Pelagos FXD GMT 'Zulu Time'

Tudor announced its latest innovation: the Pelagos FXD GMT. Initially designed in collaboration with the French Naval special forces unit Commando Hubert for underwater operations and diving, the Pelagos FXD has since evolved. The latest GMT iteration draws inspiration from the aerial capabilities of the Aéronautique Navale, offering a timepiece that meets the demands of both sea and sky.

Constructed from Grade 2 titanium, the watch measures 42mm in diameter and 12.7mm in thickness, extending over a 52mm lug-to-lug span. Grade 2 titanium, known as the "workhorse" of the titanium industry, combines strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for a wide range of applications. It is stronger than Grade 1 titanium, yet retains excellent weldability and formability, suitable for marine, chemical, and aerospace uses due to its resilience to seawater and moderate temperatures. In watchmaking, its lightweight and durable nature is highly valued for sport and diving watches that require resistance to harsh conditions.

The watch is designed with a matte black dial, beige indices with blue luminescence, an orange GMT hand with green luminescent accents, and highlighted with red for the model’s name on the dial. Its titanium bezel features a bi-directional ceramic GMT insert, and the caseback is engraved with "M.N.24" to commemorate the historical ties with the Marine Nationale.

The heart of the Pelagos FXD GMT is the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U, an automatic "flyer" GMT movement boasting a 65-hour power reserve and an independently adjustable GMT hand. This precision is further enhanced by its METAS certification. The watch is paired with a flight-suit green, one-piece fabric strap equipped with a Grade 2 titanium pin buckle and an additional fabric keeper adorned with the French Naval Aviation roundel.

When Tudor hinted at this release, the anticipation was high for a titanium version of the FXD Chrono, especially given the focus on aerial operations. However, the introduction of the Pelagos FXD GMT is a strategic extension, offering a versatile tool watch that complements the varied roles within the Marine Nationale.

The instant reveal on Instagram made this watch a must-have for me, echoing the regret of missing out on the original Pelagos FXD. As a regular wearer of GMT watches, this model feels like a perfect blend of Tudor's military heritage and practical innovation. Although initially hesitant about the older MT5652 movement, the slimmer profile and thoughtful design of the Pelagos FXD GMT make it a compelling piece, pending a hands-on review.

"Zulu time" refers to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is the time standard used across the world. It is often used in aviation, the military, and other fields that require a precise, standard time reference, regardless of local time zones.

The term "Zulu" itself comes from the NATO phonetic alphabet, where "Zulu" represents the letter "Z." In this context, "Z" stands for "zero meridian," which runs through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London. This is why UTC is also commonly referred to as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Priced at $4,625, this model is not limited in production.