Zenith celebrates its 160th anniversary with the launch in the new GFJ watch
An extraordinary limited edition along with a modernized version of the well-known 135 movement
Zenith has long retained us guessing about what it is 160th anniversary launch could be. But if you know anything about Zenith, social media posts hinted with something special related to the particular brand’s rich history within chronometer competitions. With the start of the Zenith GFJ, typically the watchmaker from Le Locle has given its popular 135 movement a new lease contract of life. Zenith has built a modernized version of the very awarded movement from the glowing age of chronometer competitions. The idea powers the GFJ, which usually proudly bears the premier of Zenith founder Georges Favre-Jacot and is styled in the unique style.
Before diving into the information on the new Zenith GFJ, it may be best to take a look back in time. Most of us associate Zenith’s history while using development of the outstanding El siguiente Primero movement. But genuine fans also know that the brand name has a long tradition of developing the most precise and trustworthy timepieces ever made. This was the quest defined by president Georges Favre-Jacot. More simply, even though, he said he desired to create the " excellent watch". The Zenith brand reflects this quest, because it refers to the highest point in often the sky. This new Zenith GFJ Limited Edition combines any nod to the founder's identify and look with a movement that will pays homage to the brand's most awarded movement through the golden age of observatory chronograph competitions.
Story of the Zenith GFJ
Most people know that in the nineteenth and 20th centuries, observatory trials were a true account to chronometric precision. Amongst others, they brought great esteem to brands. Renowned observatories witnessed the incredible detail achieved by the professional watch manufactures of different brands and related it with their names. Zenith participated in these trials since 1897. Over time, the brand's movements have won an overall total of 2, 333 chronometric accolades, a record high.
The only movement that has become some sort of legend for having gained a total of 235 observatory awards is the Zenith 135-O. This is a record in the record of watchmaking. Ephrem Jobin designed this movement on the request of Charles Ziegler, Zenith's technical director back in the 1940s. This observatory activity was developed specifically for participating in observatory competitions at the Neuchâtel, Geneva, Kew Teddington or Besançon observatories.
Often the special Zenith 135-O mobility
The name " 135" comes from the size of the motion. It combines 13 segments (or 30 mm inside diameter, the maximum size brought about the watch category in the Neuchâtel Observatory trials) with a fullness of 5 mm. Zenith produced two versions with this movement between 1949 along with 1962. The first was the typical 135 for commercial use, even though the other was the 135-O particularly for observatory chronometry trials.
Renowned Zenith chronometers Charles Fleck and René Gygax were responsible for managing the movement. From 1950 to 1954, the movements won a record five progressive, gradual first prizes in the see category at the Neuchâtel Observatory. In 2022, Zenith resurrected the legendary 135-O activity in a remarkable collaboration having Kari Voutilainen and Phillips, in partnership with Bacs & Russo. Voutilainen restored and furnished 10 vintage movements dating back to to the glorious streak connected with 1950-1954. This ultra-exclusive minimal series was well acquired by fans and the click alike. Subsequently, a unique part created especially for Susan H. Komen sold for more than €300, 000 later that 12 months.
New Competence 135 Powers the Zenith GFJ
To celebrate Zenith’s 160th anniversary, the brand made a decision to resurrect the historic Grade 135 once again. However , this time around Zenith has created a new model of it. It uses the identical construction, dimensions and appearance as the original, but better technology and materials have been applied where possible. For example , the strength reserve has been increased coming from 40 hours in the antique version to a more modern seventy two hours. In addition , the new items train features an adjusted tooth profile to improve the actual efficiency of the movement. Additionally , the movement features a great offset center wheel for making room for an oversized harmony wheel, which improves accuracy and stability.
Modern improvements combined with special decorations
The new Quality 135 beats at a regularity of 19, 800vph, posseses an adjusting screw on the sense of balance wheel, and is equipped with a new Breguet hairspring. The iconic twice arrow-shaped regulator is retained regarding precise adjustment. However , one more modern improvement is the add-on of a stop-seconds mechanism, that enables the wearer to set the time along with precision. Finally, the balance employees is now protected by a early spring jewel setting. The mobility is a COSC-certified chronometer, in addition to Zenith regulates it to be able to within ±2 seconds daily.
I was right away excited when I saw the particular finishing on the movement. The actual bridges feature a “brick” guilloché pattern that looks gorgeous. It gives the movement an entirely different aesthetic than what we all usually see. This packet pattern is inspired from the red and white bricks of the Zenith watch factory, forming typically the letters GFJ, referring to often the initials of the brand’s ceo, Georges Favre-Jacot. Contrasting together with the bridge finish is the spherical satin finish on the barrel or clip cover and the black polishing treatment on the crown wheel. Ultimately, the large gemstones add a feel of color to the engaging overall aesthetic.
Zenith GFJ subtly backlinks to the past with a stone pattern
The specific brick pattern also reappears on the dial, but we need to take a look at some of the specs as well as details first. The Zenith GFJ has an elegant 39. 15mm platinum case having a thickness of 10. 5mm and a lug-to-lug distance associated with 45. 15mm. This case comes with a stepped bezel and a sophisticated combination of brushed and finished finishes. Its gracefully curled and stepped lugs offer character, and the initials GFJ are proudly engraved about the crown.
In the case is a beautiful glowing blue dial made up of three elements. Its outer ring is definitely fitted with white gold hour and also minute markers with the very same brick guilloché pattern because the movement. Note that the minute the path is made up of 40 hand-set white gold or platinum beads. I love this details. Next, the central area of the dial is in lapis lazuli. It has the brand along with model names printed throughout white, and the Zenith superstar inlaid in white gold.
Finally, the large subdial for the small seconds on 6 o'clock is made of azure mother-of-pearl. The baton-shaped core hour and minute palms, as well as the small seconds palm, are all made of white gold. As a result of use of natural materials, each and every dial will be unique.
Final Thoughts on the Fresh Zenith GFJ
The particular Zenith GFJ comes with about three straps. The first is dark orange alligator leather, the second is dark-colored calfskin. Finally, buyers are getting a blue saffiano calfskin strap. All three straps have a platinum pin buckle imprinted with the GFJ initials. As being a nice detail, the large rock motif is also present in this article again, reminding you precisely how special this watch is actually. Zenith mentions that a seven-row platinum bracelet will also be obtainable (available upon request) using a brick motif embossed for the center links. While simply no images of the bracelet are usually shown in the press system, I can only imagine the way amazing it would make this observe look.
The truth back features a unique VOTRE number engraved on it. Actually unique number is a good memory of the special status in this watch, the other unique particulars speak for themselves. Indeed, the newest Zenith GFJ is a standout watch, both in terms regarding appearance and technology, and also a great way to celebrate the brand’s 160th anniversary.
Reintroducing the legendary Quality and reliability 135 in a modern web form is a brilliant move. The item highlights a part of Zenith’s story that many often overlook. Even though the brand’s El Primero tale is an easy conversation basic, its Caliber 135 can be just as impressive. GFJ shows that there are more to love about Zenith. More specifically, the pursuit of accurate chronometry is ingrained inside the brand’s DNA. Reintroducing the actual legendary Caliber 135 in a very modern form is a amazing move. It highlights an element of Zenith’s history that many usually overlook. While the brand’s Un Primero legend is an effortless conversation starter, its Competence 135 is just as impressive. GFJ shows that there’s more to like about Zenith. More specifically, the particular pursuit of precision chronometry will be ingrained in the brand’s GENETIC MATERIAL.
Brand
Zenith
Model
GF Securities
Guide
40. 1865. 0135/51. C200
Dial
Blue, three-part structure, exterior ring decorated with can guilloché, white gold hour in addition to minute markers, lapis lazuli center, small second hand with mother-of-pearl
Case Substance
950 Platinum
Case Dimensions
39. 15 mm (diameter) × 45. 75 mm (lug-to-lug) × 10. 5 millimeter (thickness)
Crystal
Sapphire
Back
Platinum and sapphire ravenscroft with four screws
Movement
Zenith hundratrettiofem: manual winding with end seconds, 19, 800 vibrations/hour, 72-hour power reserve, COSC-certified chronograph, ±2 seconds per day adjusting
Water Resistance
55 meters
Strap
Dark blue alligator together with platinum pin buckle; is included with black calfskin and pink saffiano Calfskin strap
Thema drucken
02.04.2025 09:07 (zuletzt bearbeitet: 02.04.2025 09:08)
Antworten
