With the Pelagos FXD GMT, Tudor expands its FXD line of watches to include a model designed for the Aéronautique Navale, the French Naval Aviation. The watch was developed to meet the specific needs of aviators and features a GMT function that displays Zulu time, the standard reference time in global aviation. This watch is now officially part of the equipment used by the French Navy. It is made of titanium and has a water resistance of 200 metres. The Master Chronometer certification from METAS ensures high precision and reliability. The watch is powered by the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U and comes with a fabric strap inspired by the flight suits of French naval aviators. This watch pays homage to the long-standing relationship between Tudor and the French Navy, which dates back to 1956. The FXD line, with its robust design and fixed strap bars, was introduced in 2021 and now sees the addition of the GMT function with the Pelagos FXD GMT.
The case of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is made from satin-brushed grade 2 titanium, which provides both durability and a lightweight feel. Measuring 42 mm in diameter and 12.7 mm thick, with a lug-to-lug distance of 52 mm, the watch has a robust design. The fixed strap bars, machined from a single block with the case, enhance the overall sturdiness of the watch. Water resistance is rated at 200 metres, and this is confirmed by METAS, ensuring the watch’s reliability in aquatic environments. The case back, made of grade 5 titanium, features the logo of the Aéronautique Navale and the inscription “M.N.24”, indicating the year of production for each batch of the watch.
The dial of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is matte black and designed for optimal readability. It features applied hour markers and the iconic “Snowflake” hands, both filled with blue Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility in low-light conditions. A distinctive feature is the bright orange 24-hour hand with an arrowhead, which indicates Zulu time. This hand moves around the dial once every 24 hours and is complemented by the bi-directional rotating bezel with a 24-hour scale that also features lume. The combination of blue and green luminescence provides an intuitive reading of local and Zulu time, making it a practical tool for aviators.
At the heart of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT lies the manufacture Calibre MT5652-U. This self-winding mechanical movement is COSC and METAS certified, ensuring performance and precision. It features an integrated GMT function, allowing for the display of three time zones. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz) and has a variable inertia balance wheel, secured by a bridge for added stability. The power reserve is approximately 65 hours. Notable features include a silicon balance spring, making the movement resistant to magnetic fields. The monobloc rotor, made of tungsten, ensures efficient winding and bears the “Master Chronometer” inscription, highlighting the movement’s quality.
The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT comes with a one-piece fabric strap that is green, matching the flight suits of the French Naval Aviation. This strap is woven in France by the Julien Faure company and is known for its durability and comfort. It features a grade 2 titanium pin buckle and keeper, as well as a removable fabric keeper adorned with the roundel of the French Naval Aviation. The strap pays tribute to the historical use of such materials by the French Navy.
The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is now available for purchase. The price of the watch is 4,740 euros.
