TUDOR has introduced the Pelagos FXD GMT, a watch meticulously crafted to meet the demanding needs of modern aviation professionals. This timepiece continues TUDOR’s long-standing collaboration with the French Navy and introduces features tailored to French naval aviation. The Pelagos FXD GMT enables aviators and flight support personnel to keep track of multiple time zones, including the essential “Zulu time”, thus improving coordination in global operations.
Since the 1950s, TUDOR has provided the Marine Nationale with reliable watches used by naval forces in daring missions. Building on this legacy, the Pelagos FXD platform was initially developed with a specialized unit of the French Navy. The new Pelagos FXD GMT extends this partnership by incorporating functionalities essential to naval aviators. Certified as a Master Chronometer by METAS, it guarantees maximum precision and reliability in the harsh conditions encountered by the personnel of the Aéronautique Navale.
The watch features a 42 mm satin-brushed Grade 2 titanium case with fixed bracelets machined from a single block to enhance durability and robustness. The Grade 5 titanium caseback is engraved with the Aéronautique Navale logo and the inscription “M.N.24” (Marine nationale 2024), reminiscent of the original TUDOR engravings from the 1970s and ’80s. This tribute underlines the deep-rooted relationship between TUDOR and the French Navy.
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One outstanding feature is the ability to keep track of time in up to three time zones simultaneously. The bright orange 24-hour hand displays Zulu Time – the military term for Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) – which serves as the standard reference for aviators worldwide. This hand completes a full rotation every 24 hours and remains constant once set, allowing aviators to easily reference global aviation time. Local time is indicated by the angular hour hand, known as the “snowflake,” which can be adjusted in one-hour increments by turning the crown, making it easy to change time zones. A third time zone can be monitored via the bi-directional 24-hour bezel, which is luminescent for optimal visibility in low light conditions.
The matte black dial with applied hour markers is filled with Grade A “Swiss Super-LumiNova®” in a beige tone for easy legibility. The contrasting luminescence – blue emission for the hour markers and hands, green for the 24-hour hand and bezel – ensures that time data is easily distinguishable even in the dark. This design prioritizes functionality, allowing aviators to gather critical time information at a glance.
TUDOR has equipped the Pelagos FXD GMT with the Manufacture Caliber MT5652-U, a movement certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) and further validated as a Master Chronometer by METAS. This self-winding movement is equipped with a silicon balance spring and has a power reserve of approximately 65 hours. Its precision is maintained even when exposed to magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss, a critical feature for aviation environments where electronic equipment can interfere with timekeeping accuracy.
The one-piece fabric ribbon is woven in France by Julien Faure, a company known for quality textiles since 1864. Made from a green polyester ribbon that matches the aviators’ flight suits, it is fitted with a grade 2 titanium pin buckle and a removable fabric holder emblazoned with the French Naval Aviation emblem. This detail not only enhances its practicality, but also symbolizes the historic partnership between TUDOR and the French Navy. Historically, the French Navy fitted its TUDOR watches with their own handmade straps, often made from parachute elastic for durability.
The Pelagos FXD GMT embodies the principle that form follows function. Every aspect of the watch serves a purpose and meets the rigorous demands of modern naval aviation. Its rugged yet lightweight titanium case, high contrast dial and advanced movement technology make it a reliable tool for professionals. Extensive independent certification and adherence to high standards confirm its operational readiness.