Brand
Tudor North Flag Ref. 91210
When 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.
This particular Tudor North Flag is in overall excellent pre-owned condition, meaning there are very light signs of wear and some small scratches on the case that come with being lived with. The case is crisp with strong lines and has been professionally refinished. The dial is very clean. The bracelet is in excellent condition with no stretch and few scratches. The rear of the case is engraved with the reference number and the serial number "I357XXX." During our quality control check, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure the watch is functioning as intended.
Hans Wilsdorf, the mastermind behind the Rolex brand, founded Tudor in 1946 with the mission to create watches with the same Rolex quality at a more attainable price. Throughout the remainder of the 20th century, Tudor worked to carve its own place in the industry, independent from its parent brand. In that time, Tudor built a reputation among military forces and began establishing some of its own signature design elements. In the new millenium, Tudor further exerted its position as one of the most prominent watch brands in the world with the debut of its first in-house movement in 2015. Since then, Tudor has remained a force to be reckoned with in the watch community and our culture.
