To mark its a hundred and sixtieth anniversary, Zenith is revisiting its previous and reviving some of the celebrated actions in horological historical past at Watches and Wonders 2025.
The brand new G.F.J, named after the model’s founder Georges Favre-Jacot, is powered by the legendary Calibre 135 – a motion that dominated observatory chronometer competitions within the mid-Twentieth century.
Since its founding in 1865, Zenith has been synonymous with precision, profitable greater than 2,300 chronometry prizes – greater than some other model. Amongst its many inventions, the Calibre 135 stands out as essentially the most awarded motion of its sort. Developed by Ephrem Jobin on the request of then-technical director Charles Ziegler, this calibre was designed explicitly for observatory trials. Between 1950 and 1954, it received 5 consecutive first prizes within the wristwatch class on the Neuchâtel Observatory, solidifying its place in historical past.
Whereas a restricted collection of restored 135-O actions was launched in 2022 by means of a collaboration with Kari Voutilainen and Phillips, the brand new G.F.J takes issues even additional.
Reasonably than merely recreating the unique, Zenith has re-engineered the Calibre 135 for the fashionable period whereas preserving its signature outsized stability wheel, offset centre wheel, and noteworthy precision.
The motion now boasts a 72-hour energy reserve, an improved gear practice, and up to date supplies that improve its effectivity and sturdiness.
Mirroring Zenith’s technical achievements, the G.F.J is a watch of outstanding class, mixing its classic inspiration with up to date refinement.
Its 39mm platinum case is slender but substantial, that includes a stepped bezel and curved lugs with alternating brushed and polished surfaces. The notched crown is adorned with the initials “G.F.J” a nod to Zenith’s visionary founder.
The deep blue dial is equally charming. Impressed by Zenith’s celestial heritage, it combines Lapis Lazuli with gold-coloured pyrite flecks, mimicking a starry sky. A guilloché outer ring with utilized white gold markers and a mother-of-pearl seconds subdial at six o’clock full the composition. The white gold palms, minimalist but exact, improve the watch’s understated sophistication.
Homeowners can select from three strap choices: darkish blue alligator leather-based, black calfskin, or blue “Saffiano” calfskin, all secured with a platinum pin buckle engraved with the G.F.J initials. A platinum seven-row bracelet with brick-patterned centre hyperlinks can also be obtainable upon request.
Restricted to simply 160 items, the G.F.J. is out there solely by means of Zenith’s boutiques and authorised retailers worldwide, priced at $49,900 within the US (roughly £38,500).
As CEO Benoît de Clerck places it, “Bringing again the Calibre 135 for our a hundred and sixtieth anniversary is about honouring this legacy whereas sharing it with a brand new technology of collectors. The G.F.J. isn’t just a tribute to the previous, however a up to date interpretation that resonates with in the present day’s spirit.”
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