Zenith reawakens a legend with the G.F.J. anniversary timepiece

For 160 years, Zenith has pursued a singular ambition: to create the perfect watch. In 1865, Georges Favre-Jacot founded his manufacture with this vision, choosing the name Zenith to evoke the highest point in the sky. Today, the Maison celebrates this milestone with the launch of the G.F.J., a platinum timepiece that revives one of the most celebrated movements in watchmaking history — the legendary calibre 135.

Originally produced between 1949 and 1962, the calibre 135 was designed for chronometry competitions and went on to win an unrivalled 235 prizes, earning five consecutive first-place finishes at the Neuchâtel Observatory from 1950 to 1954. Revived in 2022 in collaboration with Kari Voutilainen, the calibre now returns in a modern re-engineering: the calibre 135-O, faithful to its dimensions yet enriched with contemporary refinements. Enhanced with optimized tooth geometry, a stop-seconds mechanism, and a Breguet overcoil, it delivers a power reserve of 72 hours and precision within ±2 seconds a day, COSC-certified.

Every detail of the movement is meticulously decorated, from brick-pattern guilloché bridges — inspired by the Manufacture’s own façade — to black-polished crown wheels and luminous jewels. This dedication to artistry continues on the dial, where deep-blue lapis lazuli, flecked with gold pyrite, evokes a starry sky. An outer ring of guilloché, hand-applied white gold markers, and a mother-of-pearl seconds subdial complete the composition.

Encased in a slender 39 mm platinum case with stepped lugs and a sapphire box glass, the G.F.J. balances vintage refinement with contemporary sophistication. Three interchangeable straps accompany the piece, with the option of a seven-row platinum bracelet upon request.

Issued in a limited edition of 160 pieces, the G.F.J. is more than a tribute — it is Zenith’s enduring statement of precision, artistry, and timeless elegance.