ZENITH Celebrates 160 Years of Horological Excellence at Watches and Wonders 2025

At Watches and Wonders 2025, ZENITH marks a momentous milestone: 160 years of trailblazing innovation and precision in Swiss watchmaking. The Maison honours this legacy with a series of exceptional novelties that revive its most iconic achievements.

G.F.J.
ZENITH breathes new life into one of the most historically significant movements in watchmaking with the G.F.J. Named in honour of founder Georges Favre-Jacot, this timepiece revives the legendary calibre 135, a movement that dominated observatory chronometry competitions in the 1950s, earning a record 235 first-place awards.

The modern G.F.J. houses a beautifully re-engineered Calibre 135 inside a 39mm platinum case, enhanced with modern upgrades including a 72-hour power reserve and COSC-certified accuracy. The dial is a visual marvel, blending a deep Lapis Lazuli main dial, a mother-of-pearl subdial, and a textured guilloché “brick” motif inspired by the original ZENITH Manufacture.

Limited to just 160 pieces, the G.F.J. is both a tribute to a historic chapter in watchmaking and a statement of ZENITH’s enduring dedication to precision and beauty.

The Blue Ceramic Chronograph Trilogy
To further commemorate its 160th anniversary, ZENITH introduces a trilogy of blue ceramic chronographs, each reimagining a signature model in a specially developed deep blue ceramic.

Limited to 160 pieces each, the CHRONOMASTER Sport, DEFY Skyline Chronograph, and PILOT Big Date Flyback can be purchased individually or as a complete collector’s set.

1. PILOT Big Date Flyback
A tribute to ZENITH’s aviation heritage, this 42.5mm chronograph comes in micro-blasted blue ceramic with a corrugated dial and bold luminescent numerals. Powered by the El Primero 3652 calibre, it features a flyback function and patented big date display.

The open case-back reveals a commemorative rotor marking the anniversary. The watch is delivered with both blue and white Cordura-effect rubber straps and a quick-change system.

2. DEFY Skyline Chronograph
The DEFY Skyline takes on a modern architectural edge with its 42mm blue ceramic case and integrated bracelet. The dial, engraved with a four-pointed star motif, reflects the Maison’s celestial inspiration.

Inside beats the El Primero 3600 calibre, providing 1/10th of a second precision and a rotating chronograph hand that completes a revolution every 10 seconds. A blue rubber strap with a steel clasp is also included.

3. CHRONOMASTER Sport
ZENITH’s quintessential sport-chic chronograph receives a blue ceramic makeover in this 41mm edition. With pump-style pushers and a lacquered dial showcasing the signature tricolour subdials, this model offers both sporty flair and horological precision.

The El Primero 3600 movement, beating at 36,000 mph, powers the chronograph hand that completes a lap every 10 seconds. It comes with a ceramic bracelet and an additional rubber strap and features a sapphire case back engraved for the occasion.

From the very beginning, ZENITH has drawn inspiration from the sky — reflected in both its name and its enduring commitment to reaching new heights in precision.

The blue ceramic used in the trilogy is the result of extensive research and development, creating a rich, deeply coloured ceramic that is both scratch-resistant and tactilely smooth.

It exemplifies the brand’s blend of technological excellence and artistic expression.