Zenith G.F.J.

To mark its 160th anniversary, Zenith has introduced the G.F.J. (Ref#: 40.1865.0135/51.C200), a platinum-cased dress watch that revives the legendary Caliber 135 in a modernized form. Named after the brand’s founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, the new model blends mid-century aesthetics with high-end artisanal craftsmanship, featuring a lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl dial alongside a reengineered movement that remains faithful to the original’s chronometric pedigree. Limited to just 160 pieces, the Zenith G.F.J. celebrates both historical excellence and contemporary refinement in equal measure.
The Zenith G.F.J. (Ref#: 40.1865.0135/51.C200) features a 39mm case crafted from platinum, with a mid-century inspired design that includes a stepped bezel, curved lugs, and elegant proportions. The case sits just 10.5mm thick and measures 45.75mm lug-to-lug, making it well-suited for formal wear while retaining a subtle wrist presence. Polished and brushed finishes alternate across the case, adding visual depth and refinement.A sapphire exhibition caseback offers a detailed view of the reengineered Caliber 135, highlighting its distinctive architecture and elaborate finishing, including the brick-style guilloché bridges and black-polished crown wheel. The sculpted lugs and slender profile evoke vintage dress watches from the post-war era, aligning the aesthetic with the historical era in which the original Caliber 135 earned its accolades.The notched winding crown is engraved with “G.F.J.” and operates smoothly thanks to its wide-set knurling. A box-style sapphire crystal protects the dial, preserving its vintage-inspired look while ensuring modern durability. Water-resistance can reach up to 50 meters (165 feet), offering peace of mind for daily wear without compromising the case’s refined silhouette.
The dial for this Zenith is a three-part composition that beautifully balances color, texture, and craftsmanship. At its center is a polished disc of deep blue lapis lazuli, framed by a guilloché outer track rendered in a brick pattern, as a subtle tribute to the facade of Zenith’s historical manufacture in Le Locle. Surrounding this are white gold hour markers and 40 hand-applied minute/second beads that enhance legibility while reinforcing the artisanal nature of the piece.Positioned at 6 o’clock is an oversized small seconds sub-dial made of shimmering blue mother-of-pearl, tying in tonally with the central stone but offering a softer, iridescent contrast. The hands are faceted and made of polished white gold, complementing the applied indices. The absence of a date window preserves the clean symmetry and classical aesthetic of the layout.The Zenith star is prominently displayed below 12 o’clock, just above the “G.F.J.” inscription, rendered in an old-world script that recalls mid-century watch design. Together, these elements give the dial a timeless quality, while the rich blue hues and premium materials underscore the celebratory spirit of this 160th anniversary edition.

The Zenith G.F.J. (Ref#: 40.1865.0135/51.C200) is powered by the new in-house manually wound mechanical movement, Caliber 135, composed of 189 parts with 19 jewels, operating at 28,800 vph. This modern iteration preserves the visual architecture and oversized balance wheel of the original observatory-winning Caliber 135-O while incorporating several technical enhancements, including a stop-seconds mechanism, optimized gear train geometry, and shock-protected jewel settings. Power reserve can last up to 72 hours, when fully wound.
Mounted on this watch is a trio of interchangeable leather straps: a dark blue alligator strap, a black calfskin strap, and a blue Saffiano calfskin strap, all secured by a platinum pin buckle engraved with the founder’s initials atop the brick guilloché motif. The Zenith G.F.J. is limited to just 160 pieces worldwide, a number chosen to commemorate the brand’s 160th anniversary. Each watch is individually numbered and available exclusively through Zenith boutiques and authorized retailers. For more up to date information visit the official Zenith website here.