Zenith

For this thread, I’m testing a new presentation mode with the text coming gradually with the photos. Best to you all, Emmanuel A/ Zenith Calibre 135 Presented in 1948 , the Zenith Calibre 135 was created by Ephrem Jobin (born in 1909, cf. image below) and...  

Yes, this photo of Ephrem Jobin is really wonderful. Best, Emmanuel

Best, Emmanuel

Thank you for the introduction and the connection to history. This is a nice piece. But the fact that the new movement is not a direct copy of the original; losing a lot of the charm of the original which has a better regulator adjustment system and a coo... 

monochrome-watches.com

Thank you for catching the mistake!

Maybe with the tariff your number might be right 😋

My main personal gripe concerns the brick pattern decorating the movement: I don't like it at all. Too modern and mechanical looking for my taste. They've kept the oversized balance wheel and the Charles Fleck’s double arrow-shaped regulator, which is the... 

It's a little gauche!

I'm sure I'm starting to sound cranky and repetitive but: Zenith MUST do a 135 with a steel case and straightforward decoration for an accessible price. $50-$100k platinum handmade whatnots are just not what I, or, I believe, Zenith's collectors at large,... 

Hopefully they will come to such a steel more affordable version. Best, Emmanuel

...but if they do, I might just bite.

Is special and befitting for this occassion in my humble opinion. A precious metal is apt. It doesn’t always have to be stainless steel and made to “appeal to the masses”. This is commemorative of an important caliber. Might not work for you but works for... 

...but the price is 🤪😵.

Best, Emmanuel

In addition to what you mentioned, Zenith seems to have done a deal with Vostok in the Soviet Union, which used a Cal. 135 movements adapted to a central seconds setup for their Precision Class watches. A much more democratic entry point to the movement 😉...  

According to Monochrome , "the Soviets “acquired” Zenith’s technology, and started to manufacture their own “version” of the same movement, albeit with some significant changes". And the Russian "movement was manufactured by a division of Vostok, and used...  

The main Poljot movement is a licence acquired 7733, so the Zenith was not an exception. Philippe Dufour at some point worked in a watch assembly plant in the Caribbean (those used to be operated to forego import taxes), where they assembled Soviet as wel... 

I thought this was a pretty watch. I saw the price and was taken back. Then I realized. I guess that is what brands are charging for platinum time only… 6159p, pf toric platinum, this, etc. Makes the 1908 and VC traditionelle seem like bargain in comparis... 

But they each have something quite special. And I guess that as long as there will be collectors ready to pay the price... Cheers, Emmanuel

I like even more now with these great shots. Unfortunately, with this asking price, I would have to lean towards the Chopard L.U.C Quattro Mark IV in platinum: Thank you!🥂 ...  

From what I see online, the Chopard retails for €51.400 and the Zenith for €52.900. If this is right, the main difference would be the fact that the Zenith is limited to 160 pcs. Thanks for your kind words. Best, Emmanuel

It’s just a tough pill to swallow with Zenith . . .

An amazing LE from Zenith the G.F.J. Calibre 135.

The dial is really eye-catching, but I don't warm up to the "bricks pattern" used for the decoration of the caliber. I personally preferred the Voutilainen finishing of the 2022 Observatoire. Best, Emmanuel

. . . is the news of 2025, imho. And while I get the gripes about price and exclusivity, I can't help but think Zenith has plans for us plebeians in the not-too-distant future. I'm in at a low five-figure price tag. Preferably a year or three out. Art

It would be great to see a more affordable version of the Caliber 135. And I hope that next time they will get rid of these (ugly to me) bricks decorations… Best, Emmanuel

...  

According to the Monochrome article , the Favre-Leuba have a slightly downgraded version of the 135, but I don’t know in what way…

Haven’t seen much in recent years from big brands that deserve my money. Best Gatsby

On photos, I'm not completely fond of the "bricks" pattern used as decoration of the movement, but judging from photos isn't enough: I'm sure it looks much better (or even great) in real life. Have you purchased one? If yes, huge congratulations. Best, Em... 

Was instantly sold on the watch. Real sucker for blue but that aside, it ticks a lot of boxes for me. Best Gatsby

Huge congratulations! You own a true piece of history, here. I couldn't be happier for you. Wear it in the best of health (and don't hesitate to share some photos with us, if you feel like it). Best, Emmanuel

Unfortunately I will only be receiving in sometime end of this year. So we will have to wait a bit Will definitely share photos of it Best Gatsby

Definitely looking forward to seeing your photos! Best, Emmanuel

Best, Emmanuel