Tudor Revives the North Flag With GMT and Master Chronometer Certification

Tudor brings back the Northflag, the watch that in 2015 became the brand’s first watch powered by an in-house-developed and manufactured movement. The new generation retains the distinctive design language of its predecessor while adding a GMT function and Master Chronometer certification. The original Northflag took its name from the British North Greenland Expedition of the 1950s, during which Tudor watches were worn by expedition members for two years in the demanding conditions of the Greenland ice sheet. Its design, meanwhile, was inspired by the 1973 Ranger II. The new tool watch carries these historical references forward with its integrated bracelet, black dial, large two luminescent Arabic numerals and distinctive angular hands. 

A GMT for Extreme Latitudes

The most significant functional enhancement is the GMT display. A central 24-hour hand works in conjunction with the 24-hour graduation on the rehaut, which is tilted at a 45-degree angle. This feature is particularly suitable for a watch with a history in polar exploration, where the months of darkness or continuous daylight can make conventional distinctions between day and night less meaningful. The black dial features monobloc ceramic luminous hour markers, and the distinctive Northflag hands are filled with Grade A Swiss Superluminova for visibility in low-light conditions.

The 40mm stainless-steel case combines satin-brushed and polished surfaces and measures 12.7mm in thickness, with a lug-to-lug distance of 48.8mm. A fixed stainless-steel bezel frames the case, while the screw-down crown contributes to the watch’s 100-meter water resistance.

Integrated Steel Bracelet

The Northflag’s two-link integrated bracelet creates a continuous visual transition between case and bracelet. Crafted from 316L stainless steel, it combines predominantly brushed surfaces with polished chamfers. Tudor’s bracelet features its T-fit rapid-adjustment clasp, enabling the wearer to make precise tool-free adjustments across an 8mm range. Ceramic ball bearings inside the clasp provide a smooth closing action and secure fit. 

Master Chronometer Certification

Powering the new Northflag is the manufacture caliber MT5652-U, a self-winding mechanical movement developed around Tudor’s adaptable movement architecture. It operates at a frequency of 4 Hz, which translates to 28,800 vibrations per hour and employs a variable-inertia balance mechanism coupled with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring. This design ensures a power reserve of 65 hours, as certified by METAS, effectively rendering the movement “weekend-proof.” The Master Chronometer certification goes beyond conventional chronometer testing. The fully assembled watch must maintain a precision of 0/+5 seconds per day and withstand magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. METAS also independently verifies its water resistance and power reserve. Before receiving the certification, the movement must additionally pass COSC chronometer testing. 

Pricing for the new Tudor North Flag is marked at $5,525.