Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time x Marine Nationale

Tudor has once again cemented its reputation with military-grade timepieces through its latest collaboration with the French Marine Nationale. Following a successful partnership dating back decades, Tudor has introduced the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time, a sophisticated pilot’s watch that expands the Pelagos collection into the realm of aviation.

The bond between Tudor and military forces isn't a recent development. The brand's relationship with the French Navy has produced some of its most iconic dive watches since 1954, beginning with the Oyster Prince Submariner models. The military’s interest in Tudor watches was piqued by their durability and functionality, which led to the collaboration that resulted in the immersive experience of the iconic Submariner models featuring the emblematic "MN" engraving and distinctive snowflake hands.

Fast forward to 2021, the Tudor x Marine Nationale collaboration was revitalized when Tudor unveiled the Pelagos FXD, specifically designed for the French Navy's combat divers. Unlike traditional dive watches which adhere strictly to the ISO 6425:2018 standard, the FXD model meets the unique specifications of the French Navy, highlighting a practical design that reflects the needs of combat divers.

The New Era Begins: Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time

Now, Tudor has elevated its offerings once again with the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time. Aimed at the pilots of the Aéronautique Navale, this new timepiece incorporates a GMT function— a first for the FXD collection. Measuring a robust 42mm in diameter and constructed from grade 2 and grade 5 titanium, the watch retains a tool-watch aesthetic while ensuring reliability in the demands of military aviation.

Gone is the standard dive watch bezel; in its place is a ceramic bezel featuring a 24-hour scale, critical for tracking multiple time zones—essential for pilots. The bright orange GMT hand stands out as a practical feature, enabling users to monitor global aviation reference time effortlessly.

With 200m water resistance, a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a screw-down crown, the Pelagos FXD GMT honors the ruggedness associated with Tudor's past. Additionally, each watch is engraved with the Marine Nationale's iconic logo and the production year, adding a layer of collectibility.

The exterior design retains Tudor’s signature features with its blocky applied markers and the iconic snowflake hands, highlighted by the use of beige Super-LumiNova, contrasting beautifully against the vibrant orange GMT hand.

Powering Precision with Innovation

At the heart of the Pelagos FXD GMT is the manufacture calibre MT5652-U, developed in collaboration with Kenissi. Similar to the movement found in the Black Bay GMT, this iteration embraces significant upgrades, including Master Chronometer certification by METAS, which ensures precision and resistance to magnetic fields up to 15,000 gauss—a truly cutting-edge system in the watchmaking arena. With a robust 65-hour power reserve, this movement showcases Tudor’s commitment to excellence.

Yet another nod to Tudor's history with the French military is the inclusion of a green textile strap, crafted from a polyester ribbon that mirrors the color of the flight suits worn by aviators. This single-piece strap comes fastened with a titanium pin buckle, providing comfort without compromising craftsmanship.

In Conclusion

With the launch of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time, Tudor continues to blend adventure with functionality, creating timepieces that pay homage to their storied history while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This robust pilot's watch stands as a testament to Tudor's deep-rooted legacy with military aviation and their dedication to producing high-quality, utilitarian timepieces. A must-have for watch enthusiasts and aviators alike—don't miss out on the chance to own a piece of history!