The Tudor North Flag and the display case back.

[Blackdog]

I have to admit that with better pictures and close-ups I'm getting a much better impression of the North Flag. I still don't like it, but I don't dislike it that much anymore…

However, I'm really mistified by the decision of installing a sapphire caseback. The pride of presenting a manufacture movement is completely understandable, and the engraved text on the casebacks of both the NF and the new Pelagos clearly underline that fact. But I would have expected a minimally decorated movement to go with the display back. It looks extremely poor like this.


Just compare to the finishing of the Tudor version of the 2824-2 in the BlackBay and older Sub, and even though they were never meant to be seen by the user, these look enormously better.



Most competing watch models with factory display backs take good care of giving you something beautiful to look at. I think Tudor's decision is a HUGE mistake.
And if one tries to consider the "tool", "technical", "professional" argument that seems to dominate the sales pitch of this model, then a display back is simply out of place in such a watch.

In short, I'm very impressed at the very existence of the in-house movement and it's specs, but seriously underwhelmed by it's looks. They could (and should) have done much better. What do you think ?

[mike]

Yeah,....I have to admit it's a bit ......plain.

[travisb]

The movement is pretty bland. The exhibition caseback is neither a plus or minus to me.

[Jason71]

Originally Posted by travisb

The movement is pretty bland. The exhibition caseback is neither a plus or minus to me.

Agreed. While I do like the look of it overall, the deal-breaker for me is the lugs. Non-standard lugs and the inability to use NATOs or decent straps is just ridiculous on a 'tool watch'

[eightbore]

There is clearly a reason the new movement is in the North Flag and Pelagos first and it's because the presently industrial finish of the movement fits the tool-ish nature of the watches. A fancy decorated movement would look silly in either of these pieces....much less on display! Frankly, I was one of the first to talk smack about the North Flag a few days ago but it (and the appearance of the movement) is growing on me very quickly. In the future, I would completely expect a decorated version of this movement to make its way into other (more appropriately dressy) Tudor products and again be paired with the display back.

Only from the WIS community could a company offer up an in house movement with 70 hours of power reserve, abandon the "white bread" ETA, charge no real premium for the improvements....and then get COMPLAINTS!

[Mr Daytona]

Originally Posted by eightbore

There is clearly a reason the new movement is in the North Flag and Pelagos first and it's because the presently industrial finish of the movement fits the tool-ish nature of the watches. A fancy decorated movement would look silly in either of these pieces....much less on display! Frankly, I was one of the first to talk smack about the North Flag a few days ago but it (and the appearance of the movement) is growing on me very quickly. In the future, I would completely expect a decorated version of this movement to make its way into other (more appropriately dressy) Tudor products and again be paired with the display back.

Only from the WIS community could a company offer up an in house movement with 70 hours of power reserve, abandon the "white bread" ETA, charge no real premium for the improvements....and then get COMPLAINTS!

I agree. People will find just about anything to complain about.

[linesiders]

I think we may be missing some of Tudor's intent here. Last few years Tudor has been going after what was once Rolex's claim: The best TOOL watch.

The tool watch can have an industrial finish movement. Though my 14 year old could have made a more aesthetically pleasing toolwatch movement finish.

So no need to have an exhibition case on a tool watch but a sizable section of buyers - that won't use as a tool watch - will want to show off the tool watch movement. Crazy.

After all, a camel is a horse designed by committee

[Blackdog]

Yeah, well. My point is that if you want to play the exhibition back game you can't ignore the fact that you're competing with products like these:



Or that beautiful Lange shown a few posts back...

And if "Industrial" is the look you're after, then why on earth put an exhibition back !?!

[themast]

Well, I guess they were after an industrial look.

I should say that in that picture the rotor is in unfavorable position covering the balance wheel.

[Old Expat Beast]

I agree. The THC movement is also nicely decorated (if a bit small) and it seems odd to be showcasing such an unremarkable interior.

[D111s]

Prefer the ETA, much more attractive! I can only assume the sandblasted finish is an intentional point towards it's intended tool watch use.. Or it's a cost cutting thing. Either way it's a let down compared to the movements Tudor has used since it began.

Here's a shot of the 'Auto Prince' movement in my 1950's Oyster Prince to make my point..

[The Joker]

And the writing around the side, a bit much. Ok we know it's a manufacture movement, did it have to written twice?

[zama]

Far from the sexiest back if you are going to enter the market for displaying the innards of your watch....... hmm I know it is flaunting, but one like this should be the aspiration.....

[bdex75]

Originally Posted by zama

Far from the sexiest back if you are going to enter the market for displaying the innards of your watch....... hmm I know it is flaunting, but one like this should be the aspiration.....

ALS has some incredibly decorated movements. Some of the best in my opinion. I say if the lookin' isn't good, leave the curtains shut.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[~JJ]

I think they are going for an industrial look to strengthen the tool pitch and to set them apart from mid-level competitors who show base decoration. I like the sand blasted look, but I hope they differentiate the finish over time.

[watchwatcher]

Not a fan of exhibition casebacks...but kind of digging the North Flag. Can't wait to see it in the flesh.

[Cru Jones]

what?!? but, i thought in-house was ALWAYS better?

((sarcasm))



well, at least hodinkee thinks it's "cool looking".

[capote]

It takes confidence to use a solid caseback.

[Blackdog]

Originally Posted by capote

It takes confidence to use a solid caseback.

In this particular case I believe that it takes confidence to use an exhibition case back !

[Dr. Robert]

A tool watch w/ an exhibition case back.....bah humbug!

[Maxy]

I think the simple reason they have a case back for NorthFlag is that make people notice that its the new Tudor movement now. They probably won't do it for anymore models but its good to let at least one model display this fact and eventually will be good sales pitch. Many on TRF and forums don't need to validate the fact by looking at display back but average consumer might be interested especially when he sees its now own Tudor movement inside the watch. As I said, it'll be easy to sell this way than a closed caseback for their first in-house movement at least for average consumer.

[Chewbacca]

i can live with it.

aesthetically, its just more porsche than ferrari.

[hchj]

I don't care about the see thru case back.

[stil]

The movement looks...industrial. Nothing fancy or to write home about. I do like that it's not all chromed out though and all in all I think I like it.

As for the exhibition case back...eh. I'm not on the bandwagon. When you're wearing the watch you can't see it. When you're not wearing the watch you're wearing something else which means you still can't see it.

The face...still not impressed. Looks a bit "cheap" to me.

[fluoro]

What would the price range be.any front pictures?

[stil]

Originally Posted by fluoro

What would the price range be.any front pictures?

It's under $4k...pictures are on the Tudor website.

[Rdn6405]

I don't mind it

[Rdn6405]

-

[timuS]

I think they decided to keep it plain looking to set it apart from the Rolex 3255 and 3235. Tudor's new movement has almost the same specs as the Rolexes.

4 new movements - two each from Tudor and Rolex - Mr Dufour is really shaking things up!

[osamu]

yea, I agree it goes with the tool feeling of the watch, a highly decorated movement would just look weird in there, and most likely means the movement wasn't made for the watch. It's a unique looking movement which I appreciate so you know it's in-house.