Not long ago, Tudor introduced the Pelagos FXD MN, and in the three years since, they’ve continued to enhance the line with intriguing new variations. With each new release, Tudor impresses with its commitment to producing exceptional timepieces, and the latest addition is no exception. Our previous review of the Pelagos praised its dependability and robust features, and since then, Tudor has expanded the range, even introducing a left-handed model — a testament to the brand’s commitment to diversifying its collection.
Since Tudor’s resurgence, the brand has achieved considerable success with vintage-inspired timepieces that frequently draw on its archives. The newest addition to the lineup, the Pelagos FXD GMT, refines an already outstanding model, adding a simple yet invaluable GMT complication. For frequent or occasional travellers, the GMT function is one of the most practical features in any mechanical watch today.
Tudor has officially supplied watches to the Marine Nationale since the 1950s, initially providing diving watches for the French Navy. With the introduction of the FXD in 2021, this legacy continued, and for 2024, Tudor has expanded the FXD family to serve the Aéronautique Navale, France’s naval aviation force. The Pelagos FXD GMT can track up to three time zones simultaneously, including Zulu time—the military term for Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) and a critical standard reference for aviators on vital missions. Zulu time aligns with Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), zero degrees of longitude.
A bright orange hand on the dial, which completes one full rotation every 24 hours, displays Zulu time, providing French Naval Aviation personnel with an easy, at-a-glance reference for global aviation time. The distinctive angular hour hand—nicknamed the “Snowflake”—indicates local time and can be set in hourly increments via the winding crown, simplifying time zone changes. The date changes as the hour hand crosses midnight, in either direction, while a third time zone can be tracked using the 24-hour luminous, bi-directional bezel in conjunction with the orange Zulu-time hand.
The new Pelagos FXD GMT retains its signature sandblasted titanium case, measuring 42mm, with thoughtful design elements like chamfered lugs and pointed crown guards. A significant upgrade is the introduction of fixed strap bars, denoted by “FXD” in the name. Traditionally, fixed strap bars required removing spring bars and soldering steel bars between the lugs, which could compromise robustness. In the Pelagos FXD, however, the strap bars are machined directly into the 42mm titanium case, eliminating potential weak points and creating a visually seamless connection between the case and the lugs.
Another striking feature of the Pelagos is its dial. The layered construction creates a captivating three-dimensional effect, and like the standard Pelagos, it maintains a sleek, uncluttered look. Square hour markers, a triangle at 12 o’clock, and rectangular markers at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock enhance legibility. Observers will notice the absence of a date window, which contributes to a clean dial aesthetic. Orange text, matching the GMT hour hand, marks the watch name, while creamy tones for the markers and text lend a warm, vintage-inspired patina.
Historically, military Submariners (MilSubs) were supplied without bracelets, allowing wearers to use NATO or custom straps, often crafted from durable green parachute cord. Honouring this tradition, Tudor outfits the new FXD GMT with a single-piece fabric strap. Its colour matches that of the flight suit worn by French Naval Aviation pilots, adding another layer of authenticity.
Powering the new Pelagos FXD is Tudor’s in-house Master Chronometer calibre MT5652-U, which delivers hours, minutes, and seconds with signature Tudor craftsmanship. The open-worked tungsten rotor, satin-brushed to perfection, complements the sandblasted and decorated bridges, adding to the movement’s allure. Certified as a Master Chronometer, the MT5652-U is METAS-tested to operate within a tolerance of 0/+5 seconds per day and is rated anti-magnetic up to 15,000 gauss. With a METAS-certified 65-hour power reserve, the calibre MT5652-U exemplifies Tudor’s technical excellence.
The new Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is available now to purchase and is priced as £4,000. For more information on the new Pelagos FXD GMT, visit tudorwatch.com.
