Zenith Release G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co.

One of the most significant aspects of Zenith’s new G.F.J. x Naoya Hida edition (officially the G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co.) is the launch of Zenith’s new Double Signed Program. This initiative will see Zenith collaborate with respected independent watchmakers from around the world, bringing fresh perspectives to its heritage timepieces. The inaugural partner is rising Japanese watchmaker Naoya Hida, whose understated, minimalist design philosophy complements the elegance and purity of the G.F.J. perfectly.

Naoya Hida’s enthusiasm for this collaboration stems largely from his long-standing admiration for the calibre 135, a legendary movement that earned numerous chronometry awards during the mid-20th century. Having studied and appreciated the calibre for decades, Hida regarded the opportunity to work with its modern re-engineered successor—introduced in 2025 as part of Zenith’s new G.F.J. collection—as a rare privilege and the realization of a long-held dream.

The case is derived from the same 2025 G.F.J. release, measuring 39.15mm in diameter and 10.5mm in thickness, and crafted entirely in platinum. It features polished lugs with faceted edges that flow seamlessly into the case body beneath the polished bezel. The lugs are fitted to three included strap options: two traditionally crafted Japanese leather straps, along with a Japanese denim alternative, offering a distinctive range of textures and styles.

Hida’s influence is most evident in the dial. It is crafted from silver and features hand-engraved hour markers filled with blue Urushi lacquer. The double signature positioned between 12 o’clock and the central hand stack is also meticulously engraved by hand.

The hands adopt the rounded white gold design seen on Naoya Hida’s Type 2A, while the small seconds hand is rendered in blued steel. Stripped of the Zenith co-signature and G.F.J. inscription, the dial could easily be mistaken for a Naoya Hida original—it is exceptionally refined and beautifully executed.

Through the Zenith G.F.J. x Naoya Hida exhibition caseback, the movement takes centre stage. Based on the original calibre 135, it has been modernised with an extended 72-hour power reserve while retaining its 2.5 Hz frequency and Breguet overcoil balance spring. It is also COSC-certified, delivering a precision of within +/- 2 seconds per day. The finishing combines Côtes de Genève and sunray brushing, accented by neatly chamfered edges that enhance its depth and refinement.

Priced at CHF 58,900 (approximately SGD 91,000), the watch is limited to just 10 pieces worldwide. Without question, this is my favourite interpretation of the G.F.J. to date. The minimalist approach to the sector dial design works exceptionally well, adding a sense of restrained elegance while further enhancing the visibility of the movement beneath.

Naoya Hida is an inspired choice as the inaugural collaborator in Zenith’s Double Signed Program. That said, a dream future partnership would arguably be with Kari Voutilainen, who also played a key role in the restoration of vintage Calibre 135 movements for Zenith.

Price and Specs:

Model: Zenith G.F.J. Calibre 135 Double Signed with Naoya Hida & Co.

Ref: 40.1865-2.0135/01.C220

Case: 39.15mm diameter x 10.5mm thickness, platinum

Dial: Silver with blue Japanese Urushi lacquer

Water resistance: 50m (5 bar)

Movement: Zenith calibre 135, manual winding, COSC-certified

Frequency: 18,000 vph (2.5 Hz)

Power reserve: 72h

Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds

Strap: Himeji Kurozan leather, Wagyu leather, Japanese non-stretch denim

Price: 58,900 CHF (approximately SGD 91,000), limited to 10 pieces