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Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time Is a Tribute to French Naval Aviation Heritage
- 25.Nov.2024
5 minutes-
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Written by Rubi BG for Cooke & Kelvey
Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time Is a Tribute to French Naval Aviation Heritage
Tudor once again captured the spirit of exploration and precision with the latest launch of the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time, a model that pays homage to its long-standing partnership with the French Navy. For decades, Tudor has been an official supplier to the Marine Nationale, initially delivering rugged dive watches built to endure the gruelling demands of naval missions. The Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’ was launched on October 30, 2024, expanding the FXD legacy to meet the needs of the Aéronautique Navale (French Naval Aviation) and their critical aerial operations.
Genesis of Pelagos FXD GMT
The Pelagos FXD GMT is rooted in a collaboration that dates to 1956 when Tudor first provided the Marine Nationale with Oyster Prince Submariner watches. These watches became a staple of the French Navy’s gear, and their durability and precision led to Tudor’s status as the official supplier by 1961. The legacy continued with the launch of the Pelagos FXD line in 2021, built in close collaboration with the French Navy’s elite combat swimmers. The “FXD” name symbolises the robust FiXeD strap bars, crafted to provide unwavering strength in underwater environments. Now, Tudor channels this robust framework into a GMT watch designed specifically for naval aviators.
How Pelagos FXD GMT meets the naval aviation’s demand
As the French Naval Aviation’s go-to tool, the Pelagos FXD GMT was engineered to keep track of up to three time zones simultaneously. With the bright orange hand prominently displaying Zulu Time (UTC or the military name for Universal Time Coordinated), the watch offers a universal reference that allows pilots to align operations across international boundaries. This feature, essential for time-critical missions, is highlighted by a 24-hour bidirectional rotatable bezel in black ceramic and Swiss Super-LumiNova® for high visibility in any lighting condition.
The classic Snowflake hour hand and the bidirectional bezel also enable pilots to track additional time zones, further enhancing the watch’s functionality in complex operations. In making the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time, Tudor has created a legacy piece that reflects a rich history of partnership with the Marine Nationale.
A tribute to French navy heritage by Pelagos FXD GMT
The Pelagos FXD GMT carries an enduring piece of French Navy heritage on its wrist. Historically, Marine Nationale crews would fit Tudor watches with their handmade straps, including the iconic braided nylon and parachute elastic bands, symbolising a blend of form and function. Tudor’s woven fabric strap for the FXD GMT, created in collaboration with the Julien Faure company, is crafted in aviation green—a colour inspired by the flight suits of French naval aviators.
Adding a unique touch of authenticity, the Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time features a removable fabric keeper, finely embroidered with the French Naval Aviation’s emblematic roundel. This distinctive detail includes the French flag’s blue, white, and red colours, circled in gold and topped with a black anchor, capturing the proud heritage and storied legacy of the French Navy in every stitch.
The Technical Mastery of ‘Zulu Time’
The Pelagos FXD GMT ‘Zulu Time’ exemplifies Tudor’s dedication to resilience and precision, thriving in both air and water. Designed for extreme conditions, it features a Grade 2 titanium case and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that enhances durability. Powering the timepiece is the Manufacture Calibre MT5652-U, a COSC and METAS-certified movement known for its reliable accuracy and robust construction. With a 65-hour power reserve and 200 metres of water resistance, the Pelagos FXD GMT offers unwavering dependability, whether in critical aerial operations or deep-sea exploration. The watch continues to empower today’s explorers with instruments of excellence.
Looking for a store “near me”?
If you are looking to experience the precision and craftsmanship of the Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT Zulu Time firsthand, visit Cooke & Kelvey, Delhi’s exclusive Tudor retail space. As an authorised retailer located in Janpath, we offer a curated selection of Tudor timepieces.
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