ZENITH G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed With Naoya Hida & Co.

A 10-Piece Limited Edition Celebrating The Legendary Calibre 135

Introducing the ZENITH G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed With Naoya Hida & Co., an extraordinary limited edition that brings together one of the most celebrated chronometer movements in watchmaking history with the refined design language of Japanese independent watchmaker Naoya Hida.

Limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, the release marks the debut of ZENITH’s new Double Signed Program, a collaborative initiative that invites respected independent watchmakers to reinterpret some of the Manufacture’s most significant creations.

At the heart of this exclusive timepiece beats the legendary Calibre 135, widely regarded as one of the most successful observatory chronometer movements ever produced and a cornerstone of ZENITH’s heritage of precision timekeeping.

The Beginning Of The Double Signed Program

For decades, double-signed watches have occupied a special place in the world of haute horlogerie, representing collaborations that combine distinct identities while preserving a shared commitment to excellence.

With the launch of the Double Signed Program, ZENITH seeks to revive this tradition through carefully selected partnerships with independent watchmakers who bring their own interpretation to iconic ZENITH creations.

For its inaugural collaboration, the Manufacture partnered with Naoya Hida & Co., the Japanese independent brand founded in 2018 and renowned for its restrained aesthetics, exceptional finishing, and deep appreciation for classical watchmaking.

The project was born from a meeting between ZENITH Chief Product Officer Romain Marietta and Naoya Hida in Tokyo, where a shared passion for horological history quickly evolved into a creative collaboration centred around the legendary Calibre 135.

A Tribute To The Legendary Calibre 135

The Calibre 135 occupies a unique position in ZENITH’s history. Originally developed during the golden era of observatory chronometer competitions, the movement earned an unprecedented number of precision awards and became one of the most celebrated manually wound calibres ever produced.

In 2025, ZENITH re-engineered the movement for the launch of the G.F.J. collection, named after founder Georges Favre-Jacot. This latest edition takes that revival a step further by incorporating Naoya Hida’s distinctive design philosophy.

For Hida, the project was deeply personal. Having admired and studied the Calibre 135 for decades, he approached the collaboration with a profound respect for its historical significance while seeking to capture the spirit of 1950s chronometry in a contemporary expression.

A Refined Interpretation In Platinum

The new G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed is housed in a 39.15 mm platinum case, offering elegant proportions inspired by classic mid-century dress watches.

The solid silver dial reflects Naoya Hida’s signature approach to design, favouring restraint, balance, and exceptional craftsmanship.

Every indication on the dial, including the double ZENITH and Naoya Hida & Co. signature, is meticulously hand-engraved by master engraver Keisuke Kano before being filled with traditional blue Japanese Urushi lacquer. The result is a remarkable combination of Swiss precision and Japanese artistry.

Further enhancing the visual appeal are the solid gold hour and minute hands, which are CNC-machined and hand-polished, while the small seconds hand is crafted from heat-blued steel.

The overall aesthetic is understated yet highly sophisticated, emphasizing depth, texture, and refinement rather than visual excess.

The Re-Engineered Calibre 135

Visible through the sapphire caseback is the hand-wound Calibre 135, finished to the same standards as the latest G.F.J. models.

The movement features broad Geneva stripes, hand-bevelled edges, and a modern ruthenium finish accented by gold-coloured engravings.

Operating at 18,000 vibrations per hour (2.5 Hz), the calibre retains many of the technical characteristics that made it famous, including:

• Large variable-inertia balance wheel
• Breguet overcoil hairspring
• Double-arrow fine adjustment regulator
• Stop-seconds mechanism
• COSC chronometer certification

The movement delivers an impressive 72-hour power reserve and is regulated to an accuracy of +/-2 seconds per day, demonstrating that the historic calibre remains highly relevant by modern standards.

Three Exceptional Japanese Straps

To complement the watch, ZENITH includes three handcrafted straps that celebrate traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

The first is crafted from rare Himeji Kurozan leather, known for its rich texture and multiple layers of hand-applied Urushi lacquer.

The second uses premium Wagyu leather, produced by specialist artisans in Kyoto.

Completing the set is a deep indigo strap made from Japanese Kaihara denim, one of the country’s most respected textile manufacturers.

Each strap is paired with a platinum pin buckle engraved with the initials G.F.J.

Technical Specifications

Swiss Precision And Japanese Craftsmanship

The ZENITH G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed With Naoya Hida & Co. is far more than a limited edition collaboration.

It represents a dialogue between two watchmaking cultures united by a shared appreciation for precision, craftsmanship, and historical authenticity. By combining the legendary Calibre 135 with Naoya Hida’s distinctive design language, ZENITH has created one of the most compelling independent collaborations of 2026.

Limited to just ten examples, this exceptional timepiece stands as a fitting launch for the Double Signed Program and a remarkable tribute to one of watchmaking’s greatest chronometer movements.

For more information, please visit the official Zenith website.

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