What Happened to Tudor North Flag?
The Tudor North Flag, launched in 2015, was a significant watch for Tudor as it introduced the brand's first in-house movement, the MT5621, and an exhibition case back. Despite its technical innovation and distinctive design inspired by historical expedition watches, the original model was discontinued in 2021. However, on September 1, 2026, Tudor re-released the watch, now named "Northflag" (one word), with a new GMT complication and an updated in-house movement, the MT5652-U, featuring METAS certification.
Quick Answer
The original Tudor North Flag, introduced in 2015 as the first Tudor watch with an in-house movement, was discontinued in 2021 due to various factors including its niche appeal compared to other popular models. However, on September 1, 2026, Tudor unexpectedly revived the line, launching a new version called the "Northflag" (one word). This updated model features a GMT complication, a thinner case, an integrated bracelet with a T-Fit clasp, and a new METAS-certified in-house movement, the MT5652-U, signaling a new chapter for the distinctive tool watch.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
British North Greenland Expedition
Tudor Oyster Prince watches were supplied to members of the British North Greenland Expedition, establishing Tudor's reputation for robust tool watches in extreme conditions. This expedition later served as a spiritual inspiration for the North Flag.
Tudor Ranger II Design Influence
The design of the Tudor North Flag drew significant stylistic cues from the niche 1970s Tudor Ranger II (ref. 9111), particularly its integrated bracelet and case shape.
Tudor North Flag Launched
Tudor unveiled the North Flag at Baselworld, marking it as the first Tudor watch to feature an in-house developed movement (Calibre MT5621) and an exhibition case back.
Introduction of Calibre MT5621
The North Flag debuted with the MT5621, Tudor's first in-house movement, which was COSC-certified and offered a 70-hour power reserve, date, and power reserve indicator.
Long-Term Review Highlights Growing Appreciation
A long-term review by WatchGecko noted that the North Flag, initially overlooked, was gaining more fans and predicted it would be seen as a defining watch for Tudor's modern era.
Original North Flag Discontinued
Tudor quietly ceased production of the North Flag, reportedly due to lower sales compared to other models and its niche design appeal.
Review Reflects on Discontinuation
A review by 'The Watch Collector' discussed the North Flag's discontinuation in 2021, attributing it to poor sales, while still praising its unique features.
Analysis of Discontinuation Reasons
Everest Bands published an article detailing the likely reasons for the North Flag's discontinuation, including its niche inspiration and the simultaneous launch of the Pelagos with the same in-house movement.
YouTube Discussion on 'Forgotten Gem'
A YouTube discussion by 'The ID Guy' explored why the North Flag, despite its innovations, was 'killed off' and largely forgotten in Tudor's current catalog, suggesting its role was taken by the Ranger and Black Bay Pro.
Teddy Baldassarre Review Calls for Comeback
Teddy Baldassarre published a review exploring the North Flag's history and features, with vocal enthusiasts 'begging for the North Flag to make a comeback.'
Tudor Northflag Re-released with GMT
Tudor officially re-released the North Flag, now as 'Northflag' (one word), featuring a GMT complication, a new METAS-certified MT5652-U movement, and updated case dimensions.
New Northflag Features and Availability
The re-released Northflag (Ref. 9140G1A0U) is priced at $5,525 USD, features an integrated bracelet with T-Fit clasp, and is immediately available via Tudor boutiques worldwide.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Tudor North Flag made its debut at Baselworld in 2015, marking a pivotal moment for the brand. It was celebrated as the first Tudor watch to house an entirely in-house developed and manufactured movement, the Calibre MT5621, and notably, the first to feature an exhibition case back, allowing a view of the movement. This COSC-certified chronometer boasted a robust 70-hour power reserve, a silicon balance spring, and a power reserve indicator on its matte black dial, distinguishing it as a serious tool watch. Its design drew inspiration from the 1952 British North Greenland Expedition, embodying a spirit of adventure, and stylistically from the 1970s Tudor Ranger II, featuring a distinctive integrated bracelet and angular case.
Despite its technical prowess and unique aesthetic, the original Tudor North Flag (reference 91210N) was quietly discontinued in 2021, after a production run of approximately six years. Several reasons have been cited for its relatively short lifespan. Its design, while innovative, was considered polarizing and did not resonate with the broader market as strongly as Tudor's heritage-focused Black Bay or Pelagos lines. The historical ties to the Ranger II and the North Greenland Expedition were also less universally recognized than the Submariner heritage that informed other popular models. Furthermore, the Pelagos also received an in-house movement at the same Baselworld event, potentially overshadowing the North Flag's unique selling point. Reports suggested that sales were not as strong as anticipated.
Following its discontinuation, the original North Flag gained a cult following among collectors who appreciated its distinct identity and technical significance. It became a sought-after piece in the pre-owned market, with prices often commanding a premium over its initial retail price, which ranged from approximately $3,500 to $3,950 USD. Pre-owned prices for models in excellent condition with box and papers could range from $3,000 to $4,500 or higher, reflecting its enduring appeal as a significant piece of Tudor's modern history.
In a surprising and significant development, on September 1, 2026, Tudor announced the return of the watch, now officially named "Northflag" (as a single word). The new Northflag (Ref. 9140G1A0U) evolves the original concept by incorporating a GMT complication, making it a travel-ready instrument. It features a new in-house Calibre MT5652-U, which is both COSC and METAS-certified as a Master Chronometer, offering an accuracy of -0 to +5 seconds/day and a 65-hour power reserve. The case dimensions have been subtly refined to 40mm diameter, 12.7mm thickness, and 48.8mm lug-to-lug, making it slightly more compact than its predecessor. The new model retains the integrated bracelet design, now equipped with Tudor's T-Fit micro-adjustment clasp, and features a black dial with yellow accents and a 24-hour rehaut, replacing the power reserve indicator of the original. Priced at $5,525 USD, the new Northflag is available immediately through Tudor boutiques, marking a bold re-entry for this distinctive line into the brand's contemporary catalog.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Tudor North Flag made different choices?