The Zenith Calibre 135 Observatoire, a Contemporary Chronometer Sold Exclusively by Phillips in Collaboration With Bacs & Russo, is Exceptional

Geneva, June 2nd, 2022:

A significant watchmaking cooperation is formed. First-ever availability of ZENITH's most lauded chronometric movement from the golden period of chronometry contests. Phillips' Aurel Bacs and Alexandre Ghotbi, with whom ZENITH had previously collaborated on unique pieces and exclusive editions, conceived the idea of inviting renowned independent watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to restore and hand-decorate a batch of ZENITH Calibre 135-O movements, all of which participated in and won observatory chronometer competitions. The end product is a modern chronometer manufactured in a limited edition of 10 pieces and marketed exclusively by Phillips in partnership with Bacs & Russo.

From 1949 until 1962, two versions of the Calibre 135 were manufactured: a commercial model and a "O" edition intended only for observatory chronometry contests. These "O" motions were subjected to rigorous testing in extreme temperatures, shocks, and six various postures, and consistently give ideal chronometric performance with minimum rate changes. Never marketed, the Calibre 135-O won more than 230 chronometry awards, a record in the history of watchmaking.

The 10 movements of the Calibre 135 Observatoire were controlled by renowned Zenith chronométriers Charles Fleck and René Gygax during the "serial winning" years of 1950-1954. Kari Voutilainen transformed them from unfinished competition pieces to haute horlogerie masterpieces.

The inspiration for the Calibre 135 Observatoire comes from previous commercial versions of the Calibre 135, as well as references from the 1950s. The 38mm circular platinum case has tapering lugs that nestle below the bezel. The current Zenith star emblem is imprinted on an enormous, notched crown.

Underneath the sapphire glass box, the slightly domed black dial in sterling silver by the Comblémine studio of Kari Voutilainen is engraved with a fish-scale design in guilloché. There are triangular hour markers and affixed polished dot markers on the German silver and solid gold hands that are rhodium-plated. The serial number of the movement is engraved on the large second hand located at six o'clock. As Zenith, Kari Voutilainen, and the historical Observatory where the Calibre 135-O won during the golden age of chronometry contests are all headquartered in the Canton of Neuchatel, "Neuchatel" appears at the bottom of the dial.

The observatory chronometer movement is visible via a sapphire display back, which Kari Voutilainen has expertly adorned and polished. The aesthetic of the historical movement has been refined by the master restoration watchmaker with hand-chamfered and polished edges on the gold-colored bridges, bevelled and polished screw-heads, circular graining on the main plate, snailed brushing on the ratchet and crown wheels, and many other details.

The Calibre 135 Observatoire is contained in a walnut-wood box with brass fasteners, inspired by the crates used to carry chronometry competition calibres from the Zenith Manufactory to the Neuchatel Observatory. In addition to a book-shaped leather box holding the watch, the original wooden delivery box for the movement is also included.

About Zenith:

Zenith exists to encourage people to pursue and realise their aspirations against all difficulties. Since its founding in 1865, Zenith has been the first watch manufacturer in the modern sense, and its timepieces have accompanied extraordinary figures who dreamed big and attempted the impossible, from Louis Blériot's historic flight across the English Channel to Felix Baumgartner's record-setting free-fall jump from the stratosphere.