The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Old 13 September 2016, 01:55 AM   #1
rockmastermike
2024 Pledge Member
 
rockmastermike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: GA
Watch: 1982 16750
Posts: 4,039
Tudor North Flag 91210N

"I like to think of Tudor as Rolex's Tyler Durden – an outlet for all the impulses and urges the company has, but is just too darn responsible to carry out without fear of consequence"

John Mayer said this of Tudor in his write up on the Black Bay, but I think this is more applicable to the more daring North Flag. With the North Flag Tudor is stepping out on a substantively different Horological world stage than their previous releases.

While there are significant, and well documented, cultural shifts at Tudor that are represented in the North Flag, there are also a multitude of subtle design ques that have, thus far, been overlooked or ignored by the online community.



A quick search of North Flag internet comments are, for the most part, opinions based off of Tudor's print and/or online ad campaign. "I speak not to disprove what they have spoke, but here I am to speak what I do know..." I stated in my Grand Seiko review that it is a watch that absolutely needs/deserves to be seen, held and worn to truly appreciate and the same holds true for the North Flag.

Let's do this:

The crown sits on a 40mm case and features a well done Shield and deep ridges for a secure grip and screws into the case without the spacer present in its Heritage siblings. The crown is also cone shaped....make no mistake this is a tool watch but right off the bat Tudor designs a subtle feature so that not everything is so "over the top."





The bracelet is simply outstanding and uses a "H-style" link design with 3 adjustment holes in the clasp.
Another design feature that mostly goes unnoticed is that the top of the inside edges of the center links are polished.





You don't really notice until the light hits it the right way but when it does, it is a very nice effect. Sometimes you see the polish effect, sometimes you don't. There is "fine watch" trying to break out of a tool watch





Again, notice the "hidden" polished area on the case. It is as if Tudor is hiding a "fine watch" underneath a tool watch.





One last thing on the bracelet - it is a common internet rumor that you can't use aftermarket straps - that is a lie. It attaches using smaller springbars so a strap maker need only get the correct measurements and you're good to go. As this myth is corrected, I would bet we start seeing more aftermarket straps for the North Flag.



Tudor recognized the bezel is a scratch heavy area and addressed it by incorporating a scratch resistant black ceramic bezel. The bezel is not as menacing as many think due to it slightly sloped and not wide as one would imagine. When looking down at your wrist you barely notice its small halo type ring around the dial.





The matte dial is shows off muted eggshell finish with tall applied markers and numbers with large channels filled with lume. Very legible in all conditions with great depth due to the height of the markers and numbers





The new MT5621 In House movement - many have derided it's "simpleton" design and appearance. No, it's not decorated, that would go against it's tool watch nature. But, as we have seen above, Tudor does enough to keep us interested....if you know what to look for.

Silicon Hairspring - antimagnetic
full balance bridge with a free-sprung Microstella balance wheel - 28,800 vph
Chronometer Certified - COSC
70hr power reserve - weekend goodness

Deep Fluted edges to the scewdown back:



Silicon harispring, full balance bridge



Ceramic bearings for the rotor



Small detail that I love - the difference and contrast in finishes between the rotor and the bridges



Deep engraving on the movement and rotor







Date aperture is unadorned but is stepped, a window frame in a window frame - another subtle touch from Tudor
The power reserve indicator draws many opinions but I love it - it's neither distracting nor overpowering. It fits in balance within the dial set up.





Very wearable, comfortable, accurate and soon to be versatile watch that incorporates several subtle features that belie it's tool watch designation. The whole is more than the sum of its parts and absolutely worthy of your consideration.

[img]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v426/rockmastermike/Horology/Tudor/Tudor%20North%20Flag%2091210N/56C5B137-CBE9-4E8B-9B8E-78BAC378CA26_zps1bxd6gxp.jpg
rockmastermike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 September 2016, 02:25 AM   #2
pgrandster
"TRF" Member
 
pgrandster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Watch: 116500/116710BLNR
Posts: 86
I really like this watch. This watch would almost be as sought after as the new Daytona if it had a rolex logo on it. This watch should have been the new explorer.
pgrandster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 September 2016, 06:59 AM   #3
TG3N
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 249
Excellent review, and nicely illustrative photos - thanks.

You've touched on something that I've long felt to be the case - too many online reviews, both amateur & 'professional' just regurgitate the same obvious points or specifications. I much prefer reviews like yours, that are a conscious effort to highlight the subtle, tiny details that most overlook but which no doubt add to the appeal of a watch. Far better to add something personal & uncover less remarked-upon issues, than just hammer out the same old comments again & again that others have before you. Terrific stuff.

On the North Flag itself, I think it's destined to be a future classic - the first Tudor with an in-house movement & a display back, and so very different to so many other watch designs out there. The Black Bays & Pelagos get more praise, so I fear the North Flag is a little under appreciated, maybe, perhaps because its so uncompromising in it's toolish & individual look, but it's an example of how Tudor are smashing everything out of the park at the moment.
TG3N is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 September 2016, 11:31 AM   #4
rockmastermike
2024 Pledge Member
 
rockmastermike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: GA
Watch: 1982 16750
Posts: 4,039
Quote:
Originally Posted by pgrandster View Post
I really like this watch. This watch would almost be as sought after as the new Daytona if it had a rolex logo on it. This watch should have been the new explorer.
Thank you
rockmastermike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 September 2016, 11:33 AM   #5
rockmastermike
2024 Pledge Member
 
rockmastermike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: GA
Watch: 1982 16750
Posts: 4,039
Quote:
Originally Posted by TG3N View Post
Excellent review, and nicely illustrative photos - thanks.

You've touched on something that I've long felt to be the case - too many online reviews, both amateur & 'professional' just regurgitate the same obvious points or specifications. I much prefer reviews like yours, that are a conscious effort to highlight the subtle, tiny details that most overlook but which no doubt add to the appeal of a watch. Far better to add something personal & uncover less remarked-upon issues, than just hammer out the same old comments again & again that others have before you. Terrific stuff.

On the North Flag itself, I think it's destined to be a future classic - the first Tudor with an in-house movement & a display back, and so very different to so many other watch designs out there. The Black Bays & Pelagos get more praise, so I fear the North Flag is a little under appreciated, maybe, perhaps because its so uncompromising in it's toolish & individual look, but it's an example of how Tudor are smashing everything out of the park at the moment.
Thank you very much.
As you say: It is an under-appreciated piece that really shines....if given the chance.
rockmastermike is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 October 2016, 10:13 AM   #6
RKTudor
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Rick
Location: Emmaus, PA
Watch: Tudor 79090 blue
Posts: 298
Great review. I've been following you for years on IG. Didn't realize you were on here!
RKTudor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 October 2016, 10:52 AM   #7
RHJ
"TRF" Member
 
RHJ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: here
Watch: 214270 Mk1
Posts: 916
Thanks a lot for this excellent review... of a stunning watch
__________________
here to learn
RHJ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 5 October 2016, 12:05 PM   #8
pgrandster
"TRF" Member
 
pgrandster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Washington, DC
Watch: 116500/116710BLNR
Posts: 86
Excellent review and watch.
pgrandster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 13 October 2016, 04:50 AM   #9
raymz
Banned
 
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: united states
Watch: A few
Posts: 66
Really nice review.
raymz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 October 2016, 05:56 AM   #10
avusblue
"TRF" Member
 
avusblue's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Saint Paul, Minn.
Posts: 166
Great review -- thanks for taking the time to prepare it. Phenomenal photos, interesting details, and most of all -- a super cool watch! Well done.
avusblue is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 October 2016, 11:33 AM   #11
Boaters
2024 Pledge Member
 
Join Date: May 2015
Real Name: Mike
Location: Pacific Northwest
Watch: 116610LV 16710 SD
Posts: 10,649
That was a very interesting review well done!
Boaters is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 October 2016, 11:36 PM   #12
red.earth
"TRF" Member
 
red.earth's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Real Name: Adam
Location: UK
Watch: 124273
Posts: 831
Thanks for an excellent review! I've been the proud owner of a North Flag for some time now and I still think it's quietly exceptional. It's not keen slipping under my shirt cuff, but that's not a sufficient reason to dismiss it. If it had one of those effortless but immensely useful 5mm bracelet adjustments (like my Explorer) it'd be perfect! It'll be back on my wrist tomorrow - time for my Ranger to have some time in the box
__________________
Explorer 124273 | Explorer II 16570 Polar |
red.earth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 28 October 2016, 11:59 PM   #13
Psmith
"TRF" Member
 
Psmith's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Real Name: Clive
Location: Exoplanet
Watch: spring-driven
Posts: 38,856
Nice review, thanks
__________________
Psmith is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 29 October 2016, 05:28 PM   #14
htbilgic
"TRF" Member
 
htbilgic's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Chicago
Watch: Doxa Pro 300 NoT
Posts: 535
Great review with excellent pictures! Thanks.
htbilgic is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2017, 05:51 AM   #15
HogwldFLTR
2024 Pledge Member
 
HogwldFLTR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Real Name: Lee
Location: 42.48.45N70.48.48
Watch: What's on my wrist
Posts: 33,248
Nice write-up of a great watch; if I were buying it would be conspicuous on my radar.
__________________
Troglodyte in residence!

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=808599
HogwldFLTR is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 15 November 2017, 01:13 PM   #16
cassin907
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: CT
Posts: 62
sharp photos for sure
cassin907 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 February 2018, 12:22 AM   #17
Romeomikehotel
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Florida
Posts: 95
Nice watch!
Romeomikehotel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 February 2018, 03:13 AM   #18
Zoogleboogle
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: NH, USA
Posts: 3
the NF has been my tool watch/EDC for a few months now, and I absolutely love it.
Zoogleboogle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 February 2018, 09:15 AM   #19
jaime4022
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: United states
Posts: 22
Great review

A great review of an excellent watch. Almost makes me want to go out and buy another one... until I remember what a dent magnet the outer side of that bezel is, and suddenly I no longer want it. That being said, a truly nice and solid watch!
jaime4022 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 4 March 2018, 08:17 AM   #20
LordGrover
"TRF" Member
 
LordGrover's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: UK
Posts: 17
Interesting and informative review & photos. Thanks for taking the time. :)
LordGrover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 May 2018, 02:25 AM   #21
jstan9
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Real Name: Jon
Location: Bay Area
Watch: Rolex GMT BLNR
Posts: 1,339
Absolutely amazing review. I agree with the posters who comment on the fact that you don’t state all the obvious stuff — you focus on the insanely small details that fascinate WIS people about the watch. Thank you so much for doing this, and for the wonderful pictures!
jstan9 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 2 May 2018, 06:57 PM   #22
JayB
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: UK
Watch: EXP, DJ, NF
Posts: 710
Excellent review of a very fine watch, well done

__________________
In 1953 they used Rolex Oysters and oxygen on Everest.
In 1978 they managed without the oxygen.

Rolex Explorer -- Rolex Datejust -- Tudor North Flag -- Omega De Ville Trésor -- Tudor Black Bay GMT -- Omega Speedmaster Professional -- Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight
JayB is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 15 May 2018, 09:53 AM   #23
tudorbaja27
"TRF" Member
 
tudorbaja27's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Miami, FL
Watch: Tudor & Cartier
Posts: 2,497
Splendid review and pictures! Thank you
__________________
"Chi ha paura muore ogni giorno, chi non ha paura muore una volta sola" - Paolo Borsellino
tudorbaja27 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 20 May 2018, 09:30 PM   #24
mikkolopez
"TRF" Member
 
mikkolopez's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Philippines
Posts: 2,301
Interesting and very well detailed review. I now appreciate the North Flag and coupled with a look back on the Greenland Expedition legacy, it truly will be an Explorer’s watch.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
At my age now ...
I have SEEN everything,
I have HEARD everything,
I have even DONE everything,
I just don't REMEMBER everything.
mikkolopez is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 8 June 2018, 08:08 AM   #25
DHPSU
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NYC
Posts: 262
What do you think is up next for the North Flag? Titanium? Full ceramic bezel? Different colors?

And would that be as/more or less desirable than the original?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
DHPSU is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 August 2018, 12:33 AM   #26
Shakini
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Real Name: Mani
Location: London Town
Watch: TBB (red), YMR
Posts: 194
Awesome write up mate. Thank you for taking the time and effort to share!

Shakini is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 August 2018, 01:32 AM   #27
chrissimons
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: FR
Posts: 119
This review is gorgeous, and those pictures... <3
chrissimons is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 August 2018, 04:56 AM   #28
gr4ndp4
"TRF" Member
 
gr4ndp4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Real Name: Alistair
Location: Hexham UK
Watch: Submariner Red
Posts: 31
Thanks for your review, I tried one on last weekend for the first time and rather liked it. As a Sub wearer, I was aware of the weight of the bracelet option and will go back and try the strap alternative.
Cheers
gr4ndp4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 26 March 2019, 04:25 AM   #29
Magic-Matt
"TRF" Member
 
Magic-Matt's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Real Name: Matthew
Location: Marbella
Watch: Exp 216570 Polar
Posts: 357
Icon14 Fantastic detailed review!

I've had both the Ranger and the North Flag in my personal collection. Both have pro's and con's, but in general the North Flag comes out on top for me. It's a great balance of sport/adventure rolled into one. The lume is great, the power reserve indicator is awesome, legibility fantastic. Not so great are the sharp edges, small crown, isochronism and precision. I did a full video review on it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCe3wQazi68
Magic-Matt is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.