Hodinkee
Hands-On: Zenith's Resurrected Caliber 135-Powered 'G.F.J.'
Vintage-style caliber crossed with modern aesthetics in celebration of Zenith's 160th Anniversary.
Results for Zenith
1,745 articles · 2 videos found · page 23 of 59
Related pages
Wiki · Guide
El Primero Zenith
Zenith's 1969 column-wheel automatic chronograph caliber at 36,000 vph, saved from quartz-era destruction by Charles Vermot in 1975 and supplied to the Rolex Daytona ref. 16520 (1988-2000).
Wiki · Guide
LVMH Watches
TAG Heuer (1999), Zenith (1999), Hublot (2008), Bulgari (2011), plus Louis Vuitton in-house and Tiffany & Co. Bernard Arnault\'s Paris-based group.
Gallery · Guide
Zenith Gallery Zenith
Wristshot gallery from the Horlogeforum Zenith thread.
Icon · Guide
El Primero Zenith
The 1969 36,000 vph automatic chronograph saved from the quartz crisis by Charles Vermot.
Hodinkee
SJX Watches
Zenith Introduces the Blue Ceramic Chronograph Trilogy
In celebration of birthday, Zenith presents a trio of chronographs entirely in blue ceramic, the 160th Anniversary Editions of the Chronometer Sport, Defy Skyline Chronograph, and Pilot Big Date Flyback. Each retains the specifications of its steel equivalent, with the only distinction being the case and bracelet material. Initial thoughts Best known for the El Primero high-beat automatic chronograph, Zenith arguably does best at chronographs, and that’s exactly what it’s doing for its anniversary. The reimagining of Zenith’s best-known models in blue ceramic is on trend – maybe a bit too trendy – with brands like Audemars Piguet having already done it. That said, the anniversary trilogy does offer a striking new alternative to anyone seeking an El Primero with a whole new aesthetic. The use of ceramic for both the case and bracelet, however, means each of the trilogy models is notably pricier than the equivalent model in steel. That’s acceptable for an anniversary limited edition, but not quite the same value proposition as the steel variants. Blue ceramic The Chronomaster Sport, Defy Skyline Chronograph, and Pilot Big Date Flyback each retain the same dimensions and movement as their respective steel models, except that the case and bracelet are now in blue ceramic modelled on Zenith’s signature hue. According to Zenith, blue ceramic was an undertaking that involved months of research and development. Blue ceramic is significantly more challenging to finish...
Teddy Baldassarre
Zenith Reimagines Its Caliber 135 For The 21st Century
The year 2025 marks 160 years since the founding of Zenith in Le Locle, Switzerland, back in 1865. As watchmaking brands are wont to do, Zenith is commemorating this milestone by putting forward a watch for the occasion that’s representative of its storied history, as well as its own contemporary identity. Now, as Watches & Wonders 2025 kicks off, we are clear on how the brand aims to celebrate the occasion, and its chosen vehicle is a new collection inspired by Zenith’s own founder, complete with an update on its storied Caliber 135, which breathes fresh life into an old favorite movement. These are the conditions in which the rising star of the G.F.J. collection joins Zenith’s constellation. At the tail end of the 19th century, the mounting competition within the watch industry brought about a new standard of gauging the accuracy of movements, and watchmakers began employing observatory trials to signal to customers that their products were as accurate as possible. This was also at a time in which highly accurate timepieces were necessary for successful marine navigation. Before the COSC certification standards that are so rigidly defined today were coded, individual movements would be sent to observatories, where they would undergo testing procedures, as well as competitions for chronometry prices. Zenith details that it had been routinely entering chronometry trials as early as 1897. And, because a bit of healthy bragging is appropriate with brag-worthy achieveme...
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith G.F.J. – A Vintage Chronometric Resurrection To Honor The Brand's Founder
A new collection, a newly reworked vintage Caliber 135, and Zenith's 160-year pursuit of accuracy.
SJX Watches
Zenith Skeletonises the Defy Skyline Chronograph
Zenith’s latest release is an evolutionary take on its popular sports chronograph with an integrated bracelet: the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton builds upon the original version by open working the dial and main plate of the El Primero calibre. The dial is skeletonised to form a star, Zenith’s longtime emblem and a recurring theme of its skeleton watches. Apart from the open-worked dial, the new Defy remains essentially unchanged from the standard model, keeping the same 42 mm octagonal case topped by a 12-sided bezel. Initial thoughts Zenith’s El Primero was a milestone as one of the first automatic chronograph calibres. The new Defy is equipped with the second-generation El Primero, the cal. 3600, which is one of the biggest strengths of the watch. Notably, the movement has a lightning chronograph seconds completing a full revolution every 10 seconds, allowing the chronograph to measure up to 1/10th of a second (if your fingers work the pushers fast enough). That said, the watch does feel a little derivative in terms of design. While the look is not particularly creative or original, it nonetheless presents a visually striking aesthetic. The combination of satin-brushed and polished surfaces on the case and bracelet are done well. Compared to other watches it resembles (from the likes of Audemars Piguet and Hublot), the Defy is arguably better value. Priced at US$15,500, the Defy Skyline Chronograph Skeleton is one of Zenith’s pricier offerings, but arguably...
Fratello
Ending The Year On A Bold Note With The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A And The Zenith Defy Extreme Jungle
Imagine yourself sitting or standing in a concert hall. The band or orchestra performs what clearly is the last song of the night. After the final note, though, the crowd goes wild and keeps clapping, hoping the concert won’t end just yet. Finally, the performers decide to play one more song - the encore. Sometimes, […] Visit Ending The Year On A Bold Note With The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon SR_A And The Zenith Defy Extreme Jungle to read the full article.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith x Collective Defy Skyline C.X Edition (Live Pics)
Collective Horology and Zenith reveal their second collaboration in this new ultra-modern take on the Defy Skyline.
Teddy Baldassarre
Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow Review
There are some watches that kind of stay with you. They may not be in your wheelhouse as far as taste is concerned (or at least what you think your taste is), but something about them just resonates. This is how I feel, and have felt, about the Zenith Chronomaster Revival Shadow, a watch that has been in production for some time, one that I have reviewed in the past, and one that I still do not own but which continues to take up valuable real estate in my brain. The version of the watch that I got turned onto was the only one available until recently - a blasted-finish, black-coated titanium chronograph in the retro A384 case format that plays on the past but brings a decidedly modern design sensibility to the overall package. The dial is a matte, flat black and the text on it is well thought-out in terms of the vintage effect, down to the printing of the logos and numerals. It’s as if you’re looking at a museum artifact, except that it's packed with one of the best modern automatic chronograph movements in the game, Zenith's own El Primero, and at 37mm it fits perfectly on my 6.25-inch wrist. If you have been paying attention to Zenith over the past half-decade or so, you are sure to notice that the brand has done quite a job in balancing vintage revivals with innovative new releases. It’s the only brand I know that revives a watch and keeps everything true to form down to the clasp on a bracelet. I recall handling another Shadow model – the Defy Shadow ...
Hodinkee
Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar Limited Edition for Hodinkee
The Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar LImited Edition For Hodinkee honors the legacy of the El Primero and the incredible accuracy of the Chronomaster Original. A limited run of 200 pieces has been produced worldwide.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Nacho’s Picks From Omega, Zenith, Breitling, And More
The time has come to wrap up our Best Watches Under €10K series, and I have the privilege of closing out this latest run. Doubling the budget from €5K unlocks a wealth of possibilities, and today, I’ll be looking to exploit those, even if it does call for a bit of finessing. Still, while I […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Nacho’s Picks From Omega, Zenith, Breitling, And More to read the full article.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Lex’s Picks From Grand Seiko, IWC, And Zenith
With €10K to spend, I decided to play it safe on the brand side and a little wilder on the color side. That’s why I ended up with a furiously red Grand Seiko, a sinister black IWC, and a Zenith that makes me slightly indecisive: do I decide on the version with the green or […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Lex’s Picks From Grand Seiko, IWC, And Zenith to read the full article.
Time+Tide
GWD and W&W; Shanghai Special: new releases from Daniel Roth, Laurent Ferrier, Zenith, and more
The new thinnest watch in the world, a strong return for Daniel Roth, chiming Bulgaris, a trio of Breitling perpetual calendars and more!The post GWD and W&W; Shanghai Special: new releases from Daniel Roth, Laurent Ferrier, Zenith, and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Thor’s Picks From Cartier, Grand Seiko, And Zenith
Well, that is what I wrote when I started this story, genuinely believing that I would have a problem choosing. But as many times before, RJ, Mike, and others have finished their Best Watches Under €10K stories and stolen my chosen thunder. The €5K–10K segment is not easy for me as my taste annoyingly tends […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Thor’s Picks From Cartier, Grand Seiko, And Zenith to read the full article.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Jorg’s Picks From Zenith, Cartier, And Grand Seiko
After Thomas kicked our new series of Fratello Favorites last Friday, I am the second in line to pick my favorites under €10K. As Thomas said, it’s a budget that leaves you spoiled for choice. It’s also the maximum budget that I would seriously consider when buying a watch. While there are plenty of new […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Watches Under €10K - Jorg’s Picks From Zenith, Cartier, And Grand Seiko to read the full article.
Hodinkee
This Week In The Shop: Four New-For-2024 Watches From Zenith
From a penchant for retro revival flair to new material experimentations for the Chronomaster Sport and beyond – Zenith contains multitudes.
Hodinkee
A Week On The Wrist: The Zenith Defy Revival Diver A3648 – The Orange One
The new diver from Zenith is actually the old diver from Zenith.
Fratello
Fratello Favorites: The Best Summer Watches At Three Different Price Points - Thomas’s Picks From Certina, Omega, And Zenith
It is that time of year again, though you would be hard-pressed to notice when looking out the window here in the Netherlands! In any case, summer is upon us, which means we are back with a new theme for our Fratello Favorites series. I get the honor of kicking off this round by sharing […] Visit Fratello Favorites: The Best Summer Watches At Three Different Price Points - Thomas’s Picks From Certina, Omega, And Zenith to read the full article.
SJX Watches
Zenith Introduces the Defy Skyline Skeleton White Ceramic
A new livery for one of Zenith’s most popular models, the Defy Skyline Skeleton White Ceramic shares the styling of its siblings like the Defy Skyline 36 mm but with a few notable tweaks including a white ceramic case and blue-treated skeletonised movement. And though it appears to be a simple time-only watch, the Defy Skyline features a discreet complication in the form of a “lightning” small seconds hand that completes one rotation every ten seconds. Initial thoughts Zenith has recently been playing it safe with new launches by building on current bestsellers, like the Defy Skyline. The new skeleton in white ceramic is a good looking watch, and an excellent execution of one of Zenith’s modern-day classics. The combination is also novel. Although each key element of the watch is common in itself – a skeleton movement plus the white ceramic case and bracelet – they are relatively uncommon together. The Defy Skyline Skeleton on the wrist However, the Defy Skyline arguably tries too hard to capitalise on the recent (and waning) popularity of integrated-bracelet sports watches. It is not difficult to see a resemblance to the Royal Oak, in particular the one-off Royal Oak made for Only Watch 2023, making it a bit cliché. Priced at US$17,500, the Defy Skyline Skeleton in white ceramic is a decent value proposition compared to similar watches, most of which are from pricier brands like Hublot or Audemars Piguet. Besides the ceramic case and bracelet, it stands out ...
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith Defy Skyline White Ceramic Skeleton
A new color brings a summer look to Zenith's Defy Skyline collection.
Teddy Baldassarre
Zenith Defy Revival A3648 Review
There is no doubt that most enthusiasts think of the brand Zenith and picture, in their mind’s eye, a chronograph – a chronograph powered by the now storied El Primero automatic chronograph movement which debuted in 1969. Triple use of the word chronograph in one sentence notwithstanding, it punctuates the kind of watch associated with this powerhouse of a brand. And 1969 was a monumental year for automatic chronographs. But it was also the year Zenith introduced its punchy, ready for the 1970s, and decidedly orange dive watch: The Defy A3648. Yes, a Zenith diver was released the same year as the El Primero…and the latter clearly took off on a trajectory far different from that of its aquatic counterpart. Vintage Zenith A3648 from around the time of the watch's launch. Over the past decade or so, Zenith has proven itself to be unmatched in the watch game when it comes to revivals, homages, re-editions, whatever you like to call them (Zenith literally calls them “Revivals” so we will too). Some Zenith Revival models are modern riffs on vintage designs, with slight tweaks, while others are near 1:1 recreations. Think back to the Defy Revival models of the past two years, with both black and ruby dial options. Those were authentic recreations down to the vintage-style clasps (an under-looked component of homage, if you ask me!). At Watches & Wonders 2024, Zenith returned to the 1969 well and brought its spunky orange dive watch back to life in the form of the De...
Two Broke Watch Snobs
Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph: Their Biggest Release Of The Year
One of Zenith’s latest releases, the Zenith Defy Skyline Chronograph, takes a sensible step in the direction of familiarity, but also keeps things fresh and new. A stainless steel, integrated bracelet sports chronograph has been done by many brands, and now Zenith is able to punch a weight class above and compete with the likes of Vacheron and Audemars Piguet.
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith Defy Extreme Diver Takes The Defy Back To Extreme Depths
With 600 meters of water resistance, the new Defy Extreme Diver fills a big gap in the Zenith lineup.
Worn & Wound
Hands-On: the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium
Somehow, to this point, I’ve avoided taking a stand in the ongoing conversation in our ranks about the merits of titanium. Zach Weiss, our cofounder, is an unabashed fan, and confidently declares at every opportunity that all watches might as well be made of the stuff. Our friend Taylor Welden at Carryology takes it a step further, and said he’d happily eat little titanium chips if given the chance. No one’s titanium journey on this team has been more closely watched than Kat Shoulders’ though, who was first a skeptic, then an adopter, and now, well, her stance continues to evolve. For my part, I guess I don’t have a strong opinion either way. I have nothing against titanium watches at all, and I’ve owned several, but it’s not, in general, a material I seek out. I think it’s because as a metal, it tends to not have the characteristics I like most. I like elaborate, complex case finishing, and a bit of weight. I tend to prefer steel’s glassy shine to titanium’s grays. There are exceptions, of course. Grand Seiko’s titanium finishing is notable in that it has many of the qualities of steel. And some watches just work better when they are feather light. $11800 Hands-On: the Zenith Chronomaster Sport Titanium Case Titanium Movement El Primero 3600 Dial Gray Lume Yes Lens Sapphire Strap Titanium bracelet Water Resistance 10 ATM Dimensions 41 x 46.8mm Thickness 13.6mm Lug Width 20mm Crown Screw down Warranty Yes Price $11800 The new Chronomaster Sport f...
Teddy Baldassarre
Zenith Chronomaster Sport Guide
When the Zenith Chronomaster Sport won the Chronograph Prize at the 2021 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie Genève, the watch world’s most prestigious awards, it was emphatically something new and different: the first chronograph watch able to measure 1/10-second chronograph readings on its bezel scale. However, despite the fact that the Chronomaster Sport collection can still be considered “new” in a practical sense, its origins, both aesthetic and technical, can be traced back much further, all the way to some of the earliest horological milestones of Zenith, one of the Swiss watch world’s most honored and accomplished watchmakers and the inventor of the groundbreaking movement that animates all the Chronomaster models, including the Sport. I spoke with Zenith’s Head of Heritage, Laurence Bodenmann, to help trace the evolution of the Chronomaster Sport and its strong ties to several noteworthy models of the past. Zenith traces its impactful watchmaking history all the way back to 1865, and an ambitious 22-year-old watchmaker named George Favre-Jacot. A contemporary of the influential Swiss artist and designer Le Corbusier, a pioneer of avant-garde architecture, Favre-Jacot adopted a similarly modernist approach to watchmaking when he founded his atelier in Le Locle in the Swiss Jura. Taking cues from American watch firms like Waltham and Elgin, which had found success by introducing mass production into the traditionally artisanal trade, Georges Favre-Jacot & Co.,...
Hodinkee
Introducing: The Zenith Chronomaster Sport In Titanium
Zenith lightens up its popular high-frequency chronograph.
Worn & Wound
Zenith Updates the Chronomaster Sport with Two New References, One of which Looks Familiar, the Other…Not So Much
It’s been a big week for Frédéric Arnault and LVMH Watches. Arnault took charge of LVMH Watches earlier this month, so this is his first LVMH Watch Week at the broader helm (he has spent the last few years as CEO of TAG Heuer), and I would say it has been a strong kickoff to his tenure. Wild Hublot Masterpieces, El Primero Triple Calendars from Zenith, and yellow gold Octo Finissimos are all worthy of celebration, but it wouldn’t be LVMH Watch Week without some new additions to the Chronomaster Sport lineup. The Chronomaster Sport was first introduced back in 2021, and initial reactions were very clear that it was built as a sort of “Daytona-killer.” In the now three years since, it has proven to be so much more. Built on more history than just about any chronograph on the market, the Chronomaster Sport has proven to be a fantastic modern interpretation of the longstanding El Primero. Zenith has trickled out new variants of the Chronomaster Sport since its introduction, and despite the signature multi-colored subdials that have been both a hallmark of El Primero watches across the decades and the Chronomaster Sport, these variants have been mostly sedate. Today that changes, and in a big way. Zenith has dropped two new iterations of the Chronomaster Sport, one steel, one decidedly not. Starting with the steel release, we have what essentially amounts to a steel Chronomaster Sport with a green ceramic bezel and matching dial. While the watch is striking, this isn...
Fratello
Zenith Introduces The Brilliant Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
These are exciting times at Zenith. With former Zenith CEO Julien Tornare moving on to TAG Heuer and new CEO Benoît de Clerck taking over, it will be interesting to see what is next for the brand. What Tornare and his creative team of Romain Marietta and Sébastien Gobert achieved was quite wonderful, meaning that […] Visit Zenith Introduces The Brilliant Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar to read the full article.
Monochrome
Interview – Benoit de Clerck, the New CEO of Zenith, Talks about his Appointment and Future Challenges
Earlier this month, LVMH, the French luxury powerhouse, reorganized the management of its watch division. Frédéric Arnault was named CEO of LVMH Watches – overseeing TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith – Julien Tornare subsequently took over as CEO of TAG Heuer while a former Richemont executive, Benoit de Clerck, was recruited to run Zenith. Just […]
Time+Tide
New releases from Omega, Zenith, Breguet, (and Baltic, Furlan Marri, and Studio Underd0g) and more
Three T+T limited editions this week, plus a bevy of other cool releases from big brands.The post New releases from Omega, Zenith, Breguet, (and Baltic, Furlan Marri, and Studio Underd0g) and more appeared first on Time+Tide Watches.
Fratello
Breaking Down The Brand Zenith: The Watch Brand That Could Have Been Bigger Than Rolex
When you read the name Zenith, what comes to mind? Radios? Televisions? Well, at one point in its history, the watch brand Zenith was owned by the Zenith Radio Corporation of America, so that’s not completely weird, especially if you’re American. But for non-US citizens and, in particular, watch-focused ones, Zenith means El Primero - […] Visit Breaking Down The Brand Zenith: The Watch Brand That Could Have Been Bigger Than Rolex to read the full article.