The New Zenith G.F.J.
Zenith celebrates its 160th anniversary with the G.F.J. model, powered by the legendary Caliber 135.
Exactly 160 years ago, George Favre-Jacot founded Zenith with a singular vision: to create the perfect watch. A timepiece of unparalleled refinement, precision, and reliability. Favre-Jacot soon realized his ambition when the caliber he named “Zenith” earned the Grand Prix at the 1900 Paris Universal Exhibition. Over the years, additional accolades followed, firmly establishing the brand’s name in the annals of horological history for precision. Never one to settle for less than the summit, Zenith now celebrates its 160th anniversary, honoring its storied past with a new model that intersects with one of its most iconic calibers.
Caliber 135 with a Modern Touch
In our previous feature, we explored the story of Caliber 135. Designed by Ephrem Jobin at the request of Zenith’s Technical Director Charles Ziegler in the 1950s, Caliber 135 was created specifically for observatory competitions. Between 1949 and 1962, it existed in two versions: the 135 for commercial watches and the 135-O, reserved solely for competitions. Today, the 135-O remains the most awarded caliber in horological history, achieving an unprecedented feat by winning first place at the Neuchâtel Observatory for five consecutive years.
Three years ago, Zenith introduced the limited Zenith Caliber 135 Observatoire series, using original parts from the 135-O in a run of just 10 pieces. This year, as part of its anniversary celebrations, Caliber 135 returns to life once again.
Romain Marietta, Zenith’s Head of Product Development, explains that the new Caliber 135 was designed to honor the original’s heritage while incorporating modern technical advancements. The new version retains the original dimensions and decoration but has been upgraded with contemporary technology. A larger balance wheel enhances precision, and the power reserve has increased from 40 to 72 hours. The bridges feature a brick-patterned guilloché inspired by the red-and-white brick facade of the Zenith Manufacture. The winding crown is polished in black, and the jewels receive delicate aesthetic finishing.
A Design Inspired by the 1950s
The G.F.J. timepiece, powered by this caliber, draws inspiration from Zenith’s 1950s design language. The 39 mm platinum case is complemented by a curved bezel and a fluted winding crown, engraved with Favre-Jacot’s initials, “G.F.J.”
The dial is as captivating as the modern reinterpretation of its historic caliber. Zenith’s signature connection to the sky is expressed in three shades of blue. The central section is crafted from lapis lazuli, whose natural texture evokes a starry night. A prominent small seconds display at 6 o’clock features the lightest shade of blue, while the surrounding guilloché chapter ring, adorned with a brick motif inspired by Zenith’s Manufacture, is set with 40 white-gold beads, further echoing the celestial theme.
Laurence Bodenmann, Head of Zenith’s Heritage Department, highlights that Caliber 135 occupies a unique place in both Zenith’s and horology’s history. The 1950s, which inspired the G.F.J., were a period when designers pushed boundaries and created timeless forms. The G.F.J., together with its new Caliber 135, brings the spirit of this groundbreaking era into a single timepiece, propelling Zenith once again to the highest point of the horological sky.
