Zenith turned 160 in 2025. They marked it by resurrecting one of the most decorated movements in Swiss history.
The GFJ houses a modernized Caliber 135 - the hand-wound movement that won over 230 chronometry awards between 1950 and 1960. No other movement in history has matched that record.
The Original Caliber 135 #
The 135 was Zenith’s competition movement. Precision at any cost. The engineers optimized every component for accuracy, submitting examples to observatory trials across Europe.
The results were remarkable. At a time when chronometers were tested against pendulum clocks, the 135 consistently achieved results better than the testing equipment could reliably measure.
But competition movements weren’t designed for everyday wear. Production ended as the industry shifted toward practical wristwatches.
The Revival #
The new GFJ (an abbreviation honoring the movement’s original designation) brings the Caliber 135 back in wearable form.
Zenith re-engineered the movement for modern production while maintaining its fundamental architecture. The balance wheel, escapement geometry, and timing characteristics echo the original.
It’s hand-wound with approximately 50 hours of power reserve. The finishing is observatory-grade - anglage, Geneva stripes, polished components throughout.
The Watch #
40mm case in white gold. Lapis lazuli dial - a striking blue that photographs beautifully but must be seen in person to appreciate.
The design is deliberately dressy. Small seconds at 6 o’clock. Clean dial with minimal text. This is not a sports watch or a daily beater. It’s a celebration piece.
Price and Availability #
€40,000 in white gold. Limited production though not numbered.
For a historically significant movement in a well-executed package, that’s reasonable within the haute horlogerie context.
Significance #
The Caliber 135 represents a particular moment in watchmaking - when pure accuracy was the ultimate measure of quality. Modern movements prioritize reliability and manufacturability.
Zenith acknowledging this history matters. The GFJ isn’t about commercial success. It’s about identity. Zenith was - and still is - a manufacture capable of extraordinary precision.
160 years. 230+ chronometry awards. One legendary caliber. The GFJ captures that legacy perfectly.