Teamkader » new Zenith GFJ watch

Zenith celebrates its a hundred and sixtieth anniversary with the launch from the new GFJ watch








An extraordinary limited edition having a modernized version of the famous 135 movement



Zenith has long held us guessing about what the 160th anniversary launch will be. But if you know anything about Zenith, social media posts hinted in something special related to the actual brand’s rich history within chronometer competitions. With the release of the Zenith GFJ, the particular watchmaker from Le Locle has given its renowned 135 movement a new rent of life. Zenith has established a modernized version of the very most awarded movement from the fantastic age of chronometer competitions. This powers the GFJ, that proudly bears the inventeur of Zenith founder Georges Favre-Jacot and is styled within a unique style.



Before diving into the information on the new Zenith GFJ, it is best to take a look back in time. A lot of us associate Zenith’s history using the development of the outstanding Este Primero movement. But correct fans also know that the rand name has a long tradition of making the most precise and dependable timepieces ever made. This was the quest defined by creator Georges Favre-Jacot. More simply, although, he said he wished to create the " ideal watch". The Zenith title reflects this quest, since it refers to the highest point in typically the sky. This new Zenith GFJ Limited Edition combines any nod to the founder's label and look with a movement which pays homage to the brand's most awarded movement throughout the golden age of observatory chronograph competitions.



Tale of the Zenith GFJ

Most people know that in the nineteenth and 20th centuries, observatory trials were a true accounts to chronometric precision. Amongst others, they brought great stature to brands. Renowned observatories witnessed the incredible accuracy achieved by the professional watch manufactures of different brands and connected it with their names. Zenith participated in these trials as soon as 1897. Over time, the brand's movements have won a complete of 2, 333 chronometric honours, a record high.



The only movement that has become some sort of legend for having received a total of 235 observatory awards is the Zenith 135-O. This is a record in the historical past of watchmaking. Ephrem Jobin designed this movement in the request of Charles Ziegler, Zenith's technical director back in the 1940s. This observatory motion was developed specifically for participating in observatory competitions at the Neuchâtel, Geneva, Kew Teddington or Besançon observatories.



The actual special Zenith 135-O movements

The name " 135" comes from the size of the activity. It combines 13 segments (or 30 mm inside diameter, the maximum size brought about the watch category in the Neuchâtel Observatory trials) with a width of 5 mm. Zenith produced two versions of the movement between 1949 as well as 1962. The first was the normal 135 for commercial use, as the other was the 135-O especially for observatory chronometry trials.



Renowned Zenith chronometers Charles Fleck and René Gygax were responsible for controlling the movement. From 1950 to 1954, the mobility won a record five successive first prizes in the view category at the Neuchâtel Observatory. In 2022, Zenith resurrected the legendary 135-O motion in a remarkable collaboration along with Kari Voutilainen and Phillips, in partnership with Bacs & Russo. Voutilainen restored and embellished 10 vintage movements dating back to to the glorious streak associated with 1950-1954. This ultra-exclusive restricted series was well obtained by fans and the push alike. Subsequently, a unique item created especially for Susan Gary the gadget guy. Komen sold for more than €300, 000 later that yr.



New Quality and reliability 135 Powers the Zenith GFJ

To celebrate Zenith’s 160th anniversary, the brand chose to resurrect the historic Competence 135 once again. However , now Zenith has created a new edition of it. It uses exactly the same construction, dimensions and overall look as the original, but today's technology and materials have been utilized where possible. For example , the ability reserve has been increased through 40 hours in the classic version to a more modern seventy two hours. In addition , the new equipment train features an improved tooth profile to improve often the efficiency of the movement. Additionally , the movement features a good offset center wheel to create room for an oversized stability wheel, which improves accurate and stability.



Modern improvements combined with distinctive decorations

The new Grade 135 beats at a rate of recurrence of 19, 800vph, comes with an adjusting screw on the equilibrium wheel, and is equipped with a new Breguet hairspring. The iconic dual arrow-shaped regulator is retained with regard to precise adjustment. However , an additional modern improvement is the inclusion of a stop-seconds mechanism, that allows the wearer to set the time together with precision. Finally, the balance personnel is now protected by a springtime jewel setting. The movements is a COSC-certified chronometer, and also Zenith regulates it in order to within ±2 seconds each day.



I was instantly excited when I saw the actual finishing on the movement. The particular bridges feature a “brick” guilloché pattern that looks spectacular. It gives the movement a totally different aesthetic than what all of us usually see. This packet pattern is inspired through the red and white bricks of the Zenith watch factory, forming the particular letters GFJ, referring to typically the initials of the brand’s originator, Georges Favre-Jacot. Contrasting with all the bridge finish is the round satin finish on the clip or barrel cover and the black polishing treatment on the crown wheel. Lastly, the large gemstones add a contact of color to the fascinating overall aesthetic.



Zenith GFJ subtly hyperlinks to the past with a stone pattern

The unique brick pattern also reappears on the dial, but let us take a look at some of the specs along with details first. The Zenith GFJ has an elegant 39. 15mm platinum case using a thickness of 10. 5mm and a lug-to-lug distance regarding 45. 15mm. This case includes a stepped bezel and a complicated combination of brushed and refined finishes. Its gracefully bent and stepped lugs perform character, and the initials GFJ are proudly engraved within the crown.



Within the case is a beautiful glowing blue dial made up of three components. Its outer ring is actually fitted with white gold hour in addition to minute markers with the exact same brick guilloché pattern since the movement. Note that the minute monitor is made up of 40 hand-set white gold or platinum beads. I love this fine detail. Next, the central portion of the dial is in lapis lazuli. It has the brand as well as model names printed throughout white, and the Zenith celebrity inlaid in white gold.



Finally, the large subdial for the small seconds from 6 o'clock is made of azure mother-of-pearl. The baton-shaped main hour and minute fingers, as well as the small seconds hands, are all made of white gold. Because of the use of natural materials, every dial will be unique.



Final Thoughts on the Brand new Zenith GFJ

Typically the Zenith GFJ comes with 3 straps. The first is dark orange alligator leather, the second is dark calfskin. Finally, buyers should receive a blue saffiano calfskin strap. All three straps include a platinum pin buckle etched with the GFJ initials. Like a nice detail, the large rock motif is also present right here again, reminding you exactly how special this watch will be. Zenith mentions that a seven-row platinum bracelet will also be accessible (available upon request) which has a brick motif embossed around the center links. While absolutely no images of the bracelet tend to be shown in the press package, I can only imagine just how amazing it would make this enjoy look.



The situation back features a unique THE number engraved on it. Could unique number is a good tip of the special status on this watch, the other unique information speak for themselves. Indeed, the brand new Zenith GFJ is a standout watch, both in terms involving appearance and technology, along with a great way to celebrate the brand’s 160th anniversary.



Reintroducing the legendary Quality 135 in a modern contact form is a brilliant move. That highlights a part of Zenith’s background that many often overlook. As the brand’s El Primero story is an easy conversation beginner, its Caliber 135 is equally as impressive. GFJ shows that there is more to love about Zenith. More specifically, the pursuit of excellence chronometry is ingrained within the brand’s DNA. Reintroducing often the legendary Caliber 135 inside a modern form is a excellent move. It highlights part of Zenith’s history that many frequently overlook. While the brand’s El nuevo Primero legend is an simple conversation starter, its Quality and reliability 135 is just as impressive. GFJ shows that there’s more to adore about Zenith. More specifically, the actual pursuit of precision chronometry is usually ingrained in the brand’s GENETIC MATERIAL.



Brand

Zenith

Model

GF Securities

Research

40. 1865. 0135/51. C200

Dial

Blue, three-part structure, external ring decorated with can guilloché, white gold hour and also minute markers, lapis lazuli center, small second hand with mother-of-pearl

Case Materials

950 Platinum

Case Dimensions

39. 15 mm (diameter) × 45. 75 mm (lug-to-lug) × 10. 5 milimetre (thickness)

Crystal

Sapphire

Back

Platinum and sapphire amazingly with four screws

Movement

Zenith one hundred thirty five: manual winding with quit seconds, 19, 800 vibrations/hour, 72-hour power reserve, COSC-certified chronograph, ±2 seconds per day realignment

Water Resistance

fifty meters

Strap

Dark blue alligator using platinum pin buckle; includes black calfskin and pink saffiano Calfskin strap

Functions

Time (hours, minutes, small seconds)