Zenith Expands Its G.F.J. Collection At Watches and Wonders 2026

by

Summary

  • Zenith debuts G.F.J. Bloodstone and Tantalum models housing the legendary re-engineered Calibre 135 at Watches and Wonders Geneva
  • The Chronomaster Sport adds two-tone mother-of-pearl and high-performance openworked skeleton architectures
  • The innovative ZENCLASP™ introduces an ergonomic design with precise, tool-free micro-adjustments

At the Watches and Wonders 2026 show, Zenith reaffirmed its reputation as a leader in watchmaking, connecting its rich history in Le Locle with a future focused on incredibly precise movements. For over 160 years, Zenith has been known for its innovative spirit, creating legendary watches like the El Primero – the world’s first automatic high-frequency chronograph. This year’s new models build on that tradition, expanding the popular Chronomaster Sport line with more adaptable and visually open designs. They also give the iconic Calibre 135 a permanent place in the G.F.J. collection, named after the company’s founder, Georges Favre-Jacot. By combining precise engineering with unique materials like mineral dials and rare metals, Zenith continues to appeal to those who appreciate both cutting-edge technology and skilled craftsmanship.

G.F.J. Bloodstone

Building on the success of its 2025 relaunch, the G.F.J. returns to Watches and Wonders to signal its future as a core part of Zenith’s dedication to precise timekeeping. This new version features a warmer glow with an 18-karat yellow gold case, and a dial that’s as much a work of art as it is functional. The dial’s centerpiece is made from bloodstone – a green jasper with unique red patterns, meaning each watch is one-of-a-kind – and is complemented by a large mother-of-pearl seconds indicator and a patterned section inspired by the brickwork of the Zenith factory.

The redesigned Calibre 135 movement continues a legacy of accuracy, now officially COSC-certified to run within +/- 2 seconds each day. It still features the classic 18,000 vibrations per hour and a large balance wheel, but improvements have increased its power reserve to 72 hours. You can view the hand-wound movement through the sapphire caseback, where dark ruthenium-finished bridges and yellow gold engravings turn the mechanics into a design statement. This limited edition of 161 pieces is available for pre-order for 48,900 Swiss Francs (approximately $51,900 USD).

G.F.J. Tantalum

The G.F.J. watch is exceptionally rare, crafted from tantalum – a metal incredibly challenging to work with, which gives the watch a uniquely understated power. Its 39.5mm case has a muted, blue-grey color that isn’t shiny or flat, and it contains the most award-winning movement ever created for observatory chronometers. The dial continues this theme of refined simplicity with a polished black onyx center, eleven trapeze-cut diamond hour markers, and delicate white gold hands, all highlighting a clean, architectural design.

The Calibre 135-0 was once celebrated for winning 235 awards for its precision. Now, it’s been updated for today’s market with a dark ruthenium finish that complements its tantalum case. Tantalum is incredibly durable and resistant to corrosion, but it’s also difficult to work with, requiring special tools and careful craftsmanship to achieve a luxurious finish similar to gold or platinum. Only 20 of these unique watches will be made, and they are priced at 73,900 Swiss francs (or $83,400 USD).

Chronomaster Sport MOP

The Chronomaster Sport builds on over 50 years of watchmaking history while embracing a sleek, modern design. This new 41mm model combines durability with a touch of elegance, featuring a stainless steel case accented with an 18-karat rose gold bezel, crown, and buttons. Its mother-of-pearl dial offers a gentle, shifting glow, and the iconic three-color counters pay homage to the original 1969 El Primero watch.

This impressive chronograph is powered by the El Primero 3600, a high-frequency movement that ticks at 5 Hz – its second hand makes a full rotation every 10 seconds, visually demonstrating its precision. Measuring to the nearest tenth of a second isn’t just an added feature, it’s a result of how the movement is built, and it also offers a 60-hour power reserve. Available in a limited run of only 50 pieces, this sophisticated chronograph is priced at 17,900 Swiss Francs (approximately $20,100 USD).

Chronomaster Sport Skeleton Chronograph

Zenith’s new Chronomaster Sport Skeleton offers a striking look at its inner workings. The watch features an open design that showcases the intricate El Primero 3600 SK movement. Its smoky black dial gradually becomes clear, allowing you to see the precise mechanics while maintaining the watch’s strength. You can admire the blue column wheel and clutch, and easily read the time thanks to the classic tri-color counters and bright, luminous markers.

This new stainless steel watch features the innovative ZENCLASP™, a comfortable, folding clasp developed over three years. It’s made of 41 parts and uses 10 ceramic balls to ensure a secure fit. A clever micro-adjustment system lets you easily resize the bracelet by 10mm in small steps, right on your wrist. The collection includes stainless steel models with green or black ceramic bezels, plus an extremely limited edition of just 10 watches in rose gold, each set with 52 baguette-cut diamonds. Prices begin at 14,900 Swiss Francs (approximately $16,700 USD), and the limited edition diamond model costs 99,000 Swiss Francs ($111,000 USD).

Read More

2026-04-14 01:26