The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro is a limited edition collaboration between Zenith and American watchmaker Joshua Shapiro, featuring a pink gold case and intricate guilloché dial, limited to 25 pieces.
Zenith's Double Signed Project
Zenith has launched another model in its Double Signed series, a collaborative project that brings together independent watchmakers and artisans. The first model, released in June, was a collaboration with Naoya Hida, showcasing a solid silver dial with hand-engraved numerals. The second model in the series, created with Californian watchmaker Joshua Shapiro, reflects Western watchmaking traditions.
J.N. Shapiro and His Watchmaking Journey
Founded in 2018 by Joshua Shapiro, J.N. Shapiro began as a small workshop in Los Angeles. A former history teacher, Shapiro taught himself to work with specialized guilloché machines. This initiative evolved into a full-fledged independent watchmaking enterprise, producing the Resurgence watch and its own calibre. J.N. Shapiro watches focus on guilloché artistry, a feature also prominent in the second Double Signed model.
What Are the Dimensions and Materials of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135?
The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 features a 39.15 x 10.5 mm pink gold case, with a lug-to-lug distance of 45.75 mm. It includes sapphire crystals on both sides and offers water resistance up to 50 meters.
Design and Dial Details
The dial, crafted in Shapiro's California workshop, integrates three different guilloché patterns: "barleycorn" on the outer section, a basket weave closer to the center, and Shapiro's trademark "Infinity Weave" on the small seconds subdial at 6 o'clock. This intricate design allows the dial to reflect light uniquely from various angles.
Dial Elements and Signatures
Sections of the dial are bordered with 18-karat pink gold rings, complemented by matching hour markers and hands. Three applied pink gold plates display the names Zenith and J.N. Shapiro, and the G.F.J. collection title.
What Movement Powers the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135?
The watch is powered by the Calibre 135, initially developed by Zenith watchmaker Ephrem Jobin in 1948 for chronometry competitions. This calibre, marked "O" for competition standards, won the Neuchâtel Observatory competition five times from 1950 to 1954.
Modern Adaptations of the Calibre 135
In its latest version, the Calibre 135 features a stop-seconds function, large balance, Breguet hairspring, and a Charles Fleck regulator. It's COSC-certified, ensuring a precision of ±2 seconds per day. Operating at 18,000 vph, it offers a 72-hour power reserve.
Decorative Techniques
The movement is decorated using damaskeening, a blend of Geneva waves and guilloché, enhanced with rhodium-plated bridges for a modern aesthetic.
Straps and Availability
The model comes with three leather straps: brown cordovan, beige nubuck, and black calfskin. Each strap features an 18-karat pink gold buckle engraved with G.F.J. An 18-karat pink gold bracelet is available upon request. The watch is limited to 25 pieces.
Price of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135
The estimated price for the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro is CHF 68,900.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro?
The estimated price of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro is CHF 68,900.
How many pieces of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed are available?
The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro is limited to 25 pieces.
What is the water resistance of the Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135?
The Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed J.N. Shapiro has a water resistance of 50 meters.