Tudor North Flag Ref. 91210When it was introduced in 2015, the Tudor North Flag made serious waves. Launched at the top of Tudor's novelties for the year, the watch was not only an interesting, historically influenced design, but it importantly contained the brand’s very first in-house movement: the Calibre MT5621, a chronometer-certified movement capable of a 70-hour power reserve. In this regard, by its new design and movement, the watch, while relatively short lived in Tudor's catalog, marked a significant turning point for the brand. In straightforward terms, it marked Tudor's growing independence as a watchmaker, expanding not only from its sister brand Rolex, but importantly from its reliance on other Swiss players like ETA and Swatch Group which has historically supplied its movements. As for design, the Tudor North Flag is in most ways original, or at least a dramatic re-interpretation of the historic Tudor Ranger design. Some influence has been taken notably from the oft-forgotten Tudor Ranger 2, a rare model from the 1970s that included an integrated case shape, a Ranger-style dial, a cyclops date window, and - most interestingly - a fluted bezel. But the North Flag isn’t a Tudor of the 1970s, it's Tudor of today, and that means in spite of a shared focus on watches of the past vis-à-vis durability and function, the North Flag is highly modern in both design and color. As for specifics, its case features a robust 40mm steel diameter that connects to an integrated H-link bracelet securing the watch to the wrist, while a matte-ceramic rim around the bezel adds an additional element of intrigue and durability. This gives the watch a distinguished integrated look that differs from the popular luxury styles often seen today, providing it with more of a robust, action-ready look rather than the more delicate styles seen in other timepieces. On the dial, a straightforward black and white configuration is put to use to match the themes first seen via the case, the obvious intention on legibility and function. Yet still, in traditional Tudor fashion, a dash of color is implemented, with accents of yellow used throughout as the North Flag's signature. Finally, inside the watch is the previously mentioned Calibre MT5621, a watershed movement by the brand that alongside its chronometer spec and solid power reserve also features a silicon hairspring, sandblasted decoration, and an exhibition caseback. |
