New Tudor FXD GMT “Zulu Time”

The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’ is the latest addition to the brand’s collection. This titanium GMT watch is based on the Pelagos FXD and adds a 24-hour bezel, 24-hour hand, and a new METAS-certified movement. The result is the brand’s most accurate and adventure-ready watch to date. When it comes to dates, this new model is the first in the FXD family to feature a date. Let’s take a closer look. But first, let’s take a look back at the short but prolific history of the Tudor Pelagos FXD.

Tudor introduced the original Pelagos FXD model in November 2021. After a one-year hiatus, 2023 is the year of Pelagos FXD. Tudor released the FXD Alinghi Red Bull Racing model in late June, and the black dial Pelagos FXD “USN” in September. This was followed by the Pelagos FXD Chrono Tudor Pro Cycling Team Edition in early May 2024. But FXD’s origins are forever tied to Marine National. The debut model was a collaboration between Tudor and French naval divers, who sought to design a watch suitable for underwater activities. The fixed strap bar eliminated potential points of failure, and the bidirectional bezel was suitable for underwater navigation.

New Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT “Zulu Time”

The original FXD was not the first Tudor watch used by divers in the French Navy. The brand’s ties to the Marine National Society date back to 1956 (read more about the history of this relationship here). Recently, we discovered a Pelagos 39 model with a special dial made for the French Navy’s plongeurs d’minaires (or clearance divers). Combined with the recent teaser, we thought the result of this latest collaboration might be a blue-dialed Pelagos 39 (which would have been fine with us). But today, it’s another interpretation of Minnesota’s beloved FXD that Tudor had in store for us. And it might be the best thing ever.

Tudor uses FXD as its starting point. The original MN version was blue, but this one shares the same black dial and bezel as the model released last year. However, the luminous custard hue (reflected in the hands, markings, and bezel text) is more reminiscent of the Pelagos LHD. But this Pelagos isn’t necessarily for marine national aviation divers. This time, Tudor has created a tool for the wrists of Minnesota’s airborne staff, the Aéronautique Navale (French Naval Aviation).

The orange accents on the 24-hour hand and the “Pelagos GMT” text on the dial contrast nicely with the green textile strap. This new single-pass strap features a titanium pin buckle and keeper, as well as a removable fabric keeper with French naval aviation roundels. It replaces the hook-and-loop strap used on previous FXD models. This change was also seen on the FXD Chrono Tudor Pro Cycling model. For GMT, the strap color matches the MN pilot’s flight suit. This also mirrors the improvised parachute elastic straps historically used by members of the National Marine Corps.

Specs etc.

The form factor is similar to the 3-hand FXD model. The fully brushed 42mm x 52mm grade 2 titanium case is 12.7mm thick (0.1mm thinner than previous models) and accepts a 22mm strap. With a screw-down crown and a grade 5 titanium caseback, this watch is rated for 200 meters of depth. A grade 2 titanium crown sets the central jumping 12-hour hand (with which the date is synchronized). There is no range that cannot be adjusted, so you can set the date with confidence. The lume on the ceramic insert of the bidirectional titanium bezel glows green, matching the lume used on the tip of the 24-hour GMT hand. As for the minute markers on the dial and the standard hour hands, they have the blue glow typical of modern Tudor watches.

Pelagos FXD GMT features the newly updated MT5652-U, a COSC and METAS certified GMT (Flyer) movement. It has a 65-hour power reserve, is rated for an accuracy of 0/+5 seconds per day, and meets METAS Master Chronometer standards. Thanks to its silicon balance spring, it can withstand magnetic fields of up to 15,000 Gauss. Thanks to the movement’s thickness of 7.5 mm, the FXD GMT remains as slim (if not slightly) as its predecessor. On the grade 5 titanium caseback, Tudor has engraved the Air Navy logo and a depiction of a winged anchor with a star above it. These watches, like the original FXD MN models, are stamped with the year of manufacture in the familiar “MNXX” format, with “XX” being the last two digits.

Availability and price

The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is priced at 4,740 euros (incl. VAT). This watch is not a limited edition and is immediately available at Tudor boutiques worldwide. This is an exciting new model that finally introduces the long-awaited GMT complication to the FXD line. I love this GMT interpretation of FXD. My nerdy enthusiasm for dive watches makes me wonder what the watch would look like if Tudor had kept the dive bezel and opted for a 24-hour display on the rehaul and made this a dive GMT? Well, certainly. But this isn’t the first time FXD has moved away from Pelagos’ diving roots. And the fact that you can track a third time zone thanks to the rotating bezel definitely puts a smile on my face.

For now, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this latest Tudor watch. Leave it in the comments section below. I’ll be posting a hands-on review early next week, so stay tuned.

Watch specifications