ReviewConquering The Skies And Seas: The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’
The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’ redefines functionality and purpose in contemporary watches. Combining both GMT and dive watch functions, it is an ideal companion for aquatic, aerial or terrestrial adventures
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There are dive watches and then there are world timers with the GMT function. Mostly one has to buy them separately in order to enjoy the functions offered by individual timekeepers. But what when these two join forces? The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’ is your answer. The watch is an impressive addition to Tudor’s line-up, expanding the capabilities of the already renowned Pelagos series introduced in 2012. As a dive watch with GMT functionality, the FXD ‘Zulu Time’ reflects the brand’s commitment to blending rugged utility with sophisticated design—making it an appealing option for adventurers, pilots, and watch enthusiasts alike. The Pelagos FXD platform, initially developed with a French Navy specialist unit, has now expanded to suit the needs of the French Naval Aviation, with the addition of a function that allows aviators and flight support personnel to keep track of ‘Zulu Time’ in addition to local time and a third time zone. Here are more details.

Built To Thrill: The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’
The new Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT carries a robust, utilitarian aesthetic that has become synonymous with the line. Crafted from lightweight titanium, the case measures 42mm and offers a water-resistance of up to 200m. It is topped by a matte black ceramic bezel, offering superior scratch resistance and a modern touch to the design. The 24-hour scale engraved in contrasting white ensures that the GMT function is easy to read, making it ideal for travellers. The luminescent markers also ensure visibility in low-light conditions—crucial for both diving and night time navigation.

The dial is understated yet functional, featuring bold hour markers and thick hands filled with luminescent material. The date function is positioned at three o’clock, and the overall symmetry of the dial enhances its visual appeal.
The GMT Function
The Pelagos FXD GMT can keep track of time in up to three time zones at once, one being Zulu time, the military name for Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) and the standard reference time for all aviators—a valuable tool when undertaking crucial missions. Zulu time corresponds to zero-meridian time or the time at zero degrees of longitude, commonly known as Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Its standardised use in global aviation prevents confusion in communications between nations and time zones. The word ‘Zulu’ is the standardised phonetic alphabet code word used in aviation for ‘Z’ or the first letter of the word ‘zero’.
‘Zulu Time’ is tracked by the vibrant orange hand that completes a full lap around the dial every 24 hours. Once set, this hand typically is not reset, allowing sailors of the French Naval Aviation to check the global aviation reference time at a glance. The angular hour hand, commonly nicknamed ‘Snowflake’, indicates local time. It is set through the winding crown and jumps in increments of one hour for easy setting when changing time zones. The date changes when the hour hand passes midnight, in either direction—backwards or forwards. A third time zone can be checked using the 24-hour luminous bi-directional bezel and the orange Zulu time hand.
The Movement
The Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT is Master Chronometer-certified by METAS to ensure maximum precision and reliability in adverse conditions or in difficult terrains. It is driven by the in-house calibre MT5652—a COSC-certified automatic movement, beating at 28,800vph, offering a power reserve of at least 65 hours. It is presented on a fabric strap fitted with a titanium pin buckle.

Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’: Key Highlights
- 42 mm satin-brushed grade-2 titanium case with fixed strap bars, machined from a single block, and grade 5-titanium caseback engraved with the Aéronautique navale (French Naval Aviation) logo and the inscription ‘M.N.24’ (Marine nationale 2024), inspired by the original TUDOR M.N. engravings of the 1970s and ’80s
- Bidirectional rotatable bezel in titanium with ceramic insert and 24-hour graduation filled with grade A ‘Swiss Super-LumiNova’ green emission, beige-coloured luminescent material
- Black matte dial with applied hour markers filled with grade A ‘Swiss Super-LumiNova’ blue emission, beige-coloured luminescent material
- Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U, certified by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) with a silicon balance spring and a 65-hour power reserve
- Master Chronometer certified by METAS
- ‘Snowflake’ hands, one of the hallmarks of the Tudor divers’ watches introduced in 1969, with grade A ‘Swiss Super-LumiNova’ blue emission, beige-coloured luminescent material filling
- Orange 24-hour ‘Zulu time’ arrow-head hand with grade A ‘Swiss Super-LumiNova’ green emission, beige-coloured luminescent material filling
- Flight-suit green one-piece fabric strap with grade-2 titanium pin buckle and keeper. Extra removable fabric keeper with the French Naval Aviation roundel