Tudor doubles down on its military credentials with the new Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time
Russell Sheldrake- Adding a GMT function to the hardy Pelagos FXD line brings it in contention with the Black Bay.
- It maintains the 42mm, titanium case of the original FXD, adding a bi-directional 24-hour bezel.
- It is the first-ever FXD to be Master Chronometer-certified – Price: US$4,625.
Tudor has been on a tear lately, and this new Pelagos FXD GMT proves it. While the brand’s additions to the Black Bay line have been widely applauded, the Pelagos FXD collection has been quietly developing a strong following thanks to its military roots and rugged design. By introducing a GMT function, it keeps the family in line with the Black Bay, and so if a customer is deciding between the two, they are only choosing between design and fit, rather than functionality.
The new watch itself brings all of the features of the FXD such as the strong, grade 2 titanium case and its fixed strap bars that are characteristic of the model. The solid, grade 5 titanium caseback has “Aéronautique Navale” (French for naval aviation) engraved on it along with their winged anchor insignia paired with M.N.24, a call back to the original Tudor Marine Nationale engravings found on watches from the ’70s and ’80s and Tudor’s deep connection to the French military.
The dial is similar to that of the standard FXD in black, but the lume has been giving a beige tint to it, and the GMT, or Zulu time, hand is in orange, matching the ‘Pelagos GMT’ text on the dial. The diving bezel has been replaced with a bi-directional, rotating, 24-hour one, in a single matte black colour, keeping the watch looking sleek and action-ready, rather than the traditional bi-colour GMT bezel which could have clashed with the monochromatic look of this piece.
Inside, there is the manufacture calibre MT5652-U, which is fully COSC and METAS certified and brings 65 hours of power reserve to the party. This is the same movement as we find in the standard Black Bay GMT, but its “-U” suffix reveals this is the first time this calibre has been Master Chronometer certified – seen printed at 6 o’clock on the dial. This notably marks the first-ever FXD to be Master Chronometer certified.
Overall, this watch only serves to deepen the connections between Tudor and the French military, which is a relationship stretching back nearly 50 years at this point. Making something that is practically going to keep up with their needs, while also channelling the ethos that all mil-spec watches bring. Whether or not these watches will see combat, I’m not sure, but the collectors who buy them will certainly feel a kinship with those who do serve.
Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time pricing and availability
The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time is available from all Tudor retailers now. Price: US$4,625
| Brand | Tudor |
| Model | Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (D) x 12.7mm (T) x 52mm (LTL) |
| Case Material | Grade 2 titanium, grade 5 titanium case back |
| Water Resistance | 200 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Matte black |
| Strap | Green fabric strap |
| Movement | MT5652-U, manufacture calibre, automatic |
| Power Reserve | 65 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date, GMT |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | US$4,625 |