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All the watch news, reviews, videos you want, brought to you from fellow collectors
Monochrome Blue Ceramic Chronographs
Marking its 160th anniversary, Zenith has unveiled a limited-edition trilogy of its most iconic chronographs, reimagined in a striking monochromatic blue ceramic. Inspired by the night sky and the celestial vision of its founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, blue has become the brand’s signature colour. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has introduced a custom blue ceramic, an exceptionally durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant material. Unlike metals, the ceramic is integrally coloured, requiring months of precise engineering to achieve the brand’s distinctive hue.
The collection features the Chronomaster Sport, Defy Skyline Chronograph, and Pilot Big Date Flyback, each produced in a limited edition of 160 pieces. These timepieces can be purchased individually or as part of a special anniversary box set.
Pilot Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.4002.3652/51.I009)
The Pilot Big Date Flyback debuts in a 42.5mm micro-blasted blue ceramic case with a titanium crown and pushers. The corrugated dial features luminescent hands and large Arabic numerals for optimal legibility.
Powered by the El Primero 3652 calibre, this high-frequency automatic chronograph, with a 60-hour autonomy, incorporates a big date function with a 0.007-second instant change mechanism. The flyback feature allows for an instant chronograph reset and restart with a single push. The sapphire case back reveals a customised rotor with a 160th-anniversary emblem.
This edition includes a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap and an additional white rubber strap, both designed with a quick-change system.
Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.9502.3600/51.I001)
A modern evolution of the 1969 Defy model, the new Defy Skyline Chronograph now comes in the brand’s signature blue ceramic for the first time. The 42mm faceted case and bracelet complement the dial’s engraved geometric motif, inspired by Zenith’s four-pointed star.
At its core is the El Primero 3600 calibre, displaying 1/10th of a second chronograph precision. The central chronograph seconds hand completes a full revolution every 10 seconds, six times faster than a conventional chronograph. The 5Hz movement is equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism for accurate time setting and offers a 60-hour power reserve. It also features a 160th-anniversary-engraved oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire case back.
The watch includes a three-link ceramic bracelet and an interchangeable star-patterned blue rubber strap, secured with a steel folding clasp.
Chronomaster Sport 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.3102.3600/51.M3100)
For the first time, the Chronomaster Sport is introduced in blue ceramic. Its 41mm case features a lacquered blue dial with tricolour overlapping counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, complemented by luminescent hour markers and red-tipped chronograph hands for maximum legibility.
The El Primero 3600 calibre drives 1/10th of a second chronograph readings, with the central chronograph seconds hand completing one full rotation in 10 seconds. The movement’s column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked oscillating weight—engraved with "160th Anniversary"—can be viewed through the sapphire case back.
Conforming with the aesthetics, this edition is offered with a blue ceramic bracelet with a ceramic folding clasp and an additional blue rubber strap with a steel folding clasp.
G.F.J.
Continuing the 160th anniversary celebrations, Zenith has unveiled the new G.F.J.—a timepiece named after Zenith’s founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, which revives one of the most iconic movements in watchmaking history, the Calibre 135.
The Calibre 135 dominated observatory chronometer competitions in the mid-20th century. These trials, held at renowned institutions like Neuchâtel, Geneva, and Kew Teddington, were the ultimate test of precision, with several brands competing for recognition. Zenith, having participated in these trials since 1897, holds an unmatched record of 2,333 chronometry prizes—more than any other brand. Among its greatest achievements, the Calibre 135-O, a variant developed exclusively for observatory competitions, won five consecutive first prizes at the Neuchâtel Observatory between 1950 and 1954.
In 2022, this legendary movement was revived in an exclusive collaboration with master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, where ten vintage 135-O movements were restored and transformed into collector’s pieces.
The Calibre 135 in the new G.F.J. timepiece has undergone technological upgrades while retaining its distinctive offset centre wheel. The power reserve has been extended to 72 hours from the original 40-hour capacity. The gear train has been re-engineered with optimised tooth geometry for greater efficiency, while the balance wheel, now oscillating at 2.5Hz, features regulation screws and a Breguet overcoil for enhanced stability. A stop-seconds mechanism has also been introduced, enabling precise time-setting to the exact second. Additionally, the movement’s double arrow-shaped regulator, a hallmark of the original 135-O, remains intact, allowing for fine adjustments. Every movement is adjusted to an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day and is officially COSC-certified.
Furthermore, the movement is beautifully decorated. The bridges feature an intricate “brick” guilloché pattern, a tribute to the red-and-white brick façade of Zenith’s manufacture, where the G.F.J. initials are prominently displayed. The barrel is circular satin-finished, while the crown wheel is black-polished.
Housed in a slender 39mm platinum case, the G.F.J. features a stepped bezel, curved lugs, and a notched crown engraved with the G.F.J. initials, echoing the culture of 1950s watchmaking. Beneath the sapphire crystal glass lies the blue dial with its outer ring decorated with a “brick” guilloché pattern. The white gold hour markers are faceted, while a discreet minute track is formed by 40 individually applied white gold beads. The central section, crafted from deep blue Lapis Lazuli, evokes the celestial theme. The gold-coloured pyrite flecks, resembling a starry night sky, make each dial unique. The oversized small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock is made of mother-of-pearl. The hours, minutes, and seconds are indicated by white gold baton-style hands.
Complementing the theme, the G.F.J. is presented with three strap options: a dark blue alligator leather strap, a black calfskin leather strap, and a blue “Saffiano” calfskin leather strap, all secured with a platinum pin buckle engraved with the G.F.J. initials and the brick pattern. A more exclusive option, a seven-row platinum bracelet with brick-patterned centre links, is available upon request.
Released in a limited edition of 160 pieces, the G.F.J. is available for pre-order exclusively through Zenith’s boutiques, online store, and authorised retailers worldwide.
Monochrome Blue Ceramic Chronographs
Marking its 160th anniversary, Zenith has unveiled a limited-edition trilogy of its most iconic chronographs, reimagined in a striking monochromatic blue ceramic. Inspired by the night sky and the celestial vision of its founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, blue has become the brand’s signature colour. To commemorate this milestone, the brand has introduced a custom blue ceramic, an exceptionally durable, lightweight, and scratch-resistant material. Unlike metals, the ceramic is integrally coloured, requiring months of precise engineering to achieve the brand’s distinctive hue.
The collection features the Chronomaster Sport, Defy Skyline Chronograph, and Pilot Big Date Flyback, each produced in a limited edition of 160 pieces. These timepieces can be purchased individually or as part of a special anniversary box set.
Pilot Big Date Flyback 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.4002.3652/51.I009)
The Pilot Big Date Flyback debuts in a 42.5mm micro-blasted blue ceramic case with a titanium crown and pushers. The corrugated dial features luminescent hands and large Arabic numerals for optimal legibility.
Powered by the El Primero 3652 calibre, this high-frequency automatic chronograph, with a 60-hour autonomy, incorporates a big date function with a 0.007-second instant change mechanism. The flyback feature allows for an instant chronograph reset and restart with a single push. The sapphire case back reveals a customised rotor with a 160th-anniversary emblem.
This edition includes a blue Cordura-effect rubber strap and an additional white rubber strap, both designed with a quick-change system.
Defy Skyline Chronograph 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.9502.3600/51.I001)
A modern evolution of the 1969 Defy model, the new Defy Skyline Chronograph now comes in the brand’s signature blue ceramic for the first time. The 42mm faceted case and bracelet complement the dial’s engraved geometric motif, inspired by Zenith’s four-pointed star.
At its core is the El Primero 3600 calibre, displaying 1/10th of a second chronograph precision. The central chronograph seconds hand completes a full revolution every 10 seconds, six times faster than a conventional chronograph. The 5Hz movement is equipped with a stop-seconds mechanism for accurate time setting and offers a 60-hour power reserve. It also features a 160th-anniversary-engraved oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire case back.
The watch includes a three-link ceramic bracelet and an interchangeable star-patterned blue rubber strap, secured with a steel folding clasp.
Chronomaster Sport 160th Anniversary Edition (Ref. 49.3102.3600/51.M3100)
For the first time, the Chronomaster Sport is introduced in blue ceramic. Its 41mm case features a lacquered blue dial with tricolour overlapping counters at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, complemented by luminescent hour markers and red-tipped chronograph hands for maximum legibility.
The El Primero 3600 calibre drives 1/10th of a second chronograph readings, with the central chronograph seconds hand completing one full rotation in 10 seconds. The movement’s column wheel, horizontal clutch, and openworked oscillating weight—engraved with "160th Anniversary"—can be viewed through the sapphire case back.
Conforming with the aesthetics, this edition is offered with a blue ceramic bracelet with a ceramic folding clasp and an additional blue rubber strap with a steel folding clasp.
G.F.J.
Continuing the 160th anniversary celebrations, Zenith has unveiled the new G.F.J.—a timepiece named after Zenith’s founder, Georges Favre-Jacot, which revives one of the most iconic movements in watchmaking history, the Calibre 135.
The Calibre 135 dominated observatory chronometer competitions in the mid-20th century. These trials, held at renowned institutions like Neuchâtel, Geneva, and Kew Teddington, were the ultimate test of precision, with several brands competing for recognition. Zenith, having participated in these trials since 1897, holds an unmatched record of 2,333 chronometry prizes—more than any other brand. Among its greatest achievements, the Calibre 135-O, a variant developed exclusively for observatory competitions, won five consecutive first prizes at the Neuchâtel Observatory between 1950 and 1954.
In 2022, this legendary movement was revived in an exclusive collaboration with master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen and Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo, where ten vintage 135-O movements were restored and transformed into collector’s pieces.
The Calibre 135 in the new G.F.J. timepiece has undergone technological upgrades while retaining its distinctive offset centre wheel. The power reserve has been extended to 72 hours from the original 40-hour capacity. The gear train has been re-engineered with optimised tooth geometry for greater efficiency, while the balance wheel, now oscillating at 2.5Hz, features regulation screws and a Breguet overcoil for enhanced stability. A stop-seconds mechanism has also been introduced, enabling precise time-setting to the exact second. Additionally, the movement’s double arrow-shaped regulator, a hallmark of the original 135-O, remains intact, allowing for fine adjustments. Every movement is adjusted to an accuracy of ±2 seconds per day and is officially COSC-certified.
Furthermore, the movement is beautifully decorated. The bridges feature an intricate “brick” guilloché pattern, a tribute to the red-and-white brick façade of Zenith’s manufacture, where the G.F.J. initials are prominently displayed. The barrel is circular satin-finished, while the crown wheel is black-polished.
Housed in a slender 39mm platinum case, the G.F.J. features a stepped bezel, curved lugs, and a notched crown engraved with the G.F.J. initials, echoing the culture of 1950s watchmaking. Beneath the sapphire crystal glass lies the blue dial with its outer ring decorated with a “brick” guilloché pattern. The white gold hour markers are faceted, while a discreet minute track is formed by 40 individually applied white gold beads. The central section, crafted from deep blue Lapis Lazuli, evokes the celestial theme. The gold-coloured pyrite flecks, resembling a starry night sky, make each dial unique. The oversized small seconds subdial at 6 o’clock is made of mother-of-pearl. The hours, minutes, and seconds are indicated by white gold baton-style hands.
Complementing the theme, the G.F.J. is presented with three strap options: a dark blue alligator leather strap, a black calfskin leather strap, and a blue “Saffiano” calfskin leather strap, all secured with a platinum pin buckle engraved with the G.F.J. initials and the brick pattern. A more exclusive option, a seven-row platinum bracelet with brick-patterned centre links, is available upon request.
Released in a limited edition of 160 pieces, the G.F.J. is available for pre-order exclusively through Zenith’s boutiques, online store, and authorised retailers worldwide.
