A new contender has entered the competitive field of sports chronographs, clad in black and yellow and bearing a name tied to both the depths of the ocean and the peaks of cycling's greatest mountains. The Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono “Yellow” arrives not merely as a new colorway, but as a specific and potent tribute to a modern legend of cycling, Fabian Cancellara. This timepiece is a celebration of a storied career and the dawn of a new chapter, encapsulating the spirit of endurance, precision, and relentless forward momentum that defines the world of professional road racing. It is a highly specialized instrument, produced in a strictly limited run, that merges Tudor's reputation for robust, purpose-built watches with the personal narrative of one of cycling's most formidable athletes.
The history of Tudor is deeply rooted in the concept of the tool watch. From its inception, the brand established a reputation for creating timepieces that could withstand the rigors of professional use, becoming the watch of choice for military divers, explorers, and adventurers. This legacy of durability and reliability is the bedrock upon which the Pelagos collection was built. The Pelagos line has always been characterized by its technical prowess and no-nonsense functionality, and the FXD models push this philosophy even further with their unique fixed-lug case construction, a design originally developed to meet the stringent requirements of combat swimmers. This new chronograph variant carries that utilitarian DNA forward, adapting it from the aquatic realm to the demanding environment of professional cycling.
Courtesy of Tudor
At the heart of this watch's story is Fabian Cancellara, a name that resonates with immense respect and admiration within the cycling community. Over a career that spanned more than a decade, the Swiss rider earned the nickname "Spartacus" for his powerful, aggressive style and his ability to dominate the most challenging races. His list of accolades is extensive, but his relationship with the world's most famous cycling event in France is particularly noteworthy. He wore the coveted yellow jersey, signifying the overall race leader, for a remarkable 29 days throughout his career and claimed eight individual stage victories. This deep connection to the symbol of cycling supremacy makes the yellow accents on this commemorative watch profoundly meaningful.
The year 2016 marked the end of Cancellara's professional riding career, but his journey within the sport was far from over. In 2025, he makes a significant return to the French grand tour, not as a competitor pushing the pedals, but as the guiding force and owner of the Tudor Pro Cycling Team. This transition from star athlete to team leader represents a new kind of challenge and ambition. The creation of the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Yellow” is timed to celebrate this return, serving as a tangible link between his past triumphs on the road and his future aspirations from the team car. It is a testament to the idea that progress is a continuous product of unwavering commitment.
This timepiece is a direct and personal acknowledgment of Cancellara's legacy. He hasn't participated in the Tour in any capacity since his retirement, making this return with his own team a monumental occasion. As he puts it, the race is where his own heroes were forged, and now he is in the position to cultivate a new generation of cycling heroes under the Tudor banner. The watch on his wrist acts as a lucky charm, a reminder of past struggles and successes as he faces the immense pressures of team management. With only 300 examples being produced, its rarity underscores the singularity of the achievement it commemorates.
Courtesy of Tudor
Visually, the watch presents a powerful and contemporary aesthetic. The 43mm case is crafted from a matte black carbon composite, a material chosen for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This gives the watch a substantial presence on the wrist without being burdensome, a critical consideration for a piece linked to an athletic pursuit. The black is deep and non-reflective, lending it a stealthy, modern character. This dark canvas is dramatically punctuated by vibrant yellow accents, a direct nod to the leader's jersey in the Tour. The overall impression is one of serious intent and high performance, a piece of equipment designed for a specific purpose.
The case construction is a defining feature of this model. The "FXD" in its name refers to the fixed strap bars that are machined from the same block of carbon composite as the main case. This is a departure from the conventional use of spring bars to attach the strap. The result is a far more secure and robust system, eliminating a potential point of failure and ensuring the watch remains firmly attached to the wrist under the most demanding conditions. This design element, born from military specifications, finds a perfect new application in the unpredictable and high-stakes world of professional cycling. The case measures 53mm from one end of the fixed lugs to the other, giving it a commanding profile.
At the center of the watch is a dial that prioritizes legibility and function. The matte black surface serves as the perfect backdrop, minimizing glare and allowing the key indicators to stand out with absolute clarity. It features a two-register chronograph layout, with a 45-minute counter at the 3 o'clock position and a small seconds display at 9 o'clock. Both sub-dials are recessed, adding a subtle depth to the dial, and feature bright yellow hands that contrast sharply against the black. A discreet date window is integrated at the 6 o'clock position, maintaining the dial's overall balance. The hour markers are applied and filled with luminous material, ensuring readability in all lighting conditions.
Courtesy of Tudor
A key feature that tailors this watch specifically to cycling is its tachymeter scale, which is engraved on the flange surrounding the dial. Unlike standard tachymeters calibrated for high speeds typical of motorsports, this scale has been re-calibrated for the speeds relevant to cycling. This thoughtful detail transforms the watch from a generic sports chronograph into a specialized tool for cycling enthusiasts and professionals. The scale is rendered in the same vibrant yellow, tying it into the overall design theme and highlighting its special function. It allows a rider to measure their average speed over a known distance, a practical application of its chronographic complication.
Driving the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Yellow” is the Manufacture Calibre MT5813. This is not just an ordinary movement; it is a high-performance engine built for precision and endurance. The architecture is based on the renowned Breitling B01 calibre, a movement widely respected for its robust and reliable performance. Tudor has, of course, incorporated its own high-performance regulating organ and finishing. The result is a self-winding mechanical chronograph movement that meets the stringent criteria of the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), guaranteeing its accuracy.
The technical specifications of the Calibre MT5813 are impressive and speak to its quality. It operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and boasts a substantial "weekend-proof" power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This allows the owner to take the watch off on a Friday evening and put it back on Monday morning without needing to rewind it. Furthermore, it is equipped with a column wheel and a vertical clutch mechanism. These are hallmarks of a high-end chronograph movement, providing a crisp and precise feel to the pusher actuation and ensuring a smooth, jump-free start to the chronograph seconds hand.
Flipping the watch over reveals a solid case back made of titanium with a black coating, a material choice that complements the lightweight carbon composite of the case. The case back is screw-in, contributing to the watch's water resistance of 100 meters. What makes it truly special is the engraving. Instead of a simple logo or text, it features a stylized depiction of three cyclists in formation, a clear tribute to the Tudor Pro Cycling Team. Below this evocative image, each watch is individually numbered out of 300, forever marking it as part of this extremely limited series. This personalized touch connects each piece directly to the team and its journey.
Courtesy of Tudor
The watch is secured to the wrist by a single-piece fabric strap, perfectly suited to the FXD case design. The strap is woven from a durable black textile and features a prominent yellow stripe running down its center. This design element is not merely decorative; it creates a seamless visual continuity, carrying the core accent color from the dial all the way around the wrist. The strap is 22mm wide and fastened with a traditional black pin buckle, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. This type of strap is known for its comfort, durability, and resilience to the elements, making it an ideal choice for an active lifestyle.
While the Pelagos name is typically associated with Tudor's professional diving watches, which boast much higher depth ratings, the 100-meter water resistance of this chronograph is more than sufficient for its intended purpose. It ensures the watch is protected from rain, sweat, and any accidental submersion it might encounter, providing peace of mind for the wearer. This level of protection underscores its identity as a go-anywhere, do-anything tool, capable of withstanding the rigors of both professional competition and daily wear.
The exclusivity of this edition is a central part of its identity. Limited to just 300 pieces worldwide, it is destined to be a rare sight. This scarcity is further personalized by the detail that Fabian Cancellara's own example is number 7, his signature racing number. This small fact adds a layer of authentic connection, transforming the limited edition from a marketing concept into a genuine tribute. Each of the 300 owners will share a piece of this specific story, a direct link to a pivotal moment for both Cancellara and the Tudor Pro Cycling Team.
Every element of the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Yellow” is imbued with the spirit of elite cycling. The lightweight yet incredibly tough carbon composite case mirrors the advanced materials of a modern racing bicycle. The high-contrast, legible dial reflects the need for at-a-glance information during a grueling race. The precision and reliability of the COSC-certified movement echo the dedication and consistency required to compete at the highest level. Cancellara himself has spoken about the nature of the sport, saying, "The pain is temporary—we’re going to do this every day and every night and we need to die for each other. And while the pain is temporary, the memories from this race last forever." This watch is built to last and to be a part of creating those new memories.
Courtesy of Tudor
The watch is not just a tribute to one man, but also a celebration of the team he has built. The Tudor Pro Cycling Team was, just a few years ago, merely an idea. Its presence at the sport's most prestigious race is a testament to the vision and hard work of Cancellara and everyone involved. The watch, therefore, becomes a symbol of this collective achievement. It is a bold statement of intent from a team that is new to this level of competition but is backed by a legacy of excellence. As Cancellara states, he has his memories of the Tour, and "Now it’s time for the team to make their own."
For those fortunate enough to acquire one of the 300 pieces, ownership represents more than just possessing a fine timepiece. The watch is a conversation starter, a piece of cycling history, and a testament to human endurance. The Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono “Yellow,” reference 25827KNJN, is priced at €5,550. Given the extremely limited production run and the compelling story behind it, its availability will be scarce, making it a highly sought-after piece for collectors of both watches and cycling memorabilia.
Case: Matte black carbon composite, 43mm diameter × 53mm lug-to-lug × 13.2mm thickness, sapphire crystal, black-coated titanium screw-in case back, 100 meters water resistance.
Movement: Tudor MT5813 (Breitling B01 base), automatic chronograph, 70-hour power reserve, 28,800vph frequency, 41 jewels, column wheel, vertical clutch.
Dial: Matte black with applied luminous indexes, yellow accents on the 45-minute and small seconds sub-dials, yellow cycling tachymeter scale, date window at 6 o'clock.
Strap: 22mm single-piece black fabric strap with a central yellow stripe and a black pin buckle.
Price: €5,550
Reference Number: 25827KNJN
Notes: Limited edition of 300 numbered pieces created in honor of cyclist Fabian Cancellara. The case back is engraved with a depiction of cyclists and the watch's individual number.