Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time

Quick specs Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time
Price: $ 4,625 | € 4.690 | £ 4,000 | CHF 4’350
Size: 42 mm
Reference: M2542G247NU-0002

The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT enters the horology scene as a specialized timepiece crafted for the French Naval Aviation. With a focus on functionality, this watch tracks multiple time zones. Including the military “Zulu time” (UTC), essential for naval aviation missions.

The design nods to Tudor’s history of creating rugged timepieces for the French Navy, first established in the 1950s. The Pelagos FXD GMT builds on the “FXD” platform, introduced in 2021 for durability. It addresses the specific needs of aviators with precision-certified standards to withstand real-world military conditions.

Tracking three time zones

The Pelagos FXD GMT features notable characteristics common to the Pelagos family. Tudor has worked with the French Navy since 2021 to make tools for divers and now aviators, expanding the FXD model’s adaptability. The GMT function enables tracking of three time zones, vital for aviation. The “Zulu time” hand, a standout in bright orange, facilitates easy reading, especially for aviators relying on universal time.

This Pelagos model comes in a 42-millimeter grade 2 titanium case with a satin-brushed matt finish to minimize glare. Fixed strap bars, machined from a single titanium block, ensure extra durability. While a 24-hour bidirectional rotatable bezel in black ceramic adds functionality with enhanced readability.

The black dial contrasts well with beige-colored luminescent hour markers filled with blue-emission super-luminova for improved legibility in low light. The robust titanium case back is engraved with the French Naval Aviation emblem. Which emphasizes its purpose-built design for military personnel.

The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time has a power reserve of 65 hours

The Tudor caliber MT5652-U powers the Pelagos FXD GMT. A self-winding mechanical movement with a bidirectional rotor system. This caliber integrates GMT functionality directly into its architecture, avoiding additional module attachments. The 65-hour power reserve supports the so-called weekend wearers, as it keeps time reliably through a couple of days without winding.

Tudor’s finishing details include an open-worked tungsten monobloc rotor with laser radial grooving and sand-blasted elements. The movement’s chronometer certification by COSC guarantees a high level of precision, and beyond this, the METAS certification adds another layer of reliability. Specifically under anti-magnetic standards, confirming the watch’s accuracy even around magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss. Tudor’s testing goes beyond COSC’s -4/+6 second daily rate standard, holding to a range of 0/+5 seconds.

Military green fabric strap

The watch’s single-piece fabric strap matches the flight suits of French Naval Aviation personnel. Woven in France by Julien Faure, a company known for quality textile production, the 22-millimeter-wide green strap is made from a polyester ribbon that reinforces durability and comfort.

A grade 2 titanium pin buckle and additional removable fabric keeper enhance the practicality of the strap, a fitting tribute to the French Navy’s historical strap preferences.

Pricing of the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time

This Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT comes at a price of 4 to 4.7k, positioning it in the market alongside other high-precision GMT watches. For a similar price, models like the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean GMT or the Breitling Avenger II GMT offer comparable functionality and performance standards.

With METAS and COSC backing and a design optimized for military use, the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT holds a distinctive appeal for collectors and professionals alike.