Zenith unveils new versions of the fantastic G.F.J.

They include a version with a bloodstone dial housed in an 18K yellow gold case, and a black onyx dial housed in a tantalum case. Both editions are powered by the legendary calibre 135.

Kunaal Khemka

April 14, 2026

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What is the Zenith G.F.J. Bloodstone and G.F.J Tantalum?

For Watches and Wonders Geneva 2026, Zenith has unveiled new versions of the G.F.J., a statement of precision watchmaking or chronometric watch with roots in the 1940’s. G.F.J. are the initials of Georges Favre-Jacot, Zenith’s founder. The G.F.J. with a bloodstone dial housed in an 18K yellow gold case (left on header image) is limited to 161 pieces, whereas the G.F.J. with a black onyx dial housed in a tantalum case (right on header image) is limited to 20 pieces.

The G.F.J. with the reborn Calibre 135 was first unveiled in 2025. It won the “Chronometry Prize” at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) awards ceremony held on 13^th November 2025 in Geneva.

Also Read: The Latest GPHG Awards Ceremony showcased fantastic watchmaking

What are both editions dial features?

Zenith F.F.J. Bloodstone. — Image: G.F.J. Bloodstone. No two dials will be alike.

G.F.J. Bloodstone: Central disc crafted from bloodstone, a dark green jasper disc, “whose natural veining and inclusions ensure that no two dials are ever identical.” Mother-of-pearl small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Peripheral guilloché outer dial “inspired by the brick façade of the ZENITH Manufacture in Le Locle as a subtle tribute to Georges Favre-Jacot’s vertically integrated vision.” 18K yellow gold faceted hour and minute hands and applied hour-markers.

G.F.J. Tantalum: Central disc crafted from black onyx, a gemstone. Grey mother-of-pearl small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock. Peripheral guilloché outer dial with the same brick pattern as the Bloodstone. 18K white gold faceted hour and minute hands and applied hour-markers set with 11 baguette-cut diamonds (0.45 carats, F-G quality).

Does the Calibre 135 have its roots in the 1940s?

Zenith G.F.J. Bloodstone dial side. — Image: Caseback view of G.F.J. Bloodstone showcasing Calibre 135. Movement finishing includes “*broad Côte de Genève refined hand-chamfering and a contemporary dark ruthenium finish accented by yellow gold-coloured engravings.”*

Yes, the Calibre 135 that powers the G.F.J. is a reborn version of the same that was “developed in the late 1940s specifically for observatory chronometry competitions. Its competition version, the 135-O, secured 235 chronometry prizes, including five consecutive first prizes at the Neuchâtel Observatory between 1950 and 1954, a record that remains unmatched.”

Zenith G.F.J. Tantalum closeup of movement. — Image: G.F.J. Tantalum with a closeup view of Calibre 135’s variable inertia or free-sprung oversized balance wheel with its visible regulation screws.

The current Calibre 135 is not a historical copy, rather a re-engineered version for the 21^st century. A manually wound movement that drives the hours, minutes and small seconds with stop seconds function, it measures 13 lignes or 30 mm, comprises 157 parts and 22 jewels, beats at a luxurious rate of 2.5 Hz or 18,000 vph and has a power reserve of 72 hours. Its balance wheel features regulation screws and a Breguet overcoil. It is regulated to +/- 2 seconds per day and is COSC certified.

What are both editions case and strap features?

Zenith G.F.J. Bloodstone. — Image: G.F.J. Bloodstone. *“Its slender proportions, stepped bezel and curved lugs preserve the refined elegance inspired by 1950s chronometers, while the glow of gold enhances its contemporary presence.”*

G.F.J. Bloodstone: 18K yellow gold case. Comes with three straps: beige nubuck alligator leather strap, green alligator leather strap and black calfskin leather strap, fitted with a yellow gold pin buckle. Optional: 18K yellow gold bracelet with a double folding clasp.

Zenith G.F.J. Tantalum. — Image: G.F.J. Tantalum. “Tantalum is defined by its density and its restraint. Its natural blue-grey hue carries a subdued luminosity, neither reflective nor matte, but deeply metallic. Exceptionally resistant to corrosion and highly biocompatible, it is also notoriously difficult to machine. Its hardness and weight require specialised tools, slow tolerances and meticulous finishing. Tantalum stands among the most demanding metals used in modern watchmaking. Exceptionally hard and dense, it resists machining and challenges finishing at every stage.”

G.F.J. Tantalum: Tantalum case. Comes with three straps: blue nubuck alligator leather strap, black alligator leather strap and grey calfskin leather strap, fitted with a titanium pin buckle.

The case of both editions measure 39.15 mm (diameter) * 10.5 mm (thickness). Lug to Lug: 45.75 mm. Dial side and caseback feature sapphire crystals. Water resistant up to 5 ATM or approximately 50 metres.

What do we think?

The G.F.J. is a superb interpretation of an hours-minutes-small seconds watch with a vintage-inspired yet modern chronometric movement. The two editions – bloodstone dial / 18K yellow gold case and black onyx / tantalum are attractive editions that keep the G.F.J. collection alive. They will appeal to serious collectors (as both editions are expensive) who appreciate watchmaking for watchmaking’s sake and the original Calibre 135’s chronometric award-winning heritage.