A limited edition novelty with a case made of the rare tantalum for the watch industry.
At the Watches & Wonders 2026 exhibition, Zenith will present a limited edition novelty in a case made of rare material. This is a model made from tantalum.
Tantalum is a hypoallergenic, corrosion-resistant metal of blue-gray color, known for its complexity in processing. It resists classic mechanical processing methods and requires a special approach. Hence, the series is limited to only 20 pieces. The watch case measures 39.15 x 10.5 mm and retains the stepped bezel and sculptural lugs characteristic of the G.F.J collection, but in dense and hefty tantalum, they look quite different from the G.F.J Bloodstone model with a gold case.
The dial is a disc of black onyx, which feels almost liquid due to its polish. At the 6 o'clock position is an enlarged counter with a small seconds hand made of gray mother-of-pearl. The perimeter of the dial features an original guilloché pattern reminiscent of brickwork. This motif is inspired by the facade of the Zenith manufacture. Completing the dial picture are white gold hands and 11 baguette-cut diamonds instead of hour markers.
The watch is powered by the caliber 135, developed in the late 1940s specifically for precision competitions. It is equipped with manual winding and a 72-hour power reserve. The competition version of this caliber, released with the 135-O marking, won 235 prizes in chronometry, including 5 consecutive first prizes at the Neuchâtel Observatory, won from 1950 to 1954.
The historical movement has retained its original diameter of 13 lines and a frequency of 2.5 Hz but has been reworked to meet 21st-century needs. It is equipped with an enlarged balance wheel with regulating screws, a Breguet spring, and a double arrow-shaped regulator for precise adjustment. An additional option is the stop-seconds function for accurate time setting. Each movement in this series is adjusted to an accuracy of +/- 2 seconds per day and is officially COSC certified.
Through the sapphire case back, the movement's finish is visible: Geneva waves, bridges with hand-polished bevels, and a dark ruthenium coating, the color of which echoes the case's hue.
The novelty comes with a blue nubuck strap (alligator leather). As an additional option, the watch is offered with a black alligator leather strap and a gray calfskin strap, equipped with a titanium buckle. The watch is available for pre-order in the brand's physical and online boutiques, as well as at authorized retailers worldwide.
The estimated cost of the model is €82,700 or $83,400.
Also among the Zenith novelties presented this week at Watches & Wonders were the bi-color Zenith Chronomaster Sport and a series of skeletons with sapphire dials.