Swiss watchmaker Zenith has teamed up with American horologist J.N. Shapiro to create a limited-edition interpretation of its legendary G.F.J. Calibre 135 watch. This collaboration brings together two distinct watchmaking traditions, with Zenith's heritage meeting Shapiro's expertise in traditional craftsmanship. The result is a timepiece that showcases the art of guillochage and precision Swiss watchmaking. The watch features a 39.15mm rose gold case with a sapphire crystal face and a transparent case back.
The watch's dial is a standout feature, crafted in silver using traditional guillochage techniques. Shapiro's California-based workshop created three distinct guillochage patterns, including a peripheral barley grain motif, a central basketweave design, and an Infinity Weave pattern at 6 o'clock. These intricate designs create a visually striking effect as the light catches the dial. The dial is framed by applied rose gold rings, with matching indexes and hands contrasting with the silver surface.
At the heart of the watch beats the Zenith 135 calibre, a historic mechanical movement developed by Ephrem Jobin in 1948. This movement was designed for observatory chronometry competitions and is renowned for its precision. Zenith has updated the calibre to meet modern standards, with a frequency of 18,000 alternations per hour and a 72-hour power reserve. The movement features a variable inertia balance and a Breguet curve spiral, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
The collaboration between Zenith and Shapiro extends beyond the dial, with the movement's bridges receiving a decorative damaskeening finish. This traditional American technique involves creating intricate wave patterns on the metal surfaces, adding an extra layer of craftsmanship to the watch. The movement is certified as a chronometer by the COSC and is regulated for precision of ±2 seconds per day.
Only 25 examples of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro will be produced, making this a highly exclusive timepiece. The watch is priced at 68,900 Swiss francs (CHF) and can be purchased through Zenith's official website or by contacting the manufacturer directly. This limited-edition watch showcases the possibilities of collaboration between Swiss watchmaking and international craftsmanship.
The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro watch comes with three interchangeable straps, including Cordovan leather, alligator nubuck, and black calfskin, each with a rose gold ardillon buckle. An additional rose gold bracelet is available on request. The watch's 50-meter water resistance makes it suitable for everyday wear, although it is not designed for diving or extreme water activities.
This collaboration highlights Zenith's commitment to working with independent watchmakers and showcasing diverse international craftsmanship. The G.F.J. collection serves as a platform for these collaborations, allowing different artisans to express their skills and create unique timepieces. The partnership with Shapiro demonstrates the potential for innovative and beautiful watches that blend traditional techniques with modern watchmaking expertise.
Key points
- The watch features a unique blend of traditional guillochage and Swiss precision watchmaking.
- Only 25 examples of the limited-edition watch will be produced.
- The watch is priced at 68,900 Swiss francs (CHF).
