Zenith Chronometre Cal. 135

US$11,500.00

Description

This is the Zenith Chronometre Cal. 135. Founded in 1865 by Georges Favret-Jacot, Zenith introduced the first chronograph equipped with the legendary El Primero movement in 1969 as the first fully integrated self-winding chronograph movement with a high frequency movement. While the brand’s claim to fame may be the El Primero, Zenith has also produced a movement that is far less renowned but no less impressive - the hand-wound Zenith Cal. 135.

Initially developed in 1945 by Ephrem Jobin and later introduced in 1948, the cal. 135 was produced in two distinct versions with the commercial version being the 135 and the 135-O, a variant used for chronometry competitions at the chronometre trials held by the Observatories of Neuchâtel, Geneva, Kew Teddington, and Besançon. Never available for commercial use until the revival of the Cal. 135-O in conjunction with auctioneers Phillips, the 135-O was distinguished for its time, winning a record-breaking 235 awards throughout its lifetime. Produced over a period of approximately 13 years, the total number of cal. 135 movements produced for commercial use was limited to 11,000 across its lifespan.

Attention was brought to the movement in June 2022, when Zenith collaborated with Phillips and famed independent Kari Voutilainen to introduce the Cal. 135 Observatoire powered by new-old-stock Cal. 135-O movements decorated by Voutilainen himself. The offered vintage Cal. 135 is aesthetically reminiscent of the modern interpretation with its dagger-style chamfered hour indices with an inner dotted minute track and circular finish in the small seconds subdial.

While a chronometre is often overlooked, it holds the essence to one of the purest forms of watchmaking - to produce a watch that is as precise as mechanically possible. Instrumental to the field of horology, the chronometry competitions were a key testing ground to provide information on how to increase the timekeeping accuracy for not just Zenith but for all the watchmaking brands. Indeed, most casual collectors are generally unaware of the cal. 135 and the function of chronometres as a whole but the cal. 135 remains as important as it is overlooked.

Condition

This Zenith Cal. 135 is in excellent vintage condition. The case remains in excellent shape with some signs of wear on the caseback. The movement is clean and keeps good time and all caseback engravings including the serial are still deep and clear. The dial has no signs of aging with some light oxidation on the minute hand. It comes fitted with a generic leather strap and buckle. The watch is in full working order.