In 2024, the FXD family is expanding to the meet the needs of the Aéronautique Navale (French Naval Aviation), the force responsible for naval aviation operations. The Pelagos FXD GMT tracks up to three time zones simultaneously, including Zulu time — Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) or Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) — essential for aviation missions. Zulu time, the standard for global aviation, ensures clear communication across time zones. “Zulu” is the phonetic code for “Z,” representing zero-meridian time at zero degrees longitude. Zulu time on the Pelagos FXD GMT is tracked by the bright orange hand that completes a full lap around the dial every 24 hours.
The French Navy historically received TUDOR watches without bracelets, adding their own straps—either black braided nylon or, less commonly, green parachute elastic with yellow or red threading. The Pelagos FXD GMT fabric strap honors these functional designs, matching the color of the flight suit worn by French Naval Aviation aviators. To highlight the Pelagos FXD GMT’s official commission with the French Navy and its aviation arm, its grade 5 titanium case back bears the logo of the Aéronautique navale composed of a winged anchor topped with a star, as well as a historically inspired engraving of “M.N.24” for “Marine nationale 2024”. indicating the year of production of each batch of the watch.