more imposing at 43 × 13.6 mm.