Tudor introduces the Pelagos FXD GMT “ZULU TIME.” It features the ability to measure up to three time zones simultaneously, including Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), also known as Zulu time. This marks the arrival of another compelling professional watch in the Pelagos FXD series.

Since the 1950s, Tudor has officially supplied divers’ watches to the French Navy (Marine Nationale), forging a strong bond as a partner supporting the demanding missions of naval units.

The first Pelagos FXD model was unveiled in 2021. The FXD, with its integrated case and strap, has continued the legacy of Tudor and the French Navy as a model boasting durability for all situations. In 2024, the FXD collection evolved further in response to the requirements of the French Naval Aviation (Aéronautique Navale), responsible for naval air operations. The Pelagos FXD GMT can simultaneously measure up to three time zones, including Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), known as Zulu time in military parlance. Displaying Zulu time, the standard for all aircrews, this model is an indispensable tool for executing critical missions.

Zulu time corresponds to the meridian time at longitude 0 degrees, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). It is standardized in the global aviation industry to avoid confusion in communication between countries and time zones. The name “Zulu” represents the phonetic alphabet code “Z,” or “zero,” used in aviation.

In the Pelagos FXD GMT “ZULU TIME,” Zulu time is indicated by a highly legible, vibrant orange hand that completes one revolution of the dial in 24 hours. Once set, the hand is never reset, allowing French Naval Aviation personnel to grasp the aviation standard time at a glance.

The hour hand, known affectionately as the “Snowflake,” indicates local time. Time setting is done via the crown, and when changing time zones, the hand jumps in one-hour increments, making adjustments simple. This ease of setting, even during a mission, enhances its practicality. Regardless of whether you turn the crown forward or backward, the date changes when the hand passes midnight. Additionally, the third time zone can be tracked with the 24-hour bidirectional luminous bezel and the orange Zulu time hand.

The matte-finished, brushed case is crafted from Grade 2 titanium. The dial, with its striking contrast, features color-coded hands and a vibrant orange, handmade arrow-shaped 24-hour hand. These hands, along with the hour markers and bezel’s luminous material, enable instant time confirmation, ensuring high legibility even in dark environments or at night. Furthermore, the hour markers, including the hour, minute, and second hands, are luminescent in blue, distinguishing them from the green-glowing 24-hour hand and the 24-hour graduated bezel. Every detail is designed for intuitive reading of Zulu time at any moment.

The case back is made of Grade 5 titanium and is engraved with the “Aéronautique navale” logo—an anchor with wings and a star, signifying its official adoption by the French Navy and its air arm—along with “M.N.24,” indicating the year of manufacture inspired by naval history, “Marine nationale 2024.”

Housed within the case is the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U. Its structure was conceived from the outset to incorporate new functions, rather than relying on add-on modules. A sunray-brushed motif is laser-engraved, and the “Master Chronometer” inscription on the bridge highlights its exceptional performance. The rotor features radial grooves laser-engraved with a sandblasted finish, characteristic of Tudor’s Master Chronometer calibres. This combination of finishes is also found on the bridges, with meticulous detailing enhancing the watch’s overall refinement.

This Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U delivers outstanding performance in terms of precision and durability. The variable inertia balance wheel is secured by a robust traversing bridge, providing stability for prolonged use. Furthermore, this movement is Swiss Chronometer certified, placing its accuracy among the highest industry standards. Exceeding the standards set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC), Tudor achieves an accuracy of -2 to +4 seconds per day when the watch is fully assembled. This high level of precision reflects Tudor’s commitment to the meticulousness required of mechanical watches.

A practical power reserve is another significant feature of this calibre. With approximately 65 hours of power reserve, you can remove the watch on a Friday evening and it will still maintain accurate time on Monday morning without needing to be reset. This eliminates the hassle of readjusting the time after taking it off for the weekend, for everyday use.

Equipped with a movement that masterfully blends precision, durability, design, and practicality, the Pelagos FXD GMT “ZULU TIME” reliably fulfills the fundamental purpose of a wristwatch: telling time. Built to withstand harsh environments, this timepiece is sure to be an exceptionally dependable companion for daily wear.

Pelagos FXD GMT “ZULU TIME”
Movement | Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U (COSC, METAS certified), self-winding mechanical movement with bidirectional rotor
Power reserve | 65 hours
Case size | 42 mm
Case thickness | 12.7 mm
Case back | Grade 5 titanium
Bezel | Bidirectional rotatable bezel with 24-hour graduated scale, Grade 2 titanium with black ceramic insert
Water resistance | 200 m (660 ft) waterproof certified by METAS
Strap | Fabric strap, Grade 2 titanium pin buckle and keeper, green, removable fabric band keeper
Price | ¥651,200