The new Zenith G.F.J. – Celebrating 160 Years of Precision

The new Zenith G.F.J. is more than just a timepiece — it is a celebration of Zenith’s 160th anniversary and a tribute to its founder, Georges Favre-Jacot. The initials “G.F.J.” honor the man who built Zenith on the principles of precision and innovation, values that remain at the heart of the brand today. With this release, Zenith revives one of its most storied movements, the Calibre 135, and reimagines it for modern collectors seeking both heritage and technical mastery.

At the core of the Zenith G.F.J. watch is a newly developed manual-winding Calibre 135. Originally designed for observatory chronometer competitions in the mid-20th century, the movement earned a reputation for outstanding accuracy. The modern version pushes performance even further with a 72-hour power reserve, hacking seconds, and precision regulated to ±2 seconds per day. This makes the G.F.J. not just a historical homage but one of the most accurate luxury dress watches available today.

The design of the watch reflects Zenith’s ability to combine elegance with artistry. Housed in a 39 mm platinum case, the G.F.J. features a stepped bezel and lugs that echo the refined aesthetics of the 1950s. The dial is a masterpiece of textures and materials: a guilloché brick-pattern outer ring, a deep blue lapis lazuli center, and a luminous mother-of-pearl small seconds at six o’clock. Accented with white gold markers and minute beads, the watch balances vintage charm with contemporary luxury.

Limited to just 160 pieces worldwide, the Zenith G.F.J. limited edition reinforces exclusivity while marking the brand’s anniversary. The watch comes fitted with a blue alligator leather strap, with an optional full platinum bracelet that dramatically increases both weight and price. While not designed for casual buyers, the G.F.J. speaks directly to collectors who appreciate horological heritage, fine finishing, and scarcity.

What makes the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 so important is the message it carries for the brand. Zenith is known primarily for the El Primero chronograph and its Defy sports line, but this release shifts focus back to the manufacture’s roots in chronometry and haute horlogerie. By modernizing a historically important movement and presenting it in a platinum case with artisanal dial work, Zenith demonstrates its ability to create a true collector’s watch—one that embodies both past and future.