The TUDOR Pelagos FXD GMT “Zulu Time” is a cutting-edge timepiece designed to meet the rigorous demands of the French Naval Aviation. The Pelagos FXD GMT x Marine Nationale is a testament to TUDOR’s long-standing partnership with the French Navy, combining robust functionality with an elegant design.
Design and Aesthetics
The Pelagos FXD GMT is housed in a 42 mm case crafted from grade 2 titanium, known for its lightness and strength. The case features fixed strap bars machined from a single block, enhancing durability, while the grade 5 titanium case back is engraved with the French Naval Aviation logo and the inscription “M.N.24” for Marine Nationale 2024. The case is fully brushed for a matte effect, adding to its stealthy aesthetic.
Dial and Bezel
The watch’s dial is black matte with applied hour markers filled with grade A Swiss Super-LumiNova®, offering blue luminescence. The bidirectional rotatable bezel is made of grade 2 titanium, featuring a black ceramic insert with a 24-hour graduation filled with green luminescent material. This allows for tracking multiple time zones with ease.
Movement and Mechanics
At the heart of the Pelagos FXD GMT is the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U, a self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system. This chronometer is COSC and METAS certified, ensuring precision, magnetic resistance up to 15,000 gauss, and a 65-hour power reserve. It features a 24-hour GMT function that is inherently integrated into the movement rather than being an additional module, providing a seamless timekeeping experience.
Timekeeping Features
This watch can keep track of time in up to three time zones simultaneously. The bright orange “Zulu time” arrow-head hand, filled with green luminescent material, completes a full rotation every 24 hours, allowing immediate reading of the GMT or “Zulu time.” The Snowflake hour hand can be set independently to local time and changes the date both forwards and backwards as needed.
Strap and Wearability
The watch is equipped with a highly durable flight-suit green one-piece fabric strap featuring a grade 2 titanium pin buckle and a removable fabric keeper. This strap pays homage to the historic straps used by the French Navy and is crafted by the renowned Julien Faure company, utilizing traditional Jacquard looms for a unique blend of quality and comfort.
Functional and Historical Significance
The Pelagos FXD GMT is waterproof to 200 meters, certified by METAS. The watch highlights TUDOR’s tradition of crafting elite timepieces for the French Navy, continuing a legacy that began in 1956. Its design includes practical features such as a stop-seconds function for precise time setting and a jumping-hour hand for easy time zone adjustments.
Certification and Reliability
The watch undergoes rigorous testing including precision at two temperatures, smooth operation under magnetic influences, and water resistance, all per METAS Master Chronometer standards. This ensures it can withstand demanding environments and provides reliable functionality for aviators and naval personnel.
In summary, the TUDOR Pelagos FXD GMT “Zulu Time” is a robust, multifunctional tool designed for modern aviation needs. It exemplifies TUDOR’s dedication to precision, reliability, and the continuation of a rich heritage with the French Navy.
