ZENITH & Naoya Hida & Co. Unite for the Exclusive G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed Limited Edition

Swiss luxury watchmaker ZENITH has unveiled a remarkable new chapter in contemporary horology with the introduction of the G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co. Created as the inaugural release of ZENITH’s new Double Signed Program, the highly exclusive collaboration brings together two respected names in watchmaking to celebrate one of the most celebrated movements in Swiss horological history. Limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, the timepiece blends ZENITH’s legendary precision with the understated elegance and meticulous craftsmanship that have become hallmarks of Naoya Hida & Co.

The release continues the remarkable legacy of the Calibre 135, widely recognized as the most awarded movement from the golden era of observatory chronometer competitions. Originally developed during the mid-twentieth century, the movement became synonymous with accuracy and technical excellence, earning countless chronometry prizes and helping establish ZENITH as one of Switzerland’s most respected manufactures. Following its revival in recent years and its integration into the G.F.J. collection honoring founder Georges Favre-Jacot, the legendary movement now receives a distinctive reinterpretation through a unique collaboration with independent Japanese watchmaker Naoya Hida.

For collectors and enthusiasts of fine watchmaking, double-signed watches have long represented some of the most desirable and historically significant creations in the luxury watch market. Traditionally produced through partnerships between prestigious manufacturers and renowned retailers or independent creators, these rare pieces often command significant attention among collectors. With its Double Signed Program, ZENITH revives this celebrated tradition by inviting carefully selected partners to reinterpret iconic timepieces while preserving the essence of the original design. The collaboration with Naoya Hida & Co. serves as the first expression of this ambitious initiative.

The partnership originated from a meeting between ZENITH Chief Product Officer Romain Marietta and Naoya Hida in Tokyo. Their shared admiration for the golden age of mechanical watchmaking and mutual commitment to precision craftsmanship led naturally to the creation of a project centered around the historic Calibre 135. For Hida, whose appreciation for the movement dates back to the 1990s, the opportunity to reinterpret the legendary calibre represented both a personal passion and a professional milestone.

Presented in an elegant 39-millimeter platinum case, the G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co. embodies a refined design language inspired by the 1950s. Drawing influence from Naoya Hida’s NH Type 2A, the watch features a solid silver dial characterized by clean proportions, exceptional legibility, and restrained sophistication. Every indication on the dial, including the double ZENITH and Naoya Hida & Co. signatures, has been meticulously hand engraved by master engraver Keisuke Kano before being filled with rich blue Japanese urushi lacquer. The result is a visually striking composition that reflects the artistry and precision associated with both brands.

The watch’s elegant hands further showcase the extraordinary attention to detail behind the project. The slender hour and minute hands are crafted from solid gold using ultra-precise CNC machining before being carefully hand polished to achieve a flawless finish. Complementing them is a heat-blued steel small seconds hand positioned at six o’clock, adding subtle contrast while reinforcing the watch’s classic aesthetic.

Visible through the sapphire crystal case back is the modern re-engineered Calibre 135 movement, a mechanical masterpiece that balances historical authenticity with contemporary performance. The hand-wound movement incorporates broad Geneva stripes, refined hand chamfering, and a sophisticated dark ruthenium finish accented by yellow gold-colored markings. Operating at a frequency of 18,000 vibrations per hour, the movement features a large variable-inertia balance wheel, a traditional Breguet overcoil, and Charles Fleck’s signature double arrow-shaped regulator system for precise adjustment.

The modernized calibre offers a substantial 72-hour power reserve and includes a stop-second mechanism for enhanced precision setting. Further improving durability and performance, the balance staff is protected by spring-mounted jewel settings. Regulated to an impressive accuracy of plus or minus two seconds per day, the movement is officially certified by COSC, reinforcing its reputation as one of the finest manually wound chronometer movements available today.

A distinctive aspect of the release is its inclusion of three handcrafted straps that celebrate traditional Japanese craftsmanship. The first is crafted from Himeji Kurozan leather, a rare material renowned for its rich texture and repeated applications of Japanese urushi lacquer. The second utilizes premium Wagyu leather refined through traditional techniques by Kyoto Leather artisans. The third strap is crafted from deep indigo Japanese non-stretch denim produced by the celebrated Kaihara Denim mill in Fukuyama, Hiroshima. Each strap offers a unique aesthetic while reflecting the cultural influences that helped shape the collaboration. A platinum pin buckle engraved with the G.F.J. initials completes the package.

Commenting on the project, ZENITH CEO Benoit de Clerck emphasized the importance of collaboration in the evolution of watchmaking, highlighting Naoya Hida’s ability to express extraordinary depth through restraint. Hida echoed the sentiment, describing his lifelong fascination with the Calibre 135 and his desire to capture the spirit of the movement’s golden era through a contemporary interpretation that remains deeply personal. Their shared vision has resulted in a timepiece that honors history while introducing a fresh perspective to one of horology’s most revered calibres.

Limited to only 10 pieces worldwide, the ZENITH G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co. stands among the most exclusive luxury watch releases of 2026. Priced at $75,000 USD, the platinum timepiece represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire a modern chronometer rooted in one of the greatest movements ever created. Combining Swiss precision, Japanese artistry, and a shared dedication to craftsmanship, the watch serves as a powerful reminder that the future of luxury watchmaking continues to be shaped by meaningful collaboration and uncompromising excellence.