ZENITH has added another milestone to its illustrious history after the G.F.J. was awarded the Chronometry Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) 2025, one of the highest honours in the Swiss watch industry. The recognition celebrates the brand’s unwavering pursuit of precision, a philosophy that has defined the Le Locle manufacture since its founding in 1865.
Named after founder Georges Favre-Jacot, the G.F.J. is more than a commemorative timepiece—it is a modern tribute to one of the most celebrated movements in horological history. At its heart is the legendary Calibre 135, widely regarded as the most awarded movement in observatory chronometer competitions. Originally developed during the golden age of precision watchmaking, the calibre has been completely re-engineered for ZENITH’s 160th anniversary while remaining faithful to its original spirit.
The updated manual-winding movement incorporates several modern refinements, including an oversized balance wheel, a Breguet overcoil hairspring, a stop-second mechanism and an extended 72-hour power reserve. Officially certified as a chronometer by the COSC, the movement continues ZENITH’s long-standing reputation for exceptional accuracy, carrying forward a legacy that has earned the manufacture a record 2,333 chronometry prizes throughout its history.
Beyond its mechanical excellence, the G.F.J. is equally striking in design. The watch is housed in a 39.15mm platinum case. It features a captivating dial crafted from natural lapis lazuli, whose golden inclusions evoke the appearance of a star-filled night sky. Surrounding the centre is a distinctive “brick” guilloché pattern inspired by the façade of ZENITH’s historic manufacture in Le Locle, paying subtle tribute to the birthplace of the brand’s precision watchmaking heritage.
Visible through the sapphire caseback, the movement receives a special decorative treatment exclusive to the anniversary edition, showcasing intricate “brick” guilloché finishing that echoes the dial design. White-gold hour markers and hands complement the deep blue display, while the watch is delivered with three interchangeable leather straps, including dark blue alligator leather with a platinum pin buckle, black calfskin, and blue Saffiano calfskin. An optional platinum bracelet is also available.
Speaking on the achievement, ZENITH CEO Benoît de Clerck described the award as meaningful recognition of both the manufacturer’s rich heritage and its enduring commitment to chronometric excellence. He noted that every detail of the revived Calibre 135 was developed with the utmost respect for the original movement while embracing the demands of modern precision watchmaking.
Often regarded as the “Oscars of the watch industry”, the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève honours the finest watch creations each year, bringing together leading brands, collectors and members of the international watch community. For ZENITH, winning the Chronometry Prize with the G.F.J. reinforces its position as one of Switzerland’s foremost champions of precision watchmaking, while demonstrating that its historic expertise continues to evolve for a new generation.
The ZENITH G.F.J. is priced at SGD 73,600, offering collectors an opportunity to own a timepiece that combines one of horology’s most celebrated chronometer movements with contemporary craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
